Road trip North Queensland
Road trip North Queensland:
Where to go & what to do:
Roadtrip North Queensland
March 28, 2021
Here is a roundup of our must-go-to places in Tropical North Queensland, including what to see and where to sleep.
Copy: Alexandra Kmita
Byron Smith: Photographer
Kuranda
Kuranda is a lovely dreamy little village set half an hour drive west of Cairns settling in rainforest and mountains. Kuranda has the two main attractions the skyline rail and the scenic train, which run daily between Cairns and Kuranda and offer completely different views of the area.
DRINK: Get a delicious Juice from Fruibies
STAY: The Cassowary House
Girramay National Park- Murray Falls
Girramay National Park is a just over 2-hour drive from Cairns and 38 km southwest of Tully. It is easily accessible for all vehicle types with just a bit of gravel road and is divided in a day area and the camp area with amenities. The falls descend between 20-30 meters and can be viewed from a boardwalk and viewing platform. There are different viewing platforms to see the falls and the creek is accessible further downstream. Be aware of slippery rocks and hungry march flies.
INFO: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/murray-falls/camping
Mission Beach – Place to see a Cassowary
Mission Beach is around a 2-hour drive from Cairns heading towards the coast and known for its Cassowaries. If you want to see a Cassowary, Mission Beach is the place to go. Drive careful and slow around the area as Cassowaries tend to cross the street running without looking or stopping and this might end fatal. Especially in the months of May to October when male Cassowaries look after their little ones.
STAY: https://missionbeachhideaway.com.au/
The Waterfall Circuit
A trio of waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands: Millia Milla Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls
One of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia with a height of 18.3 metres.
Make sure you visit the waterfall early morning, when it is less busy. The car park and the amenities are located next to the waterfall, which makes it easily accessible. The waterfall is more of a sightseeing attraction and an attractive spot. The water is cold but refreshing.
It is a 5-minute walk through the rainforest and down a few stairs to reach the waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by rainforest, which gives it a more natural scenery than Milla Milla Falls. It is a wide pool with big flat rocks to jump on and take breathtaking photos.
Mt Hypipamee National Park
Located in the Hugh Nelson Range the 58m deep crater Mt Hypipamee with a 70m deep lake, which is covered in a green layer of weed, is a unique phoneme. It is centred around a diatreme or volcanic pipe, which has created a massive gas explosion that lead to the crater. Following a track through the rainforest, which is inhabited by Tree Kangaroos the track ends with a platform overlooking the crater with its granite walls.
Curtain Fig Tree
The unique Curtain Fig Tree has roots that drop 15m to the forest floor. There is a walkway around the Tree which gives you a view from all sites. The tree is absolutely breathtaking. While you walk around the tree you might see brush turkeys, tree kangaroos and possums.
Mossman Gorge – Daintree
The Mossman Gorge Centre is a new indigenous eco-tourism development. The centre has its own café and gallery and provides a shuttle bus service to Mossman Gorge. It is also possible to book guided tours and authentic experiences.
The Shuttle Bus drops the passengers off at the entrance of Mossman Gorge with various tracks and viewing platforms.
The creek is clear with lots of different fish and big rocks. There is also a 2km walk through the Daintree forest to explore the World Heritage Area.
STAY: 24 km north of Mossman Gorge: Wonga Pinnacle Village Holiday Park
Cape Tribulation
Take the ferry up to Cape Tribulation and explore the norths point of Tropical North Queensland and the Daintree Forest you can reach with a conventional vehicle from this side. Explore various walks and beaches around Cape Tribulation.
STAY: Daintree River View Lodges & Van Park
Daintree River Wild Watch
Book a tour with the Daintree River Wild Watch for the next morning or the late evening. The morning tour starts early mornings at 6:00am with an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide. You will get to see various wildlife like Jabiru Birds, purple Kingfisher and Crocodiles and learn about the native flora and fauna. This tour is not about chasing down the river to see a crocodile, it is about learning about all varieties of the Daintree forest.
The boat leaves right in front of the Daintree River View Lodges & Van Park
Hydeaway Bay
The secluded bay is a 50-minute drive from Airlie Beach. It is a hidden gem in the Whitsunday region, tranquil, beautiful and you will have it most likely all to yourself.
Long sandy beaches to go snorkelling and fishing with amazing spots to watch sunsets and sunrise over the water. Head for an adventure to Dingo Beach and the Black Current Manta Ray Reef. Make sure to bring enough Water and food, as there is no supermarket in the area.
STAY: Hydeaway Bay Caravanpark