Cairns to Cairns
Can’t take time off work for a holiday? No problem! We’ll show you how to have a rewarding break amongst endless tropical waterfalls on your weekend.
Day 1: Cairns to Malanda (204km)
Collect your DIY cheap Cairns hire car bright and early and begin driving south along the Bruce Highway. The sugar cane fields will surround you until you reach The Boulders (7km inland from Babinda). This peaceful area is perfect for a picnic and swimmers of any age. For your first real waterfall, drive 10km south to the beautiful Josephine Falls.
Follow the scenic Palmerston Highway through Australia’s richest World Heritage listed tropical rainforests. Stop often at the different lookouts and short walks for access to stunning gorges and waterfalls. You next destination is Millstreams Falls - Australia’s widest waterfall - your jaw will drop when you see it! Close by is the 15km Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit, where you will see one of the most photographed falls in Australia (and many more!). Finally drive north to Malanda and stay overnight.
Day 2: Malanda to Cairns (122km)
After our busy day yesterday, slow the pace down today and relax. Spend some time exploring Malanda; the heart of the dairy industry and try some local produce. Drive north through Atherton to reach Tolga, which is known for the roadside stalls of fresh produce picked straight from the orchards.
Further north is Mareeba, which specialises in cattle and coffee. Be sure to drop in to The Coffee Works to sample the local blends. If you have time discover the Mareeba Wetlands’ diverse birdlife. Kuranda is a short drive north and is a must do, especially the historic railway station and the impressive Barron Falls. Our last stop is the tropical Cairns, signalling the end of your weekend getaway. If you need to fly home, there is a hire car depot conveniently located at Cairns Airport where you can return your DIY rental car.