10 day Wild North Queensland road trip: the best things to do in Cairns to Cooktown
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
Itching for a little adventure? If you’ve got enough time to explore beyond the city limits, why not add swimming with minke whales, 4WD adventuring along the Bloomfield Track and experiencing spine-tingling Indigenous rock art to your list of things to do in Cairns and beyond.
This 10-day road trip itinerary showcases the best things to do in Cairns to Cooktown: from World Heritage reef to the rainforest, and the rugged Wild North, where Indigenous storytellers and pristine dive sites await.
Day one
Whether you’ve just arrived at Cairns Airport, or spent a few days exploring the best of the city and its surrounds, it’s time to get a little wild. This is a road trip with a difference, because it begins with a scenic flight or jumping on board a dive expedition, depending on the time of year you visit.
Flying? Get ready for one of the most jaw-dropping trips of your life. Your destination is Lizard Island – and while you’ve probably never heard it, the northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef is not a spot you’re likely to forget. Getting off the grid has never looked this good. Before you even check in, you’ll see Lizard Island Resort’s remoteness doesn’t sacrifice any luxury.
So you’re an avid scuba diver, looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? The first few days of this itinerary means you’ll be sailing the high seas with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, in search of swimming with rare dwarf minke whales and witnessing the reef at its most opulent. Meet your crew and fellow divers at Hemingway’s Brewery for welcome drinks, before settling into your new digs on Spoilsport.
Whichever path you chose, watch the sun go down over the Coral Sea and get ready for one of the most incredible, wild experiences of your life.
Day two - five
Mike Ball’s four night Fly Dive Minke Whale tours depart regularly throughout June and July each year, the only time these mysterious mammals make their way to Queensland’s waters. The Great Barrier Reef hosts the only known congregation of dwarf minke whales in the world, and this is the only place you can swim with them. Over the next few days, you’ll meet the diverse marine life of the remote Ribbon Reefs, home some of the most legendary dive sites, with four dives per day as well as heart-pumping night dives. End your adventure on Lizard Island, where you’ll be treated to a low-level flight back to Cairns.
Photo by @katie_purling
Not looking for a liveaboard adventure? Lizard Island has plenty more up its sleeve. Take a tour of the internationally recognised research station, hike to Cook’s Look, SUP, snorkel the fringing reef or set sail to see beyond its shores, finishing up with a private beach picnic at sunset. You could easily be kept busy for days. And if you want to dive, world-famous site Cod Hole is just a 45minute boat ride from shore: the resort’s yacht will take you there in absolute comfort. But if you want to tune out on one of the 24 pristine, secluded beaches, you can do that too.
Day six
Aerial view of beach and 4WD track, Driving along the Bloomfield Track | Best Things to do in Cairns to Cooktown
Back in Cairns, hire a 4WD and head north to conquer The Bloomfield Track, one of the most scenic and iconic 4WD drives in Queensland.
Stop in at Shannonvale Winery in Mossman to taste tropical fruit wine, before stepping into the sacred land of Mossman Gorge. There’s a few ways to experience the beauty of this part of the ancient Daintree, but none more moving than seeing it through the eyes of the Kuku Yalanji. Learn the legends and experience the rainforest on a Dreamtime Walk.
Next, drive the 15 minutes to Silky Oaks Lodge for lunch at the Treehouse Restaurant and a refreshing swim in the Mossman River. After a dip, head 40 minutes north to the Daintree River, and swap the road for a naturalist-led wildlife cruise with Crocodile Express Daintree River Cruises, spotting birdlife and saltwater crocs amongst the rainforest and mangroves.
Take the ferry across the river and drive another 30 minutes to overnight at Daintree Wilderness Lodge. The hand-built cabins will keep you immersed in the magical Daintree in total comfort; keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries, monitor lizards and possums that call this place home too.
Day seven
The wild adventures don’t slow down today. Learn more about the world’s oldest rainforest at the Daintree Discovery Centre and walk along Cape Tribulation beach, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree.
Continue along the Bloomfield Track, with a pitstop at isolated Cowie Beach. The sweeping views of fringing coral reef and red mangroves is a sight to behold. Your next stop is Wujal Wujal, meaning many falls in local Kuku-Yalanji language. An easy walk will lead you to the sacred falls, so sit in wonder and take it all in. Before jumping back behind the wheel, spend some time exploring the rainforest art by local Indigenous artists at the nearby Bana Yirriji Arts Centre.
Hit the road again and take the Bloomfield River Drive north, up toward Cooktown. Road conditions can be tough, and you might have to navigate river crossings if there’s been recent rain, but the journey pays off. Pull up a chair at iconic Lions Den Hotel and you could easily spend a few hours sipping beers, soaking up the atmosphere and meeting the locals. It’s just another 25 minute drive before you’ll arrive into Cooktown for the night.
Day eight
Cooktown might have become a thriving port town during the Gold Rush, but its history runs far richer than that. Today, learn about the deep Indigenous roots of the area with Guurrbi Tours. Willie will take you to his ancestral rock art sites in the hills outside of Cooktown, sharing the spiritual stories behind the art and Aboriginal connection to the land.
This afternoon, wander along Cooktown’s wharf to discover for Milbi Wall, which tells the story of the Guugu Yimithirr people and their first contact with European settlers, before delving further into Indigenous art at Kuku Bulkaway Gallery.
There’s lots to do here if you have a little extra time up your sleeve, especially if you’re an avid fisher.
Day nine
Wake early and drive the two hours west to Laura to visit a gallery that’s over 20,000 years old. Exploring this ancient Quinkan rock art up close is a transformative experience, even more so with Jarramali Rock Art Tours. One of the best ways to see Indigenous rock art in Queensland, you’ll 4WD deep into the heart of Kuku Yalanji land, learning about their deep connection to country.
Afterwards, refuel with a pub feed in Laura before jumping back in the car: it’s a three hour drive to your final destination, Port Douglas. Take your pick of accommodation and places to dine tonight: because there’s plenty to do tomorrow.
Day ten
Today’s the day to take it easy. Join the locals for a walk along the beach and up the Flagstaff Hill Trail for views across Four Mile Beach. Pick up a few souvenirs while browsing local boutiques, and if you’re here on a Sunday, head to the local markets for a fresh lime and sugarcane juice.
Close out your wild adventure with an afternoon sail on the Coral Sea: the sun may be setting on this journey, but we’ll see you again soon to uncover more of this spectacular region.
Still want more? Check out the Great Tropical Drive and some hot Queensland holiday deals.
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