UPDATED 30 June 2025:

Starting 1 August 2025 (previously advised 1 July) we are unable to offer private transfer services that commence after 6pm from Port Douglas or after 6pm from Cairns Airport. When the situation has changed we will update our booking forms. We apologise for this inconvenience which is 100% out of our control. Visitors to the region can please understand that this is very important remediation work on the highway that was extensively damaged in December 2023 and January 2024 by Cyclone Jasper and the heavy rains that followed.

Visitors arriving at night into Cairns should make arrangments to stay in Cairns and travel the next day. During the day there is ready access up and down the highway for all shuttle and private transfer services.

Regards
Paul
CairnsAirportShuttle.net

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (Queensland)
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/  
MEDIA STATEMENT 08 May 2024
Night closures on Captain Cook Highway 15 May – Late July

• A section of captain Cook Highway, between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti, will be closed to traffic at night from Wednesday 15 May until late July, weather and construction conditions permitting.
• This section of the highway will be closed between 9pm and 4am with traffic to be let through twice in each direction at 11pm and 1.30am on selected nights where works will allow.
• Full closures are scheduled for the nights of Sunday 19 May and Monday 20 May, when the scope of works cannot allow for traffic releases.

To expedite repairs on the Captain Cook Highway to ensure the safety for road users, a section between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti, will be closed to traffic at night from Wednesday 15 May until late July.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will carry out critical works between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti, in preparation for permanent repair works.

Several sections of the Captain Cook Highway received significant damage following rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

TMR understands the importance of this vital route and these decisions have been made after engagement and consultation with community members.

Feedback from stakeholders has allowed us to arrange for scheduled traffic let throughs and to ensure that no night works will occur on the following dates:
• Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May – Road will remain open for Port Douglas Carnivale
• Saturday 1 June
• Saturday 8 June
• Saturday 15 June – Road will remain open to allow access ahead of the Ironman event.
• Sunday 16 June – Changed traffic conditions and closures will be in place. For more information on these see the Ironman website – Works will resume Monday 17 June.
• Saturday 22 June
• Saturday 29 June
• Saturday 6 July

Due to the required heavy machinery and limited road width, full closures of this section of road will be necessary.

Full closures are scheduled for the nights of:
• Sunday 19 May
• Monday 20 May
On these nights, traffic cannot be let through.

TMR anticipates further full closure dates will be required. The dates of full closures are dependent on progress of works, weather, materials supply, and construction conditions. Road users should plan their journeys accordingly and seek an alternative route if travel at night is necessary.

Following the works, the Captain Cook Highway will remain single lane at various locations until permanent repair works can be carried out.

Investigations are continuing into long-term solutions for repairs to the Captain Cook Highway.

TMR is prioritising the design, relevant approvals, and preparation of suitable construction methodologies for these recovery works.

The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Regional Director, Ross Hodgman:

“Our priority is to maintain safe access on the Captain Cook Highway for all road users.

“I understand that road closures are an inconvenience and encourage road users to plan ahead.

“The closures are necessary to safely carry out these critical works and I thank road users for their patience.

"We've thankfully been able to schedule works around events I know are important to the region's economy such as the Ironman and Port Douglas Carnivale."

For up-to-date information about the state-controlled road network, check the QLDTraffic website or call 13 19 40. Road users are also encouraged to subscribe to SMS traffic alerts for the Captain Cook Highway to be notified of changed traffic conditions.

For up-to-date information on traffic disruptions, visit the QldTraffic website at www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au call 131940 or download the QldTraffic app from your app store.

​ENDS

​Queensland Tourism Operator CairnsAirportShuttle.net is today announcing a $10 surcharge per American for all Americans travelling on our shuttles between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas.

The surcharge will apply from 2 April 2025.  (3 April 2025: The $10 surcharge has been paused for 90 days). 

Donald Trump is superstitious and does not want to commence new reciprocal tariffs on 1 April because they would make him look like a fool. CairnsAirportShuttle.net is super appreciative of this strong leadership and so we will also follow the guidance of this strong man.

Americans will be required to answer a simple yes no question: Do you have American Citizenship? If the answer is no then no $10 surcharge. If the answer is yes a $10 surcharge will apply.

We have sought legal advice and understand that this decision by CairnsAirportShuttle.net does not breach any test of reasonableness or that the charge is discriminatory.

This is instead a special measure for the purposes of s 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)* to help Americans who are disadvantaged by having Donald Trump as their President. The special measure will also include a free advice about how to handle local Australian wildlife. ie Don’t do it!

We do love our American friends and suggest, as President Trump does, that if they wish to avoid paying the new $10 surcharge on transfers between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas they can come and live in Australia!

END

* Prime Minister John Howard used this same ‘special measure’ legal basis during the Northern Territory in 2007. CairnsAirportShuttle.net understands that the $10 fee does fly against convention, but in March 2025 there seems no place that established conventions or contractual agreements actually apply to anything to do with the USA. CairnsAirportShuttle.net will shortly establish a charity to fully comply with S 8 RDA requirements. 

Every year we encourage travellers to either stay in Port Douglas until the day after, or go to Cairns the day before, this annual event. We can provide limited services only during the closure.

The annual Cairns Ironman road closure between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas is with us again. Uniquely sponsored by Cairns Airport the Cairns Ironman closes the Captain Cook Highway for 12 hours on 15 June 2025 while planes continue to land as usual at Cairns Airport.

We're not sure why Cairns Airport sponsors this race AND also doesn't tell any of its thousands of customers about the race before hand. Instead the duty to try and inform visitors to our region falls to shuttle transfer services like CairnsAirportShuttle.net. We appreciate this unique situation raises eyebrows amongst travellers to our region expecting to transit directly to their holiday in Port Douglas, and only becoming aware of the closure when going to book transfers 😉

Our travel options on Sunday 15 June 2025 can be booked here and offer:

• Departing Port Douglas: 
  03:45am (Direct to Cairns Airport 1.15 hours) and
  10:00am (Inland via Kuranda 2.5 hours approx)
  
• Departing Cairns Airport: 
  1:00pm (Via Kuranda 2.5 hours approx) and
  5:30pm (Direct to Port Douglas 1.15 hour approx:) 
  
  
• The primary purpose of this post is to encourage anyone travelling on 15 June 2025 to ideally avoid travel on the day and make arrangements to minimise the impact of the road closure, and maximise your holiday time 🌴😎

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas
A Magical Night to Welcome in 2025!

Every year, Rex Smeal Park in Port Douglas transforms into a hub of excitement and celebration as locals and visitors alike gather to ring in the New Year with a breathtaking fireworks display. Nestled by the sea, this picturesque park offers the perfect setting for a night filled with joy, entertainment, and spectacular pyrotechnics. 

The Venue: Rex Smeal ParkRex Smeal Park, renowned for its stunning coastal views and lush surroundings, provides an ideal backdrop for New Year's Eve festivities. The park's spacious lawns allow for ample seating and picnic areas, making it a family-friendly location where people of all ages can revel in the celebrations.

Event Highlights: The Fireworks Display – and early and a late show. Each year there is usually an early family friendly show around 9pm for the young ones, and the old ones who want to be in bed early! As the clock nears midnight, anticipation will build for the midnight fireworks display. Timed to coincide with the New Year, the fireworks light up the sky above the coconut and palm trees creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.

Fireworks Tip 1: Getting close to the action in Port Douglas is not always the best. Stand where you can see above the coconut trees! If you stand too deep in the crowd or within the coconut trees you might miss out.  

Fireworks Tip 2: Some of the best seats are at the restaurants like the Court House Hotel (The Courty!) and Salsa Bar and Grill.
 
Community Spirit: One of the most cherished aspects of the New Year's Eve celebration at Rex Smeal Park is the sense of community it fosters. Neighbours, friends, and visitors come together to share in the excitement and create lasting memories. It's a time for unity, reflection, and looking forward to the year ahead.
​
Tips for Attendees – stay hydrated in the tropics.

• Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, it's advisable to arrive early in the evening. This also allows you to enjoy the vibe of Macrossan Street before the fireworks begin.
• Bring Comfort Items: Consider bringing blankets or foldable chairs for comfortable seating. A picnic with family and friends can also add to the experience.
• Plan for Safety: Ensure that you follow any safety guidelines provided by event organisers. Stay behind cordoned off areas and keep an eye on children. December and January in Port Douglas is in the wet season so you might need an umbrella. It is also the hot and humid wet season so always stay hydrated for a safe and enjoyable evening.

Are you arriving into or departing Cairns Airport on Sunday 8 September 2024? Then this post is for you :)

Cairns Airport Arrivals on 8 September 2024
10:30am departure from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas

If you are arriving on 8 September 2024 between 6:00am and 10:00am then please use our special form for our 10:30am service via the inland highway linked below during the road closure to Port Douglas. For passengers arriving at Cairns Airport after 10:00am our regular scheduled service to Port Douglas recommences at 1:45pm direct to Port Douglas and can be booked on our standard forms.

Cairns Airport Departures on 8 September 2024
4am, 11am and 1:30pm departures from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport

If you are flying out of Cairns before 7pm on 8 September 2024 then please use our special form for our 4am, 11am and 1:30pm inland highway services during the road closure to Port Douglas.  Our regular scheduled service from Port Douglas recommences at 4:00pm direct to Cairns Airport and suitable for 7pm flights or later and booked on our standard forms.

BOOK HERE for special transfers between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas on 8 September 2024

Regards
The Team at CairnsAirportShuttle.net

Our new streamlined fixed schedule shuttle service between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas provides certainty and reliability for visitors to Cairns and Port Douglas.

Our express service below does not stop in Palm Cove saving everyone on our shuttles 30 mins each way. That's extra holiday time you can have by the pool instead of sitting in a bus.

• All our services are door to door which means Cairns Airport to the reception of your Port Douglas accommodation or Airbnb.
• We recommend selecting a service scheduled to depart 30 minutes after your arrival into Cairns
• If your flight is delayed we will move you to the next scheduled bus.

As of May 2024 our fixed schedule service as follows:
Cairns Airport to Port Douglas - 8 services daily - Book here

• 7:00am
• 8:45am
• 9:45am
• 10:45am New!
• 11:45am
• 12:45am
• 1:45pm
• 3:45pm
• 6:30pm

Port Douglas to Cairns Airport - 10 services daily - Book here

• 6:00am
• 7:00am
• 8:00am
• 9:00am
• 10:00am
• 11:00am
• 12 midday
• 2:00pm
• 4:00pm
• 5:00pm

​

We regularly receive emails and phone calls asking if we offer a direct service between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas.

Our service is a 100% express service between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas, and vice versa. Our service bypasses Smithfield and Palm Cove and goes direct from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas accommodation.

Our express shuttle service saves travelling guests 30 mins or more over passengers on other shuttle companies that go via Palm Cove. This has been the case for over 10 years since we commenced business in 2014.

For passengers arriving in Cairns our service is the only service to choose by any passenger wanting an express shuttle service. We drop off and pick up direct to and from the reception of your Port Douglas accommodation or Airbnb anywhere in Port Douglas.

Always choose CairnsAirportShuttle.net for your direct express shuttle service transfers between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas.

Simple select your fixed schedule service from either Cairns Airport or Port Douglas, hop aboard, and go direct!

Pictured: One of our 7 seater (we use for 5 pax only) Kia Carnival private transfer vehicles. Standard shared shuttle services generally use our modern fleet of 13 seater Toyota HiAce,  20 seater Toyota Commuter, or 53 seater Bonluck Luxury liner vehicles. 

What a huge effort! Just over 30 days after being completely smashed by over 100 landslides, and having removed over 30,000 tonnes of debris - the Captain Cook Highway has reopened to one lane (in three main sections) and transfers are now moving again. Transfers have been going relatively smoothly on the newly reopened road this weekend Saturday 20 January and Sunday 21 January. However, passengers should expect there will be some delays due to traffic controls and stop / go signage. The one lane and stop/ go traffic controls will also make departures from Port Douglas slightly earlier than our usual 3 hour window. We have been working hard throughout this closure to provide our transfer services and to keep everyone updated with conditions and changed schedules via the Inland Highway via Mareeba.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we recommence services on this crucially important road between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas. Your relaxing Port Douglas holiday awaits you.🌴😎

Images source: Image published on Newsport from a submitted picture.

Progress is being made on repairs to the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas.

Local communities, tourists and tourism operators are all looking forward to the highway reopening after the damage from drenching rains that followed Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

Some 30,000 tonnes of mud, rocks and debris have been removed from the highway as work moves towards opening one lane from late January. The reopening is dependent on works progressing.

Everyone at CairnsAirportShuttle.net thanks all those involved in this mammoth effort to reopen this important road link. Thank you to all the crews and all the teams working long and hard hours. 

We'll update here again closer to Australia Day when we (hopefully) know more.

Image credit: From the 10 January 2024 media statement by Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services The Honourable Bart Mellish

Yay! We are now open for bookings between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas.🎅🍀🌞

All services will go via the Inland Highway through Kuranda and Mareeba.

All services take approx: 3 hours.

We have four shared shuttle services daily from Cairns Airport and Port Douglas.

We offer private transfer with every flight.

BOOK HERE for Cairns Airport <> Port Douglas December 2023 / January 2024