• See the gems of the Far North Queensland outback on a guided 4WD tour over 3 days in a small group of like minded travellers
• See World Hertiage listed locations, learn about the history of the north, the culture of the Aboriginals, amazing wildlife and more

From the rolling green hills of the Atherton Tablelands region, to the thick rainforest and waterfalls of the Daintree Rainforest, to the rugged landscapes and rich history of Cooktown.

3-Day Cooktown, Daintree Rainforest & Atherton Tablelands Small Group 4WD Tour

What to Expect

• Discover Far North Queensland’s most spectacular landscapes and cultural heritage on this immersive 3-day small group 4WD tour from Cairns. Travel in comfort through the Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest aboard a luxury 4WD vehicle, guided by an expert naturalist. This is a unique opportunity to explore some of Australia’s oldest landscapes while learning about Aboriginal Indigenous culture, early settler history, local flora and fauna, and dramatic geological formations.

This small group outback adventure departs Cairns every Tuesday and returns on Thursday. With just 4 guests required to operate and group sizes kept low, this experience ensures personalised attention, deeper insights, and access to places large tour buses cannot reach.

Features and Highlights

• Travel in a luxury 4WD vehicle with an experienced naturalist guide
• Journey deep into World Heritage rainforest and remote outback landscapes
• Stay in comfortable ensuite accommodation in Cooktown and Cape Tribulation
• Visit iconic destinations: Grassy Hill, Cooktown Museum, Black Mountains, Bloomfield Track
• Take part in a 1-hour Daintree River cruise with crocodile spotting
• Enjoy authentic cultural insight with a guided walk at Mossman Gorge
• Meals included: 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
• Small group touring – more flexibility and personal connection
• Pickup and return to Cairns or Port Douglas accommodation

Tour Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Cairns to Cooktown via Atherton Tablelands & Wet Tropics

• Start your journey with a scenic ascent of the Kuranda Range before heading off-road into the ancient Clohesy River World Heritage Area. Stop to admire a towering Strangler Fig and cross crystal-clear rainforest streams. Journey through Mareeba and across the expansive Savannah country, taking in views from Bob’s Lookout. After lunch at Palmer River Roadhouse, visit the dramatic Black Mountains and Archer Point Lighthouse before arriving in Cooktown for a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Cooktown, Bloomfield Track & Cape Tribulation

• Explore Cooktown’s colonial past with a town tour and a visit to the Captain James Cook Museum, home to one of Queensland’s richest collections of maritime and gold rush history. Travel south along the legendary Bloomfield Track—one of Australia’s most scenic 4WD routes. Stop at the famous Lion’s Den Hotel, admire Bloomfield Falls, and soak up the remote beauty of Cedar Bay National Park. Arrive in Cape Tribulation for a beach walk and a visit to Kulki Lookout before settling in for the night.

Day 3: Cape Tribulation to Cairns via Daintree River & Mossman Gorge

• Begin the day with a stroll on Thornton Beach before continuing to Alexandra Lookout, where sweeping coastal views await. Cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and board a guided wildlife cruise to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Lunch is served at a historic Daintree restaurant, followed by a cultural walking tour at Mossman Gorge with a local Aboriginal guide. The day ends with a scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway, returning to Cairns or Port Douglas by early evening.

Fitness Requirements

• This tour includes several short walks over uneven terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.

Departure Details

• Departure Day: Tuesdays
• Return Day: Thursdays
• Minimum Guests: 4 people required for departure

Please note this itinerary is a guideline and can change at anytime

See more Cairns and Cooktown four wheel drive tours. 

DAY 1. CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN VIA WET TROPICS & ATHERTON TABLELANDS

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner & Overnight Accommodation in Cooktown (ensuite room)

• After pick-up from your accommodation, we ascend the Kuranda Range above Cairns enjoying amazing views through the forest, over the city and the Coral Sea beyond. From here our ‘exclusive permit’ allows us to 4WD through the forest and river crossings into the Clohesy River World Heritage Rainforest Boardwalk where you’ll see a giant Strangler Fig Tree.
• We then head through the Rural Service Centre of Mareeba and the small communities of Mount Molloy and Mount Carbine to Bob’s Lookout with sweeping views to the South, stopping for morning tea along the way.
• Leaving the Tablelands behind us we head into the Savannah Country and onto the Palmer River Roadhouse for lunch. Continuing north along the Mulligan Highway, past the mysterious Black Mountains, we deviate off the bitumen for a visit to Archer Point Lighthouse, a beacon to guide ships along the Great Barrier Reef. From here, we travel into Cooktown and our accommodation.

DAY 2. EXPLORE COOKTOWN & TAKE BLOOMFIELD TRACK TO CAPE TRIBULATION

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight Accommodation in Cape Tribulation. (ensuite room)

• After breakfast, enjoy a town tour of Cooktown and head up to the Grassy Hill lookout for fantastic views over the town and its famous “River of Gold”. Then it’s onto the historic Captain James Cook Museum, which is one of Queensland’s best museums, showcasing the remarkable history of this historic town. The museum follows the story of Captain James Cook’s enforced seven-week stay at the Endeavour River, during which the first meaningful contact between Europeans and Indigenous Australians took place. It covers the days of the Palmer River gold rush, as well as showcasing personal stories and items from Cooktown’s early residents.
• Now that you’ve been enriched in Australia’s true history, we head down to the famous, historical Lion’s Den Hotel for lunch (included) and a refreshing drink (own expense). This truly is an Aussie icon built on the banks of the little Annan River, surrounded by 100-year-old mango trees. You can sign the wall, like 100’s of visitors from all over Australia and the world have done before you, over many years.
• From here, we head south to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. Engaging 4WD we travel along the Bloomfield Track, enjoying many scenic spots including the Bloomfield Falls, Cedar Bay National Park, a boardwalk and more.
• After arriving at Cape Tribulation, you’re free to take a walk on the beach and head up to Kulki Lookout. We then go to our overnight accommodation.

DAY 3. CAPE TRIBULATION TO CAIRNS/PORT DOUGLAS VIA THE CAPTAIN COOK HIGHWAY

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Return to Accommodation

• After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Thornton Beach, which is adjacent to Queensland’s fourth highest mountain, Thornton Peak (1,374m). Stopping here, you get the chance to stretch your legs on the beach and grab some amazing photos.
• We then continue to the Alexandra Lookout for spectacular views over the Daintree River and beyond, to the Great Barrier Reef and Snapper Island. We arrive at the famous Daintree River for our cable ferry crossing. Once on the other side, it’s time for a 1-hour cruise on the Daintree River, where crocodiles and varied native bird species are spotted. This is your chance to see one of the longest and most diverse river systems in the world, through the eyes of a local, naturalist guide.
• After the cruise, it’s a short drive to the Daintree Tea House for a special lunch, at one of the Daintree region’s oldest established restaurants. You have the choice to try delicious Barramundi fish (other menu items are available) and exotic tropical fruits. After lunch, we head to Mossman Gorge, which is located in the southern section of the Daintree National Park.
• You’ll be immersed in the rich traditions of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal culture on a 1.5-hour guided walk. Finally, we head south along one of the nicest coastal drives in the world, the picturesque Captain Cook Highway, towards Cairns with an optional stop at Port Douglas.
• Your guide will drop you back to your accommodation in Cairns or Port Douglas in the early evening.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cairns: 7:00am
• Northern Beaches: 7:45pm
• Returns: early evening

Pickup Locations

• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

Destinations

• Cape Tribulation
• Cooktown
• Daintree Rainforest
• Mossman Gorge
• Copperlode Dam
• Strangler Fig Tree
• Palmer River Roadhouse
• Black Mountain
• Archer Point Lighthouse
• James Cook Museum
• Lion’s Den Hotel
• Bloomfield Track
• Cedar Bay National Park
• Thornton Beach
• Daintree River
• Daintree Tea House
• port douglas

Months of Operation

May - October

Days of Operation

Saturday

2026 Departure Dates: MAY26: 09 23, JUN26: 06 20, JUL26: 04 18, AUG26: 01 15 29, SEP26: 12 26, OCT26: 10 24

Duration

3 Days & 2 Nights

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Additional Information

• Our tours have been designed to suit a reasonable level of fitness; the ability to be able to do some walking along nature trails and cope with remoteness is essential. People suffering from lack of tolerance or not of general good health should consult their GP before taking part on these tours. Note: Clients over 70 years of age are required to have a clearance certificate from a General Practitioner. If you need special medication, it is advisable to bring your own adequate supply for the duration of the tour. 
• This your requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate - if you are booking less than 4 guests we will be in touch with you to confirm your booking
• Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary. The operator reserves the right to substitute or modify if required. Departure and Return times are approximate.
• We endeavor to room guests with ensuite facilities where available.
• Please note this tour is not suitable for infants.
• Please note that single travelers must purchase the single option as we don't offer shared rooms with other single travelers

• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• Wallet
• Hat
• Water & Water Bottle
• Insect Repellent & Sunscreen 30+
• Luggage is restricted to ONE Soft Bag (no suitcases) weighing no more than 10kgs + ONE Small Backpack/Day Pack

• Child age is 4-14
• This tour is not suitable for children under 4, unless on a private charter.