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Cape York Adventures
<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>
4WD Adventures | Island & Reef Experiences | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Great Barrier Reef
<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>
4WD Adventures | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Tip of Australia
<p>Most people drive along the track from Lockerbie or alternatively you can take the 10km Roma Flats walk.</p>
<p>The final section of road passes through the rainforest before emerging at the car park and from here it’s a short walk down to the beach.</p>
<p>Walk along the beach then up the hill to a monument with fantastic views over Torres Strait. From here it’s all downhill until you have reached your destination – you’ve made it to The Tip of Australia.</p>
<p>From Peak Point you look out towards Possession Island. A small monument marks the place where Captain Cook raised the English flag to claim possession of New Wales in 1770.</p>
<p>Just 5km from the Tip is <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/punsand-bay">Punsand Bay Camping Resort</a> on a beautiful stretch of beach – the perfect place to spend a few days after the long drive to the top.</p>
4WD Adventures | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Suggested Cape York Self-Drive Itinerary
<p>Many travellers start their Tropical Far North Queensland and Cape York adventure from Cairns. There are 2 routes north from Cairns.</p>
<p>The Coastal route via Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Rainforest and the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown requires 4WD and is incredibly scenic. This is the only place in Australia where you can experience the splendour of tropical rainforest while being just a stone’s throw from the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.</p>
<p>See the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/self-drive/great-tropical-drive-discovery">Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail</a> and <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/self-drive/great-tropical-daintree">Great Tropical Drive Daintree Trail</a> for further information.</p>
<p>The Inland route via the fully sealed <a href="http://www.queenslandonline.net/mulligan/" target="_blank">Mulligan Highway</a> gives the option of turning off at Lakeland towards Laura or continuing to Cooktown from where you can take the 4WD Battlecamp Road on to Laura.</p>
<h3>Cairns – Laura and Quinkan Country</h3>
<p>Drive from Cairns through World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest out to Mareeba then join the sealed Mulligan Highway north through rolling savannah to Quinkan Country and the 30,000-year-old rock art galleries at the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/lake_laura/splitrockgallery">Split Rock</a> sandstone escarpment. Tours to other incredible rock art sites such as the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/lake_laura/gianthorserockart">Giant Horse</a> and <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/lake_laura/mushroomrockphotos">Mushroom Rock</a> galleries can be booked through the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre. </p>
<p>Camp either at Laura or in nearby Lakefield National Park, or alternatively split the journey at Lakeland where there is a caravan park where you can store your caravan.</p>
<p>It is approx 310 km from Cairns-Laura and approx 330 km Cairns-Cooktown on the Mulligan Highway route.</p>
<h3>Laura-Lakefield – Musgrave Station</h3>
<p>Explore Queensland’s second largest National Park <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/lakefieldphotos">Lakefield</a> with it’s rivers, lagoons and swamps is a wildlife refuge and home to several threatened species. <br /> There is prolific birdlife, and both estuarine and saltwater crocodiles, with plenty of barramundi in the rivers. Recreational fishing is permitted at all camping areas with barramundi and catfish the most common species caught.<br /> Permits for camping must be pre booked through <a href="https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_bookings.html" target="_blank">Queensland National Parks</a> . 4WD is essential and campers need to be fully self sufficient. There are several scenic campsites in the Park.</p>
<p>From the Kalpower Crossing in Lakefield N.P. you can continue for a real adventure out to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cape-melville">Cape Melville N.P.</a> and great fishing spots at Bathurst Heads. This is extremely remote so you will need to be fully self sufficient.</p>
<p>Drive on from Lakefield to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/musgrave-roadhouse">Musgrave’s historic telegraph station</a>.</p>
<p>Alternatively you can continue on the Peninsula Development Road up to Musgrave, approx 140km. Stop in at the Hann River Roadhouse for refreshments, 76 km past Laura.</p>
<h3>Musgrave Station to Coen</h3>
<p> The PDR continues for around 100km to the Cape outpost of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cape/coen">Coen</a>. There are campsites and basic accommodation in Coen as well as a post office, general store, mechanical services and petrol station. The beautifully restored Heritage House provides a glimpse back to the days gone by and an exhibition of old mining equipment is on display next door to the Heritage House.</p>
<p>An option on this stretch of road is to turn off towards Port Stewart and there are some lovely camping spots along the Stewart River.</p>
<h3> Coen – Bramwell Junction</h3>
<p> Visit the Cape York Information Centre and Quarantine Inspection Station 20-km north of the township to find out more about this area.</p>
<p>Friendly staff here can offer advice on places to visit and road conditions.</p>
<p>About 5km past the Quarantine Station is the turn off for <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/mungkan-kandju">Mungkan Kandju N.P.</a> which is a noted bird watching area. There are several campsites in the Park and access is 4WD only.</p>
<p>66km further along the Peninsula Development Road from Coen, meals, camping and accommodation are available at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/archer-river">Archer River Roadhouse</a> as well as facilities for minor mechanical repairs.</p>
<p>The PDR continues all the way up to Bramwell Junction but it is worth taking the turn offs to fully appreciate Cape York Peninsula. At the Wenlock River on the PDR, <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/moreton-station">Moreton Telegraph station</a> is a popular campsite.</p>
<h3><strong>Lockhart</strong><strong> River and Portland Roads Route</strong></h3>
<p>About 35 km north of the Archer River is the turn off to Lockhart River, Portland Roads and Iron Range N.P.</p>
<p>The first river crossing is at the Wenlock River and just past this there is a track which leads to the old Batavia goldfields where you can still see some of the old mining equipment.</p>
<p>The next river crossing is at the Pascoe River – this is a longer stretch with a sandy bed. The track then leads towards <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/ironrangephotos">Iron Range N.P.</a> with some spectacular scenery and Australia’s largest area of lowland rainforest. The campsites at Chilli Beach are very popular and there is great bird watching with 15 endemic species, and some interesting walking trails in the Park.</p>
<p>Lockhart River is an Aboriginal community famous for the incredible array of artistic talent produced by the Lockhart River Art Gang. A visit to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/markets/lockhartriver">Arts Centre</a> is a great experience. There is also a supermarket and fuel in the town.</p>
<p>Portland Roads is a beautiful little fishing community with a couple of beach shacks for rent and a fantastic <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/dining/cape-york-peninsula/portland-roads-cafe">restaurant</a>.</p>
<h3>Weipa and Merluna Route</h3>
<p>The turn off to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/Weipa/weipa">Weipa</a> is around 50km north of Archer River. The family operated Merluna cattle station is located off the Weipa road and also offers accommodation and camping. From Merluna you can drive to<strong> </strong>the bauxite mining town of Weipa, with modern facilities and fantastic fishing. This is a good place to stock up on supplies or enjoy the world class fishing.<br /> From Weipa you can drive east through Batavia Downs Cattle Station to Moreton Telegraph Station, on the Wenlock River or continue from Merluna on the Telegraph Road up to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/bramwell-station">Bramwell Station</a> or <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/jardine-river">Jardine National Park</a>.</p>
<h3>PDR Bypass Roads</h3>
<p>From Bramwell Junction you can either take the challenging <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cape/old-telegraph-track">Old Telegraph Line</a> 4WD route or the PDR Bypass roads which are maintained to a good standard. The Bypass roads are around 260 km from Bramwell Junction to the Jardine ferry which can take up to 5 hours.</p>
<p>Interesting side trips from the Southern Bypass road include the turn off to Captain Billy Landing where there is a campsite.</p>
<p>The Old Telegraph Line</p>
<p>The Old Telegraph Line really starts after Bramwell Junction and continues up to the Jardine River. It is important to have a properly equipped 4WD for this adventurous route but most travellers to the Cape will take the OTL north then return by the bypass roads.</p>
<p>Driving north you will need to negotiate several creek crossings, some of which have challenging entry and exit points.</p>
<p>Palm Creek is the first crossing, then you face the Ducie River, South Alice Creek and North Alice Creek. After around 30 km from Bramwell Junction you come to the Dulhunty River which is a popular spot to camp.</p>
<p>Next is Bertie Creek and after this there is the option of the Gunshot bypass or continue on the OTL to Cholmondely Creek. The infamous Gunshot Creek is the next crossing – this is probably the most challenging crossing on the OTL. Then you continue to Cockatoo Creek, another challenging crossing, and the final creek crossing is the bridge over Sailor Creek.</p>
<p>The section from Bramwell Junction to the intersection with the Northern Bypass Road is approx 80 km which can take up to 5 hours depending on conditions.</p>
<p>At this junction there is a track to Heathlands Reserve and the lovely Fruit Bat Falls which offers a refreshing swim stop on the way to the campground at Eliot Falls and Twin Falls.</p>
<p> Fruit Bat Falls, Jardine River National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>The OTL continues from Eliot Falls through the rough Canal Creek, then you face crossings at Sam Creek, Mistake Creek, the aptly named Cannibal Creek, the rickety old bridge over Cypress Creek, Logan Creek and Nolan’s Brook before emerging at the Jardine River. A track then leads back to the Northern Bypass road and the Jardine River ferry.</p>
<p>The section from Eliot Falls to the Jardine River is approx 40 km and can take up to 4 hours depending on conditions.</p>
<h3>Jardine River – Bamaga/Seisia/Tip of Cape York</h3>
<p>Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry and head to the northernmost <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/tipofaustralia">Tip of Australia</a>.</p>
<p>Ferry tickets can be purchased online <a href="https://www.nparc.qld.gov.au/services/travel-transport/ferry-ticket" target="_blank">here</a>. The ferry operates from 08.00-12.00 and then from 13.00 – 17.00, daily in the dry season.</p>
<p>Contact the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for further information – phone 07 4090 4100. </p>
<p>The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga.</p>
<p>There are several camping and accommodation options in Bamaga, Seisia, Loyalty Beach and Punsand Bay with guided tours, hire cars and fishing available within the area.<br /> As well as the great fishing there are several WW2 sites, pioneer mining sites and old telegraph memorabilia to visit. Long stretches of deserted beach and the Lockerbie Scrub Rainforest Trail provide good walking options. The historic Somerset beach is another popular site to visit.</p>
<p>The Tip of mainland Australia is 32km from Bamaga and 7km north of Lockerbie – the must see destination for all visitors to Cape York Peninsula.</p>
<p>Having made it to The Tip spend a few days to enjoy the whole area and why not extend your trip to the Torres Straight Islands. <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cape/thursday-island">Thursday Island</a> is just 30 km from Cape York Peninsula and easily accessible by ferry from Seisia.</p>
4WD Adventures | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Great Tropical Drive Daintree Explorer Trail
<h3>Daintree Explorer Trail Itinerary Summary</h3>
<p><a href="#day1">DAY 1. Mossman-Cape Tribulation. 62 km, approx 2 hrs 15 mins</a></p>
<p><a href="#day2">DAY 2. Cape Tribulation-Cooktown. 100 km, approx 3 hrs</a></p>
<p><a href="#day3">DAY 3. Cooktown-Mossman. 255 km, approx 3 hrs 45 mins.</a></p>
<p><strong>TOTAL 417 km, approx 9 hrs</strong></p>
<p> Flightless Cassowary. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<h3>DAY 1. Mossman to Cape Tribulation<strong>.</strong></h3>
<p>Road Conditions sealed.</p>
<p>Take the signposted turnoff in Mossman and drive 6km to Mossman Gorge. The gorge is the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people. Take a cultural tour and visit the art gallery at Mossman Gorge to learn more about their unique Rainforest Aboriginal culture.</p>
<p>Nearby Cooya Beach is the first stop along <a href="http://bamawayaboriginaltours.com/" target="_blank">The Bama Way – an Aboriginal Journey </a>along story-lines, through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah. Take the Aboriginal-owned tours along the way for a wonderful insight into different facets of Aboriginal culture.</p>
<p>From Mossman it is just a short 25km drive along the Mossman Daintree Road to the Daintree River vehicle ferry, which operates continuous transfers across the river (cost applies).Visit Daintree Village, just a few kilometres further up the road from the ferry crossing. This historic village on the Daintree River is popular for wildlife spotting, river cruises, guided rainforest walks, scenic valley drives, galleries and restaurants.</p>
<p>Along the way, why not take the scenic route and visit Wonga Beach. At the entrance to the Daintree Valley Wonga Beach stretches from the Rocky Point, at the southern access of the Captain Cook Highway to the Daintree River in the north. Wonga Beach is easily accessible and is often overlooked by tourists.</p>
<p>After the ferry crossing, look for the sign to Alexandra Range Lookout. This is a good place to take a short break and enjoy views overlooking the Daintree River mouth, offshore islands and along the coast to Port Douglas and Cairns.</p>
<p>The Daintree Coast is a small part of the Kuku Yalanji tribal area and has great spiritual and cultural significance for these people. Their stories, songs and dances continue to give special meaning to the landscape. There are numerous boardwalks, educational centres, river cruises, crocodile spotting and adventure activities.</p>
<p>Daintree and Cape Tribulation have many resorts, lodges and backpacker hostels, both tucked away in the rainforest and close to the beach – so soak up the Daintree atmosphere and stay a day or two.</p>
<h3>DAY 2. Cape Tribulation to Cooktown</h3>
<p>Road Conditions: Unsealed suitable for 4WD only.</p>
<p>From Cape Tribulation you will be travelling along the coastal road to Cooktown.</p>
<p> Bloomfield river</p>
<p>The Bloomfield Track provides 4WD access from Cape Tribulation to just south of the Bloomfield River where it connects with the existing road to the township of Ayton and onto the Mulligan Highway leading to Cooktown. You will pass by Wujal Wujal Aboriginal community, Cedar Bay National Park, Black Mountain National Park and Keating’s Lagoon before arriving in Cooktown for the night.</p>
<p>For a touch of authentic Australiana stop off at the Lion’s Den Hotel, an old Australian pub, for lunch, and then continue through to visit the majestic Black Mountain.</p>
<h3>DAY 3. Cooktown to Mossman.</h3>
<p>Road Conditions sealed</p>
<p>From Cooktown, follow the Mulligan Highway 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>Less than an hour’s drive further south you will find the Palmer River Roadhouse. As you look at the solitary Palmer River Roadhouse perched on the hill above the famous river it is hard to imagine that in the 1870s tens of thousands of miners flocked to this area searching for gold. Today all that is left of the Palmer River Goldfields are a few suggestions, and distant stories of where miners lived and dug. The publican at the roadhouse has a collection of related artefacts.</p>
<p>Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Cape York’s huge cattle stations from Bob’s Lookout on the Desailly Range.</p>
<p>While not obvious, the small township of Mt Molloy has an important connection to Palmer Goldfields and the development of North Queensland. It is here that James Venture Mulligan the founding father of the Palmer Goldfields, rests. His discovery of gold at Palmer River in 1872 sparked the gold rush and massive migration into North Queensland. You can stop and visit Mulligan’s headstone in the small cemetery south of town.</p>
<p>Turning left you will follow the Rex Range Road, as it snakes down the range to Mossman. Along the way you will pass through the tiny rainforest township of Julatten. The town has a big reputation among bird watchers. It is here that patient bird lovers have been known to spot up to 200 of the 370 native bird species resident in the Wet Tropics region.</p>
<p>The Great Tropical Drive is a self-drive route that will take you from Cairns and Townsville to some amazing places in Tropical Australia.</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.<br /> You can choose from 13 Discovery Trails – each one a unique itinerary that will give you a taste of Tropical Australia: from overnight drives onto the Tablelands, to week-long 4WD and campervan adventures into the goldfields.</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 <a href="http://www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/" target="_blank">Tourism Tropical North Queensland</a></p>
4WD Adventures | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail
<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>
4WD Adventures | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | Island & Reef Experiences | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Flinders Group National Park
<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>
4WD Adventures | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Fishing & Boating | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | Island & Reef Experiences | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Lizard Island
<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>
History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Lockhart River Arts Centre
<p>The artists have developed their own forms of expression which are very different from the art of central Australia and other parts of Australia. The art from Lockhart River promotes the identity of Aboriginal people in contemporary Australian culture and is unique to Lockhart River Arts Centre.</p>
<p>Lockhart River Aboriginal Community is 850 kms north of Cairns and is nestled between Quintell Beach and nearby lush lowland rain forest which boasts a bird life that draws watchers from across the world. The beach is dramatic and spectacular and features as a common thread in the artists work.</p>
<p>Many of the clans from this area have traditionally lived close to the beach which has and still provides an excellent source of foods. Fishing is still the most popular past time in Lockhart River.</p>
<p>The arts centre is an incorporated not for profit body managed by a small team of staff. From the sale of each painting 50% is paid directly to the artist who then shares their funds with the rest of their community and family. 50% is put back into supporting artists through the arts centre. The centre provides artists with canvas, paints, brushes, exhibitions, travel, workshops etc.</p>
<p>Artworks are on display and can be purchased from the Arts Centre and selected national and international galleries featured on the website.</p>
<p><strong>Ph: 07 40607341</strong></p>
<p><strong></p>
<p> Where I go fishing by Josiah Omeenyo<br />
</strong><strong><br /></strong></p>
History & Museums
Black Cockatoo Gallery
<p>Black Cockatoo </p>
<p>A visit to Black Cockatoo Gallery is artistically and culturally interesting and informative about the rainforest and conservation of nature and wildlife and is a special and relaxing place.</p>
<p>Gallery patrons are encouraged to stay and refresh while enjoying the surrounding rainforest and meet some of the wildlife guests. The gallery deck overlooks the property and is perfect for coffee or tea and a snack while you relax.</p>
<p>Located just off the Bloomfield Road, 12 kms north of Wujal Wujal, the gallery hosts a number of art classes, workshops, special exhibitions, events and environmental talks throughout the year.</p>