<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>

<p>The Quinkan Galleries are internationally renowned and offer a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Laura region. The site consists of five clustered rock shelters, each depicting its own stories and evidence of past occupation. The final shelter features the Quinkan family, including the tallest recorded Quinkan figure, standing at an over 3 metres high.</p>
<p>This is a special cultural site, and local Indigenous guides share its stories and significance with passion, knowledge and respect.</p>
<p><strong>Guided Tours</strong></p>
<p>Private guided tours are available from May to September and typically take approximately 2 hours. Tours are conducted by experienced local Indigenous guides and can be tailored to visitors. Bookings are essential and tour pricing is available on application (POA).</p>
<p>To book a private guided tour, visit the Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation website or contact the team directly:</p>
<p><strong>Self-Guided Tours</strong></p>
<p>Self-guided tour options are also available for visitors wishing to explore the area at their own pace. Please contact Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation for current access information and conditions.</p>

<p>Mooks was raised on his traditional land where he learnt the old ways from his Grandparents, Uncles and elder family members.</p>
<p>He learnt about bush medicines and bush foods from them and he finds great joy sharing his knowledge of plants, his culture and the land.</p>
<p>As a tour guide, Mooks has over 40 years’ experience and in Kuku Nyungkul language he is known as a ‘Kuku bugga’ which means he loves to talk!</p>
<p>Throughout his life Mooks has always been a keen communicator of traditional culture, helping people from all walks of life, to make a deeper connection to country.</p>
<p>Tour options include a three hour tour and a 90 minute tour. Bookings essential.</p>
<p>Rossville Retreat also offers camping and bush lodges accommodation.</p>

<p>Cape York Experience is a unique guided adventure experience through one of the worlds most beautiful and untouched frontiers. </p>
<p>Located 800km north of Cairns in the Lockhart River area of Far North Queensland, we explore some of the wildest and most pristine country you will ever see. Let our experience and friendly crew show you a real adventure. </p>
<p>Offering 1-3 day dirt bike adventures, fishing charters and blo karts on Chilli Beach – you can choose your own adventure! </p>

<p>Courtesy Gone Fishing</p>
<p>The Endeavour River is wide at the mouth, and progressing north, lined with over 25 species of mangroves. As it branches it changes dramatically to narrow creeks lined with palms and rainforest flora. It is along the Endeavour River that Solander first documented much of Australia’s flora.</p>
<p>The Endeavour River offers very good mixed fishing right in the heart of Cooktown on a river steeped in history. This river is a great example of how a tropical estuarine system should be.  Deep holes, submerged timber, sand flats, smaller inlets and tributaries, weed beds and all your mangrove species in one river.  By casting lures to the numerous snags and fallen giants of the rainforest that litter the waterway, you will be bound to catch either the predominant species, barramundi or jacks, fingermark, trevally, barracuda or sharks. Brilliant family fishing can also be had on the local wharf and immediate vicinity using a variety of methods.  Many big barra, Spanish mackerel, queenfish and trevally are landed here throughout the year. </p>
<p>To really explore the system and appreciate it a boat is necessary.  Bring your own, hire a tinny or take advantage of a local guided charter.  If you enjoy lure/fly casting a vessel equipped with an electric motor will provide you with lots more opportunities and a heap more fun.  Boats can be launched opposite the seaview Motel or at the Marton boat ramp 10 minutes north of town.</p>
<p>The best time for croc-spotting is during the winter months of June-August on a low tide. Saltwater crocodiles are most commonly seen in the North Arm of the River, with many different-sized crocs reluctant to slide back into the cold water.</p>
<p>River cruises are popular for croc spotting and bird watching and the following companies operate tours on the Endeavour River:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cooktownbarracharters.com/" target="_blank">Cooktown Barra Charters</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cooktown-dinghy-hire-river-cruises-293279910730573/" target="_blank">Cooktown Dinghy Hire and River Cruises</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishingcooktown.com/" target="_blank">Gone Fishing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.riverbendtours.com.au/" target="_blank">Riverbend Tours</a></li>
</ul>