RoadAtlas
Captain Cook Highway — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Captain Cook Highway

Australia

In short: Captain Cook Highway is a 109 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in May–Sep. Highlights: Cairns, Palm Cove, Ellis Beach.

Distance
109 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
May–Sep
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

Queensland's most scenic coastal road runs from Cairns north to Mossman between the Wet Tropics rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites touch simultaneously.

Practical notes
This section of highway is sealed and straightforward in dry season, but tropical downpours can bring sudden heavy spray and reduced visibility. Expect tourist traffic around Cairns, Palm Cove, and Port Douglas, and check ferry times before crossing the Daintree River because services pause in bad weather or maintenance.
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Stops along the route

Cairns — Departure — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Departure
Cairns
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Esplanade lagoon and night markets set the tropical mood before heading north.
Hotels
Port Douglas — City — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
City
Port Douglas
A laid-back village of dive boats and Four Mile Beach. The Great Barrier Reef is just 45 minutes offshore by fast cat.
Hotels
Cape Tribulation — Arrival — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Arrival
Cape Tribulation
Where rainforest meets reef on a single beach. Cook named it here in 1770 after running aground on the coral.
Hotels

Things to Do

Palm Cove — Nature — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Nature
Palm Cove
The most stylish beach north of Cairns, with melaleuca-lined avenues, boutique resorts, and excellent waterfront restaurants.
Ellis Beach — Nature — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Nature
Ellis Beach
A secluded cove where granite headlands shelter a crescent of sand. The highway hugs the cliff edge directly above the reef-fringed water.
Mossman Gorge — Nature — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Nature
Mossman Gorge
Clear water rushes through granite boulders in ancient rainforest. Kuku Yalanji guides share 9,000 years of connection to this place.
Daintree Ferry Crossing — Landmark — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Landmark
Daintree Ferry Crossing
A short cable-guided punt carries vehicles across the crocodile-patrolled Daintree River into the world's oldest rainforest.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — Scenic Viewpoint — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Scenic Viewpoint
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Glide above the rainforest canopy and enjoy panoramic views of the Coral Sea and Cairns Highlands.
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas — Wildlife Park — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Wildlife Park
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Interactive zoo where you can hand-feed kangaroos and observe native Australian wildlife up close.
Daintree Discovery Centre — Museum — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Museum
Daintree Discovery Centre
Educational facility with aerial walkways and informative displays about the ancient Daintree Rainforest.

Where to Eat

Nu Nu Restaurant — Modern Australian — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Modern Australian
Nu Nu Restaurant
Beachfront dining offering contemporary Australian cuisine with tropical influences, using fresh local produce.
Salsa Bar & Grill — International — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
International
Salsa Bar & Grill
Vibrant eatery in Port Douglas serving a fusion of global flavors in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Daintree Tea House Restaurant — Seafood — Captain Cook Highway — Australia
Seafood
Daintree Tea House Restaurant
Nestled in the rainforest, this spot offers fresh seafood and tropical fruits in a serene environment.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Captain Cook Highway drive?

The Captain Cook Highway covers 109 km from start to finish.

How long does the Captain Cook Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Captain Cook Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Captain Cook Highway?

The recommended season for the Captain Cook Highway is May–Sep.

Where does the Captain Cook Highway start and end?

The Captain Cook Highway runs from Cairns to Cape Tribulation.

What are the main stops on the Captain Cook Highway?

The Captain Cook Highway passes through Cairns, Palm Cove, Ellis Beach.

Can I drive the Captain Cook Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Captain Cook Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Captain Cook Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Captain Cook Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Captain Cook Highway safe to drive?

This section of highway is sealed and straightforward in dry season, but tropical downpours can bring sudden heavy spray and reduced visibility. Expect tourist traffic around Cairns, Palm Cove, and Port Douglas, and check ferry times before crossing the Daintree River because services pause in bad weather or maintenance.

What scenic tier is the Captain Cook Highway?

The Captain Cook Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.