Palm Cove to Port Douglas: Distance, driving time and road trip stops

The Palm Cove to Port Douglas drive covers a 42km distance in around 37 minutes. You can make road trip stops at attractions such as Balancing Rocks, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and the Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

The drive from Palm Cove to Port Douglas connects the main luxury resort suburb on Cairns’ Northern Beaches to the primary departure point for Great Barrier Reef trips.

It’s not a long drive by Australian standards, but there’s a surprising amount to see on the way once you’ve left Palm Cove Beach. If you want to take the Palm Cove to Port Douglas drive slowly, you can make a day of it.

Palm Cove to Port Douglas distance and driving time

The distance from Palm Cove to Port Douglas is 42km, with a driving time of around 37 minutes.

DON’T MISS OUT! 6 Palm Cove experiences worth booking in advance

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda – with Palm Cove transfers.
Kayaking with turtles around Double Island.
Atherton Tableland rainforest and waterfalls day tour.
Sunrise stand-up paddleboarding lesson.
Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest day tour.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures trip, leaving from Palm Cove.

This drive is almost entirely along the Captain Cook Highway, which initially skirts the eastern edge of the Kuranda National Park.

Palm Cove to Port Douglas drive: Ellis Beach and Wangetti Beach

The route passes Buchan Point Beach and the Cairns Yacht Club at Ellis Beach. Next comes Borderline Beach and the photo stop at Balancing Rocks. Wangetti Beach is another beach option although, as with all beaches in this part of the world, be very wary of crocodiles.

You can see crocs safely at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Wangetti, while a short detour inland will give you fabulous views from the Macalister Range Lookout.

The Rex Lookout over Wangetti Beach on the Cairns to Port Douglas drive — The Rex Lookout over Wangetti Beach on the Palm Cove to Port Douglas drive. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Palm Cove to Port Douglas road trip attractions: Rex Lookout and Macalister Range National Park

The classic lookout on the Captain Cook Highway, however, is the Rex Lookout. This popular photo stop offers sweeping views of the rainforest and coastline.

The drive continues alongside the Macalister Range National Park, past the Turtle Cove Beach Resort and Pretty Beach.

Palm Cove to Port Douglas Drive: Thala Beach and Crocodile Viewpoint

Another excellent stop is at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve at Oak Beach. This is home to the Thala Beach Resort, and a range of tours are available – including coconut learning experiences, garden walks and stargazing sessions.

Just before entering Port Douglas, you can attempt to spot crocs from the Crocodile Viewpoint over Spring Creek.

Otherwise, branch off the Captain Cook Highway at Craiglie and enter Port Douglas. The Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat is on the way in.

Aside from the Great Barrier Reef tours, highlights of Port Douglas include river cruises, Four Mile Beach and the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat.

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.