Here are the 5 best places to stop on your Far North Queensland itinerary, including the top beaches, accommodation, dining and rainforests to visit on your road trip.
Far North Queensland in Australia attracts travellers worldwide for its tropical weather, beautiful beaches and laidback, holiday lifestyle.
I have visited balmy Far North Queensland multiple times on holiday to escape cold Melbourne. Here are my recommendations below.
Far North Queensland Road trip
Unless you are on a longer road trip, Cairns airport is the closest destination when travelling to Far North Queensland.
Domestic and international flights arrive and depart Cairns daily. From here it’s easy to access car hire, or take a taxi or uber to accommodation in Cairns.
Cairns Car Hire
Car hire is easy from Cairns airport, and there are plenty of options. Book ahead with Cairns Airport Car Hire.
Far North Queensland Beaches
Palm Cove
Driving north of Cairns, Palm Cove is 30 minutes by car or bus, and worth stopping at for at least a couple of nights. This small cove has plenty of dining options and accommodation and is less spread out and popular than Port Douglas.
Palm Cove is accessible to The Great Barrier Reef and is a welcome place to stay along the tree lined cove, with food, shopping and the main beach all in walking distance. Try NuNu for a beach side drink or Il Forno fir Italian food in the centre of town.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is the famous holiday destination in Far North Queensland, drawing both Australian and international travellers to the large stretch of beach and nearby lush rainforest. Both modest and luxury accommodation and dining options are available.
Popular areas in Port Douglas are Macrossan street (main shops), 4 Mile beach and the Port Douglas Marina.
Port Douglas Accommodation
There are countless options for accommodation in Port Douglas.
Mowbray street close to 4 mile beach is a quieter spot to stay with beah access and kiosk out the front door .I recommend Mowbray By The Sea.
Other helpful sites for booking accommodation in Port Douglas are:
Stayz
Visit Port Douglas
Tourism Port Douglas
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is a beautiful fresh water swimming and hiking spot 20 minutes drive from Port Douglas. Book a bus or drive on your road trip. The icy cold, clean water and surrounding boulders are magical and a welcome relief from the hot climate.
Far North Queensland Rainforest
Daintree Rainforest
Driving further north from Mossman Gorge is the beginning of the Daintree Rainforest. Things to do in the Daintree include road tripping, croc tours or staying in luxury accomodation. The oldest rainforest in the world truly is a tropical paradise.
Cape Tribulation
Heading further north at the top of the Daintree is Cape Tribulation. This beautiful, remote and tropical beach is ideal for relaxing or visiting the Great Barrier Reef. You can stay at Cape Tribulation at off-grid style villas.
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