Experience the Breathtaking Beauty of Great Barrier Reef Drive
Discover the stunning views and unforgettable experiences along Great Barrier Reef Drive in Queensland, Australia, a must-visit for every traveler.
Great Barrier Reef Drive is a stunning coastal route in Port Douglas, Queensland, offering breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and lush rainforests. This iconic drive is a must-see for any tourist, featuring picturesque landscapes, beach access, and opportunities for adventure. Along the way, discover charming towns, local eateries, and viewpoints that showcase the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A brief summary to Great Barrier Reef Drive
- Captain Cook Hwy, Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, AU
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Plan your drive during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views.
- Make stops at the various lookout points for the best photo opportunities.
- Carry water and snacks, as some stretches have limited facilities.
- Consider visiting during the dry season (May to October) for ideal weather conditions.
Getting There
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Bus
From Cairns city center, head to the Cairns Central bus station located at 51 Grafton Street. Look for the Sunbus service that operates routes to Port Douglas. Board the bus heading towards Port Douglas, and enjoy the scenic ride along the Captain Cook Highway. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. Ask the driver to drop you off at the nearest stop to Great Barrier Reef Drive. From there, walk towards the Great Barrier Reef Drive, which is easily accessible.
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Shuttle Service
You can book a shuttle service from various operators in Cairns that offer direct transfers to Port Douglas. Look for companies like 'Port Douglas Shuttle' or 'Cairns to Port Douglas Shuttle' online or at your hotel. The shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation in Cairns and drop you off at Great Barrier Reef Drive in Port Douglas. Make sure to check the schedule and book in advance to secure your spot.
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Bicycle Rental
For the more adventurous, consider renting a bicycle in Cairns. You can find bike rental shops around the city. Once you have your bike, head north along the Captain Cook Highway, following the designated bike paths. The ride to Great Barrier Reef Drive will take you about 2 hours, depending on your pace. Enjoy the beautiful coastal views along the way!
Discover more about Great Barrier Reef Drive
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Back Country Bliss Adventures
3.0 km
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Adventures Port Douglas
7.1 km
Experience the natural beauty and adventure of Port Douglas with tailored tours and exciting outdoor activities for every traveler.
Sandy Cove
10.3 km
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Palm Cove Tourist Information Centre
10.5 km
Explore Palm Cove with ease at the Tourist Information Centre, your go-to spot for local insights and travel tips in Queensland's tropical paradise.
The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove
10.6 km
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Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
10.6 km
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Underground Palm Cove
10.6 km
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Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
15.2 km
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Brett's Kuranda Day Tours
22.5 km
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Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
23.4 km
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Visit Cairns
23.7 km
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The White House Port Douglas
26.1 km
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The Port Douglas Queenslander
26.2 km
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Silkari Reflections of Port Douglas
26.2 km
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Port Douglas Skate Park
26.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
4.0 km
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Rex Lookout
5.5 km
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Hartley’s Creek Waterfall
6.2 km
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Kuranda National Park
6.8 km
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Ellis Beach
7.8 km
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Beaches Meet & Greet
10.2 km
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Palm Cove
10.2 km
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Palm Cove Jetty
10.3 km
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Palm Cove Beach
10.5 km
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Palm Beach
10.7 km
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Palm Tree Tunnel
10.9 km
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South Palm Cove Estuary
11.0 km
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Palm Field
13.4 km
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Thala Beach Nature Reserve
13.8 km
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Crocodile Park
14.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Beach Almond
10.4 km
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Choc Dee Thai Restaurant
10.5 km
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La Mesa
10.5 km
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Rattle n Hum Palm Cove
10.5 km
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Il Forno Pizzeria
10.5 km
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Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant
10.7 km
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Vivo Palm Cove
10.8 km
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Miguel's
10.8 km
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Nu Nu Restaurant
10.9 km
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Temple of Tastes Restaurant
11.0 km
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Osprey's Restaurant Port Douglas
13.8 km
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Aluco Restaurant and Bar
22.0 km
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Kai Port Douglas
22.6 km
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The Beach Shack La Cucina + Bar
22.6 km
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San-ti Restaurant and Bar
23.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butterfly Shop Boutique
10.4 km
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Lydia's Boutique
10.4 km
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Sweet Sayang Tropical Designs
10.4 km
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Tropical Collections
10.4 km
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Annie's at the Beach Clothing Boutique
10.5 km
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Island Boho Palm Cove
10.5 km
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Palm Cove Shopping Village
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SHAK Clothing
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Beach Catwalk
10.8 km
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Bransfords Fishing and Archery
11.8 km
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Kuranda Heritage Markets
15.2 km
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The Butterfly Shop
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The Australian Bush Store
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Tonketti Trading
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Just Gorgeous
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill
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O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill
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Surf Club Palm Cove
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Cabana Bar
10.5 km
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Third on the Left Palm Cove
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Palm Cove Tavern
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Kingz and Queenz | Bar and Lounge
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Smithfield Tavern
19.7 km
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The Watering Hole Cairns
19.8 km
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Port Douglas Plantation Resort & Licensed Bar & Cafe
21.0 km
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Barrier Reef Tavern
22.6 km
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Pool Bar
24.7 km
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Daintree Bar and Lounge
24.8 km
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The Fox Small Bar
25.7 km
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Verandah Bar
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