<p>World class wind conditions are almost guaranteed, and with deserted beaches and stunning backdrops, increasing numbers of kite surfers keep coming back for more.</p>
<p>The main beaches favored by the kite surfing community are at Walker Bay and Archer Point, both just outside Cooktown, and Elim Beach near Hope Vale.</p>
<p><a href="http://australiankitesurfari.com/" target="_blank">Australian Kitesurfari</a> run organised tours from Cairns and are pioneers in the sport in the region. </p>
<p>The best times of year for kite surfing are are from April-December – come fly with us where the wind always blows!</p>
<p> Kite surfing at Walker Bay</p>

<p>Accessible by 4WD during the dry season only (May-November).</p>
<p>Access via the Starcke Homestead 12 hours north (225 km) of Cooktown or through Lakefield N.P. and Kalpowar Aboriginal lands, 12 hours north of Cairns.</p>
<p>Recreational fishing is allowed in all rivers and creeks in the park and fisheries regulations apply. Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways along the coast and offshore – be croc wise.</p>
<p>For coastal fishing limited fishing is allowed in the Conservation Park yellow zone in Bathurst Bay, check <a>www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a>” target=”_blank”>www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a> for marine park zoning info.</p>
<p>Bush camping is possible at Bathurst Bay behind the beach, camping permits are required and available from the self-registration shelter at Lakefield ranger station.</p>
<p>Other campsites are at Bathurst Head and adjacent to the Marrett River – ask for more info at QPWS offices.</p>
<p>Camping is also possible in the nearby Kalpowar Recreation Reserve and on Flinders Island.</p>
<p> Sunset at Bathurst Heads, Courtesy Graham Burton</p>

<p><i>Mangkalba</i><i> </i>(Cedar Bay) is the traditional country of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, whose country extends along the coast to Mossman. Cedar Bay National Park was a major turtle hunting area and contains important cultural sites including the <i>murabaymba</i> (canoe), <i>ngawaia</i> (turtle) and <i>ngiwa</i><i> </i>(saltwater eel) story sites.</p>
<p>The Park is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife including the rare and elusive <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/animals/tree_kangaroo">Bennett’s tree kangaroo</a>, endangered southern cassowary and the beach stone-curlew. It lies between Cape Tribulation and Cooktown and is accessible only by boat or on foot via the Home Rule Walking Track. </p>
<p>Take the turnoff south to Helenvale from the Mulligan Highway, about 2 kms south of Black Mountain. Continue through Helenvale and Rossville. Once in Rossville there is a turnoff on your left to Home Rule rainforest lodge. The homestead and access to Cedar Bay North is 3 kms down this track.</p>
<p>The 17km (one way) walking track is a rough, steep and difficult track and should only be attempted by experienced walkers. </p>
<p> Creek flowing down the slopes of Mt Hartley in Cedar Bay National Park</p>
<p>Walking the track should not be attempted when heavy rain has fallen or is forecast, as it crosses several creeks, and steep sections can become slippery in wet weather.</p>
<p>Camping</p>
<p>Bush camping is available in coastal vegetation adjacent to the beach. No facilities are provided so campers must be self-sufficient.</p>
<p>Camping permits are required and fees apply. Permits are limited and it is recommended that you book at least two weeks in advance.</p>
<p>For further information, contact the <a href="http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mangkalba/about.html" target="_blank">Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing</a>  </p>

<p>Access is from Cooktown or Ayton by private or <a href="resolveuid/d42d3bd2d46b2349554081f0bfd6de33">charter boat</a>. There is no access to West Hope in the sea bird breeding season from September-March.</p>
<p>An important nesting site for pied imperial pigeons, the islands are significant sea country for the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.</p>
<p>Snorkelling and diving from the islands to pristine reefs.</p>
<p>There are four bush campsites on East Hope island.</p>

<p>Rinyirru (Lakefield) is of considerable Aboriginal cultural significance, and the park has many places associated with occupation, ceremonies and ancestral spirits. Hann Crossing and Kalpowar Crossing are two such significant sites.</p>
<p>The Park is located in the Laura Basin 6-7 hours north of Cairns. There are several access points: via Laura and the Peninsula Development Road; from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road; on the Lakeland-Laura Road, or from Coen via the Musgrave Roadhouse. Access is only during the dry season, normally May to November, but early or late rains might render some of the tracks impassable. 4WD is highly recommended.</p>
<p>Fishing is permitted at all camping grounds with barramundi and catfish the most common species caught. Boat tours and hire are not available, but you are welcome to bring your own boat.</p>
<p> Kalpowar Crossing Camping Lakefield National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>There are bush camping areas at 12 Mile Waterhole, Old Faithful Waterhole, Mick Fienn and Dingo Waterholes, Kalpowar Crossing Campground, 7 Mile Waterhole and  Hann Crossing. Camping is no longer via self-registration; you now need to register either online, at a QPWS office, or by phone. Visit the <a href="http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/rinyirru-lakefield/camping.html#all_camping_must_now_be">Parks web site</a> for further information.</p>

<p>The Lizard Island group lies midway between the coast and the outer barrier reefs on the edge of the continental shelf.</p>
<p> Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard the main island has several sheltered sandy beaches with easy access to the coral and clam gardens. The islands are rich in cultural meaning for the Dingaal Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years, and also contain important European heritage sites.</p>
<p>Lizard Island was declared a National Park in 1939 and the other islands were added in 1987. The reef and waters surrounding Lizard Island are protected within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and GBR World Heritage Area.</p>
<p>Watson’s Bay is a popular snorkeling site with famed clam gardens and a unique abundance and diversity of solitary corals. The edge of the continental shelf lies just 20km to the east of Lizard Island and the sports fishing from Lizard is world class with 1000lb black marlin frequently caught.</p>
<p>Rising to 395 m above sea level, Cook’s Look provides stunning views of the surrounding reefs and there are several other walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.</p>
<p> Cook’s Look, Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard Island has a tropical climate with a wet season from December-April and best time to visit is May-November</p>
<p>There is a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/lizard-island">5 star resort</a> on Lizard Island and bush camping is permitted in Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island and permits must be obtained in advance.</p>
<p>Commercial airlines provide regular flights from Cairns and charter flights are available from Cairns and Cooktown. Private aircraft may land with permission from the resort.<br />Commercial charter vessels depart from Cairns, Port Douglas and Cooktown for Lizard Island.</p>

<p>A steep 2 km walking trail starts from Ida Street in Cooktown to the Waymbuur lookout offering scenic views over the Great Barrier Reef.</p>
<p>A further 1 km hike leads you to the summit.</p>

<p>Located 10-12 hours north of Cairns through Coen to the Rokeby turnoff.</p>
<p>Access by 4WD only in the dry season May-November.</p>
<p>It stretches from the McIlwraith Range foothills and is bounded by the Archer and Coen Rivers.</p>
<p>There is rewarding bird watching  around the water-lily covered lagoons and rivers and the common spotted cuscus can be found in the rainforest.</p>
<p>Bush camping is permitted at several secluded campsites and fishing and boating is allowed.</p>

<h2>Opening Hours</h2>
<ul>
<li>Cooktown Botanic Gardens are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year</li>
<li>The surrounding Gallop Botanic Reserve is also open all year round but best visited during daylight hours</li>
<li>Nature’s Powerhouse – the botanic gardens’ art gallery, Visitor Information Centre and café is open 8.30am – 4.00pm daily (except on Monday and Tuesday 8.30am – 3.00pm)</li>
<li>Admission is free</li>
</ul>
<h2></h2>
<h2></h2>
<h2>Location</h2>
<ul>
<li>Walker Street, Cooktown – 1.5km from town </li>
<li>The carpark is located adjacent Walker St next to the Gardens’ entrance</li>
<li>A disabled carpark is located next to Nature’s Powerhouse</li>
<li>View a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/plants/CooktownBotanicGardensMap2022.pdf" target="_blank">map</a> of the gardens</li>
</ul>
<h2>Discover the Gardens</h2>
<p>Cooktown Botanic Gardens house five major plant collections:</p>
<ul>
<li>species traditionally used by the local Aboriginal people</li>
<li>species collected by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander in 1770</li>
<li>specimens provided by the Queensland Acclimatisation Society and planted in the gardens in the 19th century</li>
<li>species painted by local artist Vera Scarth-Johnson</li>
<li>species of rare and threatened plants of the shire</li>
</ul>
<p>The gardens also have:</p>
<ul>
<li>a palmetum, featuring tropical palms</li>
<li>a rainforest garden</li>
<li>a bush tucker garden</li>
<li>a heath garden</li>
<li>a water lily pond</li>
</ul>
<p> A map of the plant collections within the gardens can be found<a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/plants/CooktownBotanicGardensMap2022.pdf" target="_blank"> here</a></p>
<h2>Nature’s Powerhouse</h2>
<p>The Nature’s Powerhouse facility, located in the Botanic Gardens, features the Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery, Exhibition Space, Gardens’ Shop, Café and the Cooktown Visitor Information Centre. The Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery displays a collection of original botanical illustrations of flora from the region, painted by Vera Scarth-Johnson. You may also find prints of Joseph Banks Florilegium in there. Many plants displayed in the Gallery can be found in the adjoining Botanic Gardens. More information can be found <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/naturespowerhouse" target="_self">here</a>.</p>
<h2>Gallop Botanic Reserve</h2>
<p>The 62 hectare Gallop Botanic Reserve comprises high spurs of large granite boulders, bounded to the east by a granite headland with indigenous vegetation extending to the ocean and beaches at Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay. A walking trail within the Reserve links Grassy Hill with the Botanic Gardens via both Cherry Tree Bay and Finch Bay. A branch trail leads to two old quarries where there is still evidence of hand-quarrying. The granite blocks that were cut from these two quarries were used to kerb and channel the streets of Cooktown. More information on the Cooktown Scenic Rim Walking Trails can be found <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/cooktown_region/walking%20trails" target="_blank">here</a></p>
<h2>Birds of the Gardens</h2>
<h2></h2>
<p>More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the Botanic Gardens and Gallop Botanic Reserve. Many of the species are seasonal, so the birds that you find here will vary throughout the year. A list of the birds most commonly recorded in the Gardens is available <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/cooktown_region/BotanicGardensandGallopBotanicReserveBirdListAugust2025.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>