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.
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number of days
1,031 km
route length
high
budget
adventurer
good for
on the left
traffic direction
high
accident level
START
Cairns
Distance 1,031 km
Driving time 15.3 h
Pace: fast
309.2 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 1.1 h
Pace: fast
19.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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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.
Port Douglas - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Port Douglas - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Central Plaza Port Douglas
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2
Port Douglas
- Lakeland
Distance 185 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
55.4 kWh
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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!
Lakeland - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - ExplorOz
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3
Lakeland
- Coen
Distance 305 km
Driving time 4.2 h
Pace: fast
91.5 kWh
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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!
Coen - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Destination Cape York, Australia
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4
Coen
- Bamaga
Distance 445 km
Driving time 6.7 h
Pace: fast
133.4 kWh
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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!
Bamaga - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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5
Bamaga
- Cape York
Distance 32 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
8.3 kWh
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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 - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Tropical North Queensland
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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
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Start:
Cairns
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End:
Cape York
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Distance:
1,031 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Cairns International Airport (CNS)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Old Telegraph Road Trip, an exhilarating three-day journey spanning 643 miles (1,032 km) from the vibrant city of Cairns to the remote northern tip of Cape York in Queensland, Australia. This epic Road Trip showcases a stunning tapestry of Australia's natural beauty, transitioning from tropical rainforests to the arid landscapes of the outback. It's an extraordinary adventure that beckons nature lovers, history buffs, and those yearning for an authentic Australian cultural experience.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Cairns: Start your journey in Cairns, a tropical city that's not only the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest—but also a bustling hub for arts, culture, and dining.
- Daintree National Park: Traverse the enchanting Daintree Rainforest, the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world, where you can witness the unparalleled biodiversity, including rare species like the cassowary and the Ulysses butterfly.
- Cape York: Conclude your trek at Cape York, the northernmost point of the Australian continent. Here, you can explore untouched wilderness, engage with Indigenous Australian communities, and witness the convergence of the Coral Sea and the Arafura Sea.
Best Time to Go:
Traveling during the dry season, from April to November, is highly recommended to avoid the treacherous conditions brought on by the wet season's heavy rains, which can lead to flooding and Road closures.
Potential Risks:
Adventurers should be prepared for challenges including variable Road conditions, remote locations with limited services, and the necessity for off-Road driving skills. Ensuring you have a robust, well-equipped vehicle, a comprehensive Trip plan, and an emergency kit is crucial for a safe and fulfilling journey.
Fascinating Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth, comprising over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.
- The Daintree Rainforest is estimated to be around 135 million years old, making it significantly older than the Amazon rainforest.
- Cape York features significant World War II history; it was a strategic defense point and has remnants of airfields and wartime infrastructure.
- Indigenous Australian cultural tours in the region can offer insight into traditional land management practices, bush foods, and ancient storytelling.
A good choice for:
The Old Telegraph Road Trip is more than a drive; it's a journey deep into the heart of Australia's natural and cultural heritage. With thoughtful preparation and respect for the land and its people, you'll create an array of unforgettable memories in one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes.
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