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

Rainforest to Rock Art - FAQ's

    

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                         

Accommodation facilities

We choose to stay at a 3½ star holiday resort with private bathroom facilities in the centre of Cairns. Cooktown accommodation is provided at the Sovereign 4 star hotel resort providing well appointed hotel rooms with private bathrooms. At Jowalbinna bush cabin accommodation is provided with two single beds each and shared bathroom facilities.  Bed linen and towel provided. More...

 

Pick up details:

We will pick you up at your accommodation in Cairns hotel at 8.30am on Day 2 and 7:00am on day 3.

 

Program termination

We will drop you at your accommodation in either Port Douglas at 4:00pm or Cairns at 5:00pm on day 5.

 

Meals

Meals provided are stated in the program itinerary. A continental breakfast each morning, lunches on day 2, 3, 4 and 5 and Campfire Dinners on days 3 and 4 are included. Special diets such as vegetarians or food allergies can be catered for – please remember to let us know when you are booking. 

 

What to bring

Casual clothing is a must to be both comfortable and practical. We recommend the following items:

 

  • Day pack and personal drink bottle
  • Sturdy, enclosed and comfortable walking shoes or boats
  • Sandals / things
  • Comfortable clothing and footwear to relax in after the days activities
  • Wet weather gear (waterproof pants and jacket are recommended) and warm clothing
  • Long sleeved shirts and long trousers (essential for mammal monitoring activities)
  • Bath towel and toiletries
  • Wide brimmed sun hat, swimmers, sunscreen (30+), insect repellent, and sunglasses
  • Camera, memory card, batteries or film.  You may also like to bring a pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • BYO alcoholic beverages
  • A torch is recommended

Climate

The temperatures in Tropical North Queensland is warm to hot. Evenings can be cool and we recommend brining clothing suitable for warm and cool climates and wet weather. Please ensure you bring adequate sun protection.

Luggage 

For this safari you will only need an overnight bag and as luggage space is limited please restrict this to one small SOFT travel bag (300mm x 300mm x 700mm) and a small daypack (cabin baggage). Any excess luggage you may have can usually be stored safely at your hotel until you return.

 

Fitness levels

This program involves outdoor activities and some walking. A medium fitness level is recommended. If you have any issues regarding your fitness for participation in this program please contact our reservations team.

 

Tour Travel distances

Day 1 of the program is your arrival and relax day. Day 2 is a day lending a hand to conserve the important habitat of the Barron River which flows into the famous Great Barrier Reef. This is a good day out where you get to make a difference to Tropical North Queensland. Day 3 of the program is full of great experiences - we’ll discover the Daintree rainforest and 4WD Bloomfield Track, before our arrival into Cooktown the Gateway to Cape York. Day 4 day is travelling to spent exploring the rock art galleries of Jowalbinna, where good footwear is important. On Day 5 it's about 450kms via the inland road to return to Cairns. There will be opportunities to purchase water along the way.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  In the event that the Bloomfield Track is closed or considered dangerous due to weather or other safety considerations all tours must travel via the inland road.  This will eliminate the Day 3 inclusions of the Daintree Rainforest, Cassowary conservation and Bloomfield Falls walk, however every effort will be made to visit the World Heritage rainforest on Day 5.

 

Is prior experience required to participate?

No prior experience is required to participate in the conservation project. All you need is a willingness to learn and get involved in these meaningful, easy and fun conservation activities. There will always be a program leader to assist you. 

Medications

We recommend that people bring with them any medications they anticipate they could require during the program. No facilities will be available to purchase these items during the program.

 

Travel insurance

Personal travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, including a cancellation policy.

 

Emergency Telephone Contact

The local emergency contact number is 07 4035 4488.   We will be able to get in touch with you very quickly

 

About Jowalbinna

Jowalbinna is an inspiring place located 350 kilometres or 5 hours drive by 4WD north of Cairns. Its amazing rock art, healthy natural environment, fun activities and comfortable accommodation make for a truly memorable Tropical North Queensland experience.

The Laura area contains Queensland's most extensive Aboriginal rock art galleries. It ranks alongside the Kimberley and Arnhemland escarpment as Australia's most important rock art regions. UNESCO rates the Quinkan region as one of the top ten rock art areas in the world.

At Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp scenic bushwalks pass through the green eucalypt valley of Shepherd Creek and surrounding sandstone escarpments to fascinating sites. The busy bird population includes over 50 species, and wallabies are permanent residents. The creeks have beautiful swimming holes (no Estuarine Crocodiles here!) and there are many peaceful spots to just take in the wildlife.

Jowalbinna has a rich past. Its Aboriginal occupation dates back over 30,000 years, and the images of Quinkan spirits, totem animals and people adorn many of the rock shelters. The discovery of gold on the Palmer River brought thousands of miners from 1873 on the old coach road from Cooktown to the goldfields. Conflict, dislocation and new diseases decimated the Aboriginal people, and the traditional lifestyle of over a thousand generations was lost. Now the rock art tells the stories of the past.

Artist and rock art researcher Percy Trezise and his family rediscovered many of the Quinkan sites in the 1960's and named his home here "Jowalbinna", meaning "Dingo's ear", after the towering red bluff in the north-eastern corner.

Today Steve Trezise’s Rock Art Safari Camp welcomes visitors from around the world to one of Tropical North Queensland's true treasures

 

Accommodation 

In Cairns single, twin or double room accommodation is provided in three 3 ½ star resort style holiday accommodation, located in the centre of town. Accommodation is in close proximity to many local restaurants, cafes and bars.

 

The Sovereign Resort is a luxurious four resort style Hotel - your perfect place to relax and unwind after pioneering Cooktown and the Outback. Single, double or twin rooms are available and all rooms feature air conditioning, standard hotel facilities and private bathroom with shower and toilet.

 

At Jowalbinna single or twin cabin accommodation is available. Fully screened cabins are simple and comfortable with linen (sheets and towels) supplied. Shared bathroom facilities (showers and toilets).