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Great Tropical Drive
10 day Cairns to Cairns

The Great Tropical Drive winds its way from palm-fringed beaches, to ancient rainforests and the golden outback of North Queensland. Contrast the magic of a coastal region which has the Great Barrier Reef on one side and a lush rainforest on the other, with the cooler splendours of the highlands, and the dry heat of the Outback.

Day 1 Cairns to Port Douglas
51 miles 1 hour
Leave Cairns heading north. You might wish to stop for a swim or a cool drink at one of the Northern Beaches. The ocean drive along the Cook Highway to Port Douglas, with its backdrop of steep mountain ranges, coastal beaches and headlands, is simply stunning. Overnight for 2 nights at Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa.

 
The view from Rex Lookout, on the coastal road on the way to Port Douglas for stunning views of the Coral Sea and beach.


Day 2 Port Douglas
A day at leisure in Port Douglas to enjoy 'where the rainforest meets the beach'.


Experience a Quicksilver Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from £81 for the day trip.


Day 3 Port Douglas to Cooktown
169 miles 3½ hours
The route to Cooktown follows The Bama Way - an Aboriginal Journey along story-lines, through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah. Just north of Port Douglas lies Mossman and the stunning Mossman Gorge. Further on you arrive at the Daintree, where the rainforest meets the reef, one of Australia’s most famous World Heritage areas. Daintree village is a charming tourist centre and the Daintree River is a magnificent waterway, teeming with birdlife, and the area’s famous crocodiles. Use the vehicle ferry to cross the river and enjoy the pleasant drive to Cape Tribulation. Continue north along the rough 4WD Bloomfield Track which crosses the Bloomfield River and enters Australia’s last great frontier - the Cape York Peninsula, before arriving in Cooktown. Overnight for 2 nights at Mungumby Lodge (includes tropical breakfast).


Day 4 Cooktown
A day at leisure to explore the sites of historic Cooktown, known as the place where Lt James Cook beached his ship after striking a reef in 1770. Enjoy a walk around town or up Grassy Hill for a great view, and visit the Museum, Cemetery and Nature’s Powerhouse.


An aboriginal tour from Cooktown, including a visit to 3 rock art sites for £37.


Day 5 Cooktown to Atherton Tablelands
191 miles 3½ hours
Heading south-west, pass Black Mountain National Park and then travel on to Lakeland, home to one of the largest coffee plantations in Australia. Further south is the Palmer River Roadhouse scene of the 1870s gold rush. In and around Mareeba, savour freshly picked coffee at one of the local plantations before arriving at the Mareeba Wetlands. Take time to enjoy the local produce as you drive south through rich farming and grazing country known as the ‘food bowl of the tropics’. Continue south to the Atherton Tablelands a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, rich red soil and tropical rainforest. Here the temperature is cooler and the pace slower. Overnight at Allumbah Pocket Cottages (includes continental breakfast hamper).


Day 6 Atherton Tablelands to Undara
123 miles 2½ hours
Depart Atherton Tablelands and travel into Tropical North Queensland's Outback region, known as the Gulf Savannah. On arrival at Undara Experience, have lunch and relax by the pool or enjoy a bush walk before joining your Savannah Guide for a magnificent Wildlife at Sunset tour, followed by an evening campfire activity. Overnight at Undara Carriage.


Day 7 Undara to Townsville
295 miles 6 hours
Awaken your tastebuds with Bush Breakfast at the Ringers Camp to the accompaniment of the morning bird chorus. Join your Savannah Guide for a Half Day Lava Tube tour, where they will share their extensive knowledge of this fascinating area. After lunch depart Undara Experience for your journey to Townsville. Set between rugged coastal hills and the Coral Sea, Townsville is a thriving and progressive city that is unofficially named the "Capital of North Queensland". Overnight at Holiday Inn Townsville.


Day 8 Townsville to Mission Beach
149 miles 3 hours
Depart Townsville and head north to Mission Beach and The Cassowary Coast, named after the majestic flightless bird which inhabits its forests. Continue north to the Tully River and Tully Gorge for whitewater rafting or a picnic. Overnight for 2 nights at The Horizon at Mission Beach (includes breakfast).


White water rafting on the Tully River, £59.


Day 9 Mission Beach
A full day to relax and explore Mission Beach. There are many walking tracks to explore in the national parks surrounding Mission Beach.



A few nights on Dunk Island from £67 per person per night.


Day 10 Mission Beach to Cairns
87 miles 2 hours
This morning at leisure before driving back to Cairns and dropping off your rental vehicle.

• 9 nights hotel accommodation
• Avis group K 4WD car for 10 days
• Tours and meals at Undara
• Travelmood backpack, detailed itinerary, directions and map

 

From price in £ per person, based on twin share
	Twin
based on twin share	679

Single supplement on request.