Cairns to Daintree and Beyond!

 

Beautiful, family-friendly Kuranda to the north west, the Reef to the east, picturesque Atherton Tablelands south-west and Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, and the famed Daintree to the north….not to mention endless stunning beaches, some of the oldest historical sites on Earth and of course, the Islands…. and you haven’t even set foot in Cairns City Centre yet.   It’s hard to step outside the “Far North Queensland Capital” without stumbling upon a world heritage listed forest or breathtaking view.  Your biggest problem when heading to Cairns is fitting it all in!

North to Port Douglas and Beyond

The sixty-odd kilometer stretch of Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Port Douglas is a tourist attraction in itself, dotted with spectacular views of beaches, crystal blue waters and impressive forests (and an obligatory oversized statue as found on all good Australian highways).

On arriving at Port Douglas, you’ll note it’s not quite like other towns.  Port Douglas is where world class resorts and wonderful restaurants meet world heritage listed natural wonders, and is worth an overnight stay if you have the time.  It is a favourite holiday spot for the elite including Hillary and Bill Clinton as well as divers, golfers and adventure sports people.

A further eighty or so kilometers north you’ll arrive at Cape Tribulation, the best place for you to access the famed Daintree.  The town itself nestles between the rainforest and the breathtaking beach and has a wide range of accommodation options, from backpacker dorms to five star luxury. 

CapeTribulation

The Daintree is 1200 square kilometers of lush, largely pristine, world heritage listed rainforest. It’s the most ecologically important, complex forest on Earth and holds the key to 135 million years of flora and fauna evolution, so, it’s worth taking a look!  There are guided eco-tours with qualified scientists and there are walks to suit travelers of all fitness levels.  Remember to always stick to the designated path and avoid contact with native plants and animals, not only to protect the delicate eco-system, but to protect yourself from Australia’s native stingers, itchers, biters and killers. 

South West to Atherton Tablelands

The picturesque Atherton Tablelands are home to heritage listed rainforest, mountains, waterfalls, volcano crater lakes, rivers and national parks.  Nestled among the breathtaking natural features are quaint townships and roads that you’ll love to explore.  For the family, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot and hiking trails in the national parks and surrounds. For the adventurer, there are water sports, white water rafting and hot air ballooning among other activities.

For the food lover, Atherton Tablelands is the heart of the North Queensland fresh food, wine and coffee industries and tasting tours are available. 

North West to Kuranda

Kuranda Sky Rail

Kuranda is a favourite for both families and older travelers as the famed Kuranda Railway offer travelers a comfortable tour option, and the town features several native animal sanctuaries, galleries and other easy attractions.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway departs Cairns Railway Station daily at 8.30am and tickets start from $170.00 per family for the return journey.  For just under two hours, the train weaves its way around spectacular rainforest, waterfalls and ravines including the breathtaking Barron Gorge.  Departure is at 2pm sharp, which some travelers find limiting as there is plenty to see in the town.

A good option is to take the Scenic Railway one way from Cairns to Kuranda and then take Skyrail for your return journey.  The award winning Skyrail spans 7.5kms from Caravonica (15 minutes from Cairns) to Kuranda and gives passengers a bird’s eye view of the rainforest canopy and all the stunning geographical features of the area.  Each gondola cabin seats six and is a perfect option for small groups or families.  Combination railway and Skyrail tickets are available.

For drivers, Kuranda is about a half-hour trip along the Captain Cook and Kennedy Highways.  

Something A Bit Different

For travelers looking for something a bit different, there are plenty of options within driving distance of Cairns.  Children will love the Undara Lava Tubes, a colourful world of ancients stones left behind by an extinct volcano.

For those wishing to grab a glimpse of the Great Australian Outback, Chillagoe, just west of Mareeba, is home to a fascinating underground cave system and is coloured the oranges, reds and ochre that make up the Aussie outback.  For those with more time, the Gulf Savannah region toward the Northern Territory border is home to some stunning rocky features, and a host of authentic outback experiences like cattle driving and sheep sheering.

For those seeking a cultural experience beyond the Cairns art galleries, a glimpse into traditional Indigenous Australian life can be found at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.  Performances, art and information about the history of this ancient culture are on show and it’s a great option for families.

For sports lovers, the Mission Beach district offers wild white water rafting, snorkeling, diving, and a host of other sports for the brave traveler – you can also camp on your very own reef island or spend a little time lazing at a resort.  Mission Beach is a great option for backpackers, sports lovers and families with teens.

Further flung is Cooktown, the ultimate destination for fishing enthusiasts.  Cooktown is widely regarded as the best place to land that dream catch, but remember, Cooktown is also Croctown – so be crocodile wise on your trip.  Cooktown is home to stunning natural features and of course, its famous orchids – the Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit.

 

All this and you haven’t even set foot in the city centre or explored the reef! And you thought Cairns was the perfect place to relax and do nothing!