<p>This is an easy 30 min return path walk of less than 1 km.</p>
<p>This is a place of great significance for the Kuku Yalanji people who have lived here for thousands of years, and although you can see the falls unaccompanied, the 30 minute tours offered by the <b>Walker Family</b>, traditional custodians of the area, will open your eyes to the surroundings and give you a better understanding of this beautiful area.</p>
<p><b>Guided Walk: </b></p>
<p><b>Wujal Wujal, With the Walker Family</b></p>
<p>The Walker Family, a close-knit group of wonderfully warm and friendly people, are members of the Kuku Yalanji clan who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years. Their traditional lands are part of the beautiful World Heritage rainforest area, and encompass the Bloomfield Falls, after which Wujal Wujal is named. The Walkers will take you on a bush walk with a difference, giving you the opportunity to listen and talk to the traditional custodians of the area, and receive a fascinating insight into the history and the many different uses of plant species for food, medicine and ceremonial purposes. This is an opportunity to see the rainforest through their eyes, and to learn about the cultural significance of this area.</p>
<p><b>Bloomfield</b><b> Falls</b><b> Tour</b><br /> The Walkers share some of their knowledge about this special place which is of great cultural significance to the Yalanji people. 30 minute tours depart daily throughout the year. Departure times are flexible. The tour includes a short walk on uneven ground.</p>
<p>There is no access to the falls in the wet season.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Easy</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 400 metre (return)</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 15 minutes (return)</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided or Guided</p>
<p><b>Trail Management Contact:</b><i> </i>Wujal Wujal Shire Council</p>

<p>This walk is only recommended for self reliant walkers with extensive bushwalking experience.</p>
<p>The trail to Cedar Bay starts at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge and walkers are requested to stop at the lodge for directions to the starting point. The strenuous, 28 kilometre return walk takes 6 to 8 hours walking time each way. It is essential to start the walk in the morning, the earlier the better, to arrive at the bay before nightfall. Because the trail is not well-used some sections are indistinct, so make sure you don’t lose sight of the orange markers. It is rough undulating country, so wear strong hiking boots and protective clothing. Carry everything you need, but take lightweight gear as it is a long way to carry a heavy pack.</p>
<p><b>Home Rule to Slaty Creek – 1¾ hours </b></p>
<p>The walk starts on an old logging track and heads straight into the rainforest. The track splits a few minutes into the walk – go right. Shortly, the track splits again – go left. A few more minutes brings you to Wallaby Creek. About 10 minutes beyond Wallaby Creek the track forks again – go left.</p>
<p>After the track crosses another small creek it swings north, climbing straight to the top of a moderately steep ridge. From this point it swings east at ninety degrees and starts to descend, passing amongst large rainforest trees, tree ferns and Licuala palms.</p>
<p>About 1 hour into the walk you come to a narrow gully spanned by two thin metal pipes. From here a narrow trail continues on from the old logging track. The trail heads north to Slaty Creek, about 1¾ hours from Home Rule.</p>
<p><b>Slaty Creek to Black Snake Rocks – 2½ hours</b></p>
<p>After crossing Slaty Creek the trail swings east and follows the creek for about 1·5 kilometres to the junction of Slaty and Granite Creeks, where there is an excellent campsite. Beyond the junction the trail meanders through forest beside Granite Creek for a while and then gets rougher as it winds through scattered granite boulders, crossing a few small creeks. Eventually the trail scales a slope covered with huge granite boulders and arrives at Black Snake Rocks.</p>
<p>Black Snake Rocks is an open area, with a creek and a good campsite, but (obviously) be aware that snakes do bask on the rocks. The creek next to the campsite is the last reliable water source before Ashwell Creek at Cedar Bay.</p>
<p><b>Black Snake Rocks to Cedar Bay – 2½ hours</b></p>
<p>Beyond the campsite the trail meanders across a flat densely forested plateau. This area was extensively mined in the past and remnants of miners’ activities crop up regularly. Most noticeable are water diverting channels dug by tin miners early last century. The trail runs alongside a channel just before it reaches a clearing crisscrossed with trenches full of ferns, a trap for unwary legs.</p>
<p>On the eastern side of the clearing scraps of corrugated iron and abandoned cooking implements mark where the trail re-enters the forest. The trail continues alongside a smaller channel before swinging southeast along a broad ridge to the top of the range overlooking Cedar Bay. Unfortunately, there is no position where you can get more than a tantalising glimpse of the coast. From here the trail descends a spur to the bay, another 1½ to 2 hours away.</p>
<p>The steep descent to the bay is eased by a set of switchbacks carved into the hillside, another legacy of the mining era. Supplies were transported to the mines by packhorse, and the ore removed by return journey. It is difficult to imagine a horse climbing these steep inclines, let alone carrying a load. Further down, the switchbacks end and the trail straightens as it approaches the bottom of the coastal range.</p>
<p>Ashwell Creek is only a short distance from the base of the range. Fill your water containers here, as the water in the creeks near the ocean is brackish (and may conceal crocodiles).</p>
<p>Cross the creek, swing left and follow the trail to the beach. There are remnants of Cedar Bay Bill’s hut on the southern bank of Ashwell Creek near the crossing. The trail emerges at the northern end of the beach amongst a grove of pandanus palms next to Cedar Bay Bill’s monument, which bears the epitaph “Strange to the world, he wore a bashful look – the sea and shore his study, nature his book”.</p>
<p>Cedar Bay Bill was a tin miner, famous for accepting and befriending a utopian hippy community that attempted to flee society and build a Shangrila at Cedar Bay in the early 1970s. Whatever it was they believed in didn’t suit the government of the day, who sent select law enforcers to destroy the campsites and disband the community, an action that annoyed all but the most conservative citizens of the time. Bill retained his miners lease until his death in 1987, and the story of the commune has entered folkloric mythology. This has given the bay a special allure, and many walkers come specifically to pay homage to the site.</p>
<p>Although it is a national park, Cedar Bay is still a remote tropical paradise with a 3 kilometre palm fringed beach. A stroll along the beach reveals sheltered campsites – just camp well away from the swamps and be wary of falling coconuts.</p>
<p>This is a tranquil place where campers can now contemplate the irrelevance of time and appreciate the moment without fear of government gunboats, but do remember, you need a camping permit and park rules state that there can be no fishing or collecting within the park.</p>
<p><b>Specific Features: </b>Beautiful tropical rainforest, rugged mountains and a palm fringed beach.</p>
<p><i>Mangkalba </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>(saltwater eel) story sites.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Strenuous</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 28 Kilometre (Return)</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 6-8 hours each way</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided – (*Permit required)</p>
<ul>
<li>This track begins on the private property of the Home Rule Rainforest Lodge. The lodge managers allow access via their property and provide detailed advice to walkers.</li>
<li><b>Water Taxi</b> – Cedar Bay Transfers – <br /> Either one way for bushwalkers not interested in the return leg of the walking track or Return – get delivered to or collected from Cedar Bay on your nominated day. Ph: 07 4060 8252</li>
<li><b>Alternate Route </b>– Gap Creek Track. Only for the very experienced bush walker and <b>should not be attempted when heavy rain has fallen or is forecast.</b> It crosses several creeks and steep sections can become slippery in wet weather. For details and advice contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service or visit <a href="http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/cedar-bay/about.html">www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/cedar-bay/about.html</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Facilities:</b> No facilities</p>
<ul>
<li>*Bush camping is permitted in the park, but a camping permit must be obtained two weeks in advance from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service office in Mossman: 07 4098 2188, Cooktown: 07 4069 5777 or Cairns: 07 4046 6600.</li>
<li>Overnight camping at the Home Rule Rainforest Lodge is allowed by prior arrangement with the owners, allowing walkers an early morning start. Phone 07 4060-3925.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Trail Management Contact:</b><i> </i>Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service – Mossman: 07 4098 2188, Cooktown: 07 4069 5777 or Cairns: 07 4046 6600.</p>
<p> Map of Cedar Bay walking trail courtesy Footloose publications</p>

<p>From the lodge, walk along the eastern edge of the dam, turn left and follow the dam wall to the hydro-electric generator shed, where a sign on the ground at the edge of the forest points the way to the falls. The distinct track follows a water pipeline to the falls. It is a gradual climb to an impressive three-tiered waterfall that plunges into a deep pool between gorge walls of vertical slate.</p>
<p><b>Specific Features: </b>Beautiful tropical rainforest with refreshing swimming opportunities</p>
<p><b> </b>Home Rule Rainforest Lodge has accommodation, meals and camping facilities with a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and coin laundry, situated in shady parkland beside Wallaby Creek.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Moderate</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 2.6 Kilometre</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 1½ hours (return)</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided – (Must register at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge)</p>
<p><b>Facilities:</b> No facilities (Accommodation and camping facilities at walk start)</p>
<p> Map of walking trail to Home Rule Falls courtesy Footloose publications</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>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>

<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><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>Female Eclectus Parrot. Courtesy of Lynette Ensor</p>
<p>Cape York Peninsula is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with 321 species of birds having been recorded here, 18 of which are found only on the Cape, including the eclectus parrot and palm cockatoo. Two species, the golden-shouldered parrot and white-streaked honeyeater, are endemic to the area.</p>
<p>Highlights include two species of birds of paradise from Papua New Guinea – the magnificent riflebird and the trumpet manucode, which are found in the Lockerbie Scrub rainforest. And cassowaries are seen in the Iron Range National Park and the Daintree rainforest.</p>
<h3>Iron Range National Park</h3>
<p> Metallic Starling at Nest. Courtesy of Lynette Ensor</p>
<p>The mix of coastal and lowland rainforest species makes Iron Range a fascinating birding destination. Endemics include eclectus parrots, red-cheeked parrots, Marshall’s fig parrots, palm cockatoos and the magnificent riflebirds. From October-March Chili Beach offers the incredible spectacle of a congregation of thousands of Metallic Starlings.</p>
<p>Take a spotlight to see the nocturnal birds such as Papuan frogmouths, owlet-nightjars and a variety of owls.</p>
<p>Stop at the Portland Roads Café for local information on the best birding spots or base yourself at Portland House to explore the area. Check the Portland House <a href="http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/birdlist.html" target="_blank">Bird list</a>.</p>
<h3>Lakefield National Park</h3>
<p> Magpie geese, courtesy Lynette Ensor</p>
<p>Lakefield National Park protects over 200 bird species, including the threatened golden-shouldered parrot, star finch and red goshawk. The wetlands attract a great diversity of waterbirds including brolgas, sarus cranes, black-necked storks, magpie geese, comb-crested jacanas and ducks.</p>
<p>Base yourself at the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/lotus-bird-lodge" title="Lotus Bird Lodge">Lotus Bird Lodge</a> – the following birds have been identified in the Violet Vale Station, Lakefield National Park and Artemis Station areas on the Lotus Bird Lodge <a href="http://www.lotusbird.com.au/birdlist.html" target="_blank">Bird list .</a></p>
<h3>Lockerbie Scrub</h3>
<p>Lockerbie Scrub is a swathe of monsoon rainforest at the Tip of Cape York. Highlights among a huge selection of species are the 2 birds of paradise (Magnificent Riflebirds and Trumpet Manucodes), Yellow-Legged Flycatchers and Frilled Monarchs.</p>
<p>Basing yourself at Bamaga you will have easy access to the birding spots at Lockerbie Scrub, Pajinka and Somerset Beach.</p>
<p>Driving through the Cape York Peninsula, other areas which offer very productive birding are at Coen, Archer River, Musgrave and Nifold Plain regions.</p>
<h3>Rainforest coast</h3>
<p>Shipton’s Flat, near Rossville, is a lovely day out from Cooktown with refreshing waterholes and stunning scenery plus abundant bird life. If you continue down to Twin Forks, this is also the area where Bennett’s Tree Kangaroos can be seen.</p>
<p>There are at least 137 species of closed forest dependent birds in the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/rainforestcoast/index">Wet Tropics</a> with 13 endemic species – 9 from the uplands and 4 from the lower altitudes.</p>
<p>Base yourself from Helenvale, Bloomfield or further down the coast at Cape Tribulation to explore the remarkable Daintree World Heritage rainforest.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/animals/cooktownbirdwatching">Birdwatching in Cooktown</a></p>
<h3>Experience amazing birdwatching with expert guides:</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/rainforestcoast/mungumby">Mungumby Lodge</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatnortherntours.com.au" target="_blank">Great Northern Tours</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.birdtracker.com.au/" target="_blank">Bird Tracker</a></p>