<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>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>Access is from Cooktown or Ayton by private or <a href="resolveuid/d42d3bd2d46b2349554081f0bfd6de33">charter boat</a>. There is no access to West Hope in the sea bird breeding season from September-March.</p>
<p>An important nesting site for pied imperial pigeons, the islands are significant sea country for the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.</p>
<p>Snorkelling and diving from the islands to pristine reefs.</p>
<p>There are four bush campsites on East Hope island.</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>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>Cooktown Discovery Trail Summary</h3>
<p><strong>Day 1. </strong>Cooktown-Laura via Lakefield National Park 136 km, approx 2 hr 30 mins</p>
<p><strong>Day 2.</strong> Laura-Cooktown 143 km, approx 1 hrs, 30 mins</p>
<p> Kalpowar Crossing Camping Lakefield National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<h3>DAY 1. Cooktown-Laura.</h3>
<p>Road conditions unsealed, suitable for 4WD.</p>
<p>A dirt road links Cooktown to Lakefield National Park, past the Endeavour Falls and on through Battle Camp Road. Camping permits and information about the park can be obtained from QPWS rangers at Cooktown, New Laura, Lakefield or Bizant Ranger Stations. Crossing Laura River, you will come upon historic Old Laura Homestead, one of the oldest cattle properties on Cape York. The structure you see today was built in 1892.</p>
<p>You can bush camp in Lakefield National Park (permit required) or continue onto the township of Laura, where hotel and camping facilities are available.</p>
<p>Carry plenty of drinking water and fuel as there are no service stations in the park. </p>
<p> WARNING – CROCODILES. Estuarine crocodiles are present in creeks, rivers and waterholes in this area.</p>
<p> Giant Horse Gallery</p>
<h3>DAY 2. Laura-Cooktown.</h3>
<p>Road conditions sealed suitable for 2WD.</p>
<p>The area surrounding Laura is known as ‘Quinkan country’ and is renowned for its ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, considered among the world’s finest. The ‘Split Rock’ site about 10km south of Laura is open to the public. To learn more about the region’s history and culture, visit the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre to organise a site tour. If you are interested in these areas you will need to contact them prior to starting your trip.</p>
<p>Another of Laura’s highlights is the annual Horse Races and Rodeo which are held on the first weekend of July, and the Indigenous Dance and Cultural Festival held every two years.</p>
<p>Follow the Peninsula Development Road south 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.</p>
<p>The final 80 km back to Cooktown crosses four rivers – the West Normanby, East Normanby, Little Annan and Big Annan. Allow time for a few stops in the last 30km – Black Mountain National Park, the historic Lion’s Den Hotel (a 4km detour from the main road) and finally Keating’s Lagoon.</p>
<h3>Enjoy the whole Great Tropical Drive</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The Great Tropical Drive passes through six unique regions of North Queensland: <br /> Cooktown, Port Douglas and Daintree, Cairns and Beaches, Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast, Tropical Tablelands and Savannah Country, Townsville, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook.</p>
<p>Information courtesy of <a href="http://http//www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/" target="_blank">Tourism Tropical North Queensland</a></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>

<p>Provide scenic helicopter flights, heli fishing trips, island transfers and custom flights, taking off from our base at Torres Straits, Horn Island Cape York. </p>
<p>We’re super passionate about aviation and the outstanding beauty of Australia’s far northern reaches, which are best appreciated from the sky. This remote country is a diverse landscape of red roads, rainforest, mangrove forest and savannah, hidden waterfalls, fantastic fishing spots, golden beaches, epic coastlines, seriously blue saltwater and the tropical archipelago of the Torres Strait Islands. Coastal Rotors takes off from the beach, giving you the best seat in the house to see Pajinka – The Tip – and more. In addition to helping our tourist guests tick off some bucket list items, we also provide a range of commercial air work services, for corporate and government clients, across the Cape and the Torres Strait Islands. Family owned and operated, Coastal Rotors provide the highest levels of customer service and safety. We’re permanently based at Horn Island and are ready to fly 7 days a week.</p>
<p>Phone: <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/tel:0498580042">0498 580 042</a><br />
<a href="mailto:fly@coastalrotors.com.au" target="_blank">Email</a><br />
<a href="https://www.coastalrotors.com.au/" target="_blank">Website</a></p>

<p>Make Cooktown your first choice for a conference venue with a difference.</p>
<p>Cooktown Events Centre offers state of the art conference, sports, theatre and music facilities overlooked by the majestic Mount Cook.</p>
<p>Business meetings for up to 150 seated people can be catered for. </p>
<p>Enjoy the region with post conference tours to historic sites, Aboriginal rock art, river cruises and experience world class fishing.</p>
<p>Choose from a variety of transport options – direct flights, the fully sealed Mulligan highway or charter cruise vessels from Cairns</p>
<p>For Events Centre bookings and information contact:</p>
<p>T: 07 40 820 500</p>
<p><b>Meeting/Multi-purpose rooms: </b></p>
<p><b></p>
<p> Bush poetry at the amphitheatre<br />
</b><b><br /></b></p>
<p>1 Large Meeting Room</p>
<p>Size:<b> </b>21m x 8m = 168m²</p>
<p>Seated 150</p>
<p>At tables 130</p>
<p>Dividable into 3 smaller rooms</p>
<p>Size: each room 7m x 8m = 49m²</p>
<p>Seated 40</p>
<p>At tables 35</p>
<p>Small Meeting Room</p>
<p> Cooktown Events Centre</p>
<p>Size: 3m x 3m = 9m²</p>
<p>Seating Capacity: 6 at a table</p>
<p> Facilities:</p>
<p>– Data projection equipment.</p>
<p>– Kitchenette with oven, microwave, crockery, cutlery, dishwasher & fridge/freezer</p>
<p>– Male and female toilets and nappy changing facility</p>
<p>– Carpeted</p>
<p>– Air conditioned</p>
<p>– Whiteboards</p>
<p>– Tables</p>
<p>– Chairs</p>
<p>– Grassed/fenced area outside</p>
<p><b>Sports Hall </b></p>
<p><b></p>
<p> Cooktown Events Centre<br />
</b><b><br /></b></p>
<p>Size:<b> </b>35m x 25m = 875m²</p>
<p>Seated 800</p>
<p>Auditorium 550</p>
<p>At tables 500</p>
<p>Court markings and equipment:</p>
<p>Netball x 1 court</p>
<p>Volleyball x 2 courts</p>
<p>Basketball electronic scoreboards</p>
<p>Badminton x 3 courts</p>
<p>Short tennis x 3 courts</p>
<p>Facilities:</p>
<p>– Air conditioned</p>
<p>– Pulastic sports flooring, suitable for heels</p>
<p>– Benched seating</p>
<p>– 320 chairs</p>
<p>– 40 tables</p>
<p>– Male/female change rooms & showers</p>
<p><b></p>
<p> Local band The Barefoot Belles<br />
</b></p>
<p><b>STAGE & AMPITHEATRE</b></p>
<p>Size: 12m x 9 m = 108m²</p>
<p>Proscenium Stage. Back of stage has sliding panels which open onto an apron and grassed amphitheatre area.</p>
<p>Facilities:</p>
<p>– Male and female dressing rooms and toilets</p>
<p>– Screen at front of stage</p>
<p>– Wheelchair access lift to stage</p>
<p>– Hinged panels to block off front of stage</p>
<p>Seating Capacity:<b> </b>Auditorium seats 550</p>
<p><b>KITCHEN </b></p>
<p><b></p>
<p> State of the art facilities<br />
</b><b><br /></b></p>
<p>Size: 11m x 5m 55m²</p>
<p>Kitchen hirers are required to undergo a kitchen induction</p>
<p>Facilities:</p>
<p>– Commercial standard</p>
<p>– Cold room</p>
<p>– Hot/cold bain maries</p>
<p>– Deep fat fryers</p>
<p>– Combi steamer</p>
<p>– Chiller fridges</p>
<p>– Dishwashers</p>
<p>– Gas ovens</p>
<p>– Gas cook tops</p>
<p>– Heat lamps</p>
<p>– Microwaves</p>
<p><b>GYM</b></p>
<p>The gym is available for public use. 24/7 Gym Memberships are available see their website for more information <a href="http://www.cook.qld.gov.au/cooktowneventscentre/" target="_blank">here </a></p>
<p><b>FOYER</b></p>
<p>Our large open foyer with its public art and outdoor undercover area is the perfect setting for a dinner, morning tea, barbecue or buffet.</p>