On this 3-day 4WD accommodated safari you will learn about the plight of the endangered Cassowary, travel the 4WD Bloomfield Track through ancient rainforests, and experience the renowned Quinkan Aboriginal rock art at Jowalbinna.
2009 Departures
Departs from Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas:
May – Nov (only): Every Mon & Fri
Tour Code: CJ03
Rates are per person, inclusive of GST, and in AUD$. Rates are valid until 31 March 2010.
Adult – Twin Share: $895.00
Adult – Single: $990.00
Child (7-14) – Sharing: $795.00
Tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age, a fuel levy of $10.00 per person is payable on board.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest
- Interpretive Rainforest visit
- Cassowary Conservation Programme contribution
- 4WD Adventure on The Bloomfield Track
- Interpretive walk with local Aboriginal guides
- Guided tour of Cooktown
- Outback Landscape
- Guided tour of “Quinkan” Aboriginal Rock Art
- Entry to Quinkan Cultural Centre
- All National Park, Site & Ferry fees
- One-night Resort Accommodation in Cooktown
- One night Bush Cabin Accommodation (share facilities, bed, linen & towel provided
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Cairns to Cooktown (LD): Depart Cairns & cross the Daintree River by cable ferry before an interpretive World Heritage Rainforest walk. Then visit the conservation base of the Australian Rainforest Foundation & contribute to a tree planting program to increase cassowary habitat & 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 traditional knowledge of bush tucker and medicine at the spectacular Bloomfield Falls, and join them for a picnic lunch at a picturesque riverside site. Stop at the Lion’s Den, a classic outback pub, and visit the 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 2 – Cooktown to Jowalbinna (BLD): Depart Cooktown and travel west into Savannah. A 4WD track will take you into Jowalbinna, the epicentre of “Quinkan” Rock Art for outback hospitality. You will 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 Aboriginal people 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 relax by the campfire.
Accommodation at Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp.
Day 3 – Jowalbinna to Cairns (BL): Rise to a morning chorus of Kookaburras and Blue-faced Honeyeaters, two of over fifty bird species here. Enjoy breakfast in the bush and choose to throw a boomerang, take a self-guided walk or paint your own canvas. Depart Jowalbinna and head through the outback landscape to visit the Quinkan Regional Cultural Centre. Cross the Great Dividing Range and leave the termite mounds and beef cattle country to descend the rainforest-clad mountains. Meet the coast once again, returning to Port Douglas or Cairns.
