<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>

<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>Accessible by 4WD during the dry season only (May-November).</p>
<p>Access via the Starcke Homestead 12 hours north (225 km) of Cooktown or through Lakefield N.P. and Kalpowar Aboriginal lands, 12 hours north of Cairns.</p>
<p>Recreational fishing is allowed in all rivers and creeks in the park and fisheries regulations apply. Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways along the coast and offshore – be croc wise.</p>
<p>For coastal fishing limited fishing is allowed in the Conservation Park yellow zone in Bathurst Bay, check <a>www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a>” target=”_blank”>www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a> for marine park zoning info.</p>
<p>Bush camping is possible at Bathurst Bay behind the beach, camping permits are required and available from the self-registration shelter at Lakefield ranger station.</p>
<p>Other campsites are at Bathurst Head and adjacent to the Marrett River – ask for more info at QPWS offices.</p>
<p>Camping is also possible in the nearby Kalpowar Recreation Reserve and on Flinders Island.</p>
<p> Sunset at Bathurst Heads, Courtesy Graham Burton</p>

<p><i>Mangkalba</i><i> </i>(Cedar Bay) is the traditional country of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, whose country extends along the coast to Mossman. Cedar Bay National Park was a major turtle hunting area and contains important cultural sites including the <i>murabaymba</i> (canoe), <i>ngawaia</i> (turtle) and <i>ngiwa</i><i> </i>(saltwater eel) story sites.</p>
<p>The Park is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife including the rare and elusive <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/animals/tree_kangaroo">Bennett’s tree kangaroo</a>, endangered southern cassowary and the beach stone-curlew. It lies between Cape Tribulation and Cooktown and is accessible only by boat or on foot via the Home Rule Walking Track. </p>
<p>Take the turnoff south to Helenvale from the Mulligan Highway, about 2 kms south of Black Mountain. Continue through Helenvale and Rossville. Once in Rossville there is a turnoff on your left to Home Rule rainforest lodge. The homestead and access to Cedar Bay North is 3 kms down this track.</p>
<p>The 17km (one way) walking track is a rough, steep and difficult track and should only be attempted by experienced walkers. </p>
<p> Creek flowing down the slopes of Mt Hartley in Cedar Bay National Park</p>
<p>Walking the track should not be attempted when heavy rain has fallen or is forecast, as it crosses several creeks, and steep sections can become slippery in wet weather.</p>
<p>Camping</p>
<p>Bush camping is available in coastal vegetation adjacent to the beach. No facilities are provided so campers must be self-sufficient.</p>
<p>Camping permits are required and fees apply. Permits are limited and it is recommended that you book at least two weeks in advance.</p>
<p>For further information, contact the <a href="http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mangkalba/about.html" target="_blank">Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing</a>  </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>Giant Ficus, Iron Range National Park, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland<br />
Located 752 km north of Cairns, access at the turn off 20 km north of the Archer River Roadhouse then it’s a 110 km (3-5 hour) drive to the Iron Range ranger station. 4WD only during the dry season (May-November).</p>
<p>The park is of major Aboriginal cultural significance with story places, ceremonial sites and occupation places dotted about the landscape and is part of the traditional country of the Kuuku Ya’u people.</p>
<p>Fishing is not permitted in any freshwater creeks or rivers within the park but is permitted at Chili Beach. Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways of the park – be croc wise.</p>
<p>There is a 10km walking trail along the Claudie River and a viewing platform at Mount Tozer.</p>
<p>The park has prolific birdlife with endemics such as the eclectus parrot, red-cheeked parrots, Marshall’s fig parrots and frilled monarchs and more than 60% of Australia’s butterflies can be found at Iron Range.</p>
<p>Camping is allowed at Rainforest, Gordon Creek, Cook’s Hut and Chili Beach camping areas. Camping permits are required and can be obtained from the self-registration shelter at the Iron Range ranger station.</p>
<p>In July 2011 a historic agreement was signed – the name Iron Range N.P. was changed and Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) will now be jointly managed by the Northern Kuuku Ya’u Kanthanampu Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC Land Trust and the Queensland Government in accordance with an Indigenous Management Agreement and other land management arrangements.</p>
<p>All camping in this park will need to be pre-booked.</p>
<p> Termite Mounds Iron Range National Park, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>

<p>The Jardine River National Park together with Heathlands and Jardine River Resources Reserve are located 800 km north of Cairns off the historic Telegraph Road. Access is 4WD only in the dry season May-November.</p>
<p>There are short walking trails to visit the crystal clear waterfalls at Eliot Falls and Fruit Bat Falls and remote beaches at Captain Billy Landing.</p>
<p>Fishing is allowed in the Jardine River and it’s tributaries throughout the parks.</p>
<p>Camping is permitted at Eliot Falls, Captain Billy Landing and along the Jardine river.</p>

<p>Rinyirru (Lakefield) is of considerable Aboriginal cultural significance, and the park has many places associated with occupation, ceremonies and ancestral spirits. Hann Crossing and Kalpowar Crossing are two such significant sites.</p>
<p>The Park is located in the Laura Basin 6-7 hours north of Cairns. There are several access points: via Laura and the Peninsula Development Road; from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road; on the Lakeland-Laura Road, or from Coen via the Musgrave Roadhouse. Access is only during the dry season, normally May to November, but early or late rains might render some of the tracks impassable. 4WD is highly recommended.</p>
<p>Fishing is permitted at all camping grounds with barramundi and catfish the most common species caught. Boat tours and hire are not available, but you are welcome to bring your own boat.</p>
<p> Kalpowar Crossing Camping Lakefield National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>There are bush camping areas at 12 Mile Waterhole, Old Faithful Waterhole, Mick Fienn and Dingo Waterholes, Kalpowar Crossing Campground, 7 Mile Waterhole and  Hann Crossing. Camping is no longer via self-registration; you now need to register either online, at a QPWS office, or by phone. Visit the <a href="http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/rinyirru-lakefield/camping.html#all_camping_must_now_be">Parks web site</a> for further information.</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>