How to hit the road from Cairns to Undara

When it comes to Queensland road trips, there’s plenty to go around so if you’ve got a destination in mind, we recommend making the most of the journey there.

The Cairns to Undara Volcanic National Park road trip only takes around 4 hours (and is sealed the entire way) – why not enjoy an adventure as you go? There are plenty of gems en-route just waiting to be explored.

Day one

Starting in Cairns where you're spoilt for choice on breakfast choices, today you're going to discover the surrounding rainforest. 

From Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (Smithfield), glide for 7.5km above the World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Along the way, hop on and off to explore Red Peak and Barron Falls, before disembarking at Kuranda – known as the village in the rainforest. Here you'll find handcrafted goods, Aboriginal arts and crafts, galleries, and plenty of honey, local coffee and tropical fruit ice cream. 

While you're in the area, take the time to explore some local attractions, including the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation Nature Park. 

On your return to Cairns, make sure to travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a scenic journey past dense rainforest and picturesque waterfalls. For a touch of luxury, join the Gold Class carriage for bubbles and refreshments. 

If you're looking to lose yourself among some of Queensland's most famous natural wonders, check out this Cairns eco-luxury accommodation guide.

Day two

Rise and shine – it's time to soar the wide-open skies and watch the sunrise over the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands with Hot Air Balloon Cairns. 

Enjoy a final bite in Cairns before heading inland towards Davies Creek National Park where you'll find Davies Creek Falls, a magnificent waterfall cascading over huge granite boulders.

Ready for a tipple? Stop in at Golden Drop Winery – a family-owned and operated boutique winery situated on one of the largest commercial mango plantations in Australia.

Your final stop today is the outback landscape of Granite Gorge National Park where you'll discover huge granite boulders and bushwalking trails, a creek for swimming and canoeing, and tame rock wallabies to say hello to. On-site, there's also cabins, safari tents and camping options overlooking Mareeba Valley.

Day three

For freshly roasted coffee straight from the farm, make your way over to Skybury Cafe and Roastery. Sit out on the deck with breakfast, take in the views of Australia's oldest coffee plantation and treat yourself to some of the coffee products available for purchase.

The final hurdle on this stretched-out road trip takes you to the ultimate stop – Undara Volcanic National Park which protects one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. Here you can explore natural geological wonders, walk in the path of a volcano, sleep cocooned in an antique railway carriage, and enjoy the comforts and hospitality of a unique outback setting. To see iconic Australian wildlife, accompanied by cheese and sparkling wine while your guide narrates the land around you, book yourself onto the Undara Wildlife at Sunset Tour.

Looking for ideas on how to spend your time at Undara? Check out this four-day itinerary.