Scenic drive
Cairns to Port Douglas car rental
The Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Port Douglas is one of Australia's great short drives, with rainforest-covered hills on one side and the Coral Sea on the other. Rent a car in Cairns and take it slowly: it's an easy round trip or a relaxed base for the tropical north.
The drive
- Cairns to Port Douglas is about 65 km on the Captain Cook Highway, est. 1 hour without stops. It is sealed the whole way.
- The road hugs the coast north of Cairns, with beaches and lookouts along the way. Allow half a day if you plan to stop.
- Pick up (and return) in Cairns, so it's a simple round trip with no one-way fee.
Highlights along the way
- Palm Cove: a palm-lined beach village for coffee or a swim stop.
- Rex Lookout: the classic view back along the coast.
- Port Douglas and Four Mile Beach: the town is the base for reef trips from the marina.
- Mossman Gorge: rainforest walks a short drive past Port Douglas. Park at the visitor center and take the shuttle bus into the gorge.
The practical bits
- Car choice: a small or mid-size automatic is ideal. The road is sealed, so you don't need a 4WD.
- Roads: winding in places, with cyclists and slow tourist traffic. Use the lookouts' parking areas for photos rather than stopping on the road.
- Heading further north: the Daintree River ferry and the roads beyond it are subject to your rental terms, so ask us before you plan that part. Our cars are for sealed roads only.
- When to go: May to October, the dry season, is the most comfortable time. Book early for school holidays.
Common questions
How long is the drive from Cairns to Port Douglas?
About 65 km, est. 1 hour without stops. Most people take half a day with lookouts and a beach stop.
Do I need a 4WD for Port Douglas?
No. The Captain Cook Highway is sealed, so a small or mid-size automatic is perfect.
Where do I rent a car for Port Douglas?
Pick up in Cairns and return there. Set Cairns as pickup and return when you search.
Can I take a rental car on the Daintree River ferry?
Ask us before you book. What's allowed beyond the ferry depends on your rental terms, and our cars stay on sealed roads.
Keep reading
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