Cairns to Cooktown 1 Day 4WD Tour

from A$399

13 hours

Daintree & Cooktown

Travel from Cairns to Cooktown via a coastal route featuring Coral Sea views, a Daintree River vehicle ferry crossing, a rainforest beach walk, 4WD adventure on the Bloomfield Track, lunch at the Sovereign Resort Hotel, a historic pub stop, and a return via Black Mountain and Palmer River Goldfields.

Adult $399 | Child (4-14) $369 | Family (2 adults & 2 children) $1400

Key Highlights

Spectacular coastal drive from Cairns to Cooktown with Coral Sea views
Vehicle ferry crossing over the Daintree River
Immersion in the Daintree Rainforest with a walk on a secluded beach
4WD adventure along the renowned Bloomfield Track
Visit to the historic Lions Den Hotel
Lunch at the Sovereign Resort Hotel overlooking Cooktown waterfront
Optional visit to Waalmbal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre (admission not included)
Panoramic views from Grassy Hill Lookout
Return journey via Black Mountain and Palmer River Goldfields region

What’s included

Vehicle ferry crossing of the Daintree River
Leisurely stroll along a rainforest beach
4WD travel on Bloomfield Track
Lunch at Sovereign Resort Hotel
Stop at historic Lions Den Hotel
Visit to scenic Grassy Hill Lookout
Outback return journey via Black Mountain and Palmer River Goldfields

Overview

Experience an unforgettable journey from Cairns to Cooktown, travelling along one of Far North Queensland's most scenic coastal routes. Take in breathtaking Coral Sea views as you make your way north, before crossing the Daintree River on a vehicle ferry. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy a peaceful stroll along a secluded rainforest beach.

The adventure continues with a 4WD drive on the iconic Bloomfield Track, renowned for its unique terrain. Pause at the historic Lions Den Hotel, famed for its welcoming atmosphere and distinctive character, before arriving in Cooktown.

Savour lunch at the Sovereign Resort Hotel on the Cooktown waterfront. While in Cooktown, you have the option to visit the Waalmbal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre, with admission at your own expense. Enjoy sweeping panoramas from Grassy Hill Lookout, perfect for photos.

Your return journey follows an inland outback route, featuring a stop at the striking Black Mountain geological formation and traversing the Palmer River Goldfields region, providing a rich display of Far North Queensland's diverse landscapes.

Commonly asked questions.

The full-day tour includes hotel pickup and return, morning tea with tea or coffee and homemade scones, bottled water, lunch at the Sovereign Resort Hotel in Cooktown and transport in a purpose-built air-conditioned 4WD coach. The tour also includes the Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield Track, Cooktown, Grassy Hill and the Palmer River Goldfields.

The journey north follows the spectacular coastal route through Port Douglas, Mossman and the Daintree Rainforest before crossing the Daintree River by vehicle ferry. From Cape Tribulation, the tour continues along the iconic Bloomfield Track before reaching Cooktown. The return journey takes the inland route through the Palmer River Goldfields and across the Desailly Range.

The Bloomfield Track is an iconic 4WD route linking Cape Tribulation with Cooktown through some spectacular Far North Queensland landscapes. The tour travels through rainforest, creek crossings, steep sections and the Bloomfield River area, providing a genuine off-road component to the journey.

Yes. You don't need any 4WD driving experience because you're a passenger in the purpose-built 4WD coach. Your experienced driver handles the Bloomfield Track while you sit back and enjoy the scenery and commentary.

The tour is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 passengers, helping create a more personal experience than a large coach tour.

Yes. The tour crosses the Daintree River on the vehicle ferry before continuing through the ancient Daintree Rainforest towards Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track.

Yes. The tour includes time in Cooktown to enjoy lunch and visit several of the town's highlights, including Grassy Hill Lookout and Captain Cook's monument on the Endeavour River. There is also an optional visit to the Waalmbal Birri Heritage & Culture Centre

The tour includes some of Cooktown's key sights, including Grassy Hill Lookout, the Endeavour River and Captain Cook's monument. Depending on the day's itinerary, there may also be an opportunity to visit the Waalmbal Birri Heritage & Culture Centre.

Yes. The tour includes a walk along a secluded beach near Cape Tribulation, where the ancient Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. It's a great opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy one of the region's most spectacular coastal environments.

The Daintree and Bloomfield regions are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, reptiles and other rainforest wildlife, and there is even a chance of spotting a southern cassowary. Australian bustards may also be seen during the inland return journey, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and a camera or phone. A credit card or cash is also recommended for personal purchases along the way. The operator provides bottled water and morning tea.

Yes. However, this is a very long day involving several hours of driving, including sections of rough 4WD track, so parents should consider whether younger children will be comfortable with a full day of touring.

The tour can be enjoyed by older travellers who are comfortable with a long day of sightseeing and several hours travelling in a 4WD vehicle. There are opportunities to get out, stretch your legs and explore at various stops, including the beach, Cooktown and lookout points.

Additional info by the operator.

Please be aware that the optional visit to the Waalmbal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre in Cooktown is not included in the tour cost.
All scenic stops and routes, including the Daintree River vehicle ferry, Bloomfield Track, and Black Mountain, are part of the specified itinerary.
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for rainforest walks and 4WD travel.
Lunch is included at the Sovereign Resort Hotel during your time in Cooktown.