The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where natural wonders converge and take you on a journey of discovery. Nowhere else on earth do two World Heritage icons meet — the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests.

Take a weekend, a week, or more. Get off the beaten track at your own leisure. Meet the locals and the wildlife. From Cardwell to Cape York, from Cairns to Karumba, to chasing waterfalls. Joyride north on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Drive and cruise to the edge of the reef. Here, time slows down a notch, so set your own pace. With your own set of wheels, you’re set to find our region’s finest treasures and best-kept secrets.

Got three days?

DAY 1 Cairns to Cape Tribulation

The Great Barrier Reef Drive hugs world heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. Winding along the edge of the Coral Sea past unspoilt beaches via Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge.

The cable ferry takes you across the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation.

DAY 2 Atherton Tablelands

Have breakfast with the birds and hit the road to the cool high country of the Atherton Tablelands. Here you can enjoy immense taste experiences from tropical fruits to coffee and cheeses. The Mareeba Wetlands are nature sanctuary for Australian wildlife and on the way to the Waterfall Circuit. A must do!

DAY 3 Head to Mission Beach

Wake up with a swim in the Lake Eacham crater lake. Before checking out the trendy shops and cafés of Yungaburra. Head back towards the coast along the Palmerston Hwy and walk high in misty clouds on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk. As the day closes. enjoy a sunset cocktail in Mission Beach.