Day 1: Cairns, Babinda Boulders & The Goldfields Trail, with an overnight in Cardwell
Our Naturalist Guide will collect your clients from their accommodation in a Premium 4WD, and begin the journey to Cardwell.
As they travel out of Cairns, they will have spectacular views over the Sugar Cane Fields with a stunning backdrop of surrounding Mountains and lush Rainforests. Along the journey, they will pass Queensland’s Highest peak: Mount Bartle Frere on the way to Babinda Boulders. Our highlight today is Hiking the Goldfields Tail of the Wooroonooran National Park.
I am an avid hiker myself, and in Tropical North Queensland, you are truly spoilt for choice, with quite literally hundreds of options to choose from… The Goldfields Trail is one of the most iconic in the region, offering a challenging level 4 Grade Hike that was created in the 1930s for prospectors eager to reach the north-west slopes of Bartle Frere in search of Gold. The Trail starts at Babinda Boulders and ends at Kearneys Falls - and this track truly has it all. Beautiful, crystal clear Creeks fringed with moss covered boulders and emerald green Tree Ferns. These Creeks offer a place to top up water bottles, and splash in the crisp mountain water to cool down as you make your way up the steep climb. Savour the Rainforest at your own pace, enjoy the solitude – we are happy to hike the entire 7hr journey, or just part of. There is no grand view at the end to be missed, and the Goldsfield Trail is often enjoyed halfway as a 4hr return journey after reaching the stunning King Fern lined Creek. Take a break and listen for the calls of Rainforest Birds: the raucous screams of the sulphur-crested Cockatoos or the chatter of the smaller bush birds like Scrubwrens and Thornbills.
Tonight, will be spent in the sleepy seaside town of Cardwell…
Day 2: Blencoe Falls to Undara Volcanic National Park
Day 2 will have the guests travelling to Blencoe Falls in Girringun National Park… a stunning drive to view the Falls, where Blencoe Creek plunges 90 meters into a pool before cascading a further 230 meters to the bottom of the Gorge where it joins the Herbert River.
Blencoe Falls is accessible from Cardwell via the Kirrima Range Road, which will take our mutual guests on an adventure of changing environments. It begins its winding journey in the foothills of the Kennedy Valley, where Banana and Cane plantations checker the landscape. As they begin the ascent up the Kirrima Rage – towering Rosegums, Quandongs, Silky Oaks and Kauri Pines create a broad shady canopy above the ferns, cycads and orchids that line the dirt road.
Patches of thick Rainforest, with creeping Figs give way to more open areas with waterfalls and bridges that cross crystal-clear creeks, bubbling over the mossy rocks. The Kirrima Range National Park is home to many animal species including Mahogony Gliders, Possums, Southern Cassowaries, Emus, Honey-Eaters, King Parrots and Azure Kingfishers, as well as several species of rare frogs and pythons.
As we ascent the range, the air becomes cooler and the views across the Kennedy Valley and out to the Coral Sea are magnificent. Towards to top, the landscape changes again with heavier Gum Trees, and drier forest dotted with huge boulders, kangaroos, and cattle. For a closer look at the Falls, there is a choice of an easy 20 minute stroll, or a 5km return walk.
This is a very remote area suited to 4WDs, and those who are confident and self-sufficient whilst travelling the area. If your guests are nature lovers looking for a truly unique experience, this is the perfect place...
Travel will be via the historical mining town of Mt Garnet on the outskirts of The Tablelands, to Undara Volcanic National Park, where we will overnight…
Day 3: Undara Volcanic National Park
Wake up in the Gulf Savannah Country, and enjoy an unforgettable Undara Archway Lava Tube Tour. On this Tour, we explore caverns and discover the true geological beauty and secluded hidden nature over 2 Hours.
The Lava Tubes are acclaimed as the Worlds Longest and Oldest, formed over 190,000 years ago when a major Volcano in the McBride Volcanic province erupted, causing molten Lava to flow down a dry riverbed. As the Volcanic eruption slowed and stopped, the Lava drained out of the tubes, leaving behind a series of long hollow tunnels.
Undara, meaning “long way”, is as ancient and alluring as the continent itself and stand as silent sentinels to our pre-history. This is a must-do experience.
This afternoon we will travel to Innot Hot Springs: a group of natural mineral Springs that flow into Nettle Creek, in the Tablelands Region. The pools are positioned in a small valley that is covered by tall Eucalypts, Ferns and many other native plants. A beautiful, serene place to stop and watch for wildlife.
Tonight will be spend in the small town of Chillagoe. stand as silent sentinels to our pre-history.
Day 4: Chillagoe-Mungana Caves & Mt. Mulligan
Featuring spectacular limestone caves, small galleries of Aboriginal Rock Art, jagged limestone outcrops and a historically significant mining site – this park is rich in Cultural and Natural History.
The morning begins with a Chillagoe-Mungana Caves Tour. Limestone has been weathered, dissolved and reformed by water to create spectacular caves and caverns, that feature stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones. Scientists believe the landscape around Chillagoe began to form about 400 million years ago, when limestone was deposited as calcareous mud and coral reeds on the bed of a shallow Sea where Chillagoe is today. Subsequent tilting, folding and erosion exposed and weathered the limestone that towers over todays surrounding plains.
Several bat species roost and breed in the dark caves. Chillagoe is one of five known nesting sites for the white-rumped swiftlet Aerodramus Terraereginae. The caves are also home to spotted pythons, and a variety of insects and spiders. Fossilised bones of many animals, including those of the extinct Giant Kangaroo have been found in the Caves.
We will walk the 9 Kilometre return track to the Royal Arch Bluff, as well as the short 440 metre return track to the famous Balancing Rock before visiting the Chillagoe Smelters and learning about the States mining heritage dating back to the 1890s. Our afternoon will be spent travelling the rugged outback territory to Mount Mulligan, where the guests will stay for 2 Nights…
Day 5 & 6: Mount Mulligan
Known as the birthplace of the Rainbow Serpent, and a sacred site to the Indigenous – Mount Mulligan is spectacular however, rarely seen…
Most people are aware of the North Territory’s iconic Uluru, but North Queensland has its own equally impressive version – in fact, this 18 kilometre long sandstone ridge is 10 times larger than Uluru! Mount Mulligan sits within a 28,000 hectare working Cattle Station, with a focal point being the Lodge and magical Billabong bordered by elegant Eucalyptus Trees…
Basking in the shadow of Ngarrabullgan (Mt Mulligan), is the Cattle Stations Lodge, which has an ethos to tread lightly on the land and let nature and history reveal themselves.
Whilst these clients may not be set on Luxury stays, this is the only accommodation in this incredibly diverse area - it is an eco-haven, and that is why we have cherrypicked Mount Mulligan and worked the itinerary to suit this very special experience. This is the most extraordinary hidden paradise, and in our opinion – Australias best kept secret.
Activities include fishing for Barramundi, stargazing, sunset drinks overlooking the escarpment, scenic helicopter flights, wildlife spotting, signature dining and chef-prepared gourmet picnic hampers.
Guests are immersed in the regions rich gold and coal rush history through daily excursions. Experiences here include a 4WD safari to one of the countries most productive historical goldmines, demonstration of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher, exploration of the historic Mt Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, ATV adventures and guided nature walks.
Day 7: Mount Mulligan via Mitchell River to Bustard Downs
After 2 days in the most stunning slice of paradise, today is a travel-based day, traversing the remote tracks around the Mitchell River region. This is a mostly untravelled outback route, that will take us through the ever-changing bushland to Bustard Downs.
Bustard Downs is a private 220 acre Organic Cattle Farm, breeding Polled Grey Brahmans in Tropical Dry Savannah country. Surrounded by Brooklyn Station with view of the Great Dividing Range towards Mt Lewis National Park and the Daintree Rainforest.
A wonderful self contained Bush Retreat, Bustard Downs offers an authentic Australiana Cattle Station experience where you can flop and drop and soak up the large Pool or enjoy bushwalks, the crystal clear creek, and birdwatching in this nature-lovers paradise
Day 8: Quinkan Split Rock Art Site, overnight in Laura
As the guests depart Bustard Downs, they will make their way to the centre for the largest collection of prehistoric Rock Art in the World, on Quinkan Country which is on the Australian National Heritage List.
The Quinkan Split Rock Art Site has sandstone escarpments covered with Indigenous paintings thought to date back 14,000 years. If there are no others around, it can be quite a surreal experience to walk the path up the hillside in silence, solitude and isolation
before coming upon the various other-wordly galleries in the rock faces.
These faces contain numerous Aboriginal paintings, engravings and hand stencils. There are 3 Sites to visit in Laura, the Split Rock Galleries, Flying Fox Art Site and Tall Spirits Art Site. All are equally errie and breathtaking.
The guests will overnight in Laura, known as the gateway to Cape York
Day 9: Lakefield National Park to Lotus Bird Lodge
Following Laura, the guests will travel to Lakefield National Park, the largest National Park on the Peninsula – and the second largest (after the Simpson Desert) in Queensland. Unlike many other places in Cape York, the vegetation is not Rainforest – it is very unique Eucalypt Woodland and home to a diverse range of Wildlife and contrasting landscapes.
In the north - grasslands and woodlands, wetlands, coastal estuaries, mangroves and mudflats are prominent. In the south, sandstone hills and escarpments dominate the landscape.
Highlights of this unique National Park include Catfish Waterhole, Horseshoe Lagoon, Kalpowar Crossing, Lake Emma, Nilfold Plain, and White and Red Lilly Lagoons that are stunning in bloom.
Overnight at Lotusbird Lodge – named after the Jacana (Lotusbird) that inhabit the Billabong
Day 10 & 11: Iron Range National Park to Greenhoose
If the guests are looking for a wild destination to explore, the Iron Range National Park is the perfect place. Not only is it home to a number of rare and endemic species (including some found nowhere else on Earth), but the park is also geologically fascinating. Its terrain is largely steep, rocky hills composed of Iron bearing sediments.
Iron Range National Park is considered by many to be the best National Park in Cape York. This remote coastal region hoses Australia’s largest remaining lowland Rainforest that leads to lonely sweeping beaches.
Spend 2 Nights at Greenhoose Lockhart River where the guests will be surrounded by tranquil Rainforest. During a walk through the property, they may be fortunate enough to find a sleeping CusCus, see beautiful Ulysses Butterflies, or spot the elusive Cassowary (Kutini).
Birders from around the World have sought to stay at the Greenhoose as a base for their trips. Cape York birdlife can be spotted such as the Magnificent Riflebird, Eclectus Parrot, Green-backed Honeyeater, Northern Scrub-Robin and the renowned Palm Cockatoo.
Day 12: Greenhoose to Wolverton Station
Today will be mostly a travel day as we make our way down to “Wild Wishes”
Located in the heart of Cape York on a working Wolverton Cattle Station, experience the beauty of life in the Bush. This unique Off Grid accommodation is absolutely spectacular.
Wild Wishes offers a unique Eco stay, away from the crows. The uniquess of this experience is not only in the glamping tents, but in your intentional isolation. Escape into the seclusion of the Station. There are hammocks to lay back and relax in after the long journey and swing among the treetops. A fireit to enjoy the ambiance by the Billabong. Guests will appreciate the warm shower at the end of the day, and the cool breeze in the morning. A gas stove provides their morning ‘ cuppa ’
There is plenty to see and do at WildWishes – there are Kayaks and inflatable lilos available for leisure on the Billabong. Explore the banks of the Archer River, and take a Bush Hike. Guests will be treated to a view of real Station Life on a private ATV tour of the property.
Day 13: Spring Hike and Mumgumby Lodge
After travelling from Wolverton Station, your guests morning will be spent on a Spring Hike before checking in and learning why Sir David Attenborough chose Mumgumby Lodge as his favourite place to stay in the Cooktown region.
If your guests are seeking a small, secluded place to escape far away from the crowds and into a timeless Rainforest surrounded by towering Mountain peaks and spring fed Creeks – Mumgumby Lodge is the perfect place. A unique privately owned Nature Reserve and Guest House set in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest National Park.
Waterfalls, swimming holes, and nature walks are within walking distance from the Cabins. The lodge is quiet, relaxing and surrounded by natural sounds
Day 14: Wujal Wujal, Bloomfield Track, to Daintree Rainforest National Park
From Cooktown the guests will travel to sacred Wujal Wujal to learn about the amazing natural features of the World Heritage area through the eyes of the Kuku Yalanji people who have lived here for tens of thousands of years. Enjoy an authentic guided Indigenous experience with the Walker Family
The Walker Family will share some of their knowledge about this special place which is of great cultural significance to the Yalanji people. The Walkers have a deep respect for nature and an intimate knowledge of its cycles. Their stunning lands encompass Bloomfield Falls, after which the Wujal Wujal township is named.
Travel the Bloomfield Track, the most scenic 4WD experience in Australia – full of spectacular views, creek crossings, secluded beaches, rainforest archways and unexpected wildlife. Overnight in Cape Tribulation in a Rainforest Lodge.
Day 15+: Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest National Park
For the remainder of the guests time, I have them based at a Rainforest Lodge in the heart of Cape Tribulation – UNESCO World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. “Cape Trib” is Far North Escapes homeland with all staff connected to this special place. The guests would receive a true local perspective of the area, secret locations – and optional extras that few get to experience. Guests can enjoy their own time, or perhaps choose to take a Guided trek up Mount Sorrow, a Night Walk in search of bioluminescent Fungi, or maybe tuck into an Aussie Platter at the on-site Cassowary Restaurant.
Transfer included to Cairns at the conclusion of their time in the Daintree Rainforest.
Overview
Day 1: Cairns, Babinda Boulders & The Goldfields Trail, with an overnight in Cardwell
Day 2: Blencoe Falls to Undara Volcanic National Park
Day 3: Undara Volcanic National Park
Day 4: Chillagoe-Mungana Caves & Mt. Mulligan
Day 5: Mount Mulligan
Day 6: Mount Mulligan
Day 7: Mount Mulligan via Mitchell River to Bustard Downs
Day 8: Quinkan Split Rock Art Site, overnight in Laura
Day 9: Lakefield National Park to Lotus Bird Lodge
Day 10: Iron Range National Park & Greenhoose
Day 11: Iron Range National Park t& Greenhoose
Day 12: Greenhoose to Wolverton Station
Day 13: Spring Hike and Mumgumby Lodge
Day 14: Day 14: Wujal Wujal, Bloomfield Track, to Daintree Rainforest National Park
Day 15: Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest National Park