Cassowary Coast Regional: Islands, Rainforest and Reef

The Cassowary Coast Regional lies between the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; both are World Heritage-listed. The Cassowary Coast includes more than 30 tropical islands. This means your trip can have very different focuses, from landscapes and walking trails to art and regional production.

Getting there and finding your way around the region

The Bruce Highway runs along the coast through the Cassowary Coast region. Two approximate driving times are useful for planning your arrival: the drive from Cairns International Airport to Innisfail takes about one hour, and from Townsville Airport to Cardwell about two hours. These estimates are for different destinations; traffic and conditions affect the journey time. Check road conditions before you set off.

Cardwell: Forest drive and trails

The Cardwell Forest Drive is nine kilometres long and includes four stops: Cardwell Lookout, Attie Creek, Dead Horse Creek and Spa Pool. Check road conditions and notices about forestry work before you set off. At Attie Creek Falls, a 700-metre uphill trail leads to the waterfall, which can dry up at times depending on the season. The Cardwell Forest Drive also has a 1.6-kilometre return walk to lookouts over Hinchinbrook Island, the Hinchinbrook Channel, Rockingham Bay and the Family Group Islands.

Different details matter when planning these walks: for the trail to Attie Creek Falls, allow for the uphill climb and seasonal dry conditions. For the lookout walk, the return distance and views are the main considerations. Trail conditions can change; check the latest information before setting out on a walk.

Rafting, national park and sugar production

The Tully River is a starting point for white-water rafting tours. Operators and river conditions can change; check both before planning a tour. Tully Gorge National Park offers camping, picnic areas, challenging hikes and impressive views. This gives you a choice of ways to spend time outdoors: a guided river tour or activities such as hiking and picnicking in the national park.

Tully Sugar Mill offers guided tours only during the crushing season, from June to November. Visitors can see the mill in operation and learn more about the local sugar industry and sugar production. Tours are subject to conditions and maintenance work; confirm in advance whether a visit is possible on your planned date.

Art, heritage and seasonal events

Paronella Park is listed as state and national heritage and by the National Trust. The Girringun Art Centre in Cardwell showcases nationally and internationally recognised artists. The annual Tropical Art Deco Festival, held in September, puts Australia’s highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the spotlight. For planning purposes, these are distinct themes: heritage, contemporary art and an annual event held in September. Check the event calendar for specific visiting dates.

More ways to experience nature and choosing a hotel location

A trail connects the northern and southern parts of Mission Beach along the edge of dense Djiru National Park. If you plan to walk this trail, check access locally. Alligators Nest, with its crystal-clear water, is near Tully.

When choosing a hotel location, you can weigh the places you plan to visit according to your interests: Cardwell offers specific points of interest in the Forest Drive and Girringun Art Centre; in Tully, white-water rafting, the national park and sugar production provide different options. Compare your planned destinations with the exact location of the hotel you choose.

Discover more destinations

Mission Beach, Kurrimine Beach, Tablelands Regional, Noosa Shire, Toowoomba Regional, Hinchinbrook Shire, Carpentaria Shire, Logan City

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.