Why you should put Cairns on your road trip itinerary
Strategically nestled in the tropical paradise of Northern Queensland, Cairns serves as your luxury gateway to natural wonders, far removed from the urban hustle of southern Australian cities. Here, the world slows down, and the subtleties of nature take centre stage. From pristine beaches with iconic palm trees to panoramic vistas of the Coral Sea, Cairns is an Eden for the refined traveller while also offering plenty of great local eateries and adventures if you are on a bit of a foodie road trip. While there are plenty of incredible things to do in Cairns itself, visiting these local national parks is easily one of the best things to do in and around Cairns. Why? Well, the national parks near Cairns house some of Australia's most diverse ecosystems, with lush rainforests, mesmerising waterfalls, and an abundance of unique wildlife, including the evasive cassowary. These are places where you can get lost—and find yourself—in equal measure.
The best way to explore national parks near Cairns
When leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life, what could be more free and liberating than exploring the things to do around Cairns in a top-of-the-line motorhome? No fixed schedules, no crowded tours—just you, the open road, and endless opportunities for experiencing the region. With a campervan, you dictate the tempo, pausing at quaint local shops, taking unplanned hikes, or simply sitting by a secluded stream to relish the solitude. With a campervan, you also get the luxury of travelling with all your creature comforts – a comfortable bed, a kitchen, and a hot shower. With fresh linen, pillows, drinking glasses and more already included in your motorhome hire, you only need to pack the essentials. Plus, there is no need to pack and unpack each night when you sleep in one bed for your whole road trip. These are just a couple of the many reasons to travel Australia by motorhome.
The best national parks near Cairns
Pack your binoculars, hiking boots, and your favourite bottle of wine; we're diving deep into nature’s finest. Here are some of the best national parks near Cairns – a perfect addition to any Queensland road trip. Let's dive in.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Daintree National Park
The drive from Cairns to the Daintree National Park is littered with coastal views and sugarcane farmland. ​​Then, after the short hour-long drive, you'll find yourself in awe of the ancient roadside flora welcoming you into another world—a staggering 135 million-year-old world, to be exact. Upon arrival, you'll soon discover why Daintree holds the honour of being the world's oldest rainforest, surpassing even the Amazon. The air is thick with the scent of moist earth mixed with the fragrance of exotic flowers, and the atmosphere feels ancient, primeval almost. A trip to the Daintree invites you to choose your own adventure. Venture down one of the many walking trails or take a guided river cruise on the Daintree River to try and spot the ever-watchful eyes of the saltwater crocodiles. The feeling of spotting one of these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat offers a thrill that theme parks can't replicate. If you're passionate about biodiversity, this is one of the most popular national parks near Cairns to discover an astonishing array of plant and animal species – some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Birdwatchers will also be in their element, with opportunities to spot the endangered cassowary or the vivid Ulysses butterfly. Last but not least, if you want a deeper look into this ancient landscape, the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, the traditional owners of the Daintree region, offer guided tours that enrich your understanding of the rainforest through their eyes. You'll learn about the unique bush foods, natural medicines, and the ancient dreamtime stories that constitute their cultural heritage and help build a picture of this ancient landscape.
Top things to do near Cairns in the Daintree National Park:
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Go on a river cruise to see a saltwater crocodile
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Walk through the rainforest to see a cassowary
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Join a tour with the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people
Barron Gorge National Park
The trip to Barron Gorge National Park is just a quick 25-minute drive from Cairns, making it one of the best national parks near Cairns for those pressed for time but eager for adventure. Upon entering the park, Barron Gorge immediately establishes its grandness. Towering cliffs envelop the roaring Barron River, and when the wet season is in full swing, Barron Falls puts on an aquatic display that's nothing short of a natural masterpiece. One of the must-do experiences is taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Floating above the treetops, you're treated to panoramic vistas of the gorge and the lush rainforest canopy below—a view that manages to be both humbling and enlivening. For those keen on soaking up the natural beauty at a more leisurely pace, there are several hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Walk like Stoney Creek Track, Wrights Lookout or McDonald Track to Surprise Creek offer a peaceful retreat in nature and the opportunity to witness native flora and fauna in their element.
Top things to do near Cairns in Barron Gorge National Park:
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Take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
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Go on a hike to Stoney Creek track, Wright’s lookout or McDonald track
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Wooroonooran National Park
Just over an hour's drive south of Cairns lies Wooroonooran National Park.
From lowland rainforests to mountainous terrains, the park is an iconic stop on a Queensland road trip. Within the park, you will find many of the top places to visit near Cairns, including Walsh’s Pyramid and Josephine Falls.
Walsh’s Pyramid is an impressive independent peak with a distinct pyramidal appearance. Aside from being a very popular setting for photographers, it also offers a challenging but rewarding trek, culminating in panoramic views that extend far beyond the treetops. Within the park, water lovers will not want to miss the chance to explore the multi-tiered wonder of Josephine Falls. Here you can dive into the natural pool for a refreshing (and chilly) swim or simply feel the misty breeze from the viewing platforms. It's a perfect spot to unwind, snap some photos, or contemplate the power and beauty of nature. While these adventurous activities offer a thrill, the flora and fauna of Wooroonooran are not to be overlooked. This national park serves as a refuge for a wide variety of species, including the endangered cassowary and critically endangered ringtailed possum. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or simply appreciate biodiversity, the park offers a chance to encounter wildlife in an authentic Australian bushland setting.
Top things to do near Cairns in Wooroonooran National Park:
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Hike Walsh’s Pyramid
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Swim at Josephine Falls
Kuranda National Park
Heading north from Cairns, a roughly 50-minute drive brings you to Kuranda National Park. Tucked away within the refuge of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, this landscape is dominated by sprawling rainforests and rugged mountains and acts as an important wildlife corridor linking the Daintree in the north and the Atherton Tableland in the south. If you're up for an adventure with a view, the park offers plenty of enchanting hikes. One standout is the McDonald’s Track, a long and challenging yet rewarding path that provides views stretching from the rainforest canopy all the way to the Coral Sea. Whether you're a casual stroller or a committed trekker, Kuranda has trails to accommodate various skill levels, ensuring that every visitor can absorb its grandeur at their own pace. A quiet walk through its trails offers the chance to spot vibrant bird species, like the exotic forest kingfisher or the elusive Boyd's forest dragon, each adding a dash of colour and life to the lush, green backdrop.
Top things to do near Cairns in Kuranda National Park:
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Hike McDonald’s Track
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Go wildlife watching
Crater Lakes National Park
An hour and ten minutes from Cairns, Crater Lakes National Park offers a shift from coastal flatlands to the mountainous terrains of the Atherton Tableland.
Upon arrival, it becomes apparent that Crater Lakes National Park is aptly named. It houses some of Australia's most spectacular volcanic lakes, including Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine – each lake offering its own unique charm. Lake Eacham is a haven for swimmers and picnickers and a perfect spot to relax. Alternatively, Lake Barrine is more reserved and introspective, best experienced via a leisurely boat cruise or a stroll along its shoreline to view the pair of towering bull kauri pine trees. The walking trails here vary from casual to moderately challenging. The Circuit Track around Lake Eacham offers a blend of scenic views and an intimate encounter with the lake's unique ecosystem. Crater Lakes is not just about lakes, though. The surrounding rainforests harbour a variety of plant and animal life. Even a short walk through the forest can be educational, thanks to interpretive signs that offer insights into the park's rich biodiversity. Plus, with its resident populations of the leaf-loving tree kangaroos, active pademelons, and over 180 species of birds, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will have plenty to keep themselves occupied on a trip to this national park.
Top things to do near Cairns in Crater Lakes National Park:
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Enjoy a picnic at Lake Eacham
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See the unique bull kauri trees at Lake Barrine
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Go birdwatching through the forest
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Millstream Falls National Park
If you're willing to venture a little further from Cairns, a nearly two-hour drive will bring you to Millstream Falls National Park. Once you arrive, it's immediately evident why Millstream Falls has earned its reputation as one of the best places to visit near Cairns. Here you will have the chance to experience the majesty of Australia's widest single-drop waterfall – Millstream Falls. The waterfall itself is a masterpiece of natural architecture, sculpted by countless years of geological forces. Beyond this impressive waterfall, the park’s rugged landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for adventure. For those who enjoy hiking, one notable trail is the Millstream Falls track, which is the perfect way to experience the falls from various viewpoints. Like many of the other national parks near Cairns, the park serves as a habitat for an array of creatures, such as rock wallabies, red-tailed black cockatoos, and even the elusive platypus if you're lucky enough to spot one. It's a thriving ecosystem that allows you to witness Australia’s fauna in its unspoiled habitat. For those interested in the history of the region, Millstream Falls has its own story to tell. The area was once a rest spot for troops during World War II, and relics from that era are still present, adding another layer of exploration to this multifaceted park. While you're there, take the time to read through some of the information boards or perhaps even take a guided tour to gain a richer understanding of this region.
Top things to do near Cairns in Millstream Falls National Park:
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See Australia's widest single-drop waterfall
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Go wildlife spotting for rock wallabies, red-tailed black cockatoos, and the elusive platypus
Ready to explore Cairns and its surroundings with maui?
So, what are you waiting for? Your well-deserved break to explore the things to do in and around Cairns is just a click away. Rent a luxurious campervan from maui’s Cairns branch and set the wheels in motion for a Queensland road trip to explore the best things to do around Cairns and national parks near Cairns. Want to adventure beyond? Simply add Cairns as a stop on one of Australia’s most iconic coastal road trips – the adventure is yours!