The Great Barrier Reef Drive stretches roughly 140 km north from Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas.
Cairns → Palm Cove (27 km, ~25 min)
A palm-fringed seaside village with cafés, galleries and a long jetty—ideal for a morning coffee break.
Palm Cove → Ellis Beach (15 km, ~15 min)
Quiet sands and rocky headlands.
Ellis Beach → Wangetti (16 km, ~15 min)
A secluded spot perfect for a picnic or short rainforest walk.
Wangetti → Port Douglas (54 km, ~45 min)
The gateway to the reef—enjoy boutique shops, restaurants and Four Mile Beach.
Port Douglas → Mossman Gorge (20 km, ~20 min)
Explore the crystal-clear waters and Mossman Gorge Centre.
Mossman Gorge → Daintree River Ferry (15 km, ~20 min incl. ferry crossing)
Drive your car across the river via a cable ferry.
Daintree River → Cape Tribulation (45 km, ~60 min)
Wind through primeval rainforest until you reach the iconic beach where rainforest meets reef.
Stay up to date with the latest travel inspiration, receive exclusive offers and more
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
