Getting to Mareeba
Mareeba sits on the Atherton Tablelands, 64 kilometres west of Cairns and approximately 55 minutes by car. The drive up the Kuranda Range is an experience in itself, climbing from coastal lowlands through World Heritage rainforest to the elevated plateau of the Tablelands.
64 km
From Cairns
~55 minutes drive
33 km
From Atherton
~25 minutes drive
100 km
From Port Douglas
~90 minutes drive
443 m
Elevation
Above sea level
Driving from Cairns
The most common route from Cairns is via the Kennedy Highway, which climbs the Kuranda Range through World Heritage-listed rainforest before emerging onto the Atherton Tablelands. The road is sealed and well-maintained, but features numerous sharp bends and steep grades through the range section. Allow 55-65 minutes for the full journey.
Route: Cairns to Mareeba via Kennedy Highway
Head north on Sheridan Street, then west onto the Kennedy Highway at Smithfield
Turn-off to Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail. Kennedy Highway begins climbing the range.
Winding mountain road through World Heritage rainforest. Use low gear downhill. Watch for cyclists.
Optional stop for markets, Skyrail, Scenic Railway. Add 30 min for a quick visit.
Road straightens out onto the Tablelands. Scenic rural countryside.
Arrive in Mareeba town centre on Byrnes Street.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Barron Falls Lookout
Just off the highway near Kuranda. Spectacular waterfall especially during the wet season (Dec-Apr). 5-minute walk from car park.
Kuranda Village
Worth a 1-2 hour stop for the Original Rainforest Markets, wildlife parks, and cafes. Open daily.
Davies Creek Falls
Turn off the Kennedy Highway 30km from Cairns. Beautiful waterfall and swimming hole in national park. 15-minute walk.
Granite Gorge
12km west of Mareeba. Hand-feed endangered rock wallabies, swim in natural rock pools. Half-day attraction.
Bus Services
Trans North operates regular bus services between Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, with stops in Mareeba. The service runs multiple times daily on weekdays with reduced services on weekends.
Trans North Bus Service
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours from Cairns to Mareeba
- Fare: Approximately $15-23 one way (adult)
- Frequency: Multiple services daily, Mon-Sat. Limited Sunday service.
- Pick-up: Cairns Transit Centre, Lake Street
- Drop-off: Mareeba town centre
Check Trans North for current timetables and fares. No booking required - pay on board.
Nearest Airport
The nearest commercial airport is Cairns International Airport (CNS), which receives direct flights from all Australian capital cities and international destinations including Singapore, Tokyo, Auckland, and Port Moresby. From Cairns Airport, Mareeba is approximately 55 minutes by car.
Car hire is available at Cairns Airport from all major rental companies. A rental car is strongly recommended for exploring Mareeba Shire as public transport is limited. Mareeba has its own airport (YMBA) for general aviation, but no scheduled passenger services.
Alternative Routes
Via Gillies Highway (Gordonvale)
~75 min from CairnsA longer but equally scenic route. From Cairns head south to Gordonvale, then climb the Gillies Range to the Tablelands via Yungaburra. Continue north to Mareeba via Atherton. The Gillies Highway has fewer bends than the Kennedy but is a longer drive.
Via Rex Range (from Port Douglas)
~90 min from Port DouglasIf coming from Port Douglas or the Daintree, take the Rex Highway from Mossman over the Rex Range to Mt Molloy, then south to Mareeba. Scenic route through dry savanna country.
From Townsville (via Charters Towers)
~5.5 hoursThe inland route via the Kennedy Highway from Charters Towers through the outback. A long but fascinating drive through remote Queensland cattle country.