<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>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>

<h3>Day 1. Cooktown Orientation</h3>
<p>Start with a visit to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/naturespowerhouse" title="Nature&apos;s Powerhouse Cooktown Botanic Gardens">Botanic Gardens and Nature’s Powerhouse</a> which houses the Charles Tanner Wildlife of Cape York Exhibition and Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery.</p>
<p>There are several walks in the Botanic Gardens and also trails which lead to the beautiful beaches at Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Allow plenty of time for a visit to the world-class <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/museums/cooktown-museum" target="_self">Cooktown Museum</a>, 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.</p>
<p>End the day on <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/grassy-hill" title="Grassy Hill">Grassy Hill,</a> with its panoramic views and superb sunset vistas.</p>
<h3>Day 2. Hopevale Nugal-warra Rock Art Tour and Elim Beach<b><br /></b></h3>
<p> Aboriginal tours</p>
<p>Just 45 mins from Cooktown, outside Hopevale, are the incredible <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/tours/local-tours" title="Guurrbi Tours">Nugal-warra rock art sites</a>, 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.</p>
<p>The nearby community of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/history/aboriginalculturehopevale" title="Aboriginal Culture - Hope Vale & Elim Beach">Hope Vale</a> has an Arts and Cultural Centre which supports local artists, and the magnificent Coloured Sands at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/hopevale/index" title="Hope Vale and Elim Beach">Elim Beach</a> are well worth a visit (4wd only).  <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/waterfalls/index" title="Waterfalls">Isabella Falls</a><b><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/waterfalls/index" title="Waterfalls"> </a></b>is a great place for a picnic and a swim.</p>
<h3>Day 3. Go Fishing/Boating</h3>
<p> Cooktown fishing</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Whether you take a guided trip with one of several fishing companies<b> </b>in town, hire a dinghy for the day, or bring your own boat, the fishing is a great experience for the whole family.</p>
<p>Alternatively take a nature boat cruise on the Endeavour River crocodile spotting, bird watching and casting a casual line for the estuarine fish.</p>
<h3>Day 4. And so much more to choose from!<b><br /></b></h3>
<p> Rainforest walk</p>
<p>Also to be considered are <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/tours/local-tours/hiddenvalleytrailrides">horse riding trails</a>, farmstays, hiking up <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/mountcook">Mount Cook</a>, a visit to the mysterious <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/black-mountain-national-park" title="Black Mountain National Park, (Kalkajaka N.P.)">Black Mountain National Park</a> and birdwatching at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/keatings-lagoon-walk" title="Keatings Lagoon (Mulbabidgee) Walk">Keatings Lagoon</a>.</p>
<p>Visitors are very welcome to a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/cooktown-golf" title="Cooktown Golf Links">round of golf</a><b><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/cooktown-golf" title="Cooktown Golf Links"> </a></b>at the picturesque links course at Walker Bay, or you can enjoy a game of bowls at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/bowls" title="Cooktown Bowls Club">Cooktown’s Bowls Club</a>.</p>
<p>Take the kids to our beautiful beaches at Finch Bay, Cherry Tree Bay, Quarantine Bay and Walker Bay but swimming is not advised.</p>
<p>More options include <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/scenic-rim-walking-trail" title="Scenic Rim Walking Trail">The Scenic Rim</a> walking trail, fishing on the Annan river or from the wharf – or simply enjoying a ‘coldie’ with the locals in one of the pubs.</p>
<p>You could take one of the suggested <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/self-drive/index" title="Self Drive Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula">self-drive itineraries</a><b>.</b> Or if you haven’t already done so, head off to explore the Wet Tropics<b> </b>on Cooktown’s doorstep. There are several waterfalls and swimming holes in the nearby vicinity.</p>
<p>Hike up to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/homerulefalls">Home Rule</a> 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 <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cedar-bay" title="Cedar Bay National Park">Cedar Bay National Park</a>.</p>
<p>No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the historic <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/rainforestcoast/lionsden" title="The Lions Den Hotel">Lions Den Hotel</a> in Helenvale, and there are a couple of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/rainforestcoast/mungumby">rainforest retreats</a> in the region for an overnight stay.</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>