Captain Cook Highway Scenic Drive

The Captain Cook Highway Scenic Drive is an amazing road trip that takes you from Cairns to Mossman in Australia. This 47 mile journey is best enjoyed in one day, and the best time of the year to drive is during the dry season. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of landscapes and beaches, as well as UNESCO Heritage Monuments. The road is in excellent condition, so you can expect a very high level of experience and memories. This road trip is suitable for every driver and can be managed with a high budget only.

Cairns is a vibrant city in the tropical north of Australia and the perfect starting point for the amazing Captain Cook Highway Scenic Drive. Here you will find plenty of things to do, both in town and in the surrounding natural beauty. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Cairns Airport (CNS). Car rental companies are available at the airport for those wanting to continue their journey by car. Once in Cairns, there is plenty to explore. Visit the Esplanade Lagoon, a picturesque man-made lagoon in the city centre, or take a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the view over the Coral Sea. A visit to the Cairns Esplanade Markets is also a great way to experience the local culture and pick up some souvenirs. Nature lovers should make sure to take a trip to the nearby Great Barrier Reef, where they can observe the incredible array of wildlife and coral. Also worth visiting is the Daintree Rainforest, a vast and diverse ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. Cairns is a great place to start your Captain Cook Highway Scenic Drive. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant city life and abundance of activities, it is sure to be the perfect beginning to your adventure.

Embark on a road-trip from Cairns to Mossman and explore the beauty of North Queensland! This 47mi journey will take you less than an hour and will be filled with incredible sites and experiences. From the cultural significance of the UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, to the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads, you will be sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of the region. Along the route, you will come across the Cairns Esplanade, which is a popular spot for swimming and picnics. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Daintree Rainforest, a tropical paradise teeming with wildlife and lush vegetation. Finally, you will reach Mossman, known for its stunning rivers and waterfalls. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” page of this stage of your road-trip. Enjoy the journey!

Mossman, Australia is the perfect destination for your road trip along the breathtaking Captain Cook Highway Scenic Drive. Located only a short drive from Cairns International Airport (CNS), Mossman is easily accessible by car. As you make your way along the scenic drive, you will be able to explore some of the most stunning sights in the country. From lush rainforest to the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the area. Once you arrive in Mossman, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Take a stroll through the town's historic streets and explore its quaint shops and restaurants. For the more adventurous, the nearby Daintree Rainforest provides a great opportunity for some outdoor exploration. After a day of exploring, relax at one of the local beaches and admire the stunning views of the Coral Sea. No trip to Mossman would be complete without a visit to the Mossman Gorge Centre. Located in the heart of the town, the centre offers a range of eco-friendly activities and tours, including guided walks, canoeing, and cultural activities. Whether you are looking for the perfect end to your road trip or a weekend getaway, Mossman, Australia is the perfect destination for you. So why not start planning your trip today?

Before you set off

The Captain Cook Highway, also known as the Great Barrier Reef Drive, is a scenic coastal route extending 75 kilometers (approximately 47 miles) from Cairns to Mossman in Queensland, Australia. This journey can be comfortably completed in one day and offers a visual feast of coastal ranges, tropical rainforests, and the Coral Sea. It serves as a gateway to two World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland, which includes the Daintree Rainforest—making it a Road Trip of significant natural and cultural importance.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Cairns: The starting point of the drive, Cairns is a vibrant city famed for its tropical climate and as a launching pad to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on the planet.
• Port Douglas: This picturesque coastal town is known for its sophisticated atmosphere, Four Mile Beach, and proximity to both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park, the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world.
• Mossman: Notable for the mesmerizing Mossman Gorge, with crystal-clear waters amidst ancient rainforest, it is an area rich in Indigenous heritage managed by the local Kuku Yalanji people.

Best Time to Go:

The most favorable time for this Road Trip is during the Australian winter, from May to October, which corresponds to the dry season in northern Queensland. This period offers clear skies, milder temperatures, and less humidity, enhancing the overall driving and sightseeing experience.

Potential Risks:

• The wet season, from November to April, can bring torrential rains, increasing the risk of floods and cyclones.
• Wildlife, such as kangaroos and cassowaries, may be encountered on the roads, necessitating cautious driving.
• The tropical sun can be intense; wearing sunscreen, a hat, and staying hydrated is essential.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Captain Cook Highway is part of the Australian National Highway system and is well-paved, offering a comfortable cruise with numerous viewpoints and beaches to stop along the way.
• While the trip can be costly due to the high price of activities, accommodations, and dining in this tourist-favored region, the expense is balanced by the area's unparalleled natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
• Regular fuel stations are situated along the route, but it is wise to fuel up in Cairns or Port Douglas to avoid any inconvenience on less populated stretches.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Captain Cook Highway Scenic Drive requires a reasonable budget but rewards travelers with an exceptional experience. By planning travel around the dry season and respecting the sensitive ecosystems, Road Trippers will embark on a memorable adventure through some of Australia's most stunning coastal and rainforest landscapes.