Tread exclusive, prehistoric rainforest trails and sample authentic bush tucker as expert guides, with lifelong dedication to the land, impart their unique knowledge.

Amongst a small group of likeminded travelers, you will discover the remarkable geological forms of Black Mountain, learn the myths and legends of the Nugal Warra rock art and encounter the last vestiges of Gondwanaland secreted in the Daintree rainforest.

Day 1: Cairns to Helenvale (Cooktown)

Today’s travels will deliver us into a land of ancient indigenous culture. Our small group heads north along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, past Port Douglas and the Palmer River Goldfields into the land of the Guugu Yimithirr people of Cooktown. After the morning of travel we have lunch before we meet our guide, an elder of the Nugal–Warra people for a rare opportunity to see the Nugal rock art sites through the eyes of a traditional owner. These caves depict different aspects of Nugal-Warra society, family stories, mythical figures spiritual beliefs and practical information. We then continue to Black Mountain (Place of Spears). These mysterious pyramids of stone, a natural geological formation thought to be 150 million years old, are imbued with Aboriginal and European legends. Tonight’s overnight accommodation at Mungumby Lodge features individual safari-style cabins, nestled in the North Queensland rainforest. The lodge has attracted the attention of botanists and zoologists for many years. At Mungumby tonight, nature is our entertainment. (LD) Beverages excluded. Accommodation – Mungumby Lodge

Day 2: Helenvale (Cooktown) to Cape Tribulation

A hearty breakfast in the wilderness begins the day before we depart for Cooktown, one of Australia’s iconic townships. Situated on the banks of the Endeavour River between the outback and the sea, it is an exotic and distant township with a lazy tropical feel. Use your flexible time this morning to explore the many faces of Cooktown, including the Cooktown Museum, the superb Botanic Gardens, Grassy Hill or a sumptuous feast of seafood fresh from the Coral Sea (seasonal). We engage four wheel drive as we farewell Cooktown, traversing the Bloomfield Track to Daintree. Escorted by an Aboriginal guide at Bloomfield Falls, we are transported to a powerful place of true wilderness where nature riles with the power of water and Aboriginal dreamtime beings dwell. Crossing Bloomfield River, we enter the Daintree National Park, the world’s closest living counterpart to the ancient rainforest of Gondwana and habitat to a myriad of species. Tonight in the rainforest, we bed down in quaint, individual timber cottages. (BLD) Beverages excluded. Accommodation – In a Daintree rainforest lodge

Day 3: Cape Tribulation to Cairns

Take a leisurely walk along exquisite Cape Tribulation Beach (Jindalba), where the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest meet: the only place on earth where two World Heritage areas exist side by side. Enjoying expert interpretation, we amble along natural trails, through magnificent fan palm dominated forests and beside the spectacular blue waters of Coopers Creek. This exclusive walk provides access to the sacred heart of the world’s oldest rainforest: an experience inherently wondrous. Savour a gourmet lunch in the rainforest ambiance, then step aboard the Solar Whisper, for a small intimate cruise on the Daintree River with an expert guide. Be captivated by the wildlife of this unique eco system, including estuarine crocodiles. Homeward bound, relax as we pass cane fields and coastline enroute to your accommodation. (BL) Beverages excluded.

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Inclusions

• Lunch on all 3 days
• Twin share accommodation, evening meal and breakfast at Mungumby Lodge
• Twin share accommodation, evening meal and breakfast at a Daintree Rainforest Lodge
• All National Parks and Wildlife entry fees
• Guided tour of the Nugal-Warra rock art sites
• Exclusive guided rainforest walk with Coopers Creek Wilderness
• Exclusive Daintree River cruise