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Self Drive Day Trips From Port Douglas

 

Mossman Gorge, Daintree Village, Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation.

You’ll need a day to discover Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Village alone! Immerse yourself in the serenity of Mossman Gorge, take the long or short walk depending on your needs and finish off with a swim in the crystal clear fresh water. Follow this up with an awesome lunch at the Daintree Village Hotel or book an overnight stay at the Daintree Ecolodge and dine in the Julaymba Restaurant in the rainforest.

Cross the river on the ferry over to The Daintree National Park but not before taking a cruise with Solar Whisper Daintree Crocodile & Wildlife Cruises! Just before the ferry turnoff will be the most up close and personal tour you can take and learn about the amazing creatures who inhabit this area.

Once across the river you have two options for tasting the best natural ice cream you can find. Floravilla and the Daintree Ice Cream Company are the first stops along the way.

The Daintree Discovery Centre is another MUST DO and has so much to explore and learn about this amazing ecosystem. You might even spot a Cassowary in the wild!

There are a few interesting stops on the way to Cape Tribulation, and if it’s hot, a swim at Mason’s Swimming hole & Café will be in order. Plenty of places to grab lunch and lots of accommodation options should you choose to explore for longer than a day. Ocean Safari at Cape Trib run snorkelling tours or you can try Cape Trib Horse Rides if that’s more your thing!

https://whatsoninport.com.au/daintree-directory/

 

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Nestled in the picturesque Wangetti Valley 45 minutes north of Cairns and 20 minutes south of Port Douglas, the iconic attraction is surrounded by World Heritage listed National Park. Daily presentations strike a perfect balance between entertainment and education, open daily from 8.30 – 5.00 pm.

During their visit, guests can participate in a wide range of activities then relax on a cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to explore the natural habitat of the legendary Saltwater Crocodile.

There are also interactive behind the scene tours which have to be pre-booked 24 hours in advance, Big Croc Feed, Zootastic 5, Reptastic 5 or Breakfast with the Koalas.

https://www.crocodileadventures.com/

 

Atherton Tablelands

There is so much to explore in the Tablelands, so here’s a link to plan your own journey, however we have highlighted a few main places of interest to tempt you!

https://www.athertontablelands.com.au/

 

Kuranda and Barron Falls

Kuranda is a beautiful mountain village just outside of Cairns. Although this town is known for its ‘hippy’ markets, there is also a great amount of history, wildlife and sight-seeing to discover. The Skryail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway are considered a ‘must do’ for tourists to the region.

You can find some original artworks by our local Aborigine tribes, plus a visit to the Butterfly Sanctuary, Rainforestation Nature Park, Birdworld and the Koala Gardens.

In the wet season the mighty Barron Falls is a sight to behold, but still amazing any time of year. For the adrenalin seekers, try whitewater rafting or a rainforest ATV tour! Check this link for more detailed information:

https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/where-to-go/kuranda/

 

Tablelands Waterfall Circuit

Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those less known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.

Depending on how far you’re willing to travel, you can spend up to a few days exploring the waterfalls and the historic townships in the Far North Tablelands. Check this link for more detailed information:

https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/articles/top-waterfalls-atherton-tablelands/

 

Discover Mareeba, Atherton and Herberton

Just over an hour from Port Douglas in the Tablelands region you’ll find Coffeeworks Mareeba where you can experience some of the best coffee grown in the area. Plus they make their own chocolate AND liqueurs and yes – you can sample them all!

https://coffeeworks.com.au/

 

The Golden Drop Winery and discover not only Mango Wine, but lots of amazing tropical fruit wines, ports and sparkling. The cellar door is open Monday to Saturday and is well worth a visit.

https://www.goldendrop.com.au/

 

No Atherton Tablelands tour is complete without a visit to the Mt Uncle Distillery. Located on the family property in the foothill of Mt Uncle where all of Mt Uncle’s Liqueurs & Spirits are produced on site.

Select from your preferred Tasting Menu and then settle in and relax as the friendly staff explain the story behind each drop.

https://www.mtuncle.com/

 

Herberton Historic Village

Prepare to be wowed as you step back in time to an era that has long been forgotten. Australia’s timber, farming and mining history lives again at this authentic and award winning 100% family-owned attraction.

Spend the day exploring the collection of more than 60 original buildings complete with shops, a functioning tea rooms, antique motor vehicles, small engines, fashion, John Deere tractors and more.

https://www.historicvillageherberton.com.au/

 

Paronella Park

Everyone has a dream. But not everyone’s dreams are realised. José Paronella’s dream was to build a castle. He chose a special part of Australia and created Paronella Park.

On 5ha beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees (now a lush rainforest!). He opened to the public in 1935. Now we open every day.

https://www.paronellapark.com.au/

 

Cairns Aquarium

The Cairns Aquarium has been developed to provide a world-class venue for seeing and interacting with the incredible plants, animals, and habitats found only in Australia’s Wet Tropics, a region which borders two World Heritage Sites: The Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Get up close to the species and eco systems of Tropical North Queensland! On your journey, follow a drop of rain as it descends from the mountainous waterfalls into the freshwater rivers, flowing through the rainforest, across the mangroves into the shallow lagoons of the Great Barrier Reef and finally into the depths of the Coral Sea. Discover animal presentations, habitat talks, a marine touch pool and daily shark and ray feeds.

https://www.cairnsaquarium.com.au/

 

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island is a National Park, discover spectacular walking trails, abundant marine life, and local wildlife.

Located 45 minutes from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Fitzroy Island is easily reached by regular transfers on the air-conditioned Fitzroy Flyer.

Fitzroy Island is ideal for families, a visit with friends or a romantic gateway. Come for a day or stay overnight at our boutique resort.

https://www.fitzroyisland.com/