Cairns to Cradle Mountain: Road Trip Guide & Distance

1708.8 miles 2750.1 km · straight line
2111.2 miles actual route 3397.7 km · driving distance
47h 38min estimated drive time
AUD 398 - AUD 489 estimated fuel cost
~3h 56min flight time
180° S bearing direction

How far is Cairns from Cradle Mountain?

The distance from Cairns to Cradle Mountain is 1708.8 miles (2750.1 km) as the crow flies. Cradle Mountain is located S of Cairns. By car, the driving distance is approximately 2111.2 miles, taking about 47h 38min. A direct flight would take roughly 3h 56min. Both are located in Australia — Cairns in Queensland and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. As you head South, expect warmer temperatures. Make sure your car's AC is working well before embarking on this journey. For a trip of this distance, flying is significantly faster. However, driving offers the flexibility to explore stops along the way.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cairns and Cradle Mountain. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Cairns to Cradle Mountain

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 47h 38min AUD 398 - AUD 489 Flexible stops
Fly ~3h 56min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~57h 10min $169–$317* Budget
Train ~61h 55min $253–$739* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Cairns & Cradle Mountain

Quick Facts

Cairns
16.92°S, 145.78°E
Australia/Brisbane
0m elevation
Cradle Mountain
41.65°S, 145.95°E
Australia/Hobart
1545m elevation
Explore more routes from Cradle Mountain

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 570 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 142 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 14.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM