Roads with a view
IF you were a spectator of last weekend’s inaugural Targa Great Barrier Reef, you may be feeling a bit revved up to get out and explore the Far North in your own vehicle. You don’t need a souped up exotic supercar nor a 40-year-old Datsun to experience the most scenic routes in the region. Reporter Daniel Bateman gets behind the wheel to bring you the best scenic driving routes in the Far North.
IF YOU WERE A SPECTATOR OF LAST WEEKEND’S INAUGURAL TARGA GREAT BARRIER REEF, YOU MAY BE FEELING A BIT REVVED UP TO GET OUT AND EXPLORE THE FAR NORTH IN YOUR OWN VEHICLE. YOU DON’T NEED A SOUPED UP EXOTIC SUPERCAR NOR A 40-YEAR-OLD DATSUN TO EXPERIENCE THE MOST SCENIC ROUTES IN THE REGION. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST TO GO AND SELF-DRIVE, NO MATTER WHAT WHEEL YOU’RE BEHIND. COPPERLODE DAM
What is it? This was a leg of the Targa and a must-do for anyone visiting Cairns. Lake Morris Rd is com- pletely sealed all the way to the dam, but with all its twists and turns through rainforest, it can be best described as an adven- ture. Magnificent scenic pano- ramas can be seen from various lookouts. And once you get to the destination, you get to experience a sight not many people have actually seen: the almost Scandinavian- looking Lake Morris, which serves as the main water sup- ply for the city. Pro tip: phone ahead and book yourself in for a kayak or pad- dle board session on the lake, through Copperlode Fish and Kayak. How long? 16km one way.
GILLIES RANGE ROAD/ WATERFALL CIRCUIT
What is it? Look, let’s be honest — this isn’t a great road trip for any- one suffering from motion sickness, but if you can stom- ach all the twists and turns of the infamous Gillies Highway (which does have splendid vis- tas), and combine it with a tour of the Tablelands’ waterfall way, you’ve got an awesome day trip. Start at Gordonvale, head up the Gillies, then make your way to Millaa Millaa, and then back down the Palmer- ston Highway to Innisfail to experience everything that is amazing about the Tablelands. How long? 160km (Gordonvale to Innisfail).
KIRRAMA RANGE ROAD
What is it? The incredible Blencoe Falls, the world’s longest lava tubes (Undara), and two world-class walks can be experienced on this adventure drive from Cardwell to the outback’s sav- annah plains. Steeped in his- tory, the road is considered one of Queensland’s great en- gineering feats, as it traverses World Heritage listed rainforest. How long? 262km from Cardwell to Undara.
YARRABAH
What is it? This may not be up there among the most touristy routes, but the journey from Cairns to Yarrabah is quite spectacular, particularly when you approach the indigenous community, south of the city. After winding through cane country and the mangroves of East Trinity, the Pine CreekYarrabah Rd hugs remote beaches that take in Cairns’ skyline. There are some jaw droppingly beautiful places to stop and take photographs. How long? 51.5km from Cairns’ city centre to Yarrabah, one way.
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF DRIVE
What is it? It may only be 45 minutes, but the world-famous drive between Palm Cove and Port Douglas takes you along beaches, cliffs, through rainforest, and some of the best coastal scenery in the Far North. Stop off and check out stunning sandy stretches, watch hangliders soar on the wind at Rex Lookout, and even go and watch saltwater crocodiles being fed at Hartleys Crocodile Adventures. How long? 43km one way from Palm Cove to Port Douglas along the Captain Cook Highway.