Great Barrier Reef Drive

18/02/2024

While we do certainly get rain 🌧 during our Monsoon Season, the gaps between can offer some of the most spectacular experiences on our Great Barrier Reef. Also the clouds will often hug the coastline with the Reef relatively fine on many days.

There are lots of Inner and Outer Barrier Reef tours to choose from.

28/12/2023

At this stage, the majority of the Great Barrier Reef Drive is not open or accessible, due to the Captain Cook Highway between Palm Cove and Port Douglas being closed, due to significant landslides. The Department of Transport and Main Roads has contractors working hard to clear the damage, but it will take time.

Pic: Brian Cassey

20/12/2023

Just an update that following Cyclone Jasper, the Captain Cook Highway remains closed to all traffic. Waiting on word from Department of Main Roads, but they are not being very communicative.

07/08/2023

Only a short deviation off the Captain Cook Highway is the now famous Resort Village of Port Douglas. The Flagstaff Hill Lookout is a splendid way to take in the spectacular coastal vistas and view the Coastline to towards Cairns and northward to Cape Tribulation.

31/10/2022

Swimming 🏊‍♀️ enclosures are being installed by contractors today and tomorrow across TNQ. Please ensure you take advantage of these facilities if visiting our area. Or take a dip in one if our rainforest swimming holes or freshwater lakes. All our reef operators have special swimming suits for their guests.

22/10/2022

Don't forget to drop into Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for a Crocodile Safari Cruise on your Great Barrier Reef Drive journey. You'll also enjoy the wildlife shows, immersive exhibits and the picturesque views from Lilies Restaurant overlooking Hartley's Lagoon.

14/07/2022

What a wonderful day to explore our Great Barrier Reef Drive.

22/02/2022

Amazing new research.

CSIRO scientists have found that corals store dormant 'seed banks' like forests do, showing reefs can recover in surprising ways.

19/01/2022

What a great way to start your Great Barrier Reef Drive journey, with an early morning stroll at the Cairns Beaches.

02/10/2021

What a great way to pop the question. On the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Just say'n.

03/08/2021

Grants available via our Douglas Shire.

Eligible organisations in the Douglas Shire are invited to apply for funding under the Council Grants Program.