Macalister Range National Park

Tucked into the far north reaches of Queensland, Macalister Range National Park is a dramatic coastal feature of the Great Dividing Range. Peeking through the rich forest landscape are glimpses of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and its surrounding islands. Endangered populations within the park include the southern cassowary and Macleay's fig-parrot, a small Australian species that thrives on figs and other soft fruit. Although Macalister Range National Park is not open to the public, it's a supreme attraction nonetheless. The long route from Cairns to Port Douglas along the Captain Cook Highway reveals the best views of this lush and rugged UNESCO-listed paradise.