<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>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>

<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>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><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>

<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>

<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>

<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>