Trek Notes - Australia

DAINTREE DISCOVERY 5 Days 4 Nights

 The Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns in Tropical Far North Queensland Australia is one of the worlds most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world. It is home to the largest range of plants and animals on earth, and all are found within the largest chunk of rainforest in Australia - an area spanning approximately 1200 square kilometres.

This World Heritage Listed area contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare or threatened with extinction anywhere in the world. It contains 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia, and 65% of Australia's bat and butterfly species. 20% of bird species in the country can be found in this area. It all lives in an area that takes up 0.2% of the landmass of Australia.

Join us as we discover the natural beauty and wonder of this World Heritage Listed region by mountain bike and 4WD.

INCLUDES

Bike hire, camping fees and equipment (tent & thermarest mat), most meals, experienced guide

 START/FINISH

Cairns, QLD/Cairns, QLD

ITINERARY

Day 1

Our tropical mountain biking and 4WD adventure begins in Cairns, the bustling tourism hub of Far North Queensland. Travelling north, the road hugs the spectacular coastline, passing through the holiday town of Port Douglas before stopping for lunch and a walk through lush Mossman Gorge. Then it's onto the ferry to cross the mighty Daintree River - keep your eyes out for saltwater crocodiles! Then we enter the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest, sheltered by a thick overhead canopy and deliciously cool. You'll have the chance to cycle to Cape Tribulation, where we camp overnight at a beachside caravan park. (LD)

Day 2

Today we hit the infamous Bloomfield Track, a true 4WD track that links Cape Tribulation and extends to Cook town, crossing the Bloomfield River on the way. With steep climbs and descents, creek crossings and dense rainforest, this stretch is a real adventure, even on board our 4WD safari bus! We stop at Wujal Wujal for lunch and a guided walk to the spectacular Bloomfield Falls. You'll have the chance to cycle this afternoon along part of the Bloomfield Track and we camp overnight on luscious grass studded with palm trees. (BLD)

Day 3

It's a great ride this morning along the Bloomfield Track, and you may catch sight of the beautiful Ulysses butterfly with its iridescent electric blue wings. We pass through the tiny town of Rossville and the historic Lions Den Hotel, on the banks of the Little Annan River. On our way to Cook town, stop to admire the mysterious tower of granite boulders of Black Mountain before arriving this afternoon with time to look around the historic frontier town. In 1770, Captain Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, here for repairs and the town itself grew from a gold rush in the 1870's. You may wish to cycle the remaining stretch into Cook town, and the road becomes sealed as we approach town. Tonight's dinner is your choice and there's some varied dining options to select from. (BL)

Day 4

This morning's riding is pleasant as we head out of Cook town and towards Endeavour Falls along gently undulating, sealed roads. We stop to make a short walk to the cool, refreshing waterfall here at Endeavour Falls. This afternoon we tackle the Battle camp Track, an unsealed 4WD track that travels through the wilderness of Lakefield National Park, over ranges and through iconic outback bush land through to the town of Laura. We cycle the remaining stretch to Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp, on a dirt track, used as the route for the gold miners of the 1870's Palmer River Gold Rush, that winds its way through bush land studded with gum trees. A couple of creek crossings make it a fun ride! Our camp tonight is on the banks of Shepherd Creek, with a backdrop of sandstone escarpments and tall, shady trees. Our last night together is spent around the campfire as we talk about the adventures of our last few days in the Daintree! (BLD)

Day 5

We spend today travelling back to Cairns, through Laura, Palmer River, Mt Carbine and Mt Molloy, before we reach Mareeba and the Atherton Tablelands. As you approach Cairns, you'll be refreshed and invigorated from your Daintree Discovery adventure. Why not join us for another adventure, as we travel from the Tropics to the Outback from Cairns to Alice Springs! (B)