Driving from Cairns to Port Douglas - Complete Route Guide
The Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas is consistently rated among the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. The 67km route begins in Cairns and travels north through the city's suburban outskirts before opening up onto a highway that clings to cliffsides above the Coral Sea. If you are deciding between driving yourself and taking a shuttle, the answer is clear - drive. The journey itself is one of the highlights of any Far North Queensland trip.
Best for: Travellers who want to stop at Rex Lookout, Ellis Beach and Palm Cove at their own pace. Also ideal for those staying in Port Douglas for multiple days who will need a car during their stay.
The Captain Cook Highway Route
From Cairns CBD or Cairns Airport, head north on the Captain Cook Highway (also known as the Bruce Highway in its southern section). The first 20km passes through Cairns' northern suburbs and sugar cane fields. The scenery becomes dramatic around Palm Cove where the highway begins following the coastline.
The most spectacular section runs from Ellis Beach northward, where the road climbs cliffsides offering panoramic views over the Coral Sea. This stretch is among the most photographed coastal roads in Australia and is reason alone to drive rather than take the shuttle.
The highway is fully sealed and well maintained year-round. Speed limits are generally 100km/h on open highway sections and 50km/h through towns. Drive on the left in Australia and be alert for wildlife near dusk and dawn.
Route Milestones and Best Stops
| Location | Distance from Cairns | Drive Time | Recommended Stop Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns Airport | 6km | 8 min | Pick up hire car |
| Palm Cove | 25km | 28 min | 30 to 60 min - coffee stop |
| Hartley's Croc Adventures | 40km | 44 min | 2 to 3 hrs - families |
| Ellis Beach | 40km | 45 min | 30 to 45 min - swim and lunch |
| Rex Lookout | 50km | 55 min | 15 to 20 min - essential |
| Port Douglas | 67km | 70 min | Destination |
The Stop You Cannot Miss - Rex Lookout
At approximately 50km from Cairns, Rex Lookout is the single best viewpoint on the entire drive and one of the finest coastal panoramas in Queensland. A roadside pullout gives sweeping views south along the Coral Sea with the Great Dividing Range as a backdrop.
This is one of the most photographed spots on the entire Queensland coast. Allow 15 to 20 minutes, pull completely off the road and walk to the viewing area. The vista looks south, which means morning light (heading north) gives the best photography conditions with the sun behind you.
Beyond Rex Lookout the highway descends toward Wangetti Beach before the final approach into Port Douglas. The last 12km after the lookout are among the most beautiful on the entire route.
Car Hire Tips for Cairns Airport
Pick up at Cairns Airport for best availability - all major rental companies have desks in the terminal. A standard 2WD vehicle is suitable for the entire Cairns to Port Douglas route. Fuel up in Cairns before departing as petrol stations are very limited on the highway. Book in advance during peak season from June to September as vehicles sell out quickly.
Check whether your credit card includes rental car excess cover before buying the operator's insurance. Many Australian and international credit cards include this cover, potentially saving AUD $20 to $40 per day. If you plan to cross the Daintree River ferry north of Port Douglas, note that most hire car policies do not cover vehicles north of the Daintree River - check with your rental company.
Note: Most standard hire car insurance does not cover vehicles driven north of the Daintree River ferry crossing. If you plan to visit Cape Tribulation, check your rental agreement and arrange appropriate cover.