Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Great Barrier Reef Drive
Explore the stunning coastal views and vibrant marine life along Great Barrier Reef Drive, a breathtaking journey through Queensland's natural beauty.
Great Barrier Reef Drive offers an unforgettable scenic journey along Australia's stunning coast, with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and lush landscapes. This picturesque drive is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Queensland's coastline.
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 trip during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Bring your camera to capture the stunning coastal views and wildlife along the drive.
- Make stops at the various lookouts and beaches to fully appreciate the scenery and take breaks.
- Consider joining a guided tour for insights into the local history and ecology of the area.
Getting There
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Walking
Start at the Port Douglas Visitor Information Centre located on Macrossan Street. From the Visitor Centre, head east on Macrossan Street towards Wharf Street. Turn left onto Wharf Street and walk until you reach the intersection with Captain Cook Highway. At the intersection, cross over to Captain Cook Highway. You will now be on Great Barrier Reef Drive. Continue walking along this road, enjoying the scenic views of the coast and the surrounding nature.
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Public Transport - Bus
From any location in Port Douglas, make your way to the nearest bus stop. The local shuttle service, operated by Port Douglas Shuttle, runs regularly to various tourist attractions along Captain Cook Highway, which includes stops along Great Barrier Reef Drive. Check the bus schedule at the local visitor information centre and board the bus heading towards Mossman or Cairns. Confirm with the driver that your stop will take you to Great Barrier Reef Drive.
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Bicycle Rental
If you prefer cycling, rent a bicycle from one of the local rental shops in Port Douglas. Begin your ride from the rental shop and head towards Macrossan Street. Follow the same route as if you were walking: turn left onto Wharf Street, then cross Captain Cook Highway to access Great Barrier Reef Drive. Enjoy the ride along this scenic route while taking in the coastal views. Be sure to wear a helmet and follow all traffic regulations.
Discover more about Great Barrier Reef Drive
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Back Country Bliss Adventures
3.0 km
Discover the magic of the Daintree Rainforest with Back Country Bliss Adventures, your go-to tour operator for unforgettable eco-friendly experiences.
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
Discover the tropical paradise of Sandy Cove in Palm Cove, Queensland, where sun, sand, and adventure await for every traveler.
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
Experience luxury and tranquility at The Reef House Adults Retreat in Palm Cove, a perfect tropical getaway for relaxation and culinary delights.
Williams Esplanade Palm Cove
10.6 km
Explore the beauty of Williams Esplanade in Palm Cove—where tranquility meets adventure on the stunning Queensland coast.
Underground Palm Cove
10.6 km
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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
20.9 km
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Brett's Kuranda Day Tours
22.5 km
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Wildlife Habitat
22.6 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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Jalunbu Park
26.0 km
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Jalunbu Park, a serene escape in Port Douglas, perfect for relaxation and outdoor fun.
The White House Port Douglas
26.1 km
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Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
26.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Wangetti Beach Scenic Stop
0.4 km
Experience the breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere at Wangetti Beach Scenic Stop, a must-visit coastal gem in Queensland, Australia.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
4.0 km
Experience the thrill of Australian wildlife at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, where you can see crocodiles, koalas, and more in a lush tropical setting.
Rex Lookout
5.5 km
Discover breathtaking views at Rex Lookout on the Captain Cook Highway, a stunning scenic spot perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
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
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ellis Beach, a serene escape in Queensland with golden sands and azure waters, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Beaches Meet & Greet
10.2 km
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Palm Cove
10.2 km
Experience the tropical charm of Palm Cove, Queensland, where stunning beaches meet lush rainforests in a perfect getaway.
Palm Cove Jetty
10.3 km
Discover the beauty of Palm Cove Jetty, where stunning views and exciting activities await in one of Queensland's most charming coastal spots.
Palm Cove Beach
10.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Palm Cove Beach, Queensland – a tropical paradise perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Palm Beach
10.7 km
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Palm Cove Beach Resort
10.8 km
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Palm Tree Tunnel
10.9 km
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South Palm Cove Estuary
11.0 km
Explore the serene beauty of South Palm Cove Estuary, an ecological park in Queensland, Australia, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Palm Field
13.4 km
Experience the serene beauty of Palm Field, a tranquil oasis in Queensland, perfect for relaxation and nature exploration.
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
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Il Forno Pizzeria in Palm Cove - renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and charming coastal atmosphere.
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
Experience exquisite Australian cuisine with breathtaking views at Nu Nu Restaurant in Palm Cove.
Temple of Tastes Restaurant
11.0 km
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Osprey's Restaurant Port Douglas
13.8 km
Experience exquisite dining at Osprey's Restaurant in Port Douglas - where local flavors meet stunning ocean views.
Aluco Restaurant and Bar
22.0 km
Experience the best of Australian cuisine at Aluco Restaurant and Bar in Port Douglas - where fresh flavors meet tropical charm.
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
Discover unique tropical apparel and accessories at Tropical Collections, the charming boutique in Palm Cove offering a piece of paradise to take home.
Annie's at the Beach Clothing Boutique
10.5 km
Explore Annie's at the Beach Clothing Boutique for stylish beachwear, unique gifts, and a taste of Palm Cove's vibrant shopping scene.
Island Boho Palm Cove
10.5 km
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Palm Cove Shopping Village
10.5 km
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SHAK Clothing
10.8 km
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Beach Catwalk
10.8 km
Explore Beach Catwalk in Palm Cove for the best in stylish beachwear, surf gear, and accessories tailored for your coastal adventures.
Bransfords Fishing and Archery
11.8 km
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The Butterfly Shop
15.2 km
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The Australian Bush Store
15.2 km
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Tonketti Trading
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Just Gorgeous
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Coastwatcher Shopping Centre
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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
10.4 km
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Cabana Bar
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Third on the Left Palm Cove
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Palm Cove Tavern
10.7 km
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Kingz and Queenz | Bar and Lounge
15.6 km
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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
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine at Barrier Reef Tavern, a local favorite pub in the heart of Port Douglas, Queensland.
Pool Bar
24.7 km
Experience the serenity of Port Douglas at the Pool Bar, where tropical drinks meet breathtaking scenery in an oasis of relaxation.
Daintree Bar and Lounge
24.8 km
Experience unparalleled relaxation at Daintree Bar and Lounge, where tropical elegance meets a unique liquor selection in Port Douglas.
The Fox Small Bar
25.7 km
Discover a cozy wine haven in Stratford, Queensland, where exquisite selections and a warm ambiance await every visitor.
Jimmy Rum's Mixing Lounge
26.3 km
Unwind at Jimmy Rum's Mixing Lounge in Port Douglas, where innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere await you.
