Is the road to Cooktown paved?

Yes, the Mulligan Highway is fully sealed.

Can I fly to Cooktown?

There is a small airstrip, but commercial flights are rare; flying to Cairns is standard.

Are there crocodiles?

Yes, always assume local waterways have crocodiles.

The main road is sealed, but 4WD is recommended for exploring surrounding areas.

Holland Park West

Cooktown

Flight Driving

Holland Park West to Cooktown

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Holland Park West to Cooktown is a significant 2,000-kilometer trip. The most practical way is to fly from Brisbane to Cairns and then rent a 4WD for the 4-hour drive to Cooktown. Driving the entire way takes over 24 hours and requires careful planning for remote road conditions. Cooktown is a historic town at the end of the road in Far North Queensland.

Total Distance: 2,000 km driving distance; 1,750 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying to Cairns and driving to Cooktown takes about 5 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Flying to Cairns and renting a car is the most efficient and often cheapest method.

Compare Holland Park West to Cooktown Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours (flight + drive)	26 hours
Avg Price	$300 - $600	$500 - $700 fuel
Operator	Qantas, Jetstar	N/A
Route	Flight to Cairns, then drive via Mulligan Highway.	Bruce Highway (A1) to Cairns, then Mulligan Highway.
Tip	Rent a 4WD if you plan to explore off-road tracks.	Carry extra fuel and water; remote areas have limited services.

Travel Tips

Road Conditions
Check road reports for the Mulligan Highway before departing.
Supplies
Stock up on food and water in Cairns before heading north.
Fuel
Fill up at every opportunity in remote areas.
Communication
Mobile coverage is limited; consider a satellite phone for remote travel.
Wildlife
Be aware of crocodiles in local waterways.