3 Day Rock Art, Rainforest & Cooktown

Overview

On this 3 day 4WD accommodated safari you will learn about the plight of the endangered Cassowary, travel the 4WD Bloomfield Track through ancient rainforests, and experience the renowned Quinkan Aboriginal rock art at Jowalbinna.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairns to Cooktown

Depart Cairns and cross the Daintree River by cable ferry before an interpretive World Heritage Rainforest walk. Then we’ll visit the conservation base of the Australian Rainforest Foundation and contribute to a tree planting program to increase cassowary habitat and reduce global warming. Continue north along the 4WD Bloomfield Track, crossing creeks and mountain ranges. Meet the Walker Family, Aboriginal women who will share their traditional knowledge of bush tucker and medicine at the spectacular Bloomfield Falls, and join them for a picnic lunch at a picturesque riverside site. Stop at the Lions Den, a classic outback pub, and visit mysterious Black Mountain. In Australia’s most historic frontier outpost, Cooktown, relive journeys of exploration and a rollicking goldrush.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sovereign Resort, Cooktown.

Day 2 - Cooktown to Jowalbinna

Depart Cooktown and travel west into the savannah. A 4WD track will take you into Jowalbinna, the epicentre of “Quinkan” Rock Art for outback hospitality. You’ll be inspired by this afternoon’s rock art walk. This body of work is rated by UNESCO as one of the top ten rock art regions in the world. Your guide will explain the significance of these artworks, the traditional lifestyle of the Aboriginal people and the conservation initiatives to preserve these national treasures. Later relax with a refreshing swim in a bush creek or simply enjoy the peace of this remote outback location. In the evening relax by the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp

Day 3 - Jowalbinna to Cairns

Rise to a morning chorus of Kookaburras and Blue-faced Honeyeaters, two of over fifty bird species here. Enjoy breakfast in the bush and choose to throw a boomerang, take a self guided walk or paint your own canvas. Depart Jowalbinna and head through the outback landscape to visit the Quinkan Regional Cultural Centre. Cross the Great Dividing Range and leave the termite mounds and beef cattle country to descend the rainforest clad mountains. Meet the coast once again, returning to Port Douglas or Cairns.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Highlights

Travel through World Heritage rainforest and help to conserve the rainforest and the endangered Cassowary. Walk with Aboriginal guides to a spectacular waterfall. In Cooktown relive Cook's adventures and a rollicking gold rush. At Jowalbinna, in the valley of the Little Laura River, bushwalk to a world renowned collection of rock art paintings in a haven for outback wildlife. A great Australian safari complete with campfire and stars.

• World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest
• Interpretive Rainforest Visit
• Cassowary Conservation Programme contribution
• 4WD Adventure on The Bloomfield Track
• Interpretive walk with local Aboriginal guides
• Guided tour of Cooktown
• Outback Landscapes
• Guided Tour of “Quinkan” Aboriginal Rock Art
• Entry to Quinkan Cultural Centre
• All National Park, Site and Ferry Fees
• One night resort accommodation in Cooktown
• One night bush cabin accommodation (share facilities, bed, linen and towel provided)

Further Information

Itinerary may be reversed on some departures.
Tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age.
Solo travellers must pay sole use rate.
This tour operates with a min of 4 passengers and a max of 13 passengers.
A fuel levy of $5.00 per person is payable on board.

What's Included

Meals as shown, accommodation (solo travelers must pay the Single Supplement), guided tours and entry fees as specified, National Parks and Aboriginal Site fees.

What to Wear and Bring

Casual clothing is a must to be both comfortable and practical. Something warm to wear in the evenings away from the coast. Footwear with good ankle support and sole tread are required, and a pair of sandals/thongs. Binoculars, camera, plenty of film and spare batteries. Personal toiletries, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel and insect repellent. A water bottle is essential.

Cancellation Fees (Travel Insurance is recommended)

Cancellation fees apply and will be charged as follows:
Accommodated and Camping Safaris:
45-29 days: 25%, 28-14 days: 50%, Less than 14 days: 100% of Fare.