Port Douglas and Daintree, Tropical North Queensland

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Port Douglas | Mossman | Daintree | Cape Tribulation

Port Douglas and the Daintree, where reef and rainforest meet

Port Douglas and the Daintree connect easily with the Atherton Tablelands via the Rex Range Road between Mossman and Mount Molloy, continuing through Julatten and into the northern Atherton Tablelands.

A change overcomes you when you turn off the highway. It’s the loosening of shoulders, deeper breathing, and appreciation of nature in its technicolour beauty. Welcome to your launchpad to the Great Barrier Reef; the entryway to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.

Two World Heritage-listed wonders collide

Along the coast, spend time on Four Mile Beach, explore Port Douglas, swim in Mossman Gorge or spot crocodiles when crossing the Daintree River and continue north through the rainforest to Cape Tribulation. Offshore, the Great Barrier Reef adds another dimension, with Low Isles, coral reefs and marine life within easy reach.

The region stretches from Wangetti to Bloomfield and includes Port Douglas, Mossman, Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation, making it easy to combine the coast, rainforest and Atherton Tablelands in one road trip.

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Great Barrier Reef Drive

The 140km journey from Cairns to Cape Tribulation

The Great Barrier Reef Drive follows the coast north from Cairns towards Port Douglas, Mossman and the Daintree, with two World Heritage listed areas to marvel at: the Coral Sea on one side and rainforest-clad ranges on the other.

Stop in Port Douglas, visit Mossman Gorge to learn about Aboriginal culture, cruise the Daintree River or cross on the old fashioned cable ferry and continue through the oldest rainforest in the world towards Cape Tribulation. Along the way there are beaches, walking trails, lookouts and places to learn more about the culture and natural history of the region.

At Cape Tribulation, rainforest reaches the coast and the road continues north towards Bloomfield for travellers continuing their journey.

Port Douglas

Soak up the sunshine on Four Mile Beach, stroll Macrossan Street between local shops, galleries and the seaside Port Douglas Sunday market. Explore on your beach cruiser, take a sunset sail, visit a rainforest wildlife centre, relax with sundowners while watching the sunset from Rex Smeal Park or taste the tropics at one of the many fine restaurants.

Mossman

Mossman sits between the coast and the mountains, with Mossman Gorge providing access to rainforest walks and the Mossman River within Daintree National Park. The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is also a place to learn more about the Kuku Yalanji people and their connection to Country.

Daintree

Perched high on the banks of the Daintree River and surrounded by the majestic Daintree National Park, you’ll find the quaint Daintree Village. The Daintree Rainforest a breathtaking natural marvel estimated to be around 135 million years old. It is the only place in the world where two World Heritage listed sites meet – the rainforest and the reef. River cruises provide opportunities to look for crocodiles and birdlife, while the Daintree Ferry provides access to the rainforest communities and beaches further north.

Cape Tribulation

Cross the Daintree River and enter a world untouched by urban development, noise and air pollution. Disconnect from the bustle, breathe in the purity and explore your natural surroundings. Swith through the jungle canopy, ride through rainforest tracks, explore the rugged terrain by 4WD and more.

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Travel with our app

Keep it real: you’re not going to see it all in one go. Download the Discover Atherton Tablelands app for an on-the-ground guide to exploring waterfalls, food trails and small towns like a local.

Port Douglas & Daintree