<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>

<p>Willie takes you to his ancestral rock art sites, high in the hills outside Cooktown. Here he shares the stories behind the art, and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lores of his people. With his great smile and infectious laugh, Willie will give you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and show you how we all have a connection to the land, wherever we come from.</p>

<p>Listen and learn as your host Gerry introduces you to Nature’s Storehouse. Take a step back in time with your hostess Irene as she relates what it was really like growing up an Aboriginal under missionary rule. Maaramaka Walkabout Tours endeavours to preserve the knowledge of the flora and fauna found within Nature’s Storehouse – the bush and rainforest including the sand dunes. <br /> Gerry has a wealth of knowledge with regards to the many species of plants and trees to be found in our Rainforests and bushland.</p>
<p><b>Ph: (07) 4069 5381 or (07) 4060 9389</p>
<p></b></p>

<p>This walk is only recommended for self reliant walkers with extensive bushwalking experience.</p>
<p>The trail to Cedar Bay starts at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge and walkers are requested to stop at the lodge for directions to the starting point. The strenuous, 28 kilometre return walk takes 6 to 8 hours walking time each way. It is essential to start the walk in the morning, the earlier the better, to arrive at the bay before nightfall. Because the trail is not well-used some sections are indistinct, so make sure you don’t lose sight of the orange markers. It is rough undulating country, so wear strong hiking boots and protective clothing. Carry everything you need, but take lightweight gear as it is a long way to carry a heavy pack.</p>
<p><b>Home Rule to Slaty Creek – 1¾ hours </b></p>
<p>The walk starts on an old logging track and heads straight into the rainforest. The track splits a few minutes into the walk – go right. Shortly, the track splits again – go left. A few more minutes brings you to Wallaby Creek. About 10 minutes beyond Wallaby Creek the track forks again – go left.</p>
<p>After the track crosses another small creek it swings north, climbing straight to the top of a moderately steep ridge. From this point it swings east at ninety degrees and starts to descend, passing amongst large rainforest trees, tree ferns and Licuala palms.</p>
<p>About 1 hour into the walk you come to a narrow gully spanned by two thin metal pipes. From here a narrow trail continues on from the old logging track. The trail heads north to Slaty Creek, about 1¾ hours from Home Rule.</p>
<p><b>Slaty Creek to Black Snake Rocks – 2½ hours</b></p>
<p>After crossing Slaty Creek the trail swings east and follows the creek for about 1·5 kilometres to the junction of Slaty and Granite Creeks, where there is an excellent campsite. Beyond the junction the trail meanders through forest beside Granite Creek for a while and then gets rougher as it winds through scattered granite boulders, crossing a few small creeks. Eventually the trail scales a slope covered with huge granite boulders and arrives at Black Snake Rocks.</p>
<p>Black Snake Rocks is an open area, with a creek and a good campsite, but (obviously) be aware that snakes do bask on the rocks. The creek next to the campsite is the last reliable water source before Ashwell Creek at Cedar Bay.</p>
<p><b>Black Snake Rocks to Cedar Bay – 2½ hours</b></p>
<p>Beyond the campsite the trail meanders across a flat densely forested plateau. This area was extensively mined in the past and remnants of miners’ activities crop up regularly. Most noticeable are water diverting channels dug by tin miners early last century. The trail runs alongside a channel just before it reaches a clearing crisscrossed with trenches full of ferns, a trap for unwary legs.</p>
<p>On the eastern side of the clearing scraps of corrugated iron and abandoned cooking implements mark where the trail re-enters the forest. The trail continues alongside a smaller channel before swinging southeast along a broad ridge to the top of the range overlooking Cedar Bay. Unfortunately, there is no position where you can get more than a tantalising glimpse of the coast. From here the trail descends a spur to the bay, another 1½ to 2 hours away.</p>
<p>The steep descent to the bay is eased by a set of switchbacks carved into the hillside, another legacy of the mining era. Supplies were transported to the mines by packhorse, and the ore removed by return journey. It is difficult to imagine a horse climbing these steep inclines, let alone carrying a load. Further down, the switchbacks end and the trail straightens as it approaches the bottom of the coastal range.</p>
<p>Ashwell Creek is only a short distance from the base of the range. Fill your water containers here, as the water in the creeks near the ocean is brackish (and may conceal crocodiles).</p>
<p>Cross the creek, swing left and follow the trail to the beach. There are remnants of Cedar Bay Bill’s hut on the southern bank of Ashwell Creek near the crossing. The trail emerges at the northern end of the beach amongst a grove of pandanus palms next to Cedar Bay Bill’s monument, which bears the epitaph “Strange to the world, he wore a bashful look – the sea and shore his study, nature his book”.</p>
<p>Cedar Bay Bill was a tin miner, famous for accepting and befriending a utopian hippy community that attempted to flee society and build a Shangrila at Cedar Bay in the early 1970s. Whatever it was they believed in didn’t suit the government of the day, who sent select law enforcers to destroy the campsites and disband the community, an action that annoyed all but the most conservative citizens of the time. Bill retained his miners lease until his death in 1987, and the story of the commune has entered folkloric mythology. This has given the bay a special allure, and many walkers come specifically to pay homage to the site.</p>
<p>Although it is a national park, Cedar Bay is still a remote tropical paradise with a 3 kilometre palm fringed beach. A stroll along the beach reveals sheltered campsites – just camp well away from the swamps and be wary of falling coconuts.</p>
<p>This is a tranquil place where campers can now contemplate the irrelevance of time and appreciate the moment without fear of government gunboats, but do remember, you need a camping permit and park rules state that there can be no fishing or collecting within the park.</p>
<p><b>Specific Features: </b>Beautiful tropical rainforest, rugged mountains and a palm fringed beach.</p>
<p><i>Mangkalba </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>(saltwater eel) story sites.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Strenuous</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 28 Kilometre (Return)</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 6-8 hours each way</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided – (*Permit required)</p>
<ul>
<li>This track begins on the private property of the Home Rule Rainforest Lodge. The lodge managers allow access via their property and provide detailed advice to walkers.</li>
<li><b>Water Taxi</b> – Cedar Bay Transfers – <br /> Either one way for bushwalkers not interested in the return leg of the walking track or Return – get delivered to or collected from Cedar Bay on your nominated day. Ph: 07 4060 8252</li>
<li><b>Alternate Route </b>– Gap Creek Track. Only for the very experienced bush walker and <b>should not be attempted when heavy rain has fallen or is forecast.</b> It crosses several creeks and steep sections can become slippery in wet weather. For details and advice contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service or visit <a href="http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/cedar-bay/about.html">www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/cedar-bay/about.html</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Facilities:</b> No facilities</p>
<ul>
<li>*Bush camping is permitted in the park, but a camping permit must be obtained two weeks in advance from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service office in Mossman: 07 4098 2188, Cooktown: 07 4069 5777 or Cairns: 07 4046 6600.</li>
<li>Overnight camping at the Home Rule Rainforest Lodge is allowed by prior arrangement with the owners, allowing walkers an early morning start. Phone 07 4060-3925.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Trail Management Contact:</b><i> </i>Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service – Mossman: 07 4098 2188, Cooktown: 07 4069 5777 or Cairns: 07 4046 6600.</p>
<p> Map of Cedar Bay walking trail courtesy Footloose publications</p>

<p>The Mount Cook walk is a strenuous climb. From the Hannan Drive carpark the trail enters a sheltered bushland gully and winds amongst granite boulders, following the mountains contours. The walk has been enhanced by constructing a track with granite steps that blend with the surroundings.</p>
<p>Shortly before the trail mounts the long spur to the summit, a short path on the right leads to a lookout with views over Cooktown. From the junction the summit trail zigzags up to a saddle where another short path leads to a lookout with coastal views. (All the lookouts on Mount Cook are on top of large boulders.)</p>
<p>The steepest section is the last few hundred metres to the summit. Boulders to the left of the track just before the tower have views. There is a clearing beneath the tower, but no views. </p>
<p>From the clearing two paths head east to boulder lookouts where there are spectacular views from Quarantine Bay to the mountains behind Cedar Bay.</p>
<p>The Great Barrier Reef may be a sail-ship navigator’s nightmare, but the spectacular vantage point from the top of Mount Cook is a dream eyrie. Directly below, Monkhouse Point divides Quarantine Bay from Walker Bay, which extends beyond the Annan River to Grave Point, Walker Point and Archer Point. Looking seaward it is easy to see Captain Cook’s dilemma – a maze of reefs stretch to the horizon in every direction. About 20 kilometres to the northeast lie Boulder and Egret Reef. Dawson Reef is 5 kilometres to the east and Cowlishaw Reef is 10 kilometres southeast. In the distant east Osterland Reef lies north of Rosser Reef and Cairns Reef. The Hope Islands, visible in the far south-southeast are almost 30 kilometres away.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Strenuous</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 6 kilometres return</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 3-4 hours return</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided</p>
<p><b>Trail Management Contact:</b><i> </i>Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service</p>

<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>

<p>Keatings Lagoon Conservation Park is 8 kilometres south of Cooktown. This natural freshwater lagoon traps and holds wet season run-off and creates an ideal habitat for wetland vegetation, which provide abundant food for animals and migratory water birds. The lagoon is at the upper limit of tidal Meldrum Creek. This seasonal wetland is often completely dry during the winter and early summer months.</p>
<p>For thousands of years the Gungarde Aboriginal people have utilised the lagoon’s natural resources for food, medicine and utilitarian purposes. Their traditional name for the wetland area is Mulbabidgee.</p>
<p>Turn off the Developmental Road onto Hutchinson Street where signs indicate the entrance to the Keatings Lagoon carpark. Cross the wooden boardwalk to access the walk. This 390 metre path leads to a bird-hide and a picnic area. It follows the edge of the lagoon, passing through melaleuca forest  (some of the trees beside the path are numbered and named).</p>
<p>The bird-hide offers unobstructed views of the lagoon and a bird identification chart is provided. The picnic area at the end of the path is about 300 metres north of the bird hide. Due to the large body of still water the mosquitoes can be quite bad, so take insect repellent.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Easy</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 390 metre</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 20 Minutes (return)</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided</p>
<p><b>Facilities:</b> Bird hide, interpretive information, picnic area and car park.</p>
<p><b>Trail Management Contact:</b>Cooktown office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, tel: (07) 4069 5777</p>
<p> Map of walking trail at Keating’s Lagoon courtesy Footloose publications</p>

<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>

<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>