The Great Tropical Drive

Great Tropical Drive 01 Cairns – Port Douglas – Cooktown – Charters Towers – Townsville – Cairns (2079km) COOKTOWN The Great Tropical Drive is a world class touring loop that travels roads less travelled from the Great Barrier Reef through the rainforests of the Wet Tropics Laura into the golden savannah of Outback Queensland.

Great Green Way 04 Helenvale 02 the savannah way driving cape york Townsville – Cairns (457km) Rossville The ultimate adventure across the top This traditional adventure driving destination is best visited by 4WD but during August and Starting from Townsville or Cairns, the Great Green Way encompasses the of Australia. From Queensland head out September conventional vehicles can make the 700km drive from Lakeland near Cooktown. World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, islands, Lakeland Ayton waterfalls, wetlands, farming areas and friendly country towns. It’s the perfect The Great Tropical Drive is a self-drive route that of Cairns to the lush landscapes of the During the drive to the “tip”, check out the Aboriginal rock art at Laura, on odd numbered drive to experience coastal North Queensland. Wujal Wujal will take you from Cairns or Townsville to some Atherton Tablelands and on to the wide years the Aboriginal Dance and Cultural Festival, as well as Lakefi eld National Park, the Palmer River amazing places – less than a few hours away! Daintree Explorer Cape Tribulation expanses of the Gulf Savannah. Some of mining town of Weipa, and Bamaga township. the great tropical drive Roadhouse DISCOVER NATURE'S PLAYGROUND 03 Mossman – Bloomfi eld Track – Cooktown – Mossman (417km) Dive the Great Barrier Reef, raft whitewater the route is 4WD only, but large sections For more information visit www.cooktownandcapeyork.com Explore the rugged landscape beyond the Daintree coast. Immerse yourself in rapids, trek Queensland’s highest peak, share are suitable for conventional cars. Pick rainforest Aboriginal culture, spot a croc or two and discover the legacy of Daintree bush tucker with traditional owners, wander your favourite section, grab the maps Captain James Cook and the north’s great goldrush. through the world’s largest lava tube and and head off into the wilderness! Cooktown 03 Mossman indulge in the freshest tropical foods. Mt Carbine 04 Cooktown – Lakefi eld National Park – Laura – Cooktown (279km) PORT DOUGLAS Take the time to experience the entire Great For more information visit Explore deep into the past from the present on a journey that explores the colour of the www.savannahway.com.au varied landscape of Cape York Peninsula, ancient Aboriginal culture, early colonial history and Tropical Drive route or choose a shorter drive Julatten remote Australia’s contemporary lifestyle. Ellis Beach to suit: from easy one-day drives to week-long Mt Molloy Palm Cove 4WD and campervan adventures. Reef to Rainforest Kuranda Trinity Beach 05 Cairns – Port Douglas – Yungaburra – Cairns (261km) Mt Mulligan 05 Smithfield Experience one of the most beautiful ocean drives in the world, where reef and Biboohra rainforest lie side by side, as you cruise the highway to Port Douglas. Then drive up CAIRNS Rex Range and spend a few days tasting the speciality foods of tropical Australia. MAREEBA 06 0 50 100 Thornborough Edmonton approximate distance (kilometres) Waterfalls Walkamin Gordonvale 06 Cairns – Malanda (326km) Chillagoe Dimbulah Cruise through fi elds of sugar cane before climbing the coastal range Tolga to the highlands that overlook Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, where ATHERTON farming communities share the tablelands with some of the region’s most Yungaburra Almaden Petford Irvinebank Babinda getting around impressive natural habitats. Malanda Bramston Beach Herberton Tarzali Find out more about Australian road rules and driving safety tips before you go. Visit: Chillagoe Emuford 07 Mareeba – Chillagoe – Undara – Mareeba (559km) Millaa Millaa Flying Fish Point Ravenshoe www.driveqld.com.au This trail is a true adventure drive that will take you from lush rainforest INNISFAIL Mt Garnet www.mainroads.qld.gov.au across the golden savannah – where you will disappear underground to South Johnstone 09 explore the limestone caves of Chillagoe and Undara lava tubes. 4WD Various types of transport are available on the Great Tropical Drive so its easy to combine different 07 Innot Hot Mena Creek vehicle recommended. Springs Silkwood modes of transport during your Great Tropical Drive experience. Some tips to make your journey Tully Gorge El Arish Georgetown more than a drive: 08 Ravenshoe – Undara – The Lynd Junction (489km) TULLY MISSION BEACH Descend from the Atherton Tableland to the base of the Great ■ Join a local day tour to one of many tourist attractions, national parks, beaches, islands 10 South Mission Beach Dividing Range where the grasslands of the Gulf or local food and wine areas Savannah reveal the remains of 160 extinct Forty Mile volcanoes in the McBride Volcanic Mt Surprise Scrub NP ■ Experience the region and Great Barrier Reef from above; take a helicopter tour or go Province. Their legacy includes 08 hot air ballooning deep lava tubes, craters, Georgetown CARDWELL gemfi elds and hot springs. Hinchinbrook Island Once you arrive, there are plenty of regional visitor centres to provide you with all the information 09 Canecutter Way 02 you’ll need to help plan your itinerary and make bookings. Look for accredited visitor information Innisfail – Silkwood – Innisfail Forsayth Einasleigh centres displaying the offi cial symbol ( ) which will assure you a high standard of service and (162km) Lucinda This relaxing drive takes you from Trebonne Halifax professionalism. These centres are staffed mostly by local volunteers who are knowledgeable and the Art Deco architecture of Innisfail, to Wallaman Falls passionate about their local areas. the crumbling ruins of a former grandiose Spanish INGHAM style home, passing through lush sugarcane fi elds and The Lynd Junction rainforest. Mt Fox getting there important things to remember when self-driving Tully to Mission Beach 10 Hidden Valley Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar all fl y direct to ■ Make sure your vehicle is suitable for the roads you intend to travel on Tully – Mission Beach – Tully (218km) Balgal Beach This trail takes you through some of truly scenic wonders of the tropical north Greenvale 11 Rollingstone Cairns and Townsville from Brisbane, Sydney ■ Swimming in coastal waters can be dangerous during summer months due to marine stingers – lush rainforests, golden beaches, and strange fl ightless birds – the elusive cassowary. Magnetic Island 01 PALUMA Toomulla and Melbourne. For more information or to book You will gain a good insight into the traditions and culture of the local Indigenous people, and enjoy Toolakea Saunders Beach ■ Alcohol restrictions have been introduced for many Aboriginal and/or islander community areas Bushland Beach unlimited opportunities to test your skills with more adventurous activities. your fl ights visit: For more information visit www.mcmc.qld.gov.au Hinchinbrook 12 Thortons Gap TOWNSVILLE 11 Ingham – Lucinda – Hidden Valley – Ingham (462km) www.qantas.com.au ■ During wet periods numerous road closures will occur at river and creek crossings. Prior to Experience the delights of beaches, rivers, valleys, a dormant volcano, wetlands, sugarcane and Australia’s highest Bowling Green Bay www.virginblue.com.au heading north, information on road conditions should be sought from RACQ at single drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls. World Heritage-listed rainforest and reef, friendly country folk and spectacular www.jetstar.com.au www.racq.com.au or 1300 130 595 coastal and island views are guaranteed in Hinchinbrook, part of the Great Green Way. Bluff Downs Keelbottom Creek Woodstock AYR Paluma Home Hill 12 Townsville – Paluma –Townsville (279km) Dalrymple NP A great two-day drive from Townsville through a very photogenic section of the Great Green Way region (recommended Clare for 4WD vehicles). This is a journey of contrasts – passing through varying picturesque regions from the Fletcher Creek Mingela more information coast and beaches, to cool mountain ranges, villages, rivers, lookouts, misty World Heritage rainforest and outback and grazing country. 14 For more ideas and assistance when planning your Great Tropical Drive trip visit: Western Heritage 13 Townsville – Charters Towers – Bluff Downs – Townsville (674km) CHARTERS 13 Ravenswood TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND TOWNSVILLE ATHERTON TABLELANDS This tour includes the heritage gold mining town of Charters Towers, the outback and wetlands. TOWERS The southern region includes rivers, mountain ranges, geological formations and an abundance www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au www.townsvilleholidays.info www.athertontablelands.com.au of fl ora and fauna. The small rural communities offer the visitor agricultural history, culture and great stories. White Mountains NP CHARTERS TOWERS PORT DOUGLAS AND DAINTREE COOKTOWN AND CAPE YORK Homestead Planning your Great Tropical Drive www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au www.tpdd.com.au www.cooktownandcapeyork.com 14 Liquid Gold Visit www.greattropicaldrive.com.au for everything you Townsville – Ayr – Townsville (350km) Pentland need to plan your trip. Here you will fi nd detailed travel information MISSION BEACH PALM COVE HINCHINBROOK A great relaxing two-day drive passing through national park, scenic bushland areas and sugar on the Great Tropical Drive and the self-drive Discovery Trails. cane fi elds. Explore legendary ghost stories in historic Ravenswood, World War 2 sites, the Brandon www.missionbeachtourism.com www.tourismpalmcove.com www.hinchinbrooknq.com.au Historic Precinct and the fascinating Gudjuda Indigenous Culture Centre.

Cape York Peninsula

Cairns Great Tropical Drive Experience Trails If you can’t decide which trail to take, just follow your senses! The Great Tropical Drive website features six “Experience Trails” that will help you discover Townsville the best of adventure, nature, indigenous culture, food, heritage and wildlife experiences in Tropical Australia. COOKTOWN | CAIRNS | TOWNSVILLE | AYR Queensland Adventure Trail Nature Trail Indigenous Trail Food Trail Heritage Trail Wildlife Trail Explore the hidden walking Uncover the hidden secrets This region’s unique Taste a vast range of local Follow in the footsteps of Meet the unique birdlife QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA & 4WD tracks of this of an area of unrivalled culture evolved in tropical produce including fresh great explorers – including and mammals living in challenging landscape. natural beauty. forests over many thousands seafood, rare tropical fruits, the greatest of all, the rainforest and Brisbane www.greattropicaldrive.com.au of years. specialty teas and coffee. Captain Cook. savannah habitats. Australia Set your pace to tropical Winding its way There is a variety of island adventures to be had in the region. from palm-fringed great barrier reef sports fi shing islands and beaches Experience northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas on speed on a self-driving holiday beaches to ancient Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of North Queensland. This Townsville’s Magnetic Island, or visit the idyllic coastal township of taking in some of the most World Heritage World Heritage wonder of vibrant reef systems, coral cays and marine life is easily accessed Mission Beach, situated between Cairns and Townsville. It offers rainforest, the from key areas like Cairns, Port Douglas, Mission Beach and Townsville as well as other spots all the best natural features of Tropical North Queensland and amazing places between golden Outback, along the coast. provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and nearby islands Townsville and Cape York in and wonders of the Dunk, Bedarra and Hinchinbrook. Great Barrier Reef tropical Australia. lying just offshore, it’s a driving adventure packed with the colours and characters of Queensland. Take time to experience the whole route or a the great tropical shorter drive or week-long 4WD adventure. Whether you’re into nature-based activities or drive pure adventure, the Great Tropical Drive has something for everyone. Explore one of nature’s miracles – the world’s longest system of lava tubes in the Undara Volcanic National Park, cool off with a swim in the clear waters of Crystal Creek at Paluma, or spot crocodiles in the wild in the midst of the ancient World Heritage-listed Experience the region’s rich Indigenous history Daintree Rainforest. Torres Strait and culture along the drive, ranging from Tully- outback food trails The expanse of sand and reef cays, sand culture rainforest Taste paradise in the Tropics… an abundant based Echo Creek Spirit of Rainforest, Mungalla Stop off along the way in the charming relaxed fl ats and channels in the Torres Strait offer food destination awaits. Exotic tropical Station at Ingham to the award-winning Tjapukai coastal villages of Mission Beach, Palm Cove some of the world’s best game fi shing. fruits, locally made cheeses, tea and coffee Aboriginal cultural experience near Cairns. or Port Douglas or inland to the historic mining Live-aboard charter boats visit waters where plantations, organic produce, farmers markets Join a guided rainforest tour, indulge in an towns of Charters Towers or Herberton. guests can catch northern bluefi n, dog tooth and the freshest of seafood are highlights that Indigenous-inspired spa treatment at Daintree Visit one of the world’s top 10 rock art sites, and yellow fi n tuna, marlin, coral trout, red can be experienced on a self-drive or guided Eco Lodge or take a rock art tour with Willie dive or snorkel the reef. Further north, there’s emperor and huge Spanish mackerel. food trail of the Tablelands and coastal villages Gordon of Guurrbi Tours near Cooktown. the pure adventure of four-wheel-driving to of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Cape York and the tip of Australia for some of North Queensland offers an abundance of the best sports fi shing in the world. Whether outback experiences. Ranging from fossicking you try a section, or the whole Great Tropical for gold at Charters Towers in the south to Drive, you’ll have memories of this very special the inland Gulf Savannah's outback gorges four wheel driving heritage part of northern Australia to last a lifetime. and series of remarkable tunnels that were formed over 190,000 years ago by fl owing lava from a volcanic eruption. Guided tours of the Undara Lava Tubes unearth the secrets of their formation and the thousands of resident microbats. Stay nearby in a restored railway carriage, at the lodge or camp out. Cooktown – Test your 4WD skills on the Cape For the ultimate 4WD explorer's paradise adventure nature wildlife Tribulation to Cooktown Bloomfi eld Track – a test your driving skills as you move further drive that takes you deep into the rainforest; north into Cape York, one of Australia's few Wallaman Falls / Millaa Millaa Waterfall crosses several creeks and rivers, and includes remaining wilderness areas. Cape York can Paronella Park / Herberton Daintree / Mossman nature trails These two falls can claim to be the largest single steep climbs and descents. Marvel at Black only be accessed during the dry season A lovingly-restored castle and a collection The tiny North Queensland village of drop waterfall and most photographed in Australia Mountain, an enormous heap of volcanic (May-November) and is full of bulldust, of historic Australian buildings are musts Mossman is located on the edge of the respectively. Wallaman Falls, near Ingham, boulders, prior to entering the quaint and corrugations, deep river crossings and for heritage lovers visiting the Atherton wilderness. To the west is Mossman Gorge, cascades 305 metres into a large pool. Millaa historic township of Cooktown. Here you can saltwater crocodiles. Some must-do's include Tablelands. Built in 1913, Paronella Park is entrance to the ancient World Heritage- Millaa Falls are surrounded by lush rainforest explore the site of Captain Cook's discovery Lakefi eld and Iron Range National Parks framed by magnifi cent gardens, lakeside listed Daintree Rainforest. Australia’s largest and are part of the famous Atherton Tablelands in 1770 of a safe harbour for his crippled ship, for nature and birdwatching, visit turtles at tunnels and bridges. Herberton Historic rainforest area is home to the highest number Waterfall Circuit. the "Endeavour", during his fi rst journey up the Mapoon and fi sh the magical coastal waters Village includes a century-old farmhouse, of rare and threatened plants and animals in north eastern coast of Australia. of Weipa. classroom and classic pub bar. the world. Opportunities are unlimited from Pure and unspoilt, experience the Great Spot cassowaries or crocodiles in the wild, climbing mountains, sky diving and world- Barrier Reef, ancient Daintree and Wet have breakfast with the birds, discover a diverse class white water rafting to Tropics rainforest, Outback Savannah and marine life or visit Magnetic Island, home to one dive expeditions or four-wheel-driving. golden beaches. of Australia's largest koala colonies. an eventful journey heritage food & wine indigenous march april may may june august FEAST OF THE SENSES – Innisfail AUSTRALIAN ITALIAN FESTIVAL – Ingham COOKTOWN DISCOVERY FESTIVAL – An annual celebration of the region’s This popular festival showcases the region’s Cooktown produce. www.feastofthesenses.com.au rich Italian heritage, culture and cuisine. Annual celebration of the European discovery www.australianitalianfestival.com.au of Australia and reenactment of the landing of Lieutenant James Cook in 1770. www.cooktowndiscovery.com.au august september october FESTIVAL OF CAIRNS – Cairns TEN DAYS IN THE TOWERS – MISSION BEACH FILM FESTIVAL – PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE – OPERA IN THE OUTBACK – Undara AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF Step back in time and discover the charms Treat yourself to the very best local Learn more about ancient Aboriginal The city’s annual celebration in August / Charters Towers Mission Beach Port Douglas Some of Australia’s most accomplished CHAMBER MUSIC – Townsville of Art Deco Innisfail, Paronella Park, produce including superb seafood, tropical culture by experiencing guided Indigenous September showcases all Cairns has to offer Incorporating the All Australian Jamboree This charming coastal village presents a An annual 10 day celebration of food, wine operatic performers take the stage in the An international chamber music festival Charters Towers, Ravenswood, Herberton fruits, coffee and tea, and try our award- tours, art and bush tucker. through art, entertainment, food, sport and and Charters Towers Country Music Festival. diverse program of fi lm and entertainment. and fun hosted by the seaside village of Port tropical savannah bushland. held over nine days. Historic Village and more. winning cafés and restaurants. more. www.festivalcairns.com.au www.charterstowerscountrymusic.com www.missionbeachfi lmfestival.com.au Douglas. www.carnivale.com.au www.undara.com.au www.afcm.com.au

For more information on events in the region, visit: www.qldevents.com.au

www.greattropicaldrive.com.au www.greattropicaldrive.com.au Set your pace to tropical Winding its way There is a variety of island adventures to be had in the region. from palm-fringed great barrier reef sports fi shing islands and beaches Experience northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas on speed on a self-driving holiday beaches to ancient Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of North Queensland. This Townsville’s Magnetic Island, or visit the idyllic coastal township of taking in some of the most World Heritage World Heritage wonder of vibrant reef systems, coral cays and marine life is easily accessed Mission Beach, situated between Cairns and Townsville. It offers rainforest, the from key areas like Cairns, Port Douglas, Mission Beach and Townsville as well as other spots all the best natural features of Tropical North Queensland and amazing places between golden Outback, along the coast. provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and nearby islands Townsville and Cape York in and wonders of the Dunk, Bedarra and Hinchinbrook. Great Barrier Reef tropical Australia. lying just offshore, it’s a driving adventure packed with the colours and characters of Queensland. Take time to experience the whole route or a the great tropical shorter drive or week-long 4WD adventure. Whether you’re into nature-based activities or drive pure adventure, the Great Tropical Drive has something for everyone. Explore one of nature’s miracles – the world’s longest system of lava tubes in the Undara Volcanic National Park, cool off with a swim in the clear waters of Crystal Creek at Paluma, or spot crocodiles in the wild in the midst of the ancient World Heritage-listed Experience the region’s rich Indigenous history Daintree Rainforest. Torres Strait and culture along the drive, ranging from Tully- outback food trails The expanse of sand and reef cays, sand culture rainforest Taste paradise in the Tropics… an abundant based Echo Creek Spirit of Rainforest, Mungalla Stop off along the way in the charming relaxed fl ats and channels in the Torres Strait offer food destination awaits. Exotic tropical Station at Ingham to the award-winning Tjapukai coastal villages of Mission Beach, Palm Cove some of the world’s best game fi shing. fruits, locally made cheeses, tea and coffee Aboriginal cultural experience near Cairns. or Port Douglas or inland to the historic mining Live-aboard charter boats visit waters where plantations, organic produce, farmers markets Join a guided rainforest tour, indulge in an towns of Charters Towers or Herberton. guests can catch northern bluefi n, dog tooth and the freshest of seafood are highlights that Indigenous-inspired spa treatment at Daintree Visit one of the world’s top 10 rock art sites, and yellow fi n tuna, marlin, coral trout, red can be experienced on a self-drive or guided Eco Lodge or take a rock art tour with Willie dive or snorkel the reef. Further north, there’s emperor and huge Spanish mackerel. food trail of the Tablelands and coastal villages Gordon of Guurrbi Tours near Cooktown. the pure adventure of four-wheel-driving to of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Cape York and the tip of Australia for some of North Queensland offers an abundance of the best sports fi shing in the world. Whether outback experiences. Ranging from fossicking you try a section, or the whole Great Tropical for gold at Charters Towers in the south to Drive, you’ll have memories of this very special the inland Gulf Savannah's outback gorges four wheel driving heritage part of northern Australia to last a lifetime. and series of remarkable tunnels that were formed over 190,000 years ago by fl owing lava from a volcanic eruption. Guided tours of the Undara Lava Tubes unearth the secrets of their formation and the thousands of resident microbats. Stay nearby in a restored railway carriage, at the lodge or camp out. Cooktown – Test your 4WD skills on the Cape For the ultimate 4WD explorer's paradise adventure nature wildlife Tribulation to Cooktown Bloomfi eld Track – a test your driving skills as you move further drive that takes you deep into the rainforest; north into Cape York, one of Australia's few Wallaman Falls / Millaa Millaa Waterfall crosses several creeks and rivers, and includes remaining wilderness areas. Cape York can Paronella Park / Herberton Daintree / Mossman nature trails These two falls can claim to be the largest single steep climbs and descents. Marvel at Black only be accessed during the dry season A lovingly-restored castle and a collection The tiny North Queensland village of drop waterfall and most photographed in Australia Mountain, an enormous heap of volcanic (May-November) and is full of bulldust, of historic Australian buildings are musts Mossman is located on the edge of the respectively. Wallaman Falls, near Ingham, boulders, prior to entering the quaint and corrugations, deep river crossings and for heritage lovers visiting the Atherton wilderness. To the west is Mossman Gorge, cascades 305 metres into a large pool. Millaa historic township of Cooktown. Here you can saltwater crocodiles. Some must-do's include Tablelands. Built in 1913, Paronella Park is entrance to the ancient World Heritage- Millaa Falls are surrounded by lush rainforest explore the site of Captain Cook's discovery Lakefi eld and Iron Range National Parks framed by magnifi cent gardens, lakeside listed Daintree Rainforest. Australia’s largest and are part of the famous Atherton Tablelands in 1770 of a safe harbour for his crippled ship, for nature and birdwatching, visit turtles at tunnels and bridges. Herberton Historic rainforest area is home to the highest number Waterfall Circuit. the "Endeavour", during his fi rst journey up the Mapoon and fi sh the magical coastal waters Village includes a century-old farmhouse, of rare and threatened plants and animals in north eastern coast of Australia. of Weipa. classroom and classic pub bar. the world. Opportunities are unlimited from Pure and unspoilt, experience the Great Spot cassowaries or crocodiles in the wild, climbing mountains, sky diving and world- Barrier Reef, ancient Daintree and Wet have breakfast with the birds, discover a diverse class white water rafting to Tropics rainforest, Outback Savannah and marine life or visit Magnetic Island, home to one dive expeditions or four-wheel-driving. golden beaches. of Australia's largest koala colonies. an eventful journey heritage food & wine indigenous march april may may june august FEAST OF THE SENSES – Innisfail AUSTRALIAN ITALIAN FESTIVAL – Ingham COOKTOWN DISCOVERY FESTIVAL – An annual celebration of the region’s This popular festival showcases the region’s Cooktown produce. www.feastofthesenses.com.au rich Italian heritage, culture and cuisine. Annual celebration of the European discovery www.australianitalianfestival.com.au of Australia and reenactment of the landing of Lieutenant James Cook in 1770. www.cooktowndiscovery.com.au august september october FESTIVAL OF CAIRNS – Cairns TEN DAYS IN THE TOWERS – MISSION BEACH FILM FESTIVAL – PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE – OPERA IN THE OUTBACK – Undara AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF Step back in time and discover the charms Treat yourself to the very best local Learn more about ancient Aboriginal The city’s annual celebration in August / Charters Towers Mission Beach Port Douglas Some of Australia’s most accomplished CHAMBER MUSIC – Townsville of Art Deco Innisfail, Paronella Park, produce including superb seafood, tropical culture by experiencing guided Indigenous September showcases all Cairns has to offer Incorporating the All Australian Jamboree This charming coastal village presents a An annual 10 day celebration of food, wine operatic performers take the stage in the An international chamber music festival Charters Towers, Ravenswood, Herberton fruits, coffee and tea, and try our award- tours, art and bush tucker. through art, entertainment, food, sport and and Charters Towers Country Music Festival. diverse program of fi lm and entertainment. and fun hosted by the seaside village of Port tropical savannah bushland. held over nine days. Historic Village and more. winning cafés and restaurants. more. www.festivalcairns.com.au www.charterstowerscountrymusic.com www.missionbeachfi lmfestival.com.au Douglas. www.carnivale.com.au www.undara.com.au www.afcm.com.au

For more information on events in the region, visit: www.qldevents.com.au www.greattropicaldrive.com.au www.greattropicaldrive.com.au Set your pace to tropical Winding its way There is a variety of island adventures to be had in the region. from palm-fringed great barrier reef sports fi shing islands and beaches Experience northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas on speed on a self-driving holiday beaches to ancient Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of North Queensland. This Townsville’s Magnetic Island, or visit the idyllic coastal township of taking in some of the most World Heritage World Heritage wonder of vibrant reef systems, coral cays and marine life is easily accessed Mission Beach, situated between Cairns and Townsville. It offers rainforest, the from key areas like Cairns, Port Douglas, Mission Beach and Townsville as well as other spots all the best natural features of Tropical North Queensland and amazing places between golden Outback, along the coast. provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and nearby islands Townsville and Cape York in and wonders of the Dunk, Bedarra and Hinchinbrook. Great Barrier Reef tropical Australia. lying just offshore, it’s a driving adventure packed with the colours and characters of Queensland. Take time to experience the whole route or a the great tropical shorter drive or week-long 4WD adventure. Whether you’re into nature-based activities or drive pure adventure, the Great Tropical Drive has something for everyone. Explore one of nature’s miracles – the world’s longest system of lava tubes in the Undara Volcanic National Park, cool off with a swim in the clear waters of Crystal Creek at Paluma, or spot crocodiles in the wild in the midst of the ancient World Heritage-listed Experience the region’s rich Indigenous history Daintree Rainforest. Torres Strait and culture along the drive, ranging from Tully- outback food trails The expanse of sand and reef cays, sand culture rainforest Taste paradise in the Tropics… an abundant based Echo Creek Spirit of Rainforest, Mungalla Stop off along the way in the charming relaxed fl ats and channels in the Torres Strait offer food destination awaits. Exotic tropical Station at Ingham to the award-winning Tjapukai coastal villages of Mission Beach, Palm Cove some of the world’s best game fi shing. fruits, locally made cheeses, tea and coffee Aboriginal cultural experience near Cairns. or Port Douglas or inland to the historic mining Live-aboard charter boats visit waters where plantations, organic produce, farmers markets Join a guided rainforest tour, indulge in an towns of Charters Towers or Herberton. guests can catch northern bluefi n, dog tooth and the freshest of seafood are highlights that Indigenous-inspired spa treatment at Daintree Visit one of the world’s top 10 rock art sites, and yellow fi n tuna, marlin, coral trout, red can be experienced on a self-drive or guided Eco Lodge or take a rock art tour with Willie dive or snorkel the reef. Further north, there’s emperor and huge Spanish mackerel. food trail of the Tablelands and coastal villages Gordon of Guurrbi Tours near Cooktown. the pure adventure of four-wheel-driving to of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Cape York and the tip of Australia for some of North Queensland offers an abundance of the best sports fi shing in the world. Whether outback experiences. Ranging from fossicking you try a section, or the whole Great Tropical for gold at Charters Towers in the south to Drive, you’ll have memories of this very special the inland Gulf Savannah's outback gorges four wheel driving heritage part of northern Australia to last a lifetime. and series of remarkable tunnels that were formed over 190,000 years ago by fl owing lava from a volcanic eruption. Guided tours of the Undara Lava Tubes unearth the secrets of their formation and the thousands of resident microbats. Stay nearby in a restored railway carriage, at the lodge or camp out. Cooktown – Test your 4WD skills on the Cape For the ultimate 4WD explorer's paradise adventure nature wildlife Tribulation to Cooktown Bloomfi eld Track – a test your driving skills as you move further drive that takes you deep into the rainforest; north into Cape York, one of Australia's few Wallaman Falls / Millaa Millaa Waterfall crosses several creeks and rivers, and includes remaining wilderness areas. Cape York can Paronella Park / Herberton Daintree / Mossman nature trails These two falls can claim to be the largest single steep climbs and descents. Marvel at Black only be accessed during the dry season A lovingly-restored castle and a collection The tiny North Queensland village of drop waterfall and most photographed in Australia Mountain, an enormous heap of volcanic (May-November) and is full of bulldust, of historic Australian buildings are musts Mossman is located on the edge of the respectively. Wallaman Falls, near Ingham, boulders, prior to entering the quaint and corrugations, deep river crossings and for heritage lovers visiting the Atherton wilderness. To the west is Mossman Gorge, cascades 305 metres into a large pool. Millaa historic township of Cooktown. Here you can saltwater crocodiles. Some must-do's include Tablelands. Built in 1913, Paronella Park is entrance to the ancient World Heritage- Millaa Falls are surrounded by lush rainforest explore the site of Captain Cook's discovery Lakefi eld and Iron Range National Parks framed by magnifi cent gardens, lakeside listed Daintree Rainforest. Australia’s largest and are part of the famous Atherton Tablelands in 1770 of a safe harbour for his crippled ship, for nature and birdwatching, visit turtles at tunnels and bridges. Herberton Historic rainforest area is home to the highest number Waterfall Circuit. the "Endeavour", during his fi rst journey up the Mapoon and fi sh the magical coastal waters Village includes a century-old farmhouse, of rare and threatened plants and animals in north eastern coast of Australia. of Weipa. classroom and classic pub bar. the world. Opportunities are unlimited from Pure and unspoilt, experience the Great Spot cassowaries or crocodiles in the wild, climbing mountains, sky diving and world- Barrier Reef, ancient Daintree and Wet have breakfast with the birds, discover a diverse class white water rafting to Tropics rainforest, Outback Savannah and marine life or visit Magnetic Island, home to one dive expeditions or four-wheel-driving. golden beaches. of Australia's largest koala colonies. an eventful journey heritage food & wine indigenous march april may may june august FEAST OF THE SENSES – Innisfail AUSTRALIAN ITALIAN FESTIVAL – Ingham COOKTOWN DISCOVERY FESTIVAL – An annual celebration of the region’s This popular festival showcases the region’s Cooktown produce. www.feastofthesenses.com.au rich Italian heritage, culture and cuisine. Annual celebration of the European discovery www.australianitalianfestival.com.au of Australia and reenactment of the landing of Lieutenant James Cook in 1770. www.cooktowndiscovery.com.au august september october FESTIVAL OF CAIRNS – Cairns TEN DAYS IN THE TOWERS – MISSION BEACH FILM FESTIVAL – PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE – OPERA IN THE OUTBACK – Undara AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF Step back in time and discover the charms Treat yourself to the very best local Learn more about ancient Aboriginal The city’s annual celebration in August / Charters Towers Mission Beach Port Douglas Some of Australia’s most accomplished CHAMBER MUSIC – Townsville of Art Deco Innisfail, Paronella Park, produce including superb seafood, tropical culture by experiencing guided Indigenous September showcases all Cairns has to offer Incorporating the All Australian Jamboree This charming coastal village presents a An annual 10 day celebration of food, wine operatic performers take the stage in the An international chamber music festival Charters Towers, Ravenswood, Herberton fruits, coffee and tea, and try our award- tours, art and bush tucker. through art, entertainment, food, sport and and Charters Towers Country Music Festival. diverse program of fi lm and entertainment. and fun hosted by the seaside village of Port tropical savannah bushland. held over nine days. Historic Village and more. winning cafés and restaurants. more. www.festivalcairns.com.au www.charterstowerscountrymusic.com www.missionbeachfi lmfestival.com.au Douglas. www.carnivale.com.au www.undara.com.au www.afcm.com.au

For more information on events in the region, visit: www.qldevents.com.au www.greattropicaldrive.com.au www.greattropicaldrive.com.au Great Tropical Drive 01 Cairns – Port Douglas – Cooktown – Charters Towers – Townsville – Cairns (2079km) COOKTOWN The Great Tropical Drive is a world class touring loop that travels roads less travelled from the Great Barrier Reef through the rainforests of the Wet Tropics Laura into the golden savannah of Outback Queensland.

Cape York Peninsula