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Far North Escapes
The exclusive 1 day Cooktown tour takes in the very best and blend's Far North Queensland’s history and amazing natural beauty. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, historic Cooktown and be guided and amazed at the flora fauna and secluded beaches along the way. You will learn about the region’s areas of historical special interest from Captain Cook’s first encounters through to the Gold Rush. This tour also spends time in Cape Tribulation, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Rainforest, a truly unique region. Our knowledgeable tour guide will provide informative commentary from a local perspective and take you of the beaten path to experience the best of Far North Queensland.
This premium full-day private Cairns to Cooktown tour has pick-ups in a luxury 4WD vehicle from Cairns, the Northern Beaches, and Port Douglas. Depending on where you commence your journey, will impact the itinerary.
If you are beginning your journey from Cairns or the Northern Beaches, you will venture along the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive, to Port Douglas. The drive winds along the edge of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef past unspoiled tropical beaches and iconic views. We will stop at Rex Look out to enjoy these iconic views of the Great Barrier Reef.
Cross the Daintree River on the Ferry and feel the main-land drift away as you become immersed in the completely off-grid community. Travel to Alexandra Lookout, providing picture-perfect views of where the Daintree Rainforest and sweeping views over the Great Barrier Reef. The Marrdja Boardwalk is a walk in the rainforest that you will never forget. This trail is wheelchair accessible, and whilst it is only 1.2km long -it will take you 350 million years back in time. The informative signs along the boardwalk will teach you about the history of this land, and living specimens of each significant stage of plant evolution over time. The lush vegetation and ever-changing scenery are sure to captivate, and you will be mesmerized as you stroll along this incredible route. You’ll come across aviewing platform that looks out over Noah Creek, providing you with stunning views... just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles lurking in the waters below!
Pitstop in to the Daintree Ice Cream Company, which is a family-friendly destination that features unique ice cream made from exotic fruits grown in their very own orchard. There is a beautiful Self-Guided Orchard Walk for those interested in fruit trees of the Tropics. This place serves amazing ice cream delights and is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the Daintree Rainforest!
Next stop Cape Tribulation Beach is one of the most beautiful parts of Tropical Far North Queensland, and its beauty comes from its untouched wilderness. Cape Tribulation is a truly unique, completely off-grid community where theRainforest is so dense, it is one of the few places that weren't affected bythe Ice Age.
Experience the breathtaking gigantic 500-year-old Fig Tree. Your 4WD will cross the cool, clear waters of Emmagen Creek, pretty as a postcard. Then we get onto the iconic Bloomfield Track, a 4WD mecca steeped in controversial conservation history connecting Cape Tribulation to the Indigenous township of Wujal Wujal. The Bloomfield Track is rated as one of Queensland’s most scenic 4WD short road trips – a bucket-list drive for bothlocal and international enthusiasts. Flanked by pristine coastline on one side and ancient rainforest on the other, this track to Cooktown is a feast for the eyes.
Experience the captivating natural beauty of Australia's Top End through th eeyes of our visionary artists. Bana Yirriji is a centre for artists in a rainforest, who create contemporary artworks inspired by their traditional culture and landscape; telling stories that explore relationships between land, country and people. The Collection includes paintings and works on paper, textiles and artefacts, complemented by locally made contemporary jewellery, wearable art, decorative accessories and products for the home –bringing the wild and the exquisite into your world. With artwork often sold-out, this is a exclusive experience. Wujal Wujal is a remote region in Far North Queensland sacred to the Kuku-Yalanji people. The area is home to ancient coastal rainforests, stoney Black Mountains and intricate Mangroves providing habitat for many forms of marine life that have evolved over thousands of years alongside the Aboriginal people. Travel alongside the winding Bloomfield River, ending at the base of the beautiful Bloomfield Falls; also known as Wujal Wujal Falls or "Roaring Meg". Returning via a short 400m walking track.
Leaving Wujal Wujal behind, we're ready to venture to the elusive Black Mountain; a place of mystery and legend to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. To traditional owners, Kalkajaka is a sacred battlefield of both spirits and warring clan groups. It's also a site where the natural elements of water and fire formed the Earth, giving birth to numerous other landforms along the Trevathan Range. Kalkajaka has its own Rainbow Serpent, called Walumba. Enjoy lunch and a cold one at the legendary 1875 Lions Den Hotel. The Lions Den Hotel is one of the oldest Pubs in Far North Queensland and though it's well off the beaten track, the pub has long been on the bucket-list for adventure seekers in Cape York. The walls still boast the signatures – dating back to the 1800s – of thirsty tin miners on the walls and ceilings.
When the 1878 Cooktown Botanic Gardens were established, they were the first of their kind in Far North Queensland, offering the ideal environment to cultivate a diversity of exotic plants found only in the Cape York region. Today, the acclaimed gardens represent and reflect the cultural heritage of Cooktown, Australia's European Pioneer Settlement. It is also a popular refuge for local birdlife, including the Zebra Finch and Crimson Finch. We will make our way to the top of Grassy Hill, one of Cooktown's most popular attractions. Even if you're only inspired by a walk in the park, Grassy Hill offers a 360-degree view of Cooktown, The Endeavour River and The Great Barrier Reef. As you climb the Hill and look over every direction, you'll notice that very little has changed since Captain James Cook first set foot on this land. Afterwards we will head to James Cook Museum where you will discover the rich history of Cooktown in Far North Queensland. Set in a stunning nineteenth-century convent, Cooktown Museum is a must-see when visiting Far North Queensland. The museum houses an extensive collection of local Guugu Yimithiir artefacts, along with an original anchor and canon from HMB Endeavour that were salvaged in the 1970s. This heritage listed idea was constructed in1880 and has been reimagined to tell the fascinating stories of the region. We will journey south towards Cairns and Port Douglas via the Mulligan Highway. Be in awe of your incredible Cooktown Tour and join us on a tour of a lifetime.
More: Cooktown Tours | Cooktown Tours from Cairns | Cairns to Cooktown 4WD Tours | 4WD Tour
Please note: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, unexpected circumstances or Tour Guides decision based on what is best for the group and preferences. This itinerary is ONLY a guide. Our itineraries are flexible, at Far North Escapes we modify our itineraries based on our guests needs and operational requirements. We believe in accommodating all our guest's needs and creating a remarkable Far North Queensland Adventure.
Fully guided tour. Experienced naturalist guides.
Alexandra Range. View the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef from above.
Cooktown. Explore the historic village where the first settlers arrived.
Grassy Hill. Enjoy amazing views and sunset over the Endeavour River.
Daintree Rainforest. Experience the most ancient Rainforest on Earth.
Bloomfield Track. Iconic 4WD track to Wujal Wujal.
Wujal Wujal Waterfalls. Cascading waterfall onto the Bloomfield River.
Guided Walks. Learn about the history of the Daintree Rainforest and its wide range of flora and fauna.
Emmagen Creek Crossing. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles.
Fig Tree. Gigantic 500-year-old fig tree.
Secluded Beaches and Swimming Holes. Experience the hidden gems of the jungle.
All national parks. Including fees and permits.
Small or private touring group. Comfortable and airconditioned vehicle.
Meals and snacks. As per itinerary.
PICK UP & RETRUN
Cairns 6:30am - 6:00pm
Northern Beaches 7:00am - 5:30pm
Port Douglas 7:45am - 4:45pm
Times are approximate and subject to road conditions. Every effort is made to avoid delays however this can not be guaranteed. Far North Escapes suggests you do not book Domestic or International flights on the same day.
We have a strong focus on client experience, and as such our groups are small in size. We want to give you the best, most immersive experience and that just cannot be delivered with large group touring. We have capped our numbers for this reason. The tour you have booked will determine the vehicle you are travelling in and your group size.
For our Day Trips and Multi-Day Tours, you will be travelling in a spacious late model LandCruiser Prado. Featuring 5 seats, we work on a rotational seating arrangements to give all guests the best experience possible.
Our tours have been designed to suit a reasonable standard of fitness – for instance the ability to walk on some uneven surfaces. There are occasions, such as at Bloomfleld Falls (Wujal Wujal), where you can walk up to a distance of 400 meters on uneven ground. The ability to cope with remoteness is essential.
We have no age limits on our Tours. We have had young families on tours, and clients in their 90s. When completing the Medical Waiver Form, it is the guests responsibility to ensure their health and physical fitness is of a reasonable level and they have disclosed any ailments that are of concern. We suggest you seek advise from your GP if you are unsure.
Mobility Challenges & Disabilities: Yes, we have had clients with extra considerations join our Tours and it brings us great joy to be able to make their dream a reality. Please speak with our Agents if you or a member of your group has mobility challenges, a disability or is wheelchair bound. We are able to make adjustments accordingly.
Rest assured, you are in great hands with our experienced guides and we make every effort to ensure your trip is an enjoyable and inclusive one.
Yes, as we do not offer shared or paired accommodation for single travelers. See our (single) rates
Thank you for supporting our Family owned and operated local business. We’re so pleased you are back for another Escape! Please discuss your past travels with our friendly Agents for a discount to be applied.
Accommodation is subject to availability. Please note, there are instances where accommodation in your itinerary can change or be amended due to operational or supplier requirements. Under no circumstances will you be required on any tour to share accommodation with any other member of the group.
Our Far North Escapes Agents are experienced in all aspects of Travel arrangements, and happy to assist you in organising your Pre and Post tour plans. Please call us to discuss.
Far North Escapes and/or its agents are not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever, nor for personal injury, accidents, hospitalization, illness or medical expenses. In our experience, most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance provider, and take out adequate travel insurance to cover events that may affect your ability to travel(including, but not limited to, health, baggage, loss of monies through cancellation, additional expenses incurred through illness or personal liability prior to travel and early return, for example, following the death of a relative). We do not have any affiliation or personal recommendations regarding insurance – its important you do your own research and choose cover suited to your personal circumstances.
We do have a Stand By List should your preferred departure date be sold-outonline. Please contact us by your preferred contact method to request to beplaced on Stand By should a space become available, and we will be in contact.
Yes, we balance our tours for the comfort and experience of our clients on tour. There are opportunities throughout your Itinerary where you will have time at Leisure – where you can book optional extra activities or just soak up your surroundings.
You will be provided with a suggested Packing List pertaining to your relevant booked Tour.
Luggage type is at your preference; however please note we do have a strict 15kg limitation per guest due to internal Flights.
You’re on holiday! At no time during our tours will you be required to cook.
If you are on a Private Charter, yes, we can make arrangements for you to bring your pet. This is on a request basis and needs to be discussed prior to booking with one of our friendly Agents.
As per government regulations, Smoking is not permitted inside our vehicles at any time. Ample stops on route can provide time for “Smoko” breaks.
All of our Cairns Tours are Guaranteed departures when at least 3 guests are confirmed.
Our one day and multi-day tours are a minimum of 2 guests for a Guaranteed departure.
At the time of writing: for recreational purposes, you do not need a permit to use a drone in Queenslands National Parks as long as it weighs under 2kgs,there are less than 10 people involved in the shoot and no buildings or structures are being filmed. For up to date information consult the Queensland National Parks website, or use the “Can I fly there” app.
Yes, we cater to all Dietary requirements for our guests. Please ensure we have your considerations available to us upon booking.
Water is provided and available at all times to our guests. If you would like to bring your own reusable water bottle, you are encouraged to do so.
We provide ample stops and consider our guests comfort. On remote stretches, we provide port-a-loos.
Our vehicles operate with a daily seat rotation system to ensure passengers enjoy a different perspective each day on tour.
Your treatment will depend on the particular circumstances and your location. Our experienced crew members are first-aid trained, and our vehicles are equipped with a full First Aid kit. If you require medical evacuation in a remote location, the Royal Flying Doctor Service operate on a donation service. We will ensure you get the best treatment, and get you back on tour, or home, safely as soon as possible.
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