Both Cairns and Port Douglas are popular destinations in Far North Queensland and the Cairns to Port Douglas drive has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful in Australia.
A road trip to Port Douglas from Cairns will have you passing picturesque beaches and the vast stretches of coastal scenery of this seemingly endless tropical paradise.
A visit to Cairns and Port Douglas could also have you exploring the natural wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
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How far is Port Douglas from Cairns?
If you are wandering how to get to Port Douglas from Cairns head north on the Captain Cook Highway and take the 66 km drive from Cairns to Port Douglas.
Driving the distance from Cairns to Port Douglas Australia should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes but that time frame will depend on how many stops you make along the way.
Shortly after leaving Cairns, you will pass turnoffs to some of Cairns most famous beaches. Palm Cove, Trinity Beach and Clifton Beach are easily accessible from the highway and well worth a visit.
Make sure to stop at the Rex Lookout for sweeping views of Trinity Bay. If you are lucky, you may see colourful hang gliders taking to the sky as they launch from the Rex Lookout.
Cairns Day Trips
Before you begin your Cairns – Port Douglas road trip take time to discover the beauty of Cairns and the surrounding region. You can either visit independently or choose from the fabulous range of Cairns tours.
Kuranda
Nestled within lush tropical rainforest high above Cairns is the pretty village of Kuranda. This hugely popular destination can be reached by driving the many twists and turns up the mountain range or by having an adventure on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Once you reach Kuranda you will be greeted with an assortment of charming shops, the Kuranda Heritage Markets, art galleries, restaurants and cafes. There are also a range of attractions in and around the town including picturesque Barron Falls, the Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns
You can’t take a trip to Cairns without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is renowned for its tropical islands and colourful reefs, the perfect place to explore this spectacular natural wonder of the world.
There are a range of Great Barrier Reef cruises to choose from, during our visit we took a Green Island tour and had a wonderful day snorkelling and exploring the island. Which cruise you take will depend on personal preference, here are just a few of the most popular Great Barrier Reef cruises from Cairns.
The Atherton Tableland
A visit to the Atherton Tableland is an absolute must when visiting Cairns. This lush green region is home to picturesque waterfalls and lakes which are shrouded in rainforest.
There are so many places to see, Millaa Millaa Falls and Josephine Falls, the Babinda Boulders and the time worn charm of Paronella Park. If you are a foodie, sample the taste of the Atherton Tableland with a rich array of fresh produce and artisan products on a boutique food and wine tour.
Cairns Accommodation
There is a fabulous choice of accommodation in Cairns which range from luxury to budget and include Cairns hotels, Cairns holiday apartments and caravan parks.
Check the map below for the best Cairns accommodation options.
Booking.comThe Cairns to Port Douglas Drive Route
To begin the Cairns to Port Douglas drive join the Captain Cook Highway and head north. The distance from Cairns to Port Douglas is 66 km and takes you past the turn offs to Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, Ellis Beach and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure.
To drive straight through the Cairns to Port Douglas drive time is around one hour and fifteen minutes but take the time to stop off at Trinity Beach and Palm Cove along the way.
Trinity Beach
The distance from Cairns to Trinity Beach is 20 km and takes about twenty five minutes to drive.
Trinity Beach has a laid back casual vibe with golden sands and a shady tree lined beach. This tropical paradise has a rich World War 2 legacy, and you will find interpretive boards explaining this history along the Esplanade.
There are a variety of restaurants, and the Trinity Beach Tavern is a much loved meeting place for locals and holiday makers alike. Trinity Beach sets up a swimming enclosure between the months of November and May to prevent marine animals from entering the swimming zone.
Trinity Beach Accommodation
If you want to stay a few days you will find a good range of resort, hotel, apartment and caravan park style accommodation in and around the foreshore.
Palm Cove
The distance from Cairns to Palm Cove is 25 km and takes approximately thirty minutes to drive.
Getting its name from the palm trees that line the beach, Palm Cove has everything you would imagine when thinking of a luxury holiday.
Framed by the Palm Cove Jetty and Double Island, this tranquil haven is home to a variety of resorts and spas catering to relaxation and wellness, a place to unplug from the daily grind and enjoy a little indulgence.
Palm Cove is also a foodie’s paradise with a fabulous selection of restaurants and cafes which have beach views and showcase the best local produce of the region.
The distance from Palm Cove to Port Douglas is 42 km and takes around forty minutes to drive.
Palm Cove Accommodation
Palm Cove is renowned for having a touch of class as it is home to many luxury resorts that take advantage of this beautiful area. From five star luxury resorts and apartments to holiday homes and campgrounds, Palm Cove has something to suit every budget.
Ellis Beach
Ellis Beach is a small community along the Captain Cook Highway which features a 6 km stretch of beach overlooking the Coral Sea.
Here you will find the Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, a popular stop off point along the highway which is renowned for its Sunday live sessions and welcoming hospitality.
Rex Lookout
Stop off at the Rex Lookout for spectacular views overlooking the glistening sands, turquoise waters and stunning mountain scenery of Trinity Bay. If you are lucky, you may even see hang gliders float down to the beach below.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a pretty town famous for its tropical landscapes and the seemingly endless golden sands of Four Mile Beach.
When you walk down Macrossan Street you will be charmed by a unique selection of boutiques, restaurants and cafes that invite you to enjoy the laid back Port Douglas lifestyle.
For those wanting a little Far North Queensland adventure the town is also the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and the Great Barrier Reef.
Day trips from Port Douglas
There are a good range of day trips from Port Douglas which you can visit independently or take a Port Douglas tour. Popular tour choices are the crocodile tour Port Douglas, tours to the Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.
Flagstaff Hill Lookout
When you arrive in Port Douglas head straight up to Flagstaff Hill Lookout for breathtaking views of Four Mile Beach and the lush green mountain ranges to the south. After snapping that perfect Instagram worthy photo take the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail down to Four Mile Beach.
Four Mile Beach
Nothing can prepare you for the sweeping sands of Four Mile Beach. Bordered by lush vegetation this stunning beach is the pride of Port Douglas.
Spend the day lazing under the sun and swimming. If adventure is more your style, why not join the colourful kite surfers that skip across the water and swirl in the sky.
Between November and May, you will find stinger resistant enclosures on the northern end of Four Mile Beach.
St Mary’s by the Sea
Surrounded by tall palm trees, St Mary’s by the sea is a charm filled Queensland Heritage listed church. Built in 1914 this captivating church has a large alter window which frames picturesque views of Sugar Wharf, the nearby mountains and beaches.
Accommodation in Port Douglas QLD
When looking for accommodation Port Douglas delivers with a variety of accommodation options. Scattered across town you will find a fabulous selection of luxury resorts, hotels and holiday apartments Port Douglas.
For those who like the great outdoors there is a good range of camping and caravan parks in Port Douglas.
Last words on a Cairns to Port Douglas Drive
A Cairns to Port Douglas drive will have you experiencing the lush rainforest greenery and magnificent coastal scenery and beaches of Far North Queensland. It will be the beginning of your love affair with the region, and you will return time and time again.
Have you taken a Cairns to Port Douglas drive? What was your favourite part of the region? Feel free to comment we would love to hear from you.
Having been a Cairns local for years and worked in Cairns, Port Douglas and everywhere in between, I had never been to the Kuranda Koala Gardens. Since reading this blog I made the trip up the mountain to go check them out and I was blown away. Thankyou for sharing.
Thank you glad you found the article helpful