Tropical North Queensland is an incredible section of the Australian Eastern Coast with an endless amount of things to see and do. Below is a list of my top 10 road trips you must take if you’re around Cairns!
How to rent a car in Cairns if you’re under 21:
If you’re a young traveler like I am, a dilemma you are bound to come across is finding car companies that rent to under 21 year olds. Well, search no further!
Option 1: Jucy – This company provides both cars and campervans for cheap to anyone with a legal driver’s license. I highly recommend this company as they are widespread along the east coast so you can pick up and drop off in completely different cities! Start booking HERE
Option 2: Ace Rentals – This is Cairns specific as far as I know. Ace Rentals is the only car rental shop in Cairns that rents to 18+ rather than 21+. You can’t book in person and need to book it online HERE
* * * 10. Mission Beach * * *
First of ten is Mission Beach. This roadie is a 2 hour drive south from Cairns. There honestly isn’t much to do here other than enjoy the beach or brave a skydive. The huge beach allows you to skydive over the Great Barrier Reef and have a beautiful beach landing at the end of it all!
* * * 9. Kuranda * * *
Although I personally think it is better to take the Scenic Railway and Skyrail to and from Kuranda, if you simply want to drive up there, it is totally an option! Kuranda has so many activities from animal encounters at the Koala Gardens or Birdworld to markets or mini golf. You can also drive over to Rainforestation and learn to throw a boomerang or get a ride on an army DUCK vehicle. The curvy, 40 minute drive from Cairns is well worth it!
* * * 8. Paronella Park * * *
A 1.5 hour drive south of Cairns, Paronella Park is a Spanish-style castle opened in 1935. Other than the castle, the grounds include picnic areas, a waterfall, tennis courts, a bridge and beautiful plants and scenery everywhere. Tickets cost about $55 AUD if you want to experience this beautiful attraction.
* * * 7. Mossman Gorge * * *
1 hour and 20 minutes north of Cairns is Mossman Gorge but this road trip can include much more! Along the route are several beaches, including Holloway’s Beach, Yorkey’s Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, and Ellis Beach so take your pick! The drive follows along the coast at points with various overlooks and stop offs like The Palm Field, The Gate Balancing Rocks, Rex Lookout, or Yule Point. It’s always an option to stop off in Port Douglas on your way as well. The end destination is well worth the road trip as it is a stunning, crystal clear, swimmable section of the Mossman River. The water is often a bit cold but insanely refreshing and surrounded by beautiful rainforest.
* * * 6. Cape Tribulation * * *
Just another hour and 40 minutes north from Mossman Gorge (2 hours 40 minutes from Cairns) is Cape Tribulation. You can make all the same stops as your roadie to Mossman Gorge and more! You’ll drive right through the famous Daintree Rainforest. You will need to cross the Daintree River on a ferry which is $45 AUD for a return ticket. Once across you’ll be able to stop off at the Mount Alexandra lookout, Jindalba Boardwalk, and the Daintree Ice Cream Company. A bit out of the way is Cow Bay and Shipwreck Bay as well. Eventually you will reach Cape Tribulation – the beach where the Great Barrier Reef meets the oldest rainforest in the world!
* * * 5. Herberton * * *
The Historic Village Herberton is an hour and a half drive through the Atherton Tablelands from Cairns. For $38 AUD you can explore the old timey timber and mining village Herberton was established as. Some activities in the village include visiting the Tea Room, Blacksmithing, Wood Turning, and the Saw Mill. Step back in time on this roadie!
Check out this timetable to see what activities take place which days of the week!
* * * 4. Crystal Cascades * * *
This is the shortest road trip on this list with a drive time of 25 minutes from Cairns. Park and enjoy a 10-15 minute walk to this stunning swimming hole. There isn’t much else to do other than swim, enjoy the scenery and maybe picnic but it is an easy and short drive to take then you’re looking for something to do outside of Cairns!
* * * 3. Windin Falls * * *
The trailhead is a 1 hour and 40 minute drive out of Cairns and then the hike to the falls is about 2 hours so give yourself time for this one! The hike takes you right to the top of Windin Falls with an amazing view of the forested Gadgarra National Park. Be safe and you can walk, sit, or swim right at the waterfall’s edge. If you enjoy hiking, this is not one you want to miss.
* * * 2. Atherton Tablelands * * *
The Atherton Tablelands have so much to offer and I 100% recommend just driving around the area and taking in the beautiful rolling farmland (and hundreds of cows). Some sights you can check out include Lake Eacham, Yungaburra Platypus Viewing, the Curtain Fig Tree, Atherton Town, and Gallo Dairyland.
* * * 1. Waterfall Loop * * *
This is the ultimate road trip to take from Cairns! You can book a tour with Uncle Brian’s but I honestly recommend driving yourself for the best experience. I recommend reaching Gordonvale and turning down Bruce Highway towards Innisfail but you can also do the loop the other direction by turning onto Gillies Range Road towards Atherton. Below are options for some beautiful stops along the way:
- Behana Gorge: 40 Minute walking track to the falls and back
- Babinda Boulders
- Josephine Falls: A must see with a natural waterslide after a 10 minute walk.
- Mamu Tropical Skywalk: $30 AUD
- Tchupala Falls
- Wallicher Falls
- Elinjaa Falls
- Milla Milla Falls: The most famous of the waterfall loop
This road trip can easily be conjoined with exploring the Atherton Tablelands if you have enough time. If you’re a waterfall fanatic like me, then this is definitely the ultimate road trip for you.
And those are the best 10 road trips from Cairns! Now go book your rental cars and have a great time around Tropical North Queensland!!
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