East Coast Australia Road Trip Stage 4: Magnetic Island to Cairns
Embarking on a road trip along the east coast of Australia is an adventure that promises a fusion of stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and memorable experiences. In this article, we will take you through the exhilarating fourth stage of our journey, spanning from Magnetic Island to Cairns. Get ready to explore the hidden gems and captivating sights that await in this enchanting part of Queensland!
We set off on our final leg of this epic road trip, eager to reach the breathtaking Cape Tribulation and delve into the wonders of the Daintree National Park. This stage of our journey would immerse us in the vibrant ecosystems of northern Queensland, teeming with wildlife and breathtaking vistas.
Overview of the Journey
Our adventure from Magnetic Island to Cairns included thrilling discoveries and unexpected encounters. Here are the essential details of this leg:
- Starting Point: Magnetic Island
- Destination: Cairns
- Total Distance: 838 km
- Duration: 3 days
- Day 19: Townsville (Magnetic Island) – Innisfail (328 km)
- Day 20: Innisfail – Cape Tribulation (340 km)
- Day 21: Cape Tribulation – Cairns (170 km)
- Days 22-25: Exploring Cairns
Day 19: From Townsville (Magnetic Island) to Innisfail
After returning to our trusty van, we began the first leg of our journey towards Innisfail, filled with anticipation for what lay ahead. First stop: the quaint town of Ingham. Here, we met Maria, a friendly local with Italian roots. She shared fascinating insights about living in Queensland and eased our fears about crocodiles, inviting us to explore a nearby park brimming with local wildlife, including kangaroos and various bird species.
As we continued along the A1 highway, the landscape transformed, revealing the stunning Hinchinbrook Island National Park. While it's inaccessible by car, the Hinchinbrook Lookout provided a spectacular view. On the beach in Cardwell, we marveled at indigenous art statues and a quirky giant crab sculpture.
Next, we arrived at Mission Beach, where we had our first encounter with the peculiar cassowary. This bird, part emu, part dinosaur, is a sight to behold with its striking blue and red neck and impressive size. However, it comes with a warning: cassowaries are known for their powerful legs and sharp claws, making them potentially dangerous.
At Etty Bay, we hoped to spot these magnificent birds in the wild. Although we didn’t have luck initially, we spotted one while driving; however, we couldn't pull over in time to capture the moment. It was a fleeting glimpse of these rare creatures that made it all the more special.
Before heading to Innisfail for the night, we learned about the lurking dangers of saltwater crocodiles in the area—a reminder of the wildness enveloping us on this journey.
Day 20: Innisfail to Cape Tribulation
Day two promised to be one of the most exhilarating of our trip, filled with breathtaking scenery along the Waterfalls Circuit. This scenic route offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of the area as it winds through lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
Our first stop was the Ellinjaa Falls. A short hike led us to the base, where we reveled in the refreshing mist. Next up was Zillie Falls, which proved to be a little trickier to navigate. The path was slippery, and we found ourselves leaping between rocks to reach the viewing area. Although it was a bit perilous, the experience was worth the effort.
Our highlight was undoubtedly the Millaa Millaa Waterfall, renowned for its stunning beauty. The short walk from the parking area made access easy, allowing us to stand in awe of the cascading waters.
Not far from the waterfalls stood the remarkable Curtain Fig Tree. This ancient, sprawling tree is estimated to be over 500 years old, with its roots creating a natural curtain effect. We strolled along wooden paths that meandered through the surrounding rainforest, where glimpses of platypus in nearby ponds added to the magic of the day.
The next segment of our journey took us along the Daintree National Park. To cross the Daintree River, we boarded a ferry, which offered a unique perspective of the lush surroundings. The journey was dotted with warnings about wildlife, including cassowaries and various snakes, reminding us of the untamed wilderness we were traversing.
We settled into the Cape Tribulation Beach House, a rustic lodge nestled in the jungle just steps from the beach. The absence of WiFi was a refreshing disconnection, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the sounds of nature and the beauty of our surroundings.
Day 21: Cape Tribulation to Cairns
Our final day promised to be thrilling as we set out to encounter crocodiles in their natural habitat within the Daintree National Park. We booked a discounted tour with Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruise. Bruce, a knowledgeable guide, led us on a journey where we spotted several crocodiles basking in the sun, including an impressive male known as Scarface.
On our way to Cairns, we made a brief stop at Mossman Gorge. Although the hike to the entrance was a bit of a trek, the beauty of the gorge was well worth it. Alternatively, a shuttle bus was available, making access easier for those who preferred to avoid the heat.
Our final stop was the charming town of Port Douglas, where we enjoyed a moment of respite in the shade of the stunning St. Mary’s by the Sea chapel. This picturesque spot provided a perfect ending to our road trip, allowing us to reflect on the experiences we had gathered along the way.
As our journey came to a close in Cairns, we returned our campervan to Apollo and bid farewell to the captivating landscapes of Queensland. We had four nights ahead in Cairns to further explore the wonders of this beautiful region, and we were eager to dive into the adventures that awaited us.
Curious for more? Check out this fascinating video that showcases the stunning scenery and experiences along the East Coast of Australia:
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