
Drives Queensland, Australia Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree
Palmerston Highway
Palmerston Highway · Goondi → Millaa Millaa
The drive
The Palmerston Highway, State Route 25, climbs from the Bruce Highway at Goondi, near Innisfail, through Wooroonooran National Park to Millaa Millaa on the Atherton Tableland. This drive is 47 km (29 mi) of rainforest road. It leaves the cane fields behind and then has a steady run of bends until the Tableland opens out.
At Millaa Millaa the highway meets Beatrice Way, the former Old Palmerston Highway, and Main Street, and State Route 25 carries on as the Malanda-Millaa Millaa Road. The Old Palmerston Highway is a separate tourist drive that is not suitable for caravans.
Landslips and heavy rain after Cyclone Jasper closed the highway in late 2023, and it reopened in stages from early 2024.
Along the way
- Goondi
- Millaa Millaa
Good to know
- Landslips and heavy rain closed this road in December 2023, so check QLDTraffic after heavy rain.
- The highway runs through national park for much of its length.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check QLDTraffic.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Palmerston Highway take to drive?
Goondi to Millaa Millaa is 47 km (29 mi) and takes about 35 minutes.
Does the Palmerston Highway close?
It can. Landslips and heavy rain closed it after Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, and it reopened in stages. Check QLDTraffic for current conditions.
What is the route number of the Palmerston Highway?
It is State Route 25, from the Bruce Highway at Goondi to Millaa Millaa.
Which national park does the Palmerston Highway cross?
It runs through Wooroonooran National Park between Innisfail and the Atherton Tableland.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.



