Tropical North Queensland

PART 2 - Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge & Cape Tribulation

Exploring Tropical North Queensland: A 2-Week Adventure from Cairns

( See part 1 for the beginning of our trip)

After a jam-packed week in Cairns, we packed up our rental car and headed north toward Port Douglas. The scenic coastal drive offered stunning views and opportunities to stop along the way.

Port Douglas is an idyllic beach town with a charming village vibe. From our base here, we explored sun-drenched shores, secluded coves, and dined on fresh seafood.

Venturing out, we went horseback riding through ancient rainforests at Cape Tribulation. We also took a boat to the Low Isles, snorkeling among vibrant coral and fish in an underwater wonderland.

Between Cairns, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, and the Low Isles, this region is a must-visit for its unparalleled natural beauty and unforgettable experiences in Tropical North Queensland.

*****

Accommodation & Transport

We chose to stay in Newell Beach as it was so close to Mossman Gorge, half way to Cape Tribulation and 30 minutes to Port Douglas. We rented a beautiful, newly renovated 2 bedroom apartment that was just a walk away from the beach with all the amenities we needed.

To get around we rented a small car from ‘The Car Next Door’.

Palm Cove - The Ultimate Tropical Pit Stop

Our first stop on the road trip to Port Douglas was the beautiful Palm Cove. As soon as we arrived, the palm tree-lined beach screamed luxury. We spent the morning relaxing - I read a book on the golden sands while the girls played in the water. Bliss! Tall palms provided shade and a gorgeous backdrop.

After lazing around, we strolled the esplanade checking out the cute cafes and fancy waterfront restaurants. Whether you want casual beachside dining or an upscale meal, Palm Cove has great options. This little seaside town ticks all the tropical North Queensland boxes - stunning beach, swaying palms, delicious food, and a serene, indulgent vibe. No wonder it's an essential stop between Cairns and Port Douglas. We could have stayed forever!

Thala Beach Resort Photo Stop - A Must For Any Tropical North Queensland Road Trip!

Ooh this place had been on my Queensland bucket list for ages! Thala Beach Resort is an absolute must-stop on the drive from Cairns up to Port Douglas. Why's it so awesome? Well, this iconic tropical paradise resort is famous for its stunningly manicured rows of soaring palm trees lining the pathways. It makes for one helluva beautiful photo backdrop!

Daintree Rain Forest & Cape Tribulation

We began our Daintree Rainforest adventure early, driving from Newell. After crossing the Daintree River ferry, we entered this untouched 180-million-year-old ecosystem. We made lots of stops throughout the drive, walks, watering holes, lunch and ice cream at the Daintree Ice cream Company.

The Daintree is packed with hiking trails, secluded beaches, and pristine swimming holes. When you enter this rugged forest you feel like your a whole world away, although its very accessible by car. We

Watering hole at Mason’s Café - my favourite stop!

The weather was a little average so we didn’t get the vibrant blue waters we were after but the drive was still gorgeous and the kids had a lot of fun running through the beaches.

Cape Tribulation

We decided to go on a spontaneous horse ride along the beach at Cape Tribulation and i’m so glad we did! My youngest and I saddled up and rode through ancient forest finishing along the beach. It was something we will always remember.

Mossman Gorge

Only a 12-minute drive from where we were staying in Port Douglas, we devoted a full day to exploring the amazing Mossman Gorge. You've gotta make time for this place on any Tropical North Queensland trip!

As soon as we arrived, it felt like we'd stepped into another world. Thick rainforest surrounds you with shaded walking tracks in every direction, vines to swing off and crystal clear green water to swim in.

Mossman Gorge.

Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

Just an hour's boat ride from Port Douglas lies the Low Isles - a little 4-acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of vibrant reef. We booked a day snorkelling tour and it turned out to be an absolute highlight!

We sailed out on the Wave Dancer catamaran, sipping champagne as we cruised along the Great Barrier Reef. We even spotted whales on the way - it was amazing!

After a safety briefing at Low Isles, we geared up in stinger suits and life jackets before jumping straight into the clear waters. The next few hours were spent snorkelling directly off the island, allowing the kids to easily hop on and off the beach as needed.

But it was the underwater world that really blew me away. Ridiculously vibrant fish and coral gardens in every direction. As soon as our faces dipped below the surface, we entered a world of colours and marine life. I skipped lunch, determined to soak up as much snorkelling time as possible in this underwater paradise. Though a fresh buffet waited on board for any hungry swimmers.

Green Sea Turtle Low Isles

Exploring Newell

This little pocket tucked between the Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas was the perfect home base for our Tropical North Queensland adventures.

Despite its tiny size, Newell packs a serious punch when it comes to location. You've got jaw-dropping mountain views surrounding you, easy access to beaches (no swimming though - croc territory!), and the gorgeous Mossman River winding right through town.

Our mornings started with river or beach walks with mountain views and beautiful fields of cattle and sugar cane.

But that vibrant, snaking Mossman River was definitely the star nearby attraction

Mossman River

4 Mile Beach , Port Douglas

This seemingly endless stretch of sandy paradise lives up to the hype! Fringed by swaying palms and the Coral Sea as far as the eye can see, it's the ultimate tropical beach setting.

Being patrolled and croc-free makes Four Mile Beach one of the only safe swimming beaches in Port Douglas. We spent a few days walking the shore, lounging on the sand, and letting the kids build sandcastles.

Its proximity to Port Douglas' main strip was also a major convenience. We could easily grab lunch and bring it back to our spot.

When we needed a break from lazy beach time, the scenic Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail was nice and close and not to difficult. This easy 2.5km return hike winds through lush bushland before emerging at an epic lookout point over Four Mile Beach.

The views from the top are postcard-worthy - you can see across ocean stretching to the horizon with Low Isles peeking out in the distance. It's a great vantage point for soaking in Port Douglas' unique where the reef meets the rainforest scenery.

Our last day of our Tropical North Queensland holiday was spent sitting on Ellis Beach with a coffee soaking in the warmth before jumping back on a plane to Melbourne. I would have love to spend more time here, it was the perfect ‘good bye for now Queensland’ last stop.

Ellis Beach, Queensland