#1
Sue Dwyer
2009-01-30
Driving along the coastline, the Port Douglas to Cairns stretch is the most breathtaking!
Embark on a Great Tropical Drive
All the hard work and time-consuming organisation of a self-drive holiday has been done for you on The Great Tropical Drive touring route. Winding its way along palm-fringed beaches, ancient rainforests and the golden outback of North Queensland, this self-drive route will ensure you don’t miss any of Australia’s best known attractions and also seek out many hidden gems along the way.
Complete the entire drive over a 12 day itinerary, covering 2079km, or choose a weekend drive or shorter adventure from 20 smaller itineraries.
The entire drive passes through six unique regions of North Queensland - Cooktown, Port Douglas and Daintree, Cairns and Beaches, Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast, Tropical Tablelands and Savannah Country, Townsville, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook.
Among countless attractions, you will stand in front of thundering waterfalls, pass through quaint country towns and rich farming areas, marvel at the World Heritage listed rainforest and Great Barrier Reef and tour the largest lava tube system on earth.
This self-drive touring route will steer you through one of the world’s most spectacular creations, Queensland’s Great Tropical North.
Getting there:
Start your Great Tropical Drive from Cairns or Townsville, easily accessible by road, air and rail.
By train:
Catch The Sunlander or Tilt Train to Cairns or Townsville, where you can hire a car and embark on the Great Tropical Drive. Alternatively you may choose to take your car on holiday with you when travelling to Cairns onboard The Sunlander between Brisbane and Cairns using Motorail. To book your rail adventure call Traveltrain Holidays on 1800 627 655.
Further information:
Wet TropicsVoters Comments
Sue Dwyer
#2
trevor kucks
2009-01-30
This is one of those must dos which has been calling us for ages. this year for sure
#3
Allan Bruce
2009-01-30
This looks like a perfect place to try out my new Forester.
#4
Susanne Price
2009-01-30
From childhood travelling with my Grandparents I have always loved this part of our country
#5
SHEILA MACANDREW
2009-01-28
This is another perfect add on to our train journey. It cannot come soon enough.
#6
Elissa Rath
2009-01-28
I was absolutely blown away by the stunning scenery between Cairns & Port Douglas. Need to be Careful of other drivers stopping in dangerous positions on or along the road to get photos or take a look at the spectacular views!
#7
Kylie John
2009-01-27
We do it every couple of years and never get sick of it. We see something different everytime we go.
#8
annegret champneys
2009-01-27
the great tropical drive a must of a queensland holiday
#9
Darryl Darben
2009-01-27
Fantastic scenery, do yourself a favour and do it.
#10
Katrina Devery
2009-01-27
Stunning. Not to be missed.