December 18th, 2023: Cairns and Port Douglas cut off by floods and landslides on the Captain Cook Highway.

MONDAY 18 DEC 2023 ALERT:

Cairns and Port Douglas are affected by widespread record breaking floods as a result of severe weather and rainfall over 1000mm since Cyclone Jasper crossed the coast on Wednesday last week.

Cairns Airport is currently closed. Our office is closed today due to flooding, power outages and inability of staff to move about. Drivers have been cut off by flood waters and are isolated at multiple locations.

We currently do not know when the Captain Cook Highway will reopen but from images and video we have seen we would estimate 7-14 days minimum. People flying in to Cairns during this time should check with their airlines, accommodation and all sources of info before arriving in Cairns. The Cairns, Port Douglas, Mossman communities and all in between will need time to clean up and regroup before focusing on the delivery of tourism services which is the lifeblood of our region. We look forward to seeing guests to our region back as soon as possible.

Our primary concern this week is the safety and wellbeing of our staff and drivers. We also need time to assess damage to assets and our fleet. 

Refund, credit enquiries or change of date requests please email the details on your booking form and we will reply as soon as able. General enquiries may be delayed as our staff focus on managing existing bookings.

Thank you for your understanding.

This message will be updated when the situation changes.

Image source: Newsport Facebook from video posted by JDI Earthworks and Machinery Hire