Touring by Car in North Queensland

North Queensland is full of driving trips for a self drive holiday. Here is a taste of what's on offer.

Car journey in North Queensland

The Great Green Way

Great Tropical Drive
Townsville - Cairns
Distance:
475km
Duration: 2+ Days
The coast between Townsville and Cairns is a relaxed region of ancient rainforests and tropical islands.  Picturesque National Parks are dominated by beautiful waterfalls and creeks.  Long beaches invite you to stroll and soak in the North Queensland lifestyle. Read more on the Great Green Way itinerary. 

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Trip Highlights:
  • The towering Wallaman Falls
  • Walking on Hinchinbrook Island
  • White water rafting at Tully
  • Walking on Mission Beach at sunrise

 

Reef to Rainforest 

Great Tropical Drive
Cairns - Port Douglas - Yungaburra - Cairns
Distance:
261km
Duration: 3 Days
Experience one of the most beautiful ocean drives in the world, where reef and rainforest lie side by side, as you cruise the highway to Port Douglas.  Then drive up Rex Range and spend a few days tasting the speciality foods of tropical Australia. Read more on the Reef to Rainforest itinerary.

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Trip Highlights:
  • Port Douglas' world class restaurants
  • Visiting the Tolga Woodworks
  • Indulging in tropical food and wine around the Atherton Tablelands
  • Swimming in a Tableland waterfall
  • Go back in time at Herberton Historic Village
  • Swim in the many Tableland waterfalls

 

Car Journey Tips

 

Sealed and Unsealed Roads 

You can plan a route that stays on the bitument, mix in a little two-wheel drive suitable sections for off road adventure.  Check current maps and ask at Visitor Information Centres for roads to suit you and your vehicle.  


Pre-trip planning

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in North Queensland.  Ensure you have a good map and plan ahead. It’s a good idea to calculate travel times and distances between stops, even prepare alternative routes, especially when travelling during the Australian summer (Nov – Apr) when rain and storms can impede travel plans.

Road Conditions

Contact the local Visitor Information Centre in the town that you are visiting or the RACQ on 1300 130 595, for current road conditions. Alternatively, visit The Queensland Government Traffic & Travel Information website or call 13 19 40.

Single Lane Driving

When meeting road trains and heavy vehicles on single lane roads, slow right down and move off the road to the left, if it is safe to do so move of the road entirely and stop to avoid driving into any obstacles on the verge. In wet conditions road verges tend to be soft and/or slippery, so take extreme care when pulling off to the left.

Driver Fatigue

Enjoy your drive and stay fresh.  A 15 minute break ever two hours is recommended. You'll find plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy your surroundings, or revive with a free cuppa at one of the many Driver Reviver locations throughout Queensland. 

Find more travel tips and road safety information here.