ROAD TRIPS While the Port Douglas and Daintree region is famed for its palmfringed beaches, natural wonders and village lifestyle, there is a is a whole world of beauty just waiting to be explored. Postcard perfect coastlines, scenic country roads with green rolling hills, glorious waterfall circuits and rugged Savannah beauty – there's no end to the road trips beyond.
1. PALM COVE Nestled between Port Douglas and Cairns, this little ridiculously photogenic town is famous for its coastline, jetty, Instagram-worthy palms and more cocktails spots and acai bowls than you could imagine. Waterfront dining takes a whole new meaning in Palm Cove – overlooking the Coral Sea and Double Island, your table is so close you'll be tipping sand out of stilettos before main course.
2. KURANDA You could believe that Kuranda is a place where magic happens. A charming spot for locals, holiday-makers and honeymooners, Kuranda is also a melting pot of creative arts. Famous for the quirky Kuranda Markets, it's also the spot to view the Barron Falls – a 260m granitefaced waterfall, best viewed in full flight during the wet season. While there, take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience the sensation of gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy.
3. ATHERTON TABLELANDS Up in those hills (about 800m up) where the air is a little bit crisper, the vibrant green grasses and rolling roads of the Atherton Tablelands holds a cornucopia of natural beauty and delicious treats. From quaint villages and waterfalls to volcanic lakes alongside cheese farms, chocolate makers and coffee plantations, there is an abundance of diversity in nature and fun.
4. COOKTOWN Just a little north of Port Douglas Daintree is the historical town of Cooktown, most famous for being the spot where Captain James Cook docked the Endeavour for repairs in 1770 after giving the ship a nasty run in with the Great Barrier Reef. During this repair time, botanist Joseph Banks made himself useful and discovered over 200 new species of plants, and young artist Sydney Parkinson was the first British artist to portray Aboriginal people from direct interaction. Today, it's a thriving fishing village and extremely proud of its colonial heritage – check out the numerous historical monuments and buildings depicting its unique history and colourful past.
5. CAPE YORK PENINSULA Ahhhhhh, welcome to the remote, unspoilt beauty of Cape York Peninsula. A nature-lover's paradise, Cape York is one of the great wilderness areas of Australia. It is a vast and remote region, but one with extraordinary beauty and history. Amongst incredible natural experiences on deserted beaches and unspoiled national parks, make sure you feel the satisfaction of standing at the most Northern Tip of Australia.
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