Best Day Rides from Bungalow: the Captain Cook Highway Coast Run to Port Douglas & Mossman
From ReviRide Cairns Ducati & Triumph
Where the Gillies–Tablelands loop sends you climbing into the hills, this ride does the opposite: it points the bike north and hugs the Coral Sea. Roll out of Bungalow, skirt the airport and let Sheridan Street become the Captain Cook Highway, then settle in as the road threads between rainforested ranges and a string of palm-fringed beaches. It is less about hairpins and more about rhythm, sea breeze and big blue horizons.
The signature stretch is the section between Ellis Beach and Wangetti, where the highway curves along the headlands with the ocean almost at your footpegs. Rex Lookout is the classic place to pull over and watch hang-gliders and paragliders ride the updraughts. From there it is an easy cruise up to Port Douglas, the laid-back resort town that makes a natural lunch stop and turnaround point.
Keen riders can push a little further to Mossman Gorge, on the doorstep of the Daintree, before retracing the coast home as the afternoon light turns the sea silver. It is a forgiving, scenic day out that suits riders still getting acquainted with a rental, while still rewarding anyone who just wants to enjoy one of Australia's great coastal roads.
Along the way
- 1
Palm Cove Esplanade
An easy first stretch of the legs, this paperbark- and palm-lined beachfront strip just off the highway is a pleasant spot for a coffee before the coastal run proper begins.
- 2
Ellis Beach
The last of the northern beaches before the highway starts to wind, with a long sweep of sand right beside the road and a kiosk for a cold drink.
- 3
Rex Lookout
The signature pull-over on the Captain Cook Highway, perched above the coast with sweeping views and often hang-gliders and paragliders launching from the headland. Take care entering and exiting on the bend.
- 4
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Wangetti
A long-running wildlife park beside the highway with boardwalks, croc-feeding boat cruises and native animals such as cassowaries and koalas, if you fancy a longer break off the bike.
- 5
Port Douglas
The relaxed turnaround town: cruise down Macrossan Street for lunch, stretch out at Four Mile Beach, or ride up to the Flagstaff Hill lookout for views back over the coastline and reef.
- 6
Mossman Gorge
About 20 km north of Port Douglas on the edge of the Daintree, this rainforest gorge with its clear river and Indigenous cultural centre makes a worthwhile extension before you turn for home.
Before you go
- Fuel up in Cairns or the northern suburbs before leaving; servo options thin out north of Smithfield, though Port Douglas and Mossman have fuel for the return leg.
- The Ellis Beach to Wangetti section is twisty and right beside the ocean, so watch for gravel, tourist traffic slowing for views, and the occasional rockfall after heavy rain.
- This is the tropics: carry water, sunscreen and a packable rain layer, as showers can appear quickly even in the dry season.
- Wildlife is a real hazard near Hartley's and the Daintree fringe, especially cassowaries and wallabies around dawn and dusk, so plan to be back before dark.
- Conditions change, and post-cyclone repairs or weather closures do occur on the Captain Cook Highway, so check current road conditions and ride to your own experience and the day's conditions.
Ride it on a ReviRide bike
Helmet and 800 km/day included.
Routes are suggestions only. Roads, conditions, and access can change — check current conditions, ride to your ability and the conditions, and obey all road rules.