Self-Drive itineraries
Make the journey Count
Tropical North Queensland has many wonderful nature-based activities suitable for families, couple and singles.
Exploring in your own vehicle is so easy. Make sure you have plenty of drinking water, especially during the hotter months, along with hats, sunscreen and walking shoes.
Hartley's & Port Douglas and mossman
After a morning visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, we recommend you continue your drive north to Port Douglas and Mossman.
If so, Port Douglas is your next destination. Head north for 25 minutes along the Captain Cook Highway. A long list of cafes, restaurants and eateries offer a wide range of cuisines for an array of budgets.
The lookout on Flagstaff Hill offers greats views from Daintree to Cairns. Every Sunday morning, the Port Douglas markets on the waterfront showcases a variety of local crafts, along with fresh fruit and regional produce.
A further 20-minute drive will deliver you to the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre. Regular shuttle buses operated by the Kuku Yanlanji Traditional Owners take you into the Gorge National Park for a small fee. For an authentic cultural experience, guided walks into the rainforest can be pre-booked and are subject to availability.
Hartley's & Kuranda
Kuranda, the world famous ‘village in the rainforest’ is a must do activity.
From Cairns, drive north to Smithfield round-about and take the exit for the Kennedy Highway. After driving 17km, turn left at the traffic lights. There is free public parking in Thoree St.
Take time to explore and enjoy the cafes, art galleries, market stalls, sweet makers and our sister attractions; Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda , both located in the Kuranda Heritage Markets. The Heritage Markets and Original Kuranda Markets have an array of great shopping and various food options. Relax with a cold beer at historic Kuranda Bottom Pub or cruise the Barron River on the Kuranda Riverboat.
After your time in Kuranda, return to Smithfield and drive north to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. The drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes from Kuranda.
What to do in Cairns
The Cairns region has many natural areas ideal for walks:
Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, Smithfield
Skyrail Rainforest Cableways, Smithfield
Cairns Wake Park, Smithfield
Cairns Kart Hire and Laser Tag, Smithfield
The wave rider at Tobruk Pool, Cairns
Cairns Museum, Spence Street, CBD
Cairns Aquarium
Cattana Wetlands at Smithfield
Cairns Botanical Gardens
Red, Blue and Yellow Arrow Walks (mountainous) at Edge Hill
Cairns Esplanade, including ‘Muddies’ Children's Playground
Centenary Lakes with a nature playground on Greenslopes Street
If you are departing from Cairns, Jonsson’s Farmer’s Market, just off the Highway at Aeroglen has a fantastic range of local fruit and snacks.
Make the most of you adventure!
Multi-park passes
The Great Australian Wildlife Experience package is a self-drive product only. The Great Australian Wildlife Experience package is a self-drive product only.Transfers are not available. Visitors need to make their way to each of the three parks by car within a five-day period.