The best Cairns road trips for families

With plenty of wide open roads to explore under big blue skies, Queensland is road trip country, load the car, buckle up the kids and hit the road.

Whether you’re chasing salty ocean breezes, red dirt horizons or simply the world’s best meat pie, here’s our pick of family road trips that are all about detours, giggles and that glorious feeling of freedom.

The Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Cooktown

Distance 330km one way
Duration 3 to 5 days
Vehicle Required 2WD (4WD needed for optional Bloomfield Track)

Australia’s tropical north-east is made for adventure. This family-friendly road trip from Cairns to Cooktown links the world’s oldest rainforest with the world’s largest coral reef, making for one unforgettable journey. Think swimming holes, rainforest walks, croc spotting, reef tours and fruit-flavoured ice-cream along the way.

Day 1: Cairns – Skyrail & Kuranda

Start your adventure in Cairns, where the family can cycle along the Esplanade or cool off in the shade of the Botanic Gardens. Stay at Crystalbrook Riley to enjoy a 1000sqm lagoon-style pool, buffet breakfast and complimentary bikes. From here, head to Kuranda to ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding over the canopy before exploring village markets, butterfly sanctuaries and koala encounters.

Day 2: Palm Cove to Port Douglas

Stop in Palm Cove for beachside fish and chips and oceanfront playgrounds before cruising north. In Port Douglas, indulge in creamy scoops on Macrossan Street and treat the family to a kid-friendly reef tour designed for beginner snorkellers. Enjoy sunset at Rex Smeal Park and let the kids burn off energy under swaying palms.

Day 3: Mossman Gorge & Daintree

Head to Mossman Gorge for a rainforest walk and a safe swim in its crystal-clear pools. Cross the Daintree River by ferry into ancient forest and real croc country. Hop on a river cruise to spot these prehistoric creatures basking on the banks, then introduce your tiny Tarzans to jungle life at your rainforest retreat.

Day 4: Cape Tribulation Adventures

Where the reef meets the rainforest, explore jungle boardwalks, paddle secluded beaches or go ziplining through the canopy. Don’t miss a stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company for exotic fruit flavours, and for older kids, a nocturnal walk reveals glowing fungi and elusive tree kangaroos.

Day 5: Cooktown

For 2WDs, loop back via the scenic Mulligan Highway. If you’re in a 4WD, tackle the adventurous Bloomfield Track, crossing creeks and climbing through dense forest. Arrive in historic Cooktown, where you can explore the Cooktown Museum, enjoy stunning views over the Coral Sea and reflect on a journey packed with nature, culture and adventure.

Cairns to Cape York Queensland road trip

Travel time: 7-10 days

Show the kiddies what adventure really looks like with a Cape York odyssey. This road trip includes creek crossings, croc-infested waters and monsoonal wet seasons. Kids will love exploring lush rainforests brimming with elusive wildlife like tree kangaroos and cassowaries.

The route: The only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – exist side by side. The 1,200-kilometre track begins at Cairns and ends at Australia’s most northern point, aka ‘The Tip’.

Don’t miss: Taking a dip at stunning (and croc-free) Fruit Bat Falls. It’s one of the very few waterholes you can actually swim in along the way.

Driving tip: This scenic route is an off-roading nirvana. A 4WD, spare tyre and extra toilet roll (or 10) are a must.

Where to stay: Roughing it is the name of the game up here. Enjoy some bush camping before indulging in a hot shower at the beachfront Cape York Camping Punsand Bay.

As always, it’s important to check ahead for weather conditions and always watch for the unexpected on the road, whether it’s a wily kangaroo or a motorcyclist coming around the bends.