Is the Daintree Ferry expensive?

The ferry costs approximately 45 AUD for a return trip for a standard vehicle.

Can I take a bus to Townsville?

Yes, Greyhound Australia operates services from Cairns to Townsville.

How long is the drive from Cow Bay to Cairns?

It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including the ferry crossing.

Are there crocodiles in the Daintree?

Yes, estuarine crocodiles inhabit the Daintree River and coastal waters.

Is the Bruce Highway safe?

It is a major highway, but requires caution due to heavy freight traffic and narrow sections.

Cow Bay

Townsville

Flight Driving

Cow Bay to Townsville

Updated: 27 May 2026

The journey from Cow Bay to Townsville covers approximately 450 kilometers along the tropical Queensland coast. You must first cross the Daintree River via the Daintree Ferry, which operates daily from 6:00 AM to midnight. From the ferry, you travel south through Port Douglas to Cairns before joining the Bruce Highway. The Bruce Highway serves as the primary arterial road connecting North Queensland to the rest of the state. Expect a total driving time of roughly 6 hours depending on traffic conditions near Cairns.

Total Distance: 450 km driving distance; 380 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest method, taking 6 hours compared to the 8-hour total travel time including airport transfers.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the cheapest option, costing roughly 100 AUD in fuel and ferry fees.

Compare Cow Bay to Townsville Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours	6 hours
Avg Price	250-400 AUD	80-120 AUD
Operator	QantasLink	Private Vehicle
Route	Cairns Airport (CNS) to Townsville Airport (TSV).	Cape Tribulation Road to Bruce Highway (A1).
Tip	You must drive to Cairns first to catch the flight.	Check Daintree Ferry queue times online before departing Cow Bay.

Travel Tips

Ferry Payment
Keep cash or a pre-paid card for the Daintree Ferry as mobile reception is unreliable.
Fuel Up
Fill your tank in Mossman before heading north into the Daintree region.
Wildlife Awareness
Watch for cassowaries crossing the road between Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation.
Road Conditions
Check the Queensland Traffic website for potential flooding on the Bruce Highway during the wet season.
Booking Flights
Book Cairns to Townsville flights at least three weeks in advance for lower fares.

Safety Tips

Stinger Season
Wear protective suits if swimming in the ocean between November and May.
Fatigue Management
Take breaks every two hours on the Bruce Highway to avoid driver fatigue.
Flood Safety
Never drive through flooded roads; if it is flooded, forget it.
Mobile Coverage
Download offline maps as signal drops out frequently in the Daintree rainforest.