COOKTOWN TOUR ITINERARY Legend; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
- DAY 1. CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN VIA WET TROPICS & ATHERTON TABLELANDS (LD)
Overnight Accommodation in Cooktown Single/ Twin/ Double (ensuite)
After pick-up from your accommodation, we ascend the Kuranda Range above Cairns enjoying amazing views through the forest, over the city and the Coral Sea beyond. From here our ‘exclusive permit’ allows us to 4WD through the forest and river crossings into the Clohesy River World Heritage Rainforest Boardwalk where you’ll see a giant Strangler Fig Tree. We then head through the Rural Service Centre of Mareeba and the small communities of Mount Molloy and Mount Carbine to Bob’s Lookout with sweeping views to the South, stopping for morning tea along the way. Leaving the Tablelands behind us we head into the Savannah Country and onto the Palmer River Roadhouse for lunch. Continuing north along the Mulligan Highway, past the mysterious Black Mountains, we deviate off the bitumen for a visit to Archer Point Lighthouse, a beacon to guide ships along the Great Barrier Reef. From here, we travel into Cooktown and our accommodation.
- DAY 2. EXPLORE COOKTOWN & TAKE BLOOMFIELD TRACK TO CAPE TRIBULATION (BLD)
Overnight Accommodation in Cape Tribulation. Single/ Twin/ Double (ensuite)
After breakfast, enjoy a town tour of Cooktown and head up to the Grassy Hill lookout for fantastic views over the town and its famous “River of Gold”. Then it’s onto the historic Captain James Cook Museum, which is one of Queensland’s best museums, showcasing the remarkable history of this historic town. The museum follows the story of Captain James Cook’s enforced seven-week stay at the Endeavour River, during which the first meaningful contact between Europeans and Indigenous Australians took place. It covers the days of the Palmer River gold rush, as well as showcasing personal stories and items from Cooktown’s early residents. Now that you’ve been enriched in Australia’s true history, we head down to the famous, historical Lion’s Den Hotel for lunch (included) and a refreshing drink (own expense). This truly is an Aussie icon built on the banks of the little Annan River, surrounded by 100-year-old mango trees. You can sign the wall, like 100’s of visitors from all over Australia and the world have done before you, over many years. From here, we head south to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. Engaging 4WD we travel along the Bloomfield Track, enjoying many scenic spots including the Bloomfield Falls, Cedar Bay National Park, a boardwalk and more. After arriving at Cape Tribulation, you’re free to take a walk on the beach and head up to Kulki Lookout. We then go to our overnight accommodation.
- DAY 3. CAPE TRIBULATION TO CAIRNS/PORT DOUGLAS VIA THE CAPTAIN COOK HIGHWAY (BL)
Return to Cairns
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Thornton Beach, which is adjacent to Queensland’s fourth highest mountain, Thornton Peak (1,374m). Stopping here, you get the chance to stretch your legs on the beach and grab some amazing photos. We then continue to the Alexandra Lookout for spectacular views over the Daintree River and beyond, to the Great Barrier Reef and Snapper Island. We arrive at the famous Daintree River for our cable ferry crossing. Once on the other side, it’s time for a 1-hour cruise on the Daintree River, where crocodiles and varied native bird species are spotted. This is your chance to see one of the longest and most diverse river systems in the world, through the eyes of a local, naturalist guide. After the cruise, it’s a short drive to the Daintree Tea House for a special lunch, at one of the Daintree region’s oldest established restaurants. You have the choice to try delicious Barramundi fish (other menu items are available) and exotic tropical fruits. After lunch, we head to Mossman Gorge, which is located in the southern section of the Daintree National Park. You’ll be immersed in the rich traditions of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal culture on a 1.5-hour guided walk. Finally, we head south along one of the nicest coastal drives in the world, the picturesque Captain Cook Highway, towards Cairns with an optional stop at Port Douglas. Your guide will drop you back to your accommodation in Cairns or Port Douglas in the early evening.
