Cradle Mountain
 ©  Lance Neville

Montague Island lighthouse
©   Inger Vandyke

Boroka Lookout Grampians
© Parks Victoria

Grampians Mammal
Monitoring © Parks Victoria

Wombat Lake
Cradle Mountain

Seal Colony Montague Island

Researcher with
Penguin Chick

5 Day Rainforest to Rock Art, North QLD

    

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                         

This responsible travel option helps make a difference to the conservation of North Queensland’s wilderness areas and endangered species. Help restore the Barron River an important river systems protecting native flora, fauna and waterways which flow into the famous Great Barrier Reef. Travel through World Heritage rainforest and help to conserve the rainforest and the endangered Cassowary. Walk with Aboriginal guides to a spectacular waterfall.  Discover Cooktown’s pioneer history. 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.  This program allows for a deeper insight into amazing rainforest and cultural icons. Through conservation activities participants truly identify with the nature and people of North Queensland.     

                                                                                                                                   

Highlights

  • World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest
  • Support Cassowary, Rainforest and River Conservation
  • Quinkan Aboriginal Rock Art
  • Historic Cooktown
  • 4WD Adventure on the Bloomfield Track
  • Bloomfield Falls
  • Interpretive walk with local Aboriginal guides
  • Outback landscape and wildlife

 

Program Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns

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Arrive in Cairns. Day and evening at leisure. Accommodation – Coral Tree Inn

Day 2: Saving the Barron River (B L)

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and meet your conservation team. A Conservation Volunteers Australia leader will talk to the group about the importance of the activities you will be doing.  The Barron River Green Corridor Program will:

  • reduce erosion and provide a riparian habitat for wildlife,
  • improve the health of the river’s ecosystem
  • improve the water quality flowing onto the Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy a BBQ lunch at the site before our afternoon return to Cairns. Accommodation – Coral Tree In

Day 3: Cairns to Cooktown (B L D)

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 knowledge of bush tucker and medicine at the spectacular Bloomfield Falls and, join them for a picnic lunch at the 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 gold rush.  Accommodation – Sovereign Resort, Cooktown.

Day 4: Cooktown - Jowalbinna (B L D)

Depart Cooktown and travel west into the savannah, stopping at Lakeland Downs for an opportunity to sample locally grown coffee. In Laura visit the Quinkan Region Cultural Centre for an insight into the land and its people.  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 artists 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 more stories by the campfire.  Accommodation – Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp (shared facilities).

Day 5: Jowalbinna to Cairns (B L)

Rise to a morning chorus of Kookaburras and Blue-faced Honeyeaters, two of over fifty bird species here. Enjoy breakfast in the bush and a relaxed morning where you can choose to throw a boomerang, take a self guided walk or paint your own canvas. A relaxed morning before you depart Jowalbinna. Depart Jowalbinna and head through the outback landscape to lunch at a friendly Aussie roadhouse. Cross the Great Dividing Range and lave the termite mounds and beef cattle country to descend the rainforest clad mountains. Meet the coast once again, returning to Port Douglas or Cairns.

 

Contribution to Conservation

This tour supports ongoing conservation and research in Tropical North Queensland. No prior experience is required to participate.

 

Code: B - breakfast / L- lunch / D - dinner

 

Rates and Departures

Frequently Asked Questions

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