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Cape York Adventures
<p>Cape York Adventures have been operating since 1996. Linking travellers from the mainland to the Torres Strait to immerse themselves with culture, tradition and rich history. They are based at the top of Cape York, in a Torres Strait islander community called Seisia. Offering 3 Island Tours, 2 Island Cultural Experiences, Private Fishing Charters, 4WD Tip Tours (Pajinka), 4WD Tours to Fruit Bat Falls, Twin Falls and Eliot Falls and more. With multiple vessels they can cater to any size group and occasion. .</p>
Aboriginal Tours | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture
Walker Family Tours
<p>The Walker women are committed to educating their guests who walk with them along the track to the Bloomfield Falls. As they travel over their ancestral land, they explain in a truly delightful way the lifestyle of the Yalanji people of Wujal Wujal.</p>
<p>What’s unique about this tour is guests are experiencing part of the family’s everyday lifestyle and their deep connection with the land.</p>
<p>Bloomfield Falls Tour – 30 mins tour departing daily year round.</p>
<p>Rainforest Walk – 2 hour tour departs daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April to September</p>
Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Cycling in Cooktown
<p><b></p>
<p> Cycling past the Pilots Jetty<br />
</b></p>
<p>Ride past heritage buildings, visit our pioneering ancestors in the cemetery, go bird watching, stop for a dip in the public swimming pool or park the bikes and combine a BIKE and HIKE day activity on sections of the Scenic Rim walking trail.</p>
<p>Energetic riders can try a hill climb to reach the summit of Grassy Hill – the amazing 360 degree views are worth the sweat.</p>
<p>There are 3 interlinked cycle trails around Cooktown all of which have options for a <b>BIKE and HIKE</b> activity.</p>
<p>So why not combine your bike ride with a stroll through the cemetery or the Botanic Gardens, enjoy scenic coastal and beach walks or an take energetic hike up Mount Cook.</p>
<p>Pick up a Biking Trails brochure from the Cooktown Visitor Information Centre at Nature’s Powerhouse at the Botanic Gardens. </p>
<p><b>Regional Links to Cycling Clubs and Organisations:</b></p>
<p>Dan’s Mountain Bike Adventures –<b> </b><a href="http://www.dansmountainbiking.com.au" target="_blank">www.dansmountainbiking.com.au</a></p>
<p>Back Country Bliss Adventures – <a href="http://www.backcountryblissadventures.com.au/" target="_blank">www.backcountryblissadventures.com.au</a></p>
<p>All Trails Bicycle Tours – <a href="http://www.alltrails.com.au/alltrails-rides/item/26-cape-york-luxury-bike-tour-2011.html" target="_blank">www.alltrails.com.au</a></p>
<p>Raw Travel – <a href="http://rawtravel.com/trip/daintree_and_cape_york" target="_blank">http://rawtravel.com</a></p>
<p>Cairns Mountain Bike Club –<b> </b><a href="http://www.cairnsmtb.com" target="_blank">www.cairnsmtb.com</a></p>
<p>Cairns Cycling Club – <a href="http://www.cairns.cycling.org.au" target="_blank">www.cairns.cycling.org.au</a></p>
<p>Cairns Bicycle User Group – <a href="http://cairnsbug.org" target="_blank">http://cairnsbug.org</a></p>
<p>Cairns Crocs Triathlon Club – <a href="http://www.cairnscrocs.org.au" target="_blank">www.cairnscrocs.org.au</a></p>
<p>Rural, Rainforest and Reef (RRR) Endurance MTB Event – <a href="http://www.usmevents.com.au/Triathlon___Multi_Sport/Challenge_Cairns/Event_Guide/RRR_Mountain_Bike_Event.htm" target="_blank">www.usmevents.com.au</a></p>
<p>Far North Queensland Wilderness Bike Tour – <a href="http://www.fnqbiketour.org.au" target="_blank">www.fnqbiketour.org.au</a></p>
<p>Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride – <a href="http://www.ridefnq.com" target="_blank">www.ridefnq.com</a></p>
<p>Tableland Cycle Sports Inc – <a href="http://www.tablelandcyclesports.com" target="_blank">www.tablelandcyclesports.com</a></p>
<p>Tablelands Rail Trails – <a href="http://www.railtrails.org.au" target="_blank">www.railtrails.org.au</a></p>
<p>Tableland Adventure Guides – <a href="http://www.tablelandadventureguides.com.au" target="_blank">www.tablelandadventureguides.com.au</a></p>
<p>Cycling Far North – <a href="http://cyclingfarnorth.com" target="_blank">http://cyclingfarnorth.com</a></p>
<p>Bicycle Queensland – <a href="http://www.bq.org.au" target="_blank">www.bq.org.au</a></p>
Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Guided Tours & Cruises
Kitesurfing near Cooktown
<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>
Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
Cooktown Swimming Pool
<p><b>Opening Hours <br /></b></p>
<p>6.00 am – 6.00 pm Monday-Friday</p>
<p>1.00 pm – 6.00 pm Saturday and Sunday</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/council-desc/rates-fees-and-charges/fees-and-charges-1" target="_blank">Pool entry fees<br /></a></b></p>
<p><b>Aqua Aerobics</b></p>
<p>Tuesday 9.00am</p>
<p>Tuesday 5.30pm</p>
<p>Thursday 9.00am</p>
<p>Saturday 12.00 pm</p>
<p><b>Private swimming lessons</b> are also available with qualified AUSTSWIM instructors, contact the pool for more info</p>
<p><b>Ph: (07) 4069 6928</b></p>
Aboriginal Tours | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | National Parks & Walking Trails
Bloomfield Falls Walk
<p>This is an easy 30 min return path walk of less than 1 km.</p>
<p>This is a place of great significance for the Kuku Yalanji people who have lived here for thousands of years, and although you can see the falls unaccompanied, the 30 minute tours offered by the <b>Walker Family</b>, traditional custodians of the area, will open your eyes to the surroundings and give you a better understanding of this beautiful area.</p>
<p><b>Guided Walk: </b></p>
<p><b>Wujal Wujal, With the Walker Family</b></p>
<p>The Walker Family, a close-knit group of wonderfully warm and friendly people, are members of the Kuku Yalanji clan who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years. Their traditional lands are part of the beautiful World Heritage rainforest area, and encompass the Bloomfield Falls, after which Wujal Wujal is named. The Walkers will take you on a bush walk with a difference, giving you the opportunity to listen and talk to the traditional custodians of the area, and receive a fascinating insight into the history and the many different uses of plant species for food, medicine and ceremonial purposes. This is an opportunity to see the rainforest through their eyes, and to learn about the cultural significance of this area.</p>
<p><b>Bloomfield</b><b> Falls</b><b> Tour</b><br /> The Walkers share some of their knowledge about this special place which is of great cultural significance to the Yalanji people. 30 minute tours depart daily throughout the year. Departure times are flexible. The tour includes a short walk on uneven ground.</p>
<p>There is no access to the falls in the wet season.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Easy</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 400 metre (return)</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 15 minutes (return)</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided or Guided</p>
<p><b>Trail Management Contact:</b><i> </i>Wujal Wujal Shire Council</p>
Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | National Parks & Walking Trails
Elim Beach Walks
<p>It is also a popular camping spot, and the Elim Beach campground, is right on the water’s edge with fabulous views to Cape Bedford, providing the perfect base from which to explore the area.</p>
<p>The mesmerising dune formations of the Coloured Sands are a 300 metre walk along the beach. The large expanse of beach faces Cape Bedford and at low tide the shallows provide plenty of exploration with numerous starfish, crabs, sea cucumbers and marine life to find.</p>
<p><strong>Special Features: </strong>Spectacular sunset and sunrise, culture and history</p>
<p><strong>Difficulty Level:</strong> Easy</p>
<p><strong>Distance: </strong>600 metre return</p>
<p><strong>Duration:</strong> 30 minutes</p>
<p><strong>Access:</strong> Self Guided and Guided</p>
<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Campground with amenities</p>
<p><strong>Trail Management, Bookings and Enquires </strong></p>
Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | National Parks & Walking Trails
Home Rule Falls
<p>From the lodge, walk along the eastern edge of the dam, turn left and follow the dam wall to the hydro-electric generator shed, where a sign on the ground at the edge of the forest points the way to the falls. The distinct track follows a water pipeline to the falls. It is a gradual climb to an impressive three-tiered waterfall that plunges into a deep pool between gorge walls of vertical slate.</p>
<p><b>Specific Features: </b>Beautiful tropical rainforest with refreshing swimming opportunities</p>
<p><b> </b>Home Rule Rainforest Lodge has accommodation, meals and camping facilities with a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and coin laundry, situated in shady parkland beside Wallaby Creek.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Moderate</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 2.6 Kilometre</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 1½ hours (return)</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided – (Must register at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge)</p>
<p><b>Facilities:</b> No facilities (Accommodation and camping facilities at walk start)</p>
<p> Map of walking trail to Home Rule Falls courtesy Footloose publications</p>
4WD Adventures | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Suggested Cape York Self-Drive Itinerary
<p>Many travellers start their Tropical Far North Queensland and Cape York adventure from Cairns. There are 2 routes north from Cairns.</p>
<p>The Coastal route via Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Rainforest and the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown requires 4WD and is incredibly scenic. This is the only place in Australia where you can experience the splendour of tropical rainforest while being just a stone’s throw from the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.</p>
<p>See the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/self-drive/great-tropical-drive-discovery">Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail</a> and <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/self-drive/great-tropical-daintree">Great Tropical Drive Daintree Trail</a> for further information.</p>
<p>The Inland route via the fully sealed <a href="http://www.queenslandonline.net/mulligan/" target="_blank">Mulligan Highway</a> gives the option of turning off at Lakeland towards Laura or continuing to Cooktown from where you can take the 4WD Battlecamp Road on to Laura.</p>
<h3>Cairns – Laura and Quinkan Country</h3>
<p>Drive from Cairns through World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest out to Mareeba then join the sealed Mulligan Highway north through rolling savannah to Quinkan Country and the 30,000-year-old rock art galleries at the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/lake_laura/splitrockgallery">Split Rock</a> sandstone escarpment. Tours to other incredible rock art sites such as the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/lake_laura/gianthorserockart">Giant Horse</a> and <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/lake_laura/mushroomrockphotos">Mushroom Rock</a> galleries can be booked through the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre. </p>
<p>Camp either at Laura or in nearby Lakefield National Park, or alternatively split the journey at Lakeland where there is a caravan park where you can store your caravan.</p>
<p>It is approx 310 km from Cairns-Laura and approx 330 km Cairns-Cooktown on the Mulligan Highway route.</p>
<h3>Laura-Lakefield – Musgrave Station</h3>
<p>Explore Queensland’s second largest National Park <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/lakefieldphotos">Lakefield</a> with it’s rivers, lagoons and swamps is a wildlife refuge and home to several threatened species. <br /> There is prolific birdlife, and both estuarine and saltwater crocodiles, with plenty of barramundi in the rivers. Recreational fishing is permitted at all camping areas with barramundi and catfish the most common species caught.<br /> Permits for camping must be pre booked through <a href="https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_bookings.html" target="_blank">Queensland National Parks</a> . 4WD is essential and campers need to be fully self sufficient. There are several scenic campsites in the Park.</p>
<p>From the Kalpower Crossing in Lakefield N.P. you can continue for a real adventure out to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cape-melville">Cape Melville N.P.</a> and great fishing spots at Bathurst Heads. This is extremely remote so you will need to be fully self sufficient.</p>
<p>Drive on from Lakefield to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/musgrave-roadhouse">Musgrave’s historic telegraph station</a>.</p>
<p>Alternatively you can continue on the Peninsula Development Road up to Musgrave, approx 140km. Stop in at the Hann River Roadhouse for refreshments, 76 km past Laura.</p>
<h3>Musgrave Station to Coen</h3>
<p> The PDR continues for around 100km to the Cape outpost of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cape/coen">Coen</a>. There are campsites and basic accommodation in Coen as well as a post office, general store, mechanical services and petrol station. The beautifully restored Heritage House provides a glimpse back to the days gone by and an exhibition of old mining equipment is on display next door to the Heritage House.</p>
<p>An option on this stretch of road is to turn off towards Port Stewart and there are some lovely camping spots along the Stewart River.</p>
<h3> Coen – Bramwell Junction</h3>
<p> Visit the Cape York Information Centre and Quarantine Inspection Station 20-km north of the township to find out more about this area.</p>
<p>Friendly staff here can offer advice on places to visit and road conditions.</p>
<p>About 5km past the Quarantine Station is the turn off for <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/mungkan-kandju">Mungkan Kandju N.P.</a> which is a noted bird watching area. There are several campsites in the Park and access is 4WD only.</p>
<p>66km further along the Peninsula Development Road from Coen, meals, camping and accommodation are available at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/archer-river">Archer River Roadhouse</a> as well as facilities for minor mechanical repairs.</p>
<p>The PDR continues all the way up to Bramwell Junction but it is worth taking the turn offs to fully appreciate Cape York Peninsula. At the Wenlock River on the PDR, <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/moreton-station">Moreton Telegraph station</a> is a popular campsite.</p>
<h3><strong>Lockhart</strong><strong> River and Portland Roads Route</strong></h3>
<p>About 35 km north of the Archer River is the turn off to Lockhart River, Portland Roads and Iron Range N.P.</p>
<p>The first river crossing is at the Wenlock River and just past this there is a track which leads to the old Batavia goldfields where you can still see some of the old mining equipment.</p>
<p>The next river crossing is at the Pascoe River – this is a longer stretch with a sandy bed. The track then leads towards <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/ironrangephotos">Iron Range N.P.</a> with some spectacular scenery and Australia’s largest area of lowland rainforest. The campsites at Chilli Beach are very popular and there is great bird watching with 15 endemic species, and some interesting walking trails in the Park.</p>
<p>Lockhart River is an Aboriginal community famous for the incredible array of artistic talent produced by the Lockhart River Art Gang. A visit to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/markets/lockhartriver">Arts Centre</a> is a great experience. There is also a supermarket and fuel in the town.</p>
<p>Portland Roads is a beautiful little fishing community with a couple of beach shacks for rent and a fantastic <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/dining/cape-york-peninsula/portland-roads-cafe">restaurant</a>.</p>
<h3>Weipa and Merluna Route</h3>
<p>The turn off to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/Weipa/weipa">Weipa</a> is around 50km north of Archer River. The family operated Merluna cattle station is located off the Weipa road and also offers accommodation and camping. From Merluna you can drive to<strong> </strong>the bauxite mining town of Weipa, with modern facilities and fantastic fishing. This is a good place to stock up on supplies or enjoy the world class fishing.<br /> From Weipa you can drive east through Batavia Downs Cattle Station to Moreton Telegraph Station, on the Wenlock River or continue from Merluna on the Telegraph Road up to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/bramwell-station">Bramwell Station</a> or <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/jardine-river">Jardine National Park</a>.</p>
<h3>PDR Bypass Roads</h3>
<p>From Bramwell Junction you can either take the challenging <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cape/old-telegraph-track">Old Telegraph Line</a> 4WD route or the PDR Bypass roads which are maintained to a good standard. The Bypass roads are around 260 km from Bramwell Junction to the Jardine ferry which can take up to 5 hours.</p>
<p>Interesting side trips from the Southern Bypass road include the turn off to Captain Billy Landing where there is a campsite.</p>
<p>The Old Telegraph Line</p>
<p>The Old Telegraph Line really starts after Bramwell Junction and continues up to the Jardine River. It is important to have a properly equipped 4WD for this adventurous route but most travellers to the Cape will take the OTL north then return by the bypass roads.</p>
<p>Driving north you will need to negotiate several creek crossings, some of which have challenging entry and exit points.</p>
<p>Palm Creek is the first crossing, then you face the Ducie River, South Alice Creek and North Alice Creek. After around 30 km from Bramwell Junction you come to the Dulhunty River which is a popular spot to camp.</p>
<p>Next is Bertie Creek and after this there is the option of the Gunshot bypass or continue on the OTL to Cholmondely Creek. The infamous Gunshot Creek is the next crossing – this is probably the most challenging crossing on the OTL. Then you continue to Cockatoo Creek, another challenging crossing, and the final creek crossing is the bridge over Sailor Creek.</p>
<p>The section from Bramwell Junction to the intersection with the Northern Bypass Road is approx 80 km which can take up to 5 hours depending on conditions.</p>
<p>At this junction there is a track to Heathlands Reserve and the lovely Fruit Bat Falls which offers a refreshing swim stop on the way to the campground at Eliot Falls and Twin Falls.</p>
<p> Fruit Bat Falls, Jardine River National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>The OTL continues from Eliot Falls through the rough Canal Creek, then you face crossings at Sam Creek, Mistake Creek, the aptly named Cannibal Creek, the rickety old bridge over Cypress Creek, Logan Creek and Nolan’s Brook before emerging at the Jardine River. A track then leads back to the Northern Bypass road and the Jardine River ferry.</p>
<p>The section from Eliot Falls to the Jardine River is approx 40 km and can take up to 4 hours depending on conditions.</p>
<h3>Jardine River – Bamaga/Seisia/Tip of Cape York</h3>
<p>Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry and head to the northernmost <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/tipofaustralia">Tip of Australia</a>.</p>
<p>Ferry tickets can be purchased online <a href="https://www.nparc.qld.gov.au/services/travel-transport/ferry-ticket" target="_blank">here</a>. The ferry operates from 08.00-12.00 and then from 13.00 – 17.00, daily in the dry season.</p>
<p>Contact the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for further information – phone 07 4090 4100. </p>
<p>The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga.</p>
<p>There are several camping and accommodation options in Bamaga, Seisia, Loyalty Beach and Punsand Bay with guided tours, hire cars and fishing available within the area.<br /> As well as the great fishing there are several WW2 sites, pioneer mining sites and old telegraph memorabilia to visit. Long stretches of deserted beach and the Lockerbie Scrub Rainforest Trail provide good walking options. The historic Somerset beach is another popular site to visit.</p>
<p>The Tip of mainland Australia is 32km from Bamaga and 7km north of Lockerbie – the must see destination for all visitors to Cape York Peninsula.</p>
<p>Having made it to The Tip spend a few days to enjoy the whole area and why not extend your trip to the Torres Straight Islands. <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cape/thursday-island">Thursday Island</a> is just 30 km from Cape York Peninsula and easily accessible by ferry from Seisia.</p>
4WD Adventures | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Black Mountain National Park, (Kalkajaka N.P.)
<p>Black Mountain, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Located 25 km south of Cooktown on the Mulligan Highway, the mysterious Black Mountains were originally formed from magma that slowly solidified under the Earth’s crust about 250 million years ago. The mountains consist of huge boulders of grey granite, which have been blackened by algae growing on the exposed surfaces. They are very unstable and should not be climbed, as rain causes the boulders to fracture, break and slowly disintegrate, sometimes explosively.</p>
<p>The mountains are a place of cultural significance for the Kuku Yalanji people, who call them Kalkajaka, or ‘place of the spear’. They contain at least four sites of religious or mythological importance – Kambi, Julbanu, Birmba and Yirrmbal – each having its own story.</p>
<p>There are many non-Indigenous stories about the mountains too, with tales of people, horses and whole mobs of cattle disappearing into the labyrinths of rock, never to be seen again. Indeed, when the Cooktown Local News ran a story on April 1st about a giant black panther being caught there, the majority of people believed the story, failing to realise it was an April Fool’s joke!</p>
<p>The park is home to some unique wildlife – one species of frog and two lizard species are found nowhere else. Godman’s rock wallabies and ghost bats also live here.</p>
<p>There is a lookout and viewing platform signposted from the highway, and information boards giving more information about this amazing place.</p>
<p>Visit the magical Black Mountains with <a href="http://www.cooktowntours.com.au/Cooktown_Tours.html" target="_blank">Cooktown Tours</a></p>