The Best National Parks Around Cairns

Live and breathe all things nature? If you’re visiting Cairns on a holiday, you won’t have to travel far in your Thrifty rental car to see some of the best National Parks in the country. From the Daintree to the Tablelands, you’ll get your fair share of ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife with a road trip around Cairns. Remember to stay safe when visiting National Parks and check the QLD park alerts before visiting to note down any road closures or planned works. 

Daintree National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land)

About an hour and a half North of Cairns, you’ll find one of the biggest and best National Parks in Aus. The Daintree National Park in Tropical North Queensland is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site covering about 1,200 square kilometres. As one of the oldest surviving tropical rainforests in the world, there’s plenty to do here whether you’re just visiting for the day or staying awhile. The Park is split into two sections: Mossman Gorge, named after the river that flows through the area; and the Cape Tribulation headland, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. From hiking to guided tours, there are many ways to explore the history of the Park, whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or a nature lover. Popular walks include the Lower River Track in Mossman Gorge, a 40-minute hike along the riverbank; and the Jindalba Boardwalk, a stroll through the forest surrounded by wilderness. Check out the Manjal Jimali (Devils Thumb) Trail and the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail for more challenging, longer hiking options. The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is your base while visiting the Daintree, with tours departing from here, plus a Cafe, Indigenous Art Gallery and Gift Shop also on site.

Kuranda National Park

On your drive from Cairns to the Daintree, you’ll pass by the scenic Kuranda National Park, with the towering Black Mountain serving as a dramatic backdrop to the forest. Blending eucalypts with rainforest, Kuranda is picturesque and green, ideal for immersing yourself in nature and escaping the city. When visiting Kuranda, keep an eye out for animals and birdlife from the powerful cassowary to the northern quoll. For keen hikers, the Park offers six trails from steep climbs to level paths, with the Saddle Mountain Summit proving popular for tourists and locals alike. A four-hour out-and-back trail, climb the 882-metre-high peak of Saddle Mountain to get epic views spanning the Macalister Range or conquer the steep Forgon Smith Spur for a challenging trek through the rainforest. Aside from exploring the National Park, the Kuranda Village offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle with a plethora of activities in a chilled-out atmosphere. Ride the scenic railway through the wet tropics, savour crepes and pizza at Petit Cafe and browse wares by local artists at the Kuranda Markets.

Barron Gorge National Park

Just a 20 minute drive in your Thrifty rental car from Cairns, the Barron Gorge National Park is a lush reserve filled with picture-perfect lookouts, historic walking trails and unique landmarks. The main attraction here is the 131 metre high Barron Falls, one of the region’s most popular waterfalls, especially scenic in wet season after heavy rainfall. You can reach it via the Barron Falls Lookout Track, or get bird’s-eye views from 545 metres high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Smith and Douglas tracks in the Park have been used for hundreds of years, from trade and gathering routes travelled by the Djabugandgi Bama, to later use by gold miners, cattle drovers and railway workers. You too can follow in these ancient footsteps, with the Park boasting a network of walking tracks. The Glacier Rock Lookout trail is filled with variety, from rainforest canopies to ocean views. Begin the hike before sunrise to beat the heat, admire awesome views from the peak and cool off with a refreshing dip in the creek once you’re done.

Atherton Tablelands 

The Atherton Tablelands is a highland region, inland from Cairns, with landscapes varying from rainforests, to wetlands to woodlands, offering something for everyone! Travel the Waterfall Circuit to see a collection of rushing cascades and picturesque lakes in Tropical North Queensland. Starting at Lake Barrine, take in beautiful views of this volcanic crater lake with a cuppa and a scone at the Teahouse, then drive south to the country’s most photographed waterfalls, Millaa Millaa Falls, where you can swim in the pool below, and picnic on the lawn. Finish with a visit to the nearby Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls, and let the serene atmosphere ease your mind. Seeking relaxation? Head out on a guided tour of the Talaroo Hot Springs, where you can bathe in geothermal mineral waters and learn about the history of the region. Or, discover the Tablelands through taste: try out signature sorbets at the Emerald Creek Ice Creamery, indulge in a tasting at Mt Uncle Distillery, or enjoy a delicious meal at Mungalli Biodynamic Dairy. Always remember to appoint a designated driver when drinking alcohol on your road trip.

From the waters of Mossman Gorge to the rugged trails of the Barron Gorge National Park, an adventure to one of Queensland’s National Parks promises awe and inspiration around every corner. Whether you venture near to or far from Cairns, you’ll be left with memories of moments among nature's wonders.