THE FIRST STOP : The 69 km drive from Cairns north to Port Douglas and Mossman is claimed to be the prettiest in Australia. The Cook Highway runs along the beachfront from Ellis Beach, 20 km from Cairns, and winds past isolated beaches and breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. Panoramic seascapes may be seen from Rex Lookout while Pretty Beach, Yule Point and Pebbly Beach are worth a visit, heading north through cane country to Port Douglas.
A picturesque tourist and fishing town, Port Douglas is known for its 6km long, wide sandy beach. The town today is a centre for commercial and amateur fisherman and cruise and charter operators. There is a wide range of accommodation in Port Douglas which is renowned Australia -wide for its restaurants specialising in fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
About 14 km north of the Port Douglas turnoff, and about 80 km north of Cairns, is Mossman, a pleasant sugar milling town with shopping facilities and tourist accommodation. Mossman Gorge and its series of waterfalls are nearby, with Newell Beach the nearest beach. Towering over mossman is Mt Demi (1158m). On the mountain is a formation shaped like a shepherd tending his flock, and called "The Good Shepherd". In the Wonga region, 25 km north, the beach area is very popular with local residents and visitors.
About 36 km north of Mossman is the township of Daintree. Turn off 11 km before the town for the barge service across the Daintree River. Cruises on the Daintree River operate from the same point. The Daintree River area and Cape Tribulation are becoming more populated as people who enjoy the alternate lifestyle settle in the area.
Rainforest, beautiful coastline and clear creeks distinguish the area arond Cape Tribulation, 34 km from Daintree. Cape Tribulation lies in wilderness region north of the Daintree River to Cooktown.
Was named after Captain Cook who beached his ship Endeavour here for repairs in 1770. Set in a spectacular indscape, Cooktown is one of the most interesting and oldest towns in Queensland, being the port for the Palmer River goldrush of the 1870s. An excellent view of the town, ocean and hinterland can be gained from Grassy Hill where Cook stood to chart his passange north
.
Laura is a typical small bush town which grew up along the goldrush track from Cooktown to the Palmer River. Today it is a centre for the grazing community and tourism based on the very extensive and spectacular Aboriginal rock art of the Quinkan Reserves. Just north of Laura is Lakefield National Park.
Coen River-The Junction
(in the Dry)
Coen is a town of about 300 people, situated roughly
halfway between Cairns and the Tip of Cape York,
Coen has all essential facilities in pleasant surroundings.
Is the vast forested area of North Queensland ,north of the 16th parallel. Some 120 000sq.km.,in area,the Peninsula is mostly cattle stations,Aboriginal Reserves and National Parks.
