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HomeRoad TripsOceaniaAustraliaQueenslandOld Telegraph
Old Telegraph Road

Old Telegraph Road Trip

Cairns - Port Douglas - Lakeland - Coen - Bamaga - Cape York

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Wildlife Wildlife
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Old Telegraph Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km1,035 h/stage4.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Old Telegraph Road Trip in Queensland?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 220EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 646EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 808EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 188EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,016EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,232EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 250EUR sleep & more 693EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,519EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,897EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 275EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,403EUR
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Old Telegraph Road Trip Itinerary

The Old Telegraph Road Trip is an epic journey through the heart of Australia. Starting in the tropical city of Cairns and ending in the remote Cape York, the 643 mile (1,032 km) road trip takes approximately three days to complete. This is best done during the dry season, which runs from April to November. The route passes through the stunning and diverse landscapes of Queensland, from the lush rainforest of the Daintree to the golden savannah of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland, as well as the rich Aboriginal culture of the area. However, the route is not for the faint of heart. The road conditions can be poor and the terrain can be challenging. You'll need a good vehicle and a high budget to make the most of the trip. But the rewards are worth it: you'll get to experience the beauty of the Australian Outback and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're an experienced driver or a novice, the Old Telegraph Road Trip is a must-do for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 1,035 km route length
budget high budget
good for adventurer good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Cairns

Distance 1,035 km Driving time 21.5 h Pace: modest 269.1 kWh Airports CNS
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Cairns is the perfect starting point to begin your "Old Telegraph Road Trip"! This tropical city in north-eastern Australia is full of exciting sights to explore. Visit the Cairns Esplanade, a waterfront promenade with swimming lagoons, walking paths, and beautiful views of the Coral Sea. Explore the lush rainforest of the Daintree National Park, where you can find some of the most diverse wildlife in Australia. Learn about local Indigenous culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. And of course, no trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Cairns International Airport (CNS) is the closest international airport to Cairns, and there are car rental options available from the airport. From there, you can begin your journey along the "Old Telegraph Road Trip", where you will take in some of the most breathtaking sights in the country. So start your journey in Cairns and explore the beauty of north-eastern Australia!

1 Cairns - Port Douglas

Distance 65 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 19.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Take a thrilling road trip from Cairns to Port Douglas! This 40mi journey takes less than 1 hour and offers some of the most spectacular views in Australia. Start your journey in Cairns, where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, as well as the lush rainforest of the Daintree National Park. Then, make your way to the charming town of Port Douglas, where you can enjoy its stunning beaches and the nearby Mossman Gorge. Along the route, you will also find some of Australia's most important UNESCO Heritage sites, such as the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Riversleigh Fossil Site. So, make sure to keep your eyes open and take in all the beauty this road trip has to offer! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

2 Port Douglas - Lakeland

Distance 185 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: fast 55.4 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome to the Port Douglas to Lakeland stage of your road trip! You'll find plenty of attractions to explore along this 115mi journey, which should take you less than 3 hours to complete. Your journey starts in the beautiful Port Douglas, a coastal town located in the far north of Queensland. Here, you can explore the iconic Four Mile Beach, take a stroll through the Sunday Markets, and venture to nearby Daintree National Park, home to stunning rainforests and unique wildlife. The next stop is the small town of Lakeland, located in the heart of the Cape York Peninsula. Here, you can visit the Lakeland Downs Station, where you can take in the stunning views of the Gulf of Carpentaria, or take a tour of the historic ruins of the old telegraph station. No matter where you choose to explore, you are sure to find something interesting to see along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Lakeland - Coen

Distance 305 km Driving time 4.9 h Pace: fast 91.5 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome road-trippers! Are you ready for an amazing journey from Lakeland to Coen? This route will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. You will drive 190mi in less than 5 hours, so you will have plenty of time to admire the scenery and explore the places you will pass along the way. Your first stop should be at Lakeland, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the lake, the surrounding hills, and the distant rainforest. Don't forget to take some pictures! Then, you will drive through Laura and Musgrave, two small towns with a lot of history and culture to explore. You will then pass through the spectacularly scenic Palmer River Roadhouse, where you can take a break and enjoy some delicious food. Finally, you will arrive in Coen, a small town with a rich Aboriginal culture and a beautiful beach. This is just one of the stages of your road trip, and there is so much more to explore. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Coen - Bamaga

Distance 448 km Driving time 12.1 h Pace: slow 103.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome to the amazing road trip from Coen to Bamaga! This is one of the most exciting stages of the tour and it will take you less than 13 hours to drive the 279 miles to your destination. Start your journey in Coen, where you can enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape and the stunning views of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Don’t forget to visit the Coen River, where you can take a pleasant walk and watch the local wildlife. Continue your journey to Musgrave Roadhouse, where you can enjoy some refreshments and a delicious meal. From there, you can drive to the beautiful Archer River Roadhouse, where you can take a break and explore the nearby attractions, such as the Archer River Aboriginal Art Gallery. Next, you will arrive at the fabulous Punsand Bay, where you can take a swim in the crystal clear waters and admire the breathtaking views of the area. After that, you can continue your journey to the lovely Seisia, where you can enjoy some of the best fishing spots in the region. Finally, you will reach your destination, Bamaga. Here you can take some time to relax and explore the nearby attractions, such as the historic Bamaga Lookout. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

5 Bamaga - Cape York

Distance 32 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: slow 7.3 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome to the Bamaga - Cape York road trip stage! This route is one of the most beautiful and spectacular stretches of the larger tour and will take you through some of the most outstanding places in Australia. The road trip starts in Bamaga, a small town located at the tip of Cape York Peninsula. Here, you can visit the Jardine River National Park and the Jardine River Ferry, the only ferry crossing the river. The next stop is the Archer River Roadhouse, located 20mi away from Bamaga. This roadhouse offers a wide range of amenities and services, including fuel, food, and accommodation. The final destination of this stage is Cape York, one of the most remote and spectacular places in Australia. Here, you can explore the Cape York Peninsula National Park, the Iron Range National Park, and the Torres Strait Islands. Remember that you can find more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

  Cape York

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Cape York, Australia is the ultimate destination of the Old Telegraph Road Trip. This iconic road trip takes travelers through the far reaches of the cape, offering stunning views and unforgettable experiences. As the final destination, Cape York is the perfect place to take a break and explore the local area. There are plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy, from the pristine rainforest of Iron Range National Park to the picturesque beaches of Cape Tribulation. For a unique experience, visitors can take a 4WD tour through the rugged terrain of the cape, with tours available from several local operators. Along the way, travelers can spot a variety of wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos and crocodiles. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of options for leisurely activities. Fishing and bird watching are popular pastimes, while visitors can also take a scenic drive along the coast. Cape York is also the perfect place to explore the local Aboriginal culture, with a number of local art galleries and cultural centers offering insights into the area's rich history. For travelers coming from overseas, the closest international airport is Cairns International Airport (CNS). From here, visitors can rent a car and drive the final stretch of the Old Telegraph Road Trip to reach Cape York.

Old Telegraph Road Trip at a glance

Surely, our journey idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future travels.
Our itinerary can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to keep in mind to make your road trip smooth. These tips will surely become useful for travellers who opt for car rental or camper hire.
When driving around Queensland, there are a number of road rules to be mindful of. When moving around Queensland in a car, try avoiding alcoholic drinks. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is low and amounts to only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 60km/h, when driving around the build-up areas may lead to speeding offence. In undeveloped areas, you can travel at the maximum car speed of 110km/h. Avoid driving faster than the maximum car speed of 110km/h while on highways. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit greatly increase the safety of you and your passengers.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. The amount of money that you have to pay during the whole undertaking depends on budget option that you select. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 1,035km across Queensland may equal as much as 138 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost holidayers around 220 EUR. Tourists who go for this option will spend about 288 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 162 EUR if they opt for the cheapest car hire offer as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be about 646 EUR without car rental and 808 EUR with car rental.
Drivers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 188 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses can amount up to roughly 396 EUR. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost approximately 432 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle should expect a cost of more or less 216 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 1,232 EUR for drivers who would like to try vehicle hire and 1,016 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 1,897 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle hire and 1,016 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium rental car can expect a cost of more or less 378 EUR. When it comes to the top standard option of the tour, the cost of the fuel needed to cover all stages around Queensland is around 250 EUR. Travellers who opt for top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay about 576 EUR for food and restaurants and approximately 693 EUR for hotels.
Our tour is also a superb opportunity for all camper lovers. If you are considering this transport option, it costs around 675 EUR. You will spend about 275 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Camper lovers should expect to pay about 288 EUR for expenses connected with food and approximately 165 EUR for accommodation.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented details in an easy to follow manner.
The best travel opportunity when visiting the part of Queensland presented in our itinerary idea is between May and November. There are numerous beautiful road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if Old Telegraph Road Trip has inspired you. Even the most demanding of tourists will definitely be taken aback by the wide spectrum of ideas available on our website.

Facts for safer driving in Queensland

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 110 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 110 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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