Darwin to Cairns – Chasing the Coast
Hi peeps,
It was time to hit the road again—this time heading for Cairns.
Before we could leave, Max was due for his 15,000 km service. With all his oils and lubricants topped up, tyres checked, and a clean bill of health, we were ready for another adventure.
This leg of the journey was made even better because my ride-along, Willy, flew into Darwin to join me for the drive across to Cairns. I had a few secret stops planned to make sure it wasn't just another long road trip.
Our first stop was the beautiful Mataranka, where we stretched our legs and soaked up the serenity. From there, we headed to the legendary Daly Waters Pub. Like so many travellers before us, I left a little piece of Boomerang on the Road behind by donating one of my polo shirts to the famous collection hanging throughout the pub. It felt pretty special seeing Boomerang become part of the history of this iconic outback destination.
The drive from Darwin to Cairns was around 2,800 kilometres, and we tackled it over four days.
Some days were cruisy, covering 500–600 kilometres, while others had us pushing close to 1,000 kilometres before calling it a day. Every stretch of road offered something different. We watched the landscape slowly transform as we travelled from the Northern Territory into Queensland. The country changed colour, the road climbed into the ranges, and the scenery became greener with every kilometre.
One thing I can say with certainty... Should ever I go back to Camooweal, Twould be in the spring when desert flowers bloom.
Driving across the Atherton Tablelands was something special. Then came the winding descent into Cairns. Beautiful? Absolutely. Dizzy? Also absolutely! Those twists and turns just kept coming, and I'm pretty sure I was ready to kiss flat ground again by the time we arrived.
But what a drive it was.
Four days filled with incredible scenery, plenty of laughs, great company, and one very special surprise waiting for me at the airport...
My daughter, Suzy.
There really isn't a better way to end a road trip than with a hug from your child.
🌿 Boomerang's Top 5 Around Cairns
In no particular order, these were my favourite adventures:
🐠 Great Barrier Reef – Our first ever PADI scuba dive, snorkelling amongst the coral, followed by an unforgettable helicopter flight back to Cairns.
🍴 Port Douglas – Lunch at the Tin Shed is an absolute must.
🌴 Cairns Esplanade – Perfect for an afternoon stroll, people watching and soaking up the tropical atmosphere.
🦐 Salt House – Beautiful seafood platters, champagne and waterfront views.
🛍️ Cairns Central Shopping Centre – Everything you need under one roof (and yes... we spent more time there than we probably should have!).
Reflections in Cairns
Cairns was exactly what I needed.
After months on the road delivering training, consultancy and meeting incredible communities, I took a week off to simply enjoy life.
Having Suzy join us made the week even more special.
After a couple of slow "landing days," we boarded the Evolution cruise for a day on the Great Barrier Reef.
What an experience.
We completed our very first PADI scuba dive, descending eight metres beneath the surface into another world. The colours were breathtaking. Coral gardens stretched out beneath us while tropical fish danced through the water as if they were putting on a private show just for us.
It is one of those moments that photographs simply can't capture.
Snorkelling gave us another chance to explore the reef before we finished the day with something truly unforgettable—a helicopter flight back to Cairns.
To experience the Great Barrier Reef from beneath the water and then from high above in the sky on the very same day was simply magical. If you're ever in Cairns, I can't recommend it enough.
Back on land, Willy kept us very well fed, showing off his hidden talents in the kitchen and spoiling us with delicious home-cooked meals. It was a nice change from my usual road-trip cooking!
The rest of our week was beautifully simple—country drives, long lunches, wandering aimlessly through the shops, and enjoying each other's company without any deadlines or schedules.
Eventually, it was time to say goodbye.
Willy flew home, Suzy and I packed up Max once again, and together we pointed the bonnet south.
Our next destination?
A mother-and-daughter road trip all the way to Byron Bay.
The adventure continues...
Boomerang on the Road ❤️🚙✨
Travel Stats
Odometer: 20800 → 23650
Distance travelled: 2850 km
Stops along the way:
Mataranka → Daly Waters→ Tennant Creek → Cloncurry → Cairns
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