Hire car day trips from Cairns going south

Hire car day trips from Cairns going South

 

I have spend many wonderful days road tripping around the south & south west of Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands. Again if we got you to do all the the amazing things south of Cairns then well again its going to take more than 24 hours. 

 

The Atherton Tablelands is one eating paradise that you don’t want to miss out on. Whether it’s eating at the local cafes or trying some of the top-notch restaurant offerings, there’s something for every food lover! From international treats like Argentinian-style steak to old classics like a traditional Aussie BBQ with fellow travellers, you won’t be disappointed. And if eating out isn’t your thing, don’t worry — there’s plenty of options for outdoor eating too! Pack a picnic and explore some of the stunning scenery in the region. Grab your sunscreen and some snacks and soak up the sunshine on one of the many pristine beaches across this beautiful part of Australia.

 

These are the times and distances between locations. 
Cairns ➡️ Babinda 🚙 59km with a travel time of 55 minutes
Babinda ➡️ Innisfail 🚙 29km with a travel time of 25 minutes
Innisfail ➡️ Millaa Millaa 🚙 59km with a travel time of 50 minutes
Millaa Millaa ➡️ Lake Eacham 🚙 36km with a travel time of 32 minutes

Lake Eacham ➡️ Cairns  🚙 65km with a travel time of 1 hour 15 minutes

 

 

 

Cairns ➡️ Babinda 🚙 59km with a travel time of 55 minutes

 

20km south of Cairns is the sugar cane farming town of Gordonvale. Not so fun fact cane toads were released on farms close to Gordonvale. As you pass Gordonvale you will see on the left side a mountain called Walshs Pyramid. Have a good look as it really does look like one. It is a single point mountain. As you pass each small town you are getting closer and closer to one of the best things in North Queensland if not the world. Real cream, cream buns at the Babinda bakery. We can’t be friends if you drive past without trying one. If like me swimming is your thing the Babinda Boulders is a must. I am sure the water there is the clearest I have ever seen. Please only swim where it is signed. 

 

Swimming at Babinda Boulders is truly a unique experience. From the warm thermal pools to the cool blue lagoons, there’s something for everyone! Swimmers can seek out the famed Devil’s Pool and take a daring plunge from its rocky edge into the clear running water below. The surrounding trees and shrubs make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day spent bobbing about in these gorgeous rock pools. Swimming at Babinda Boulders is an absolute must when you visit Far North Queensland!

 

Babinda ➡️ Innisfail 🚙 29km with a travel time of 25 minutes

I used to call Innisfail the land of the shinny roofs. After cyclone Larry 90% if roofs were damaged and replaced. Those that were left cyclone Yasi took care of. Larry was 16 years ago and Yasi was 11 years ago and you can still see the damage to the rainforest.   

20 minutes out of Innisfail is Paronella Park if you are a romantic you are going to love the story about why it was build. The owner Mark has been one of the areas best tourism assets and him and his family do a great job. Other places I love in the area are Flying Fish Point and Etty Bay. If I had to put money on going to a place to see a Cassowary then it would be Etty Bay. If you really really want to see one set up a table full of your favourite foods and they will find you. Over the year we have learnt not to have anything breakable on the table.

 

Innisfail ➡️ Millaa Millaa 🚙 59km with a travel time of 50 minutes

 

Driving from Innisfail to Millaa Millaa is an exhilarating journey. As you wind your way through the rolling hills and small towns of tropical Far North Queensland, the fresh country air and bright sunshine provide a beautiful backdrop for this vibrant destination. You’ll pass by photo-worthy vistas of vast, open farmland and hints of nearby rainforest on your drive, letting you fully experience the beauty of nature in one outing. Driving gives you the freedom to pull over and explore any sites that catch your eye, whether it be quaint shops or cafes, breathtaking waterfalls, or lush national parks. Driving from Innisfail to Millaa Millaa is an adventure sure to leave lasting memories.

 

Millaa Millaa ➡️ Lake Eacham 🚙 36km with a travel time of 32 minutes

 

Driving from Millaa Millaa to Lake Eacham is an adventure like none other. With winding roads hugging the slopes of lush mountains and crystal clear streams, the view from a car window will lure any traveler in. Driving in this part of Queensland can be quite a mesmerizing experience due to the incredible range of landscapes and vegetation changes that you pass through with lengthy climbs up winding hill sides and wide open valleys they way down again. While some of the views can take one’s breath away, there are also tiny villages dotted throughout this region that offer a reprieve for travelers looking for sustenance or just a chance to look around and catch their breath once more. Driving in this lovely region was not only beautiful, but also safe enough to allow me to relax and immerse myself into the lush scenery without having to worry about getting lost since Google Maps worked perfectly on this route.

 

Swimming in the pristine waters of Lake Eacham is a must-do activity for those visiting far-north Queensland! This idyllic, crater lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and has attracted so many because of its natural beauty and calming atmosphere. Swimming here offers a truly unforgettable experience as you enjoy the chilly water temperatures amidst lush rainforest surroundings. Lake Eacham is an ideal escape where you can just kick back and relax!

 

 

Lake Eacham ➡️ Cairns  🚙 65km with a travel time of 1 hour 15 minutes

 

Driving from Lake Eacham to Cairns is a journey of stunning beauty and fascinating attractions. Starting out in the cool, shady rainforest of the lake, the change in scenery begins to appear as you rise in altitude over the surrounding hills. The drive takes you past some of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal scenery, impressive views of the Coral Sea, quiet beaches and lush green fields. All this is accentuated by frequent stops along the way for eating as well as sightseeing opportunities such as spotting wildlife or photos opps at scenic lookouts. Driving is also great chance to explore local towns and immerse yourself in rural landscapes before reaching Cairns. Whether your route includes a stop at Tully Gorge, Miss Driving Creek Railway or Millaa Millaa Falls, it’s sure to be a memorable trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember, many of these roads passed through cattle country. Always watch for cattle grazing on the side of the road, especially around sunset. Like most country areas in Australia, there is plenty of wildlife that can cause hazards on the road. If you see a sign like a cassowary crossing, please slow down. It is always a good idea to observe these local road enforcement signs. The community is up are very protective of their cassowary populations, so you don’t want to be the one reducing the population.

 

 

 

 

Please do not Drink and Drive.