2-Day Cooktown & Daintree Tour

Day 1 Cairns to Cape Tribulation via the Great Barrier Reef Scenic Drive

You will begin your day with a scenic drive along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Mossman Gorge, one of the most beautiful drives in Australia. Then experience crystal-clear cascades over large granite boulders surrounded by lush Daintree Rainforest at the Cultural Centre, and Gorge. Be sure to pack the camera! If you have time, make sure you wander around the Cultural Centre and see what’s on offer.

Explore the famous Daintree River on an eco-friendly Daintree River Crocodile Cruise, boasting a vast range of wildlife, birds and the iconic Estuarine Crocodiles. Solar Whisper is the only zero-emission boat in the region, so you can cruise along without impacting your surroundings. The boat is fitted with "CROC CAM," so everyone gets the best opportunity to experience interactions no matter where you are sitting.

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.

Make a pitstop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company and enjoy some truly 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 and you can also see all different kinds of wildlife along the way. Make your way to Cape Tribulation Beach, where you'll be greeted by stunning views that are truly off-grid! Feel free to kick back, relax and enjoy yourself while you're there as there is no cell signal or Wi-Fi.

A night spent under the stars in the world's oldest rainforest is one you'll never forget. We will unwind & relax overnight at your Daintree Rainforest Accommodation and dine at a local family-owned restaurant while enjoying the natural sites and sounds of the Oldest Rainforest in the World. Your evening finishes with a  Daintree Night Walk Tour, departing late evening, the small group will take you under the canopy at night - when the Rainforest comes alive. Suitable for all ages, fitness and mobility; this guided boardwalk tour is a unique experience enjoyed rain or shine. Torch in hand, you will be guided to spot the elusive wildlife of the Oldest Rainforest in the World. Whilst animal sightings are not guaranteed, adventurers have enjoyed bioluminescent Mushrooms, spoaring, Snails, Owls, glowing Scorpions, green-lipped Tree Frogs, Bats, Tree-Kangaroos and even sleeping Cassowarys... This is a special experience.

Accommodation: Immersed Daintree Accommodation, Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. Located in Daintree Rainforest with rainforest and mountain views.
Meals: Packed lunch in Cape Tribulation, Dinner at Cassowary Restaurant at Ferntree Rainforest Lodge.

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Day 2 Cape Tribulation to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track  

Begin your adventure by experiencing the iconic Bloomfield Track – a 4WD mecca steeped in controversial conservation history. This short road trip is rated as one of Queensland’s most scenic and is a feast for the eyes, with pristine coastline on one side and ancient rainforest on the other. Begin your adventure by experiencing the iconic Bloomfield Track – a 4WD mecca steeped in controversial conservation history. This short road trip is rated as one of Queensland’s most scenic and is a feast for the eyes, with pristine coastline on one side and ancient rainforest on the other.

Experience the captivating natural beauty of Australia's Top End through the eyes 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. Experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with one of our expert guides followed by afternoon tea filled with local specialties in amongst the stunning artworks – including works often sold-out! This is an experience unlike any other.

Our private guided walk takes you on a journey through ancient rainforest, winding river, and sacred sites of the Kuku Yalanji people. The Bloomfield River is home to rich marine life and diverse clifftop habitats, providing a unique Lacey environment rich in cultural significance. Meet the Walker family who are passionate about sharing the story of this amazing region of Queensland with visitors from all over the world.

We are about to embark on the most sacred site in the Daintree area - Black Mountain, also known as Kalkajaka. This is a place where ancient spirits still roam and traditional owners of the land say that one can hear the rocks singing. We will then move onto Goondiwindi where we'll take a detour to Cudgera Creek before continuing our journey onwards through western Queensland to Bourke.

Unwind and enjoy lunch, dinner or a cold one at the legendary 1875 Lions Den Hotel. The pub is one of the oldest in Far North Queensland and though it's well off the beaten track, the pub has long been on adventurous travellers' bucket-lists on their journeys through Cape York. The walls still boast the signatures – dating back to the 1800s – of thirsty tin miners on the walls and ceilings.

We’re exploring Cooktown's Botanic Gardens, one of Australia’s oldest and most magnificent. Not only is it an ideal environment for cultivating exotic plants from the Far North Queensland region, but it also offers a unique perspective of Cooktown and its landscape. We will make our way to the top of Grassy Hill, Cooktown's most popular attraction where you can take in 360-degree views of The Endeavour River and The Great Barrier Reef.

Discover the rich history of Cooktown in Far North Queensland with a visit to Cooktown Museum. In a stunning nineteenth-century convent, 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 in 1880 and has been reimagined to tell the fascinating stories of the region.

Coming from the rainforests of Cape Tribulation we will journey south toward Cairns via the Mulligan Highway which was named after an old prospector in the 1860's. This area is steeped in rich mining history and you may even say it was a 'goldrush' as prospectors flocked to find their fortunes. We travel back via this inland road to offer a contrast to the Bloomfield Track giving you an all round experience and meaning you don't have to travel the same road twice. You will be treated to stunning scenery and rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands on your return journey. We will stop in Mt Molloy Pub North Queensland's oldest pub, established in 1900. Journey down the Kuranda range and farewell your Far North Escapes guide while we take you back to your accommodation after our amazing two day Cooktown Tour

Meals: Lunch at Lions Den Hotel in Cooktown.

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 requirements. We believe in accommodating all our guest's needs and creating a remarkable Far North Queensland Adventure.

FAQs

GENERAL ‍

Group Sizes & Vehicle Allocation  

‍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.
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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.
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Age limits and physical fitness

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.

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I am a solo traveler – do I need to pay a single supplement?

Yes, as we do not offer shared or paired accommodation for single travelers. See our (single) rates

Do I get a discount if I have travelled with you before?

‍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. ‍

What accommodation is provided, and do I need to share with other members of the group?

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.

BOOKING

Pre and Post Travel arrangements

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.

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Insurance ‍

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.

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Stand By Lists ‍

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.

‍Free Time on Tour

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. ‍

Luggage & What to Pack ‍

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.

OTHER ‍

‍How often will I need to cook? ‍

You’re on holiday! At no time during our tours will you be required to cook.
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Can I bring my pet? ‍

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.
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Smoking ‍

As per government regulations, Smoking is not permitted inside our vehicles at any time. Ample stops on route can provide time for “Smoko” breaks. ‍

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Guaranteed Departures ‍

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.
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Drones ‍

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.
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‍Dietary Requirements

Yes, we cater to all Dietary requirements for our guests. Please ensure we have your considerations available to us upon booking.
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‍Water

‍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.
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‍Toilets ‍

We provide ample stops and consider our guests comfort. On remote stretches, we provide port-a-loos.
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‍Seating Arrangements

Our vehicles operate with a daily seat rotation system to ensure passengers enjoy a different perspective each day on tour.  ‍
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First Aid & Medical Emergencies

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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