DESCRIPTION
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Great Barrier Reef Drive and Daintree area
Stop At: Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park, Queensland 4873 Australia
The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is a highly-regarded eco-tourism destination located at the entrance to the Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage site. Mossman Gorge is part of the larger Daintree National Park and is renowned for its stunning beauty. It features tree-covered mountains and crystal-clear waters that flow over granite boulders. The local Kuku Yalanji people welcome visitors to experience their culture and history through Dreamtime walks and tours.
Visitors can take the courtesy bus from the Mossman Gorge Centre to the Gorge entrance, then take a 10-minute walk along an elevated boardwalk or explore the rainforest circuit track with a 2.4 kilometer walk.
Swimming in the clear rock pools surrounded by the lush tropical landscape is an experience that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. Experience the ancient beauty of a rainforest and the world’s oldest living culture by visiting Mossman Gorge.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rex Lookout, Wangetti Beach, Wangetti, Queensland 4877 Australia
As you ascend the mountain range towards Rex Point Lookout, anticipation grows as you approach a breathtaking 180-degree panorama of the Coral Sea. This lookout is a popular spot for hang gliders and the ideal place to pause, stretch your legs, and snap a group photo while admiring the stunning view.
Take a moment to appreciate the 180-degree outlook over the Coral Sea, with glimpses of Double Island to the south. Observe hang gliders launching from the cliff and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding fringing reefs.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Daintree River, Queensland, Australia
Jump aboard Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife & Crocodile Cruise offers visitors the unique opportunity to see and learn about crocodiles in their natural habitat in the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest in the world. Located in the heart of the rainforest, Solar Whisper is committed to sustainability and preserving the natural surroundings of the Daintree Rainforest.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Floravilla Ice Cream Factory & Art Gallery, Corner of Cape Tribulation Road & Buchanan Creek Road Cow Bay, Daintree, Queensland 4873 Australia
According to Lonely Planet Australia, the Daintree Ice Cream Company is “the most scenic Ice Cream company ever”. Founded in 1993, this small ice cream shop has become a renowned global icon. Its ice creams are made from fruits grown in its own orchard, offering a twist on a classic treat. The ice cream is served in its famous “4-scoop cup” with daily rotating flavors.
Visitors are welcome to explore the gardens and take a self-guided orchard walk to learn about fruit trees. A visit to the Daintree Ice Cream Company is a must-do for anyone traveling to the Daintree.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Daintree National Park, Tropical Research Station, Cape Tribulation, Queensland 4873 Australia
The Daintree Rainforest is believed to be one of the world’s three oldest, boasting unique flora and fauna not found anywhere else. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering the chance to explore its ancient rainforests, breathtaking valleys, stunning beaches, majestic forest-clad mountains, clear streams, mighty rivers, and rolling farmlands either independently or with the guidance of an expert.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Marrdja Botanical Walk, Oliver Creek, Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation, Queensland Australia
Discover the popular and educational Marrdja Boardwalk, located just north of Noah Creek. The name “Marrdja” is derived from the Kuku Yalanji language and means “rainforest” or “jungle”. Ideal for botany enthusiasts, this 1.1 km loop showcases plant evolution from the last 400 million years. To aid in the identification process, informative signs are placed throughout the walk.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cape Tribulation, Cape Tribulation, Daintree Region, Queensland
Cross the Daintree River and immerse yourself in the World’s Oldest Rainforest, a place untouched by urban development, noise and air pollution. Disconnect from the bustle of modern life, breathe in the pure mountain air and explore the most incredible natural surroundings. Cape Tribulation is a breathtaking coastal region, where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet: The Daintree Rainforest, and The Great Barrier Reef.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cape Tribulation Beach, Cape Tribulation, Queensland Australia
Cape Tribulation Beach, located just outside the rainforest, is a popular spot to relax and take in the views of the turquoise ocean and the Great Barrier Reef. Cape Tribulation Beach is a prime spot for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere, as it is removed from the southern end of the cape where the carpark is and where many tourists begin their journey. With less crowds and stunning views, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the region.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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• Dinner: A blend of classic dishes and Australian cuisine, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to support locals.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Ferntree Rainforest Lodge – 4 star resort in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 2: Cape Tribulation to Cooktown Via the Bloomfield track then Cooktown to Cairns via the Mullingan Highway
Stop At: Bloomfield, Bloomfield, Daintree Region, Queensland
Wild and beautiful, The Bloomfield Track is rated as one of Queensland’s most scenic short road trips – a bucket-list drive for both local and international 4WD enthusiasts. Flanked by a pristine coastline one side and ancient rainforest on the other, the track starts 40km north of the Daintree River ferry and travels just over 100km to Cooktown.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Wujal Wujal Falls, Bloomfield, Queensland 4895 Australia
Learn about the amazing natural features of this World Heritage area through the eyes of the Kuku Yalanji traditional owners who have lived here for tens of thousands of years. The Walker Family will share some of their knowledge about this special place which is of great cultural significance to the Yalanji people. The Walker Family are members of the Kuku Yalanji, the indigenous inhabitants of the land that have a history dating back 50,000 years to the earliest human occupation of Australia. They have an authentic connection to nature, living in complete harmony with the environment. It is apart of them, and they are apart of it. Their traditional country extends from south of Mossman to Cooktown in the North, and Palmer River in the West. The Walkers have a deep respect for nature and an intimate knowledge of its cycles, and this sacred knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bana Yirriji Art Centre, 736 Douglas Street, Wujal Wujal, Queensland 4895 Australia
Bana Yirriji Art Centre is located in Wujal Wujal Community, Far North Queensland. The Centre opened in 2011 and is situated alongside the spectacular Bloomfield River, and is a short walk (1.5kms) from the famous Wujal Wujal Falls.
Bana – meaning water
Yirriji – describes the running waters between Bloomfield River Bridge & Wujal Wujal Falls
Bana Yirriji Art Centre is hosted by Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and is a 100% community owned and governed not-for-profit social enterprise.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Black Mountain National Park, Queensland Australia
See the imposing sacred Black Mountain landform in Far North Queensland. This mysterious mountain is formed of granite boulders that rise sharply above the landscape.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Cooktown Botanical Gardens, Finch Bay Rd, Cooktown, Cook Shire, Queensland 4895 Australia
The Cooktown Botanic Gardens, established in 1878, are among Queensland’s oldest regional botanic gardens. Situated within the 62 hectare Gallop Botanic Reserve, about 1.5 km from the center of Cooktown, the Gardens boast five major plant collections including indigenous species used by local Aborigines, rare and endangered plant species, and species collected by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander during their 1770 voyage.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cooktown Museum, 50 Helen St, Cooktown, Cook Shire, Queensland 4895 Australia
The Cooktown Botanic Gardens, established in 1878, are among Queensland’s oldest regional botanic gardens. Situated within the 62 hectare Gallop Botanic Reserve, about 1.5 km from the center of Cooktown, the Gardens boast five major plant collections including indigenous species used by local Aborigines, rare and endangered plant species, and species collected by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander during their 1770 voyage.Experience the history of this remarkable town in the beautifully restored Sisters of Mercy convent school building. Built in 1888 – 89, this three-storey building once operated as a school for day students and boarders.
From the verandah, you can enjoy stunning views of this beautiful town on the banks of the Endeavour River and the gateway to Cape York while learning the fascinating history. The stories will captivate children and adults alike!
The Museum celebrates the history of the convent and the nuns and children who lived there until the 1940s.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cooktown, Cooktown, Cook Shire, Queensland
Welcome to Cooktown, the Far North Queensland town whose history and heritage draws 25,000 visitors each year… and its not just the story of Captain James Cook that you’ll fine here, but a rich indigenous culture and tales of the booming pioneer gold-rush glory days. For a town that sits on the Cape York Peninsula, what surprises most guests, is just how much there is to see in this unique town.Discover this unique history and Cooktown’s colourful past on a stroll around town, then head further north up the Peninsula to experience the raw beauty of one of Australia’s last true frontiers. It’s not just the story of Captain James Cook that you’ll find here, but a rich Indigenous history and plenty of evidence that Cooktown was booming in its gold-rush glory days.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Grassy Hill, Hope Street, Cooktown, Cook Shire, Queensland 4895 Australia
Grassy Hill is a fantastic viewing point for travellers to see sunrise and sunset while taking in Cooktown’s and Daintree Rainforest breathtaking sights.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mount Molloy, Mount Molloy, Queensland
Mount Molloy is a tiny, historic, timber and mining town with few attractions. It has a huge pub – the National Hotel; a rusting and historic steam engine; and a graveyard which is the resting place for the hugely important explorer and prospector, James Venture Mulligan.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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• Lunch: Dine at the Historic Lions Den Hotel in Cooktown.
No accommodation included on this day.
