4 Day Cooktown Discovery Tour

Overview

Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula…….one of the last remaining frontier regions in Australia to explore. It is a place for the adventurous traveller with its rich history, diverse scenery and the wide open spaces appealing to the explorer within. Follow in the footprints of the early pioneers, learn about Aboriginal Rock Art and get well off the beaten track in your 4WD experiencing the land, the people and the spirit of the remote Queensland outback.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Cairns

Welcome to the tropical north! You're free to arrive at any time today as there's no group activities planned. Check into your accommodation and make the most of the central location – walking distance to shops, the Cairns lagoon, cafes, markets and restaurants.

Overnight: Hides Hotel (private facilities)
Meals: None

DAY 2 - Cairns to Cooktown

Pick up time 7.00am
You'll be leaving the popular tourist town of Cairns well behind today for a far more remote destination. It's going to be a long day so make sure you have plenty of energy and ready to go! You will be collected by air-conditioned four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle today by local specialist operators in this region. We travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal routes towards the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry. The journey will take you through a spectacular example of Mother Nature, which contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened by extinction. Your experienced local guide will enlighten your journey with incredible stories and history as you continue on the well known and 4WD-only, Bloomfield Track. This will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, crossing rivers and climbing mountain ranges through the heart of the World Heritage Rainforest. We stop for lunch at the acclaimed Lion’s Den Hotel (EST 1875) – North Queensland’s oldest running Bush Pub and a great chance to really start to experience the "spirit of far north Queensland". We continue to the unique geological oddity which is Black Mountain, surrounded in mystery and spoken of in ancient Aboriginal legend. Finally - This afternoon we arrive in Cooktown where you will enjoy a tour of Grassy Hill before being taken to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Moderate Accom (private facilities)
Meals: Lunch

DAY 3 - Cooktown to Cairns

It's another early start today as you will be collected from your accommodation by Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon for a half day Rainbow Serpent Tour. Willie has a great smile, an infectious laugh and will be taking you to visit the rock art sites on his traditional country outside Hope Vale Aboriginal Community. The Rainbow Serpent Tour takes you through a dramatic landscape to six rock art sites, including an ancestral Birth Cave and the Reconciliation Cave. Make sure you're wearing comfortable walking shoes today as you'll be walking through Willie's country. After returning to Cooktown you are free to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Visit the World Class James Cook Museum or stroll along the shores of the Endeavour River. The main street has a charm and historical atmosphere, which still prevails. You can experience the unspoilt beauty of the area, which remains much the same as when Captain Cook knew it in 1770. This afternoon we depart Cooktown via the inland road, The Mulligan Highway, travelling through a diverse landscape of cattle stations and the Palmer River Gold mine region. We return to Cairns at approximately 9.30pm.

Overnight: Hides Hotel, Cairns  (private facilities)
Meals: None

DAY 4 - Cooktown to Cairns

Take it easy today as the day is yours to explore Cairns at your own pace. After a very big few days you may wish to relax by the lagoon - or if more energetic, you may choose to do one of the many optional day tours available at your hotel tour desk.

Overnight:
Meals: Breakfast

Further Information

Highlights

• 13 seater 4WD
• Friendly Knowledgeable driver / guides
• One of Australia's most scenic costal routes World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park
• Cable Ferry across the Daintree River
• 4WD only Bloomfield Track
• Lunch at Aussie bush pub
• Black Mountains
• Cooktown
• Outback of Far North Queensland
• Aboriginal Rock Art