About a 2 hour drive north of Cairns Airport on a beautiful scenic winding road which offers many places to stop and admire or photograph the views of the coast.
Stop in Port Douglas for fuel and to grocery shop at Coles or IGA. There is also a Woolworths in Mossman.
If you have a bit of time go and see the Mossman Gorge. Turn left just after Woolworths in Mossman and follow the signs. You'll park at the Visitor Centre and catch a bus to the Gorge. It's a fast flowing river over boulders with fantastic walks. Swimming is not recommended due to currents and frequent rain in the mountains which can suddenly send very fast unexpected rapids down the river.
Stop and have lunch or a coffee at the Visitor Centre and browse the art gallery. The Gorge is operated by the local indigenous people, Kuku Yalanji and is well worth a visit on the way here or on the way back.
North of Mossman will be a turn off to the right for the Daintree Ferry. Rose will leave free tickets either on the ferry or at the ticket booth. Once over the ferry, follow the winding road through rainforest and waterfalls. Once at the top of the range there is a right hand turn to a scenic view. You'll see the coast and the mouth of the Daintree River.
Next follow the road down the range. You'll pass the right hand turn off to The Discovery Centre, pass the Cow Bay Hotel and Floravilla Ice-Cream. Just after Floravilla turn right to Cow Bay beach, this is Buchanan Creek Rd. It's about 6 or 7 km to Cow Bay beach.