Cairns to Port Douglas drive
The coastal route from Cairns to Port Douglas is about 67 km and takes roughly one hour. It passes Rex Lookout. For Mossman Gorge, park at the Mossman Gorge Centre car park and take the shuttle to the Gorge.
Updated
Key facts
- Cairns to Port Douglas
- About 67 km and one hour
- Rex Lookout
- About 43 km and 42 minutes from Cairns
- Mossman Gorge from Cairns
- About 80 km north
- Mossman Gorge access
- Day-use area near shuttle stop and car park
- Road updates
- QLDTraffic is the state road-conditions service
Cairns to Port Douglas
about 67 km · about 1 hour
Rex Lookout
Around 43 km from Cairns.
Port Douglas
About 67 km from Cairns by the coastal route.
Mossman Gorge extension
The day-use area is around 80 km north of Cairns and has a shuttle car park.
- Port Douglas
How long is Cairns to Port Douglas by car?
Port Douglas is about 67 km and one hour from Cairns by the coastal road, before stops. The road passes Palm Cove, Ellis Beach and Rex Lookout in that order. Rex Lookout is about 43 km from Cairns, leaving roughly 25 km to Port Douglas. Pick one beach or lookout stop if you are trying to meet a hotel or tour check-in rather than treating every waypoint as compulsory.
Where should you stop on the coastal road?
Palm Cove is about 27 km from Cairns and Ellis Beach about 28 km. Rex Lookout has a 180 degree view over the Coral Sea and is a popular spot to watch hang gliders take off. Each stop needs extra time beyond the one-hour drive, and a road closure can change the plan. Check QLDTraffic before leaving, especially after heavy rain.
Do you need a car during a Port Douglas stay?
For a short stay focused on the village around Macrossan Street, walking, cycling or a booked tour may cover the trip without paying for several parked rental days. A car becomes more useful if your accommodation is outside walking distance or you want independent drives to Mossman Gorge, the Daintree or the Tablelands. If arriving at Cairns Airport without a car, book a Port Douglas shuttle in advance and compare its total cost with the exact hire period you need.
What if the coastal road is closed or you arrive late?
Check QLDTraffic for road conditions before leaving Cairns. Road status, the rental collection time and the daylight left matter more than the normal one-hour estimate after a late flight or heavy rain. If the route is disrupted or you prefer not to drive after a late arrival, consider a booked shuttle or an overnight in Cairns.
Can you drive a hire car into Mossman Gorge?
For a Mossman Gorge extension, drive to the Mossman Gorge Centre and park there, then use its shuttle for the final access into the Gorge. The day-use area is about 80 km north of Cairns. Shuttle tickets are charged separately, and there is no footpath from the car park to the Gorge because the road is narrow. Check that the shuttle is running before adding this stop to a tight airport-transfer day.
What parking matters in Port Douglas?
For the Sunday market, parking is available near Market Park, Macrossan Street, Crystalbrook Marina and the car park at Rex Smeal Park, but spaces can be limited during busy market hours. Four Mile Beach’s main accessible entry is the sealed pathway beside the surf life saving club on Mowbray Street. Ask accommodation or a boat operator about parking for a longer stay or marina departure; choose rental days based on how far you plan to explore beyond town.
Compare cars at Cairns Airport
Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
Preparing live car hire search
Where to pick up for this trip
Questions people ask
How far is Cairns to Port Douglas by car?
The coastal route is about 67 km and one hour.
Is Rex Lookout on the way?
Yes. Rex Lookout is around 43 km from Cairns on the coastal route.
Can I drive right into Mossman Gorge?
Drive to the Mossman Gorge Centre and park there; use the separately charged shuttle for the Gorge. There is no footpath from the car park to the Gorge.
How do I check if the Cairns to Port Douglas road is open?
Use QLDTraffic for current Queensland road conditions before departure.
Is Palm Cove on the Cairns-Port Douglas road?
Yes. Palm Cove comes before Ellis Beach and Rex Lookout on the coastal road.
Do you need a car in Port Douglas?
A village-focused stay can work on foot, by bike or with tours. A car is more useful for independent Mossman Gorge, Daintree or Tablelands visits and accommodation outside walking distance.
Can you get from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas without a car?
Yes. Bus shuttles run from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas; book a seat ahead of peak travel.