<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>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>

<p>The Lizard Island group lies midway between the coast and the outer barrier reefs on the edge of the continental shelf.</p>
<p> Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard the main island has several sheltered sandy beaches with easy access to the coral and clam gardens. The islands are rich in cultural meaning for the Dingaal Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years, and also contain important European heritage sites.</p>
<p>Lizard Island was declared a National Park in 1939 and the other islands were added in 1987. The reef and waters surrounding Lizard Island are protected within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and GBR World Heritage Area.</p>
<p>Watson’s Bay is a popular snorkeling site with famed clam gardens and a unique abundance and diversity of solitary corals. The edge of the continental shelf lies just 20km to the east of Lizard Island and the sports fishing from Lizard is world class with 1000lb black marlin frequently caught.</p>
<p>Rising to 395 m above sea level, Cook’s Look provides stunning views of the surrounding reefs and there are several other walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.</p>
<p> Cook’s Look, Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard Island has a tropical climate with a wet season from December-April and best time to visit is May-November</p>
<p>There is a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/lizard-island">5 star resort</a> on Lizard Island and bush camping is permitted in Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island and permits must be obtained in advance.</p>
<p>Commercial airlines provide regular flights from Cairns and charter flights are available from Cairns and Cooktown. Private aircraft may land with permission from the resort.<br />Commercial charter vessels depart from Cairns, Port Douglas and Cooktown for Lizard Island.</p>

<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>

<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>

<p>Ribbon Reefs, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Stretching 2,300 km along the coast from the tip of Cape York to Bundaberg, the Great Barrier reef is a vast wilderness area. Covering 348,000 sq km it was Queensland’s first World Heritage area, and is the largest coral reef system in the world.</p>
<p>With the northern section isolated from cities, large towns and major agricultural areas, the reef is at its most pristine in this region, and home to more than 1,500 brilliantly coloured species of tropical fish, 4,000 species of molluscs, 400 species of sponges and 300 species of corals.</p>
<p>Cooktown is the closest port to the Reef and a short boat trip takes visitors to spectacular snorkelling around some of the most pristine coral reefs, cays and islands. This is fabulous habitat for dugongs who breed and feed along the sea grass beds in the sheltered bays. Turtles re-visit the deserted beaches to lay their eggs each breeding season and majestic whales pass through the inner reefs when migrating to the warm northern waters.</p>
<p>Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef National Park, is 90 kms north-east of Cooktown, and considered one of the world’s best snorkelling and diving destinations. The island also boasts excellent research facilities particularly focussed on coral reefs and climate research.</p>
<p>Exclusive Lizard Island resort is located on the southern end of the island, while the National Park offers delightful sites for a limited number of campers who must be totally self-sufficient. Campsite availability and bookings can be made online or at the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Office on the waterfront in Cooktown.</p>
<p>For all information contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on: 1800 990 177, visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park website: <strong><a href="http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/" target="_blank">www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a></strong>, or talk to local Rangers on (07) 4069 5777.</p>

<p><b>Archer Point</b></p>
<p>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). </p>
<p><b>Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay</b></p>
<p> Finch Bay – Pam Davey</p>
<p>These are the two local beaches in Cooktown. Although you can drive to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/beaches/finchbay">Finch Bay</a>, just 2 km past the Botanic Gardens entrance and car park, there is delightful short bush walk through the Gardens. <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/beaches/cherry_tree_bay">Cherry Tree Bay</a> is only accessible by foot through the Botanic Gardens or from the Grassy Hill road.</p>
<p><b>Quarantine Bay</b></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><b>Walker Bay</b></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><b>Weary Bay</b></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Weary Bay beach is an ideal spot for a long leisurely walk and access is from Weary Bay road in Ayton.</p>
<p><b>Elim Beach and Coloured Sands</b></p>
<p>Past Hopevale is the beautiful <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/hopevale/index">Elim Beach</a> overlooking Cape Bedford.</p>
<p> Somerset Beach, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p><b>Cape York Beaches</b></p>
<p>Beyond Cooktown there are accessible beaches at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cape-melville">Cape Melville National Park</a>. A popular camping site is found at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/iron-range-national-park">Chilli Beach</a> in the Iron Range National Park.</p>
<p>Near Seisa and Bamaga there are several lovely beaches including Punsand Bay, Loyalty Beach and Somerset Beach.</p>
<p>Albatross Bay provides a scenic coastal retreat at Weipa.</p>
<h3>Important advice!</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Don’t swim after dusk or early in the morning.</p>
<p>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.</p>