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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>
4WD Adventures | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Waterfalls
<h3>Endeavour Falls</h3>
<p> Endeavour Falls</p>
<p>32 kms north of Cooktown, on mostly bitumen road, this relaxing spot is on the Endeavour River and is accessed at the Endeavour Falls Tourist Park. The owners of the store and caravan park welcome visitors to view the Falls but please drop in to the shop and let them know you are visiting. 2WD accessible. No swimming.</p>
<h3>Isabella Falls</h3>
<p>Continue past the Endeavour Falls Tourist Park towards Hope Vale, turning left onto Battlecamp Road (well signposted). Several kilometres down this road is Isabella Falls and there is a safe swimming hole.</p>
<p> Trevethan Falls</p>
<h3>Trevethan Falls</h3>
<p>These impressive cascading falls plunge into an idyllic swimming hole and the stream continues down to a succession of private swimming pools closer to the parking area. Take the Amos Bay turn off the Mulligan Highway, 13.5 kms south of Cooktown. 4WD is recommended. </p>
<h3>Home Rule Falls</h3>
<p> Home Rule Falls </p>
<p>Heading south towards Bloomfield, turn off to the left at Rossville and take the pretty drive to Home Rule, the home of the annual Wallaby Creek Festival. Visitors are welcomed to the beautiful camp ground, and invited to walk to the spectacular falls and swim in the river.</p>
<h3>Bloomfield Falls</h3>
<p>Visitors can experience the magnificent Bloomfield Falls on a guided tour with one of the local clans who share their Yalanji culture as they walk over their ancestral lands. The waterfalls and river are the lifeblood of the local people and their stories tell how man and nature connect at this sacred site.</p>
<h3>Cape York Waterfalls</h3>
<p>When travelling north don’t miss the chance to swim at Fruit Bat Falls and Eliott Falls in <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/jardine-river">Jardine National Park</a> and Heathlands Resources Reserve.</p>
<p>BEFORE SWIMMING ANYWHERE, BE SURE TO GET UP-TO-THE-MINUTE LOCAL INFORMATION.</p>
<p>Crocodiles can be found around many rivers, freshwater creeks and waterholes and along coastal beaches.</p>
<p>Don’t swim after dusk or early in the morning.</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 | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Great Tropical Drive Daintree Explorer Trail
<h3>Daintree Explorer Trail Itinerary Summary</h3>
<p><a href="#day1">DAY 1. Mossman-Cape Tribulation. 62 km, approx 2 hrs 15 mins</a></p>
<p><a href="#day2">DAY 2. Cape Tribulation-Cooktown. 100 km, approx 3 hrs</a></p>
<p><a href="#day3">DAY 3. Cooktown-Mossman. 255 km, approx 3 hrs 45 mins.</a></p>
<p><strong>TOTAL 417 km, approx 9 hrs</strong></p>
<p> Flightless Cassowary. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<h3>DAY 1. Mossman to Cape Tribulation<strong>.</strong></h3>
<p>Road Conditions sealed.</p>
<p>Take the signposted turnoff in Mossman and drive 6km to Mossman Gorge. The gorge is the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people. Take a cultural tour and visit the art gallery at Mossman Gorge to learn more about their unique Rainforest Aboriginal culture.</p>
<p>Nearby Cooya Beach is the first stop along <a href="http://bamawayaboriginaltours.com/" target="_blank">The Bama Way – an Aboriginal Journey </a>along story-lines, through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah. Take the Aboriginal-owned tours along the way for a wonderful insight into different facets of Aboriginal culture.</p>
<p>From Mossman it is just a short 25km drive along the Mossman Daintree Road to the Daintree River vehicle ferry, which operates continuous transfers across the river (cost applies).Visit Daintree Village, just a few kilometres further up the road from the ferry crossing. This historic village on the Daintree River is popular for wildlife spotting, river cruises, guided rainforest walks, scenic valley drives, galleries and restaurants.</p>
<p>Along the way, why not take the scenic route and visit Wonga Beach. At the entrance to the Daintree Valley Wonga Beach stretches from the Rocky Point, at the southern access of the Captain Cook Highway to the Daintree River in the north. Wonga Beach is easily accessible and is often overlooked by tourists.</p>
<p>After the ferry crossing, look for the sign to Alexandra Range Lookout. This is a good place to take a short break and enjoy views overlooking the Daintree River mouth, offshore islands and along the coast to Port Douglas and Cairns.</p>
<p>The Daintree Coast is a small part of the Kuku Yalanji tribal area and has great spiritual and cultural significance for these people. Their stories, songs and dances continue to give special meaning to the landscape. There are numerous boardwalks, educational centres, river cruises, crocodile spotting and adventure activities.</p>
<p>Daintree and Cape Tribulation have many resorts, lodges and backpacker hostels, both tucked away in the rainforest and close to the beach – so soak up the Daintree atmosphere and stay a day or two.</p>
<h3>DAY 2. Cape Tribulation to Cooktown</h3>
<p>Road Conditions: Unsealed suitable for 4WD only.</p>
<p>From Cape Tribulation you will be travelling along the coastal road to Cooktown.</p>
<p> Bloomfield river</p>
<p>The Bloomfield Track provides 4WD access from Cape Tribulation to just south of the Bloomfield River where it connects with the existing road to the township of Ayton and onto the Mulligan Highway leading to Cooktown. You will pass by Wujal Wujal Aboriginal community, Cedar Bay National Park, Black Mountain National Park and Keating’s Lagoon before arriving in Cooktown for the night.</p>
<p>For a touch of authentic Australiana stop off at the Lion’s Den Hotel, an old Australian pub, for lunch, and then continue through to visit the majestic Black Mountain.</p>
<h3>DAY 3. Cooktown to Mossman.</h3>
<p>Road Conditions sealed</p>
<p>From Cooktown, follow the Mulligan Highway to the tiny township of Lakeland Downs, in the heart of the Laura River Valley. This is now a major coffee and banana growing region.</p>
<p>Less than an hour’s drive further south you will find the Palmer River Roadhouse. As you look at the solitary Palmer River Roadhouse perched on the hill above the famous river it is hard to imagine that in the 1870s tens of thousands of miners flocked to this area searching for gold. Today all that is left of the Palmer River Goldfields are a few suggestions, and distant stories of where miners lived and dug. The publican at the roadhouse has a collection of related artefacts.</p>
<p>Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Cape York’s huge cattle stations from Bob’s Lookout on the Desailly Range.</p>
<p>While not obvious, the small township of Mt Molloy has an important connection to Palmer Goldfields and the development of North Queensland. It is here that James Venture Mulligan the founding father of the Palmer Goldfields, rests. His discovery of gold at Palmer River in 1872 sparked the gold rush and massive migration into North Queensland. You can stop and visit Mulligan’s headstone in the small cemetery south of town.</p>
<p>Turning left you will follow the Rex Range Road, as it snakes down the range to Mossman. Along the way you will pass through the tiny rainforest township of Julatten. The town has a big reputation among bird watchers. It is here that patient bird lovers have been known to spot up to 200 of the 370 native bird species resident in the Wet Tropics region.</p>
<p>The Great Tropical Drive is a self-drive route that will take you from Cairns and Townsville to some amazing places in Tropical Australia.</p>
<h3>Enjoy the whole Great Tropical Drive</h3>
<p>Follow the Great Tropical Drive for 12 days and 2079 kilometres to some of Australia’s best known attractions – the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Hinchinbrook Island and Undara Lava Tubes – and be prepared for many unexpected discoveries along the way.<br /> You can choose from 13 Discovery Trails – each one a unique itinerary that will give you a taste of Tropical Australia: from overnight drives onto the Tablelands, to week-long 4WD and campervan adventures into the goldfields.</p>
<p>The Great Tropical Drive passes through six unique regions of North Queensland: <br /> Cooktown, Port Douglas and Daintree, Cairns and Beaches, Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast, Tropical Tablelands and Savannah Country, Townsville, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook.</p>
<p>Information courtesy <a href="http://www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/" target="_blank">Tourism Tropical North Queensland</a></p>
4WD Adventures | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail
<h3>Cooktown Discovery Trail Summary</h3>
<p><strong>Day 1. </strong>Cooktown-Laura via Lakefield National Park 136 km, approx 2 hr 30 mins</p>
<p><strong>Day 2.</strong> Laura-Cooktown 143 km, approx 1 hrs, 30 mins</p>
<p> Kalpowar Crossing Camping Lakefield National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<h3>DAY 1. Cooktown-Laura.</h3>
<p>Road conditions unsealed, suitable for 4WD.</p>
<p>A dirt road links Cooktown to Lakefield National Park, past the Endeavour Falls and on through Battle Camp Road. Camping permits and information about the park can be obtained from QPWS rangers at Cooktown, New Laura, Lakefield or Bizant Ranger Stations. Crossing Laura River, you will come upon historic Old Laura Homestead, one of the oldest cattle properties on Cape York. The structure you see today was built in 1892.</p>
<p>You can bush camp in Lakefield National Park (permit required) or continue onto the township of Laura, where hotel and camping facilities are available.</p>
<p>Carry plenty of drinking water and fuel as there are no service stations in the park. </p>
<p> WARNING – CROCODILES. Estuarine crocodiles are present in creeks, rivers and waterholes in this area.</p>
<p> Giant Horse Gallery</p>
<h3>DAY 2. Laura-Cooktown.</h3>
<p>Road conditions sealed suitable for 2WD.</p>
<p>The area surrounding Laura is known as ‘Quinkan country’ and is renowned for its ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, considered among the world’s finest. The ‘Split Rock’ site about 10km south of Laura is open to the public. To learn more about the region’s history and culture, visit the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre to organise a site tour. If you are interested in these areas you will need to contact them prior to starting your trip.</p>
<p>Another of Laura’s highlights is the annual Horse Races and Rodeo which are held on the first weekend of July, and the Indigenous Dance and Cultural Festival held every two years.</p>
<p>Follow the Peninsula Development Road south to the tiny township of Lakeland Downs, in the heart of the Laura River Valley. This is now a major coffee and banana growing region.</p>
<p>The final 80 km back to Cooktown crosses four rivers – the West Normanby, East Normanby, Little Annan and Big Annan. Allow time for a few stops in the last 30km – Black Mountain National Park, the historic Lion’s Den Hotel (a 4km detour from the main road) and finally Keating’s Lagoon.</p>
<h3>Enjoy the whole Great Tropical Drive</h3>
<p>Follow the Great Tropical Drive for 12 days and 2079 kilometres to some of Australia’s best known attractions – the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Hinchinbrook Island and Undara Lava Tubes – and be prepared for many unexpected discoveries along the way.</p>
<p>The Great Tropical Drive passes through six unique regions of North Queensland: <br /> Cooktown, Port Douglas and Daintree, Cairns and Beaches, Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast, Tropical Tablelands and Savannah Country, Townsville, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook.</p>
<p>Information courtesy of <a href="http://http//www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/" target="_blank">Tourism Tropical North Queensland</a></p>
4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Cape Melville National Park
<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>
4WD Adventures | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Cedar Bay National Park
<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>
4WD Adventures | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | Island & Reef Experiences | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Flinders Group National Park
<p>Located 340 km north of Cairns off Cape Melville N.P., access is by private boat or cruise ship.</p>
<p>There is a 2.8 km interpretaive trail to learn about the Yiithuwarra people and boardwalks take you to the rock shelters on Stanley Island..</p>
<p>The surrounding waters are protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.</p>
<p>Bush camping is permitted on Flinders Island (Wurriima).</p>
4WD Adventures | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Iron Range National Park – Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL)
<p>Giant Ficus, Iron Range National Park, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland<br />
Located 752 km north of Cairns, access at the turn off 20 km north of the Archer River Roadhouse then it’s a 110 km (3-5 hour) drive to the Iron Range ranger station. 4WD only during the dry season (May-November).</p>
<p>The park is of major Aboriginal cultural significance with story places, ceremonial sites and occupation places dotted about the landscape and is part of the traditional country of the Kuuku Ya’u people.</p>
<p>Fishing is not permitted in any freshwater creeks or rivers within the park but is permitted at Chili Beach. Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways of the park – be croc wise.</p>
<p>There is a 10km walking trail along the Claudie River and a viewing platform at Mount Tozer.</p>
<p>The park has prolific birdlife with endemics such as the eclectus parrot, red-cheeked parrots, Marshall’s fig parrots and frilled monarchs and more than 60% of Australia’s butterflies can be found at Iron Range.</p>
<p>Camping is allowed at Rainforest, Gordon Creek, Cook’s Hut and Chili Beach camping areas. Camping permits are required and can be obtained from the self-registration shelter at the Iron Range ranger station.</p>
<p>In July 2011 a historic agreement was signed – the name Iron Range N.P. was changed and Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) will now be jointly managed by the Northern Kuuku Ya’u Kanthanampu Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC Land Trust and the Queensland Government in accordance with an Indigenous Management Agreement and other land management arrangements.</p>
<p>All camping in this park will need to be pre-booked.</p>
<p> Termite Mounds Iron Range National Park, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
4WD Adventures | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Fishing & Boating | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Jardine River National Park and Heathlands Resources Reserve
<p>The Jardine River National Park together with Heathlands and Jardine River Resources Reserve are located 800 km north of Cairns off the historic Telegraph Road. Access is 4WD only in the dry season May-November.</p>
<p>There are short walking trails to visit the crystal clear waterfalls at Eliot Falls and Fruit Bat Falls and remote beaches at Captain Billy Landing.</p>
<p>Fishing is allowed in the Jardine River and it’s tributaries throughout the parks.</p>
<p>Camping is permitted at Eliot Falls, Captain Billy Landing and along the Jardine river.</p>