Rex Lookout on the Captain Cook Highway, Queensland

The Rex Lookout between Cairns and Port Douglas offers exceptional views of the Coral Sea and the far north Queensland coastline. Pull over just north of Wangetti for a photo stop.

What is the Rex Lookout?

The Rex Lookout is a roadside viewpoint in far north Queensland, Australia. It offers one of the finest views in far north Queensland. Over the years, the Rex Lookout has become a classic photo stop for tourists and tour buses.

But where is the Rex Lookout?

Rex Lookout location

The Rex Lookout is just north of Wangetti, Queensland. It’s on the Captain Cook Highway, the main route from Cairns to Port Douglas. This coastal lookout is about halfway along the drive from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

It is very close to the Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures wildlife attraction in Wangetti. If you’re planning to visit, book mobile-friendly tickets here.

The Rex Lookout is the culmination of a climb up the mountains, which pretty much rub shoulders with the sea here. The Great Dividing Range meets the coast in far north Queensland, and this clifftop lookout takes in the beaches and rainforest-covered headlands to the north and south.

9 Port Douglas experiences to boost your holiday

Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour – visiting three amazing snorkelling sites on the Outer Reef. This is the one for seeing the very best of the Reef.
Visit Agincourt Reef – with a cruise, underwater observatory and coral viewing in a semi-submersible. This is the best Port Douglas Reef tour for less confident swimmers.
Half-day Low Isles snorkelling tour – ideal for those with less time.
Daintree River wildlife cruise combo – see lots of crocs, then visit the cascades of Mossman Gorge.
Sunset sailing cruise – with welcome drinks and appetisers aboard a luxury catamaran.
Scenic helicopter flight – see the Great Barrier Reef from above.
Go fishing at a barramundi farm – with lunch included.
Aboriginal cultural walk – including bush tucker tasting and traditional hunting techniques.
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas – meet all manner of native Australian animals.

Wangetti Beach and Double Island from the Rex Lookout

To the south, you can see the curve of Wangetti Beach, and the green, steep coastline bending all the way to Double Island off the shore of Palm Cove.

The views aren’t quite as dramatic to the north as the Captain Cook Highway curves around slightly, preventing unimpeded views of the Macalister Range National Park. Nonetheless, it’s still a tremendous view out over the Coral Sea.

Other good spots to stop on the drive between Cairns and Port Douglas include Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Wangetti. This crocodile farm puts on shows demonstrating the power and might of Australia’s deadly saltwater crocodiles. There are also high quality accommodation options at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve and Turtle Cove Beach Resort. Book tickets here or visit as part of a half day tour from Cairns.