<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>
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<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>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.</p>
<p>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 <a href="http://www.hopevalearts.com/artists.html#roymcivor" target="_blank">Roy McIvor</a>. With many talented, younger artists emerging, Hope Vale envisions a bright future for its culture.</p>
<p>Visitors are welcome to visit the Centre weekdays, <br /> between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm, at Flierl Street, Hope Vale.</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>