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.

What’s unique about this tour is guests are experiencing part of the family’s everyday lifestyle and their deep connection with the land.

Bloomfield Falls Tour – 30 mins tour departing daily year round.

Rainforest Walk – 2 hour tour departs daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April to September

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.

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.
Gerry has a wealth of knowledge with regards to the many species of plants and trees to be found in our Rainforests and bushland.

Ph: (07) 4069 5381 or (07) 4060 9389

This is an easy 30 min return path walk of less than 1 km.

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 Walker Family, traditional custodians of the area, will open your eyes to the surroundings and give you a better understanding of this beautiful area.

Guided Walk:

Wujal Wujal, With the Walker Family

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.

Bloomfield Falls Tour
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.

There is no access to the falls in the wet season.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Distance: 400 metre (return)

Duration: 15 minutes (return)

Access: Self Guided or Guided

Trail Management Contact: Wujal Wujal Shire Council

Daintree Explorer Trail Itinerary Summary

DAY 1. Mossman-Cape Tribulation. 62 km, approx 2 hrs 15 mins

DAY 2. Cape Tribulation-Cooktown. 100 km, approx 3 hrs

DAY 3. Cooktown-Mossman. 255 km, approx 3 hrs 45 mins.

TOTAL 417 km, approx 9 hrs

Flightless Cassowary. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

DAY 1. Mossman to Cape Tribulation.

Road Conditions sealed.

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.

Nearby Cooya Beach is the first stop along The Bama Way – an Aboriginal Journey 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DAY 2. Cape Tribulation to Cooktown

Road Conditions: Unsealed suitable for 4WD only.

From Cape Tribulation you will be travelling along the coastal road to Cooktown.

Bloomfield river

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.

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.

DAY 3. Cooktown to Mossman.

Road Conditions sealed

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.

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.

Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Cape York’s huge cattle stations from Bob’s Lookout on the Desailly Range.

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.

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.

The Great Tropical Drive is a self-drive route that will take you from Cairns and Townsville to some amazing places in Tropical Australia.

Enjoy the whole Great Tropical Drive

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.
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.

The Great Tropical Drive passes through six unique regions of North Queensland:
Cooktown, Port Douglas and Daintree, Cairns and Beaches, Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast, Tropical Tablelands and Savannah Country, Townsville, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook.

Information courtesy Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Day 1. Cooktown Orientation

Start with a visit to the Botanic Gardens and Nature’s Powerhouse which houses the Charles Tanner Wildlife of Cape York Exhibition and Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery.

There are several walks in the Botanic Gardens and also trails which lead to the beautiful beaches at Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay.

In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll in the footsteps of Captain Cook along Charlotte Street to orientate yourself and admire the historical buildings and sites.

Children can be entertained by the Musical Ship and children’s playground at the waterfront, and several cafes along Charlotte Street and at the wharf offer refreshments.

Allow plenty of time for a visit to the world-class Cooktown Museum, with its fantastic displays which include the anchor and cannon from the HMS Bark Endeavour, and the story of Cook’s arrival from the perspective of the Guugu Yimithirr people.

End the day on Grassy Hill, with its panoramic views and superb sunset vistas.

Day 2. Hopevale Nugal-warra Rock Art Tour and Elim Beach

Aboriginal tours

Just 45 mins from Cooktown, outside Hopevale, are the incredible Nugal-warra rock art sites, which can be visited with Nugal-warra Elder Willie Gordon, whose tours are deservedly featured as One of Australia’s Must-Do Experiences, and not to be missed when staying in Cooktown.

The nearby community of Hope Vale has an Arts and Cultural Centre which supports local artists, and the magnificent Coloured Sands at Elim Beach are well worth a visit (4wd only).  Isabella Falls is a great place for a picnic and a swim.

Day 3. Go Fishing/Boating

Cooktown fishing

Cooktown is famous as a world class fishing destination – join those in the know who come from all corners of the globe to experience sports fishing at its best. A few hours on the water is a relaxing trip and one of the best ways to appreciate the stunning natural surroundings from a different perspective.

Whether you take a guided trip with one of several fishing companies in town, hire a dinghy for the day, or bring your own boat, the fishing is a great experience for the whole family.

Alternatively take a nature boat cruise on the Endeavour River crocodile spotting, bird watching and casting a casual line for the estuarine fish.

Day 4. And so much more to choose from!

Rainforest walk

Also to be considered are horse riding trails, farmstays, hiking up Mount Cook, a visit to the mysterious Black Mountain National Park and birdwatching at Keatings Lagoon.

Visitors are very welcome to a round of golf at the picturesque links course at Walker Bay, or you can enjoy a game of bowls at Cooktown’s Bowls Club.

Take the kids to our beautiful beaches at Finch Bay, Cherry Tree Bay, Quarantine Bay and Walker Bay but swimming is not advised.

More options include The Scenic Rim walking trail, fishing on the Annan river or from the wharf – or simply enjoying a ‘coldie’ with the locals in one of the pubs.

You could take one of the suggested self-drive itineraries. Or if you haven’t already done so, head off to explore the Wet Tropics on Cooktown’s doorstep. There are several waterfalls and swimming holes in the nearby vicinity.

Hike up to the Home Rule waterfalls or walk one of the trails around the Mungumby Valley which offer superb bird watching. Seek the elusive Bennett’s Tree Climbing Kangaroo at Shipton Flats, or for experienced bushwalkers go hiking in the incredible Cedar Bay National Park.

No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the historic Lions Den Hotel in Helenvale, and there are a couple of rainforest retreats in the region for an overnight stay.

The Hope Vale Arts & Cultural Centre is at the heart of Guugu Yimithirr culture and actively involves Aboriginal people of all ages in passing on the cultural traditions and promoting the use and teaching of the Guugu Yimithirr language, which is alive and spoken daily by many local people. The Centre offers a space to learn ancient skills, such as gathering and weaving of local fibres and dyeing them with bush dyes, and modern skills such as printing, etching and contemporary art techniques.

The long and strong tradition of Aboriginal Artists born of this country and of the Guugu Yimithirr, include Derek Rosendale, Evelyn McGreen, Harold Bowen, Shane “Duka” Gibson, Madge Bowen, Ben McGreen, John Allums, Godfrey Gordon, Ken Walsh, Tulo Gordon, Sid McIvor, Walter Jack and Roy McIvor. With many talented, younger artists emerging, Hope Vale envisions a bright future for its culture.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Centre weekdays,
between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm, at Flierl Street, Hope Vale.

Archer Point

Located about 20 km outside Cooktown signposted from the Mulligan Highway. Often windy, this is a popular spot for kite surfers. As the 3 beaches are all facing a different direction there is always a calm beach to relax on. From the beach at low tide you can walk out to the reef and snorkel off the point, but beware of crocodiles and stingers. This is a great camping spot if you are entirely self-sufficient – the views are spectacular (unsealed access road). 

Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay

Finch Bay – Pam Davey

These are the two local beaches in Cooktown. Although you can drive to Finch Bay, just 2 km past the Botanic Gardens entrance and car park, there is delightful short bush walk through the Gardens. Cherry Tree Bay is only accessible by foot through the Botanic Gardens or from the Grassy Hill road.

Quarantine Bay

A 5km drive from Cooktown – turn off the Mulligan Highway to Quarantine and Walker Bay then continue past the Golf Course turn off. The beach is pebbly here and situated at the base of Mt Cook the backdrop is a rainforest covered slope. 

Walker Bay

Walker Bay is accessed by a road on the right just after the golf course entrance. The beach is located at the mouth of the Annan River and long sandy stretches snake north along the coastline. This is a beach favoured by anglers as they fish the sand bars at the mouth of the River, and also a renowned favourite amongst kite surfers. 

Weary Bay

Named by Captain Cook’s crew in 1770 Weary Bay is an open, nine km long bay at the mouth of the Bloomfield River and a popular fishing spot for the locals.

Weary Bay beach is an ideal spot for a long leisurely walk and access is from Weary Bay road in Ayton.

Elim Beach and Coloured Sands

Past Hopevale is the beautiful Elim Beach overlooking Cape Bedford.

Somerset Beach, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

Cape York Beaches

Beyond Cooktown there are accessible beaches at Cape Melville National Park. A popular camping site is found at Chilli Beach in the Iron Range National Park.

Near Seisa and Bamaga there are several lovely beaches including Punsand Bay, Loyalty Beach and Somerset Beach.

Albatross Bay provides a scenic coastal retreat at Weipa.

Important advice!

Crocodiles can be found around many rivers, freshwater creeks and waterholes and along coastal beaches. Fortunately our conservation measures are working so always be croc wise and ask for local advice before going near the water.

Don’t swim after dusk or early in the morning.

Marine stingers have been found throughout the year on local beaches and in the Cooktown harbour. Marine stingers can be fatal. Accidental bites can be relieved with instant and continued application of vinegar and get medical help as soon as possible.

In 1875 a young Welshman from Rossville, Jack Ross and his wife Annie decided to open a new hotel where the Little Annan River and the Mungumby Creek joined, the area later became known as Helenvale. The new hotel was named the Lions Den Hotel, after the Lions Den tin mine on the nearby tableland. Sadly Jack Ross’ time at the Lions Den was short, for at the end of 1889 he died at the age of 23, leaving his young widow Annie and his infant daughter, Louise behind.

Six months later Annie gave birth to the couple’s second child. Annie Ross ran the Lion’s Den for several years on her own, while raising her two children before marrying George Watkin, and the hotel remained in the hands of the Watkin family for several generations. The hotel was in the same family from its establishment in 1875 until 1964.

Origin of the name:

How it came about its name was when a stowaway called Daniel, looking for work, left his adopted ship at Cooktown and was put to work in a mine. (The tunnel is in the mountain opposite the present hotel building).

The mine had no name when Daniel came to work there, and as the work was underground, it was a strange experience for Daniel.

Upon seeing Daniel standing in the opening of the tunnel, the owner of the mine characterized him as Daniel in the Lions Den, and the name took to the mine. The black tin slug, still in the hotel, came from the original Lions Den mine.

Why the signatures?

The signatures that adorn the wall of the Lions Den stem from an early tradition begun in the early mining days. The hotel was frequented for many years by miners working at the various tin mines around the area. In the early days as education and security of personal belongings was limited, some miners began leaving their pay packets at the public house (Lions Den) and writing how much money they had spent, or still had, up on the wall. The amount was written and recorded for the next time they returned to the pub and in turn each miner knew how much money they had to spend while on the premises.

Today the Lion’s Den Hotel is the perfect place to drop in for a cold drink and a meal. Stay in safari tents or in the spacious campground and enjoy swimming in the pristine waters of the little Annan River.