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Cooktown Tours - 3 Day Outback Cairns 4WD Tour - FNE

Tour Code: 1080

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas

Cooktown Tour - Cape Tribulation - 3 Days
  • Spend 2 nights in the Daintree Rainforest in unique accommodation.
  • We stop off at all the iconic locations on our way to Cooktown such as Wujal Wujal Falls, the Daintree River and so much more...
  • Small group tour in premium vehicles. Book your own private charter tour for your family or group to explore the Daintree and Cooktown. 

Included In Price

  • Private guided tour
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Premium 4WD vehicle
  • Unique Daintree Rainforest accommodation
  • Guided Indigenous Walk
  • Daintree River crocodile cruise
  • Mosman Gorge fees
  • Small or private touring group

Our 3 day Cooktown tour will immerse you in all the highlights of the region has to offer as we make our way to Cooktown through the Daintree Rainforest with your local tour guide in an air-conditioned 4WD.

What to Expect

Set out on an exclusive three-day four wheel drive tour that combines the untouched beauty of the Daintree Rainforest with the rich history of Cooktown. This 4WD tour is tailored to showcase the best of Far North Queensland's natural landscapes, culture and historical sites.

Features and Highlights

Detailed Tour Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cairns to Cape Tribulation
  • Your four wheel drive tour begins with a drive along the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive to Mossman Gorge, where you're greeted by coastal views and lush rainforest. Enjoy an eco-friendly crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, then cross over to Cape Tribulation.
  • The first day concludes with a nighttime walk in the Daintree Rainforest, giving you a glimpse into the forest's nocturnal life. Overnight at Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, immersed in the ancient rainforest environment.
  • Day 2: Cape Tribulation to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track
  • Navigate the rugged Bloomfield Track with stops for cultural immersion at the Wujal Wujal community and the awe-inspiring Bloomfield Falls. Explore local art at the Bana Yirriji Art Centre.
  • End the day in Cooktown with a visit to the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel and the serene Cooktown Botanical Gardens, capped off with stunning views from Grassy Hill.
  • Day 3: Exploring Cooktown and Return to Cairns
  • Spend the morning exploring Cooktown’s historical features at the James Cook Museum and enjoy the peaceful Cooktown Botanical Gardens.
  • Travel back to Cairns via the picturesque Mulligan Highway, including a stop at the historic Mt Molloy Pub and a visit to the vibrant Kuranda Village.

Cultural Insights and Scenic Splendours

  • Delve into the Indigenous culture with interpretive walks and art centre visits, learning about the traditions of the Kuku-Yalanji people and the region’s natural history.
  • Witness the spectacular meeting point of two World Heritage sites at Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Accommodations and Gastronomy

  • Enjoy stays in locations that highlight the natural beauty of the area, including the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge nestled in the heart of the Daintree.
  • Experience local cuisine showcasing fresh, regional ingredients that reflect the tropical north's culinary diversity.

Accessibility and Adventure

  • Tailored for those who enjoy cultural and ecological explorations, with 4WD access to some of the region's most secluded spots.
  • Suitable for most fitness levels, the tour includes light to moderate walks, offering ample opportunities to relax and immerse in the environment.

Discover the hidden treasures of Far North Queensland with this 4WD tour, venturing from ancient rainforests to historical Cooktown, blending adventure with a deep dive into the cultural heritage of this unique area.

View more 4WD tours in Queensland and Australia.

3 Day Cooktown Tour - Journey to historical Cooktown through the Daintree Rainforest

Day 1 - Cairns to Cape Tribulation via the Great Barrier Reef Scenic Drive
  • The Day begins with a scenic trip along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Mossman Gorge, one of the most beautiful drives in Australia.
  • Your journey takes you on a spectacular coastline-hugging road, with World Heritage Rainforest on one side, and Great Barrier Reef on the other. Be sure to pack the camera!
  • ‍Mossman Gorge and the Cultural Centre are an award-winning ecotourism attraction located at the entrance to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.
  • The Centre, and Gorge are a must-do for anyone travelling in the beautiful Far North Queensland region.
  • Experience crystal-clear cascades over large granite boulders surrounded by lush Daintree Rainforest.
Experience one of the Natural Wonders of the World.
  • Then 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 Daintree region, and their experienced Coxswain provides a unique perspective of the River, Rainforest and Mangroves whilst searching for the elusive apex predator.
  • The boat is fitted with a "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.
  • The lush vegetation and ever-changing scenery are sure to captivate, and you will be mesmerized as you stroll along this incredible route. You’ll come across a viewing platform that looks out over Noah Creek, providing you with stunning views... just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles lurking in the waters below!
  • Pitstop in to the Daintree Ice Cream Company, which is a family-friendly destination that features 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. This place serves amazing ice cream delights and is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the Daintree Rainforest!
Cape Tribulation
  • Next stop Cape Tribulation Beach is one of the most beautiful parts of Tropical Far North Queensland, and its beauty comes from its untouched wilderness.Cape Tribulation is a truly unique, completely off-grid community where the Rainforest is so dense, it is one of the few places that weren't affected by the Ice Age!‍
  • 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.
Daintree Night Walk
  • This is an experience you don't want to miss! 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.
Day 2 Cape Tribulation to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track 
  • The following day you will start off by experiencing the breathtaking gigantic 500-year-old Fig Tree. Your 4WD will cross the cool, clear waters of Emmagen Creek, pretty as a postcard. Then we get onto the iconic Bloomfield Track, a 4WD mecca steeped in controversial conservation history connecting Cape Tribulation to the Indigenous township of Wujal Wujal. The Bloomfield Track is rated as one of Queensland’s most scenic 4WD short road trips – a bucket-list drive for both local and international enthusiasts.Flanked by pristine coastline on one side and ancient rainforest on the other, this track to Cooktown is a feast for the eyes.
  • 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. With artwork often sold-out, this is a exclusive experience.
Wujual Wujal
  • ‍‍Wujal Wujal is a remote region in Far North Queensland sacred to the Kuku-Yalanji people. The area is home to ancient coastal rainforests, stoney Black Mountains and intricate Mangroves providing habitat for many forms of marine life that have evolved over thousands of years alongside the Aboriginal people.‍ Travel alongside the winding Bloomfield River, ending at the base of the beautiful Bloomfield Falls; also known as Wujal Wujal Falls or "Roaring Meg". Returning via a short 400m walking track. Learn about the amazing natural features of this World Heritage area through the eyes of the Kuku Yalanji traditional owners who have lived here for tens of thousands of years. The Walker Family will share some of their knowledge about this special place which is of great cultural significance to the Yalanji people. Leaving Wujal Wujal behind, we're ready to venture to the elusive Black Mountain; a place of mystery and legend to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. To traditional owners, Kalkajaka is a sacred battlefield of both spirits and warring clan groups. It's also a site where the natural elements of water and fire formed the Earth, giving birth to numerous other landforms along the Trevathan Range. Kalkajaka has its own Rainbow Serpent, called Walumba.
Enjoy lunch and a cold one at the legendary 1875 Lions Den Hotel.
  • The Lions Den Hotel is one of the oldest Pubs in Far North Queensland and though it's well off the beaten track, the pub has long been on the bucket-list for adventure seekers in Cape York. The walls still boast the signatures – dating back to the 1800s – of thirsty tin miners on the walls and ceilings. 
Cooktown
  • When the 1878 Cooktown Botanic Gardens were established, they were the first of their kind in Far North Queensland, offering the ideal environment to cultivate a diversity of exotic plants found only in the Cape York region. Today, the acclaimed gardens represent and reflect the cultural heritage of Cooktown, Australia's European Pioneer Settlement. It is also a popular refuge for local birdlife, including the Zebra Finch and Crimson Finch. We will make our way to the top of Grassy Hill, one of Cooktown's most popular attractions. Even if you're only inspired by a walk in the park, Grassy Hill offers a 360-degree view of Cooktown, The Endeavour River and The Great Barrier Reef. As you climb the Hill and look over every direction, you'll notice that very little has changed since Captain James Cook first set foot on this land.
Accommodation

You will spend the evening at Milkwood Lodge which is a beautiful, exquisite Cottage lifestyle immersed in the Rainforest: Milkwood lodge is a world of its own in Cooktown. 
Accommodation: Cottage Cabin, Milkwood Lodge Rainforest Retreat. Secluded Cooktown accommodation cabins, located in Cooktown with rainforest and mountain views. Meals: Lunch at Lions Den Hotel in Cooktown, and Dinner at Sovereign Resort.

Day 3 Cooktown to Cairns via Mulligan Highway
  • Start your day with mountain views and breakfast at Milkwood Lodge. This morning we will travel to James Cook Museum where you will discover the rich history of Cooktown in Far North Queensland. Set in a stunning nineteenth-century convent, Cooktown Museum is a must-see when visiting Far North Queensland. 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.
Cairns
  • We will journey south toward Cairns via the Mulligan Highway which was named after an old prospector and this area is steeped in rich mining history.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 the 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.
‍Kuranda
 
  • After lunch we will adventure to Kuranda a picturesque Mountain Village in the Rainforest. Subject to seasonal availability take a walk through Kuranda Heritage Markets a beautiful covered market with stall offering a variety food, crafts and souvenirs. Be in awe of the mighty Barron Falls (Din Din) a steep tiered cascade waterfall of unmatched beauty to finish off your incredible 3 Day Cooktown Tour. Journey down the Kuranda range and farewell your Far North Escapes guide while we take you back to your accommodation. ‍

Meals: Breakfast at Milkwood Lodge, Lunch at Mt Molloy Pub.

What's Included in our 3 day Cooktown Tour?

  • Mossman Gorge: Swim in crystal clear water cascading over granite boulders.
  • Alexandra Range: View the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef from above.
  • Daintree Crocodile Tour: The only zero emission boat on the Daintree River.
  • Daintree Ice Cream Factory: Exotic tropical flavors.
  • Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation: World’s oldest continuous rainforest UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Lions Den Hotel: Iconic pub boasting signatures of past adventures.  
  • Daintree Ferry: Cross the Daintree River to the magical Daintree Rainforest.
  • Bloomfield Track: Treacherous track to Wujal Wujal.
  • Daintree Night Walk Tour: Wildlife spotting under the canopy with naturalist guide.
  • Daintree Accommodation: Immerse yourself within the Daintree Rainforest.
  • Wujal Wujal Waterfalls (Bloomfield Falls): Cascading waterfall onto the Bloomfield River.
  • Bana Yirriji Art Centre: See local indigenous artwork from the Kulki Yalanji people.
  • Cooktown Accommodation: Stay in the historical village of Cooktown.
  • James Cook Museum: Historic 1880 converted convent.
  • Guided Indigenous tour: Hosted by the Walker Family.
  • Emmagen Creek Crossing: Gateway to the Bloomfield Track.
  • Cooktown: Explore the historic village where the first settlers arrived.
  • Cooktown Botanic Gardens: Queensland's oldest regional botanical garden.
  • Grassy Hill: Enjoy amazing views and sunset over the Endeavour River.
  • Black Mountain: A landscape of mysterious mass of granite boulders.
  • Fig Tree: Gigantic 500-year-old fig tree.
  • Atherton Tablelands: Waterfall Capital of Australia.
  • Kuranda: Historic mountain-top village in the Rainforest.
  • Kuranda Heritage Markets: Local artisan creations.
  • Secluded Beaches and Swimming Holes: Experience the hidden gems of the jungle.

Cooktown Tour FAQ's

***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.‍
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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. ‍

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.

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.

Detary Requirements

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

‍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.

‍Toilets ‍

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

‍Seating Arrangements

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

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.

View other ways you can see and experience Cooktown on tours from Cairns.  

Tour Languages Offered
  • English
Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time
  • Pick-up times are dependent on road conditions and traffic, and can vary.
  • Cairns 6:30am - 6:00pm
  • Northern Beaches 7:00am - 5:30pm
  • Port Douglas 7:45am - 4.45pm
Departure Instructions

Guests must be at pick up location at least 15 minutes before pick up time

Pickup Locations
  • Cairns
  • Cairns Northern Beaches
  • Palm Cove
  • Port Douglas
  • Return Hotel Transfers (Cairns & Northern Beaches area only). Paid transfers for Port Douglas are available for $100 per vehicle.
Destinations
  • Cooktown
  • Mossman Gorge. Swim in crystal clear water cascading over granite boulders.
  • Alexandra Range. View the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef from above.
  • Cooktown. Explore the historic town where the first setllers arrived
  • Grassy Hill. Enjoy amazing views and sunset over the Endeavour River.
  • Daintree Rainforest. Experience the most ancient Rainforest on Earth.
  • Bloomfield Track. Iconic track to Wujal Wujal.
  • Wujal Wujal Waterfalls. Cascading waterfall onto the Bloomfield River.
  • Guided Walks. Learn about the history of the Daintree Rainforest and its wide range of flora & Fauna.
  • Emmagen Creek Crossing. Keep an eye out for crocodiles.
  • Secluded Beaches and Swimming Holes. Experience the hidden gems of the jungle.
  • Daintree River Crocodile Cruise. 1 hour cruise to view wildlife including birds, lizards, crocodiles and more.
Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

3 day 2 night

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Additional Information

Passengers will be required to sign a Medical waiver Form for each tour.

Each passenger is entitled to take one medium size soft suit case or soft bag weighing no more than 16kg

Children & minors under 14 must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times. If required baby car seats can be provided at an extra charge.

Our T&Cs

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Additional Tour Operators cancellation policy:

Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your booking with us, you must notify us in writing or by email at bookings@farnorthescapes.com and pay a cancellation fee in the amount set out below.
If payment is not received by the due date notified, Far North Escapes reserves the right to cancel the booking.
Far North Escapes recommends Travel Insurance to help you in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may result in you being unable to travel in order to recover the operator’s cancellation policy penalties.

•25% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure
•50% cancellation fee 29 – 15 days prior to departure
•100% cancellation fee 14 days prior to departure

Please ask out friendly team for full terms and conditions.

Cooktown Tours - 3 Day Outback Cairns 4WD Tour - FNE

Tour Code: 1080

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas

Cooktown Tour - Cape Tribulation - 3 Days

From

au$5,170.00

Prices are AUD, per charter and include all levies fees and taxes.

Tour Code: 1080

From

au$5,170.00

15 yrs & over

4 - 14 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

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