ESSENTIALS EXPLORER

Port Douglas is a central launch pad for day tripping the diversity of the tropics. Within a short drive, you can find yourself immersed in the oldest living rainforest on Earth, admiring the endless greenery, waterfalls and rivers, or beginning that off-the-beaten-track 4WD adventure. Here are five of the finest self-drive day trips from Port Douglas

Coastal Crawl

The route from Port Douglas south is one of the most revered coastal drives in the world. Every turn will leave you taking in the incredible views, calm beaches and rainforest mountains reaching right down to the shoreline. There's plenty of places to stop on the Great Barrier Reef Drive and take it all in. Take a breather at Rex Lookout for sweeping sea views and the occasional hang glider and Thala Beach Nature Reserve at Oak Beach for an Instagram perfect shot. Make a stop at Pebbly Beach at Yule Point and visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures at Wangetti

Mossman

Just north of Port Douglas is Mossman, the sugar cane capital of the region replete with country stores, and historic pubs along the wide tree lined main street. Just west of town is Mossman Gorge – a serene mix of azure water tumbling between huge rocks, carving its way through dense rainforest. There is a visitor information centre run by the Kuku Yalanji people who share stories of the land and people through Dreamtime walks. You can also explore this special spot independently on a series of paths, including an elevated route with interpretive signage.

Daintree Village

Originally a timber town, Daintree Village is now a quiet tourism, agriculture and tropical fruit farming centre. It's a departure point for wilderness river tours plus the village itself is highly regarded for bird watching and a delicious crocodile burger. Stop for a Devonshire tea and soak up the serenity

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation or Kulki (in Kuku Yalanji language) is a place of fringing reefs, rare and beautiful animals including the Southern Cassowary and ancient plant life. Enveloped by rainforest, after crossing the Daintree River on the cable ferry, breakouts include a tea plantation, Alexandra Range Lookout, boardwalks, ice creameries, tropical fruit farms, cafes, and side trips to the various beaches that run along the coastline as you head north.

Bloomfield And Beyond

Ticking off the Bloomfield Track is on the bucket list for most fourwheel drivers. This short, sharp journey has steep inclines and creek crossings. The starting point of this 30km track is Cape Tribulation, before ending at Wujal Wujal. Those with extra time, can complete the 100km journey on to Cooktown. Swimming holes, beautiful lookouts and beaches line the route, also known as the Coast Road. For the more experienced, check out the CREB Track, a rough and ready alternative to the Bloomfield starting in Daintree Village