Cairns to Cape Tribulation
Plan a family road trip in Far North Queensland
Can’t decide between a sea change and a tree change? Get the best of both worlds in the Tropical North. From the Daintree Rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, our adventure-filled road trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation has the entire family covered.
Explore Australia with Europcar
Ready to take off to the Tropical North? Exploring Queensland with the family is easy with a car hire from Europcar. Whether you’re looking for a rugged 4WD or a budget-friendly sedan, our wide range of rental vehicles will have you exploring the Sunshine State your own way.
Cairns
The gateway to not one, but two of Australia’s most famous attractions, Cairns is where World Heritage-listed landmarks meet natural wonder. Snorkel or scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, trek through the leafy trails of the Daintree Rainforest or learn about indigenous history from the locals – then unwind lagoon-side in the heart of the city. When you’re ready to go, pick up your car hire in the CBD and get ready for even more adventure.
Mareeba 61.5 km
Just an hour's drive west of Cairns, Mareeba and its multicultural heritage are a highlight of the region. And with a reputation as a haven for foodies, this little town is big on flavour. Visit tropical fruit farms, coffee plantations and wineries or get a glimpse of Mareeba’s gold mining days at the Mareeba Heritage Museum. Rather explore outdoors? Pack a picnic and head to Emerald Creek Falls for a dip in the refreshing rock pools, visit Australia’s richest area for birdlife at the Mareeba Wetlands or see it all from the sky on a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Port Douglas 88 km
Once you’re ready to return to the coast, the seaside town of Port Douglas is only an hour away – but you won’t be the only one planning a visit. A favourite holiday destination with celebrities, this unassuming village is full of luxury hotels and fine dining, making it a perfect place to indulge between rugged outdoor adventures. Luckily, if you don’t want to splurge, there’s still plenty of family-friendly rental homes, not to mention heaps of natural attractions to explore.
Cape Tribulation 85 km
An unforgettable last stop on your family road trip, Cape Tribulation is where you can step out from the rainforest straight out onto the sea. Hire a kayak and paddle to nearby islands or explore the coastline to find secluded pockets of sand. Back in the bush, take in spectacular views from the summit of Mount Sorrow or book in for a guided hike to see local critters that are hard to spot solo. Before you go, get your heart racing on a flying fox through the rainforest canopy, then pack the boot full of fresh tropical fruits for the drive back to Cairns.
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