House of travel Queensland Brochure 2017 | Page 50

Cairns and Highlands Loop Few places on earth can match the beauty and sophistication of Tropical North Queensland – where the rainforest meets the reef. Take to the water and explore the Great Barrier Reef, head north to the seaside village of Port Douglas and visit the superb tropical rainforest of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Atherton Tablelands © Tourism & Events Queensland Cape Tribulation 6 days/5 nights Suggested Self-Drive Day 1: Cairns – Cape Tribulation (142km) Start your journey north on the scenic coastal road. Port Douglas is the perfect spot to stop for lunch before you continue north to the Daintree National Park. Day 2-3: Cape Tribulation – Atherton (174km) To get a true perspective of the magnificent rainforest, a visit to the Daintree Rainforest Environmental Centre is a must. Next stop is Mareeba via Mount Molloy, sitting atop a plateau 1000 metres above sea level. Day 4: Atherton – Mission Beach (143km) Head off early down the range towards Innisfail, one of Australia’s largest sugar-producing towns, before arriving in Mission Beach. Stretch your legs on the Ulysses Link Walking Track which is 1.5 kilometres long and winds its way along the pristine beach foreshore. Day 5: Mission Beach Spend a day relaxing in Mission Beach or if sightseeing is more your thing take a drive to Paronella Park, a crumbling Spanish castle at Mena Creek. Day 6: Mission Beach – Cairns (139km) Leisurely make your way back to Cairns. Daintree Daintree National Park Mount Molloy Mareeba Mossman Port Douglas Cairns Atherton Paronella Park Innisfail Mission Beach Highlights worth seeing along the way The Great Barrier Reef – The hundreds of islands and reefs in this World Heritage-listed wonder are what dreams are made of. Take