Daintree Tourism News

Bloomfield Track Update

Darcy Of The Daintree - Cooktown & Bloomfield Track News Feed

It’s always worth repeating that 4x4  travellers can cross over the Bloomfield River. Work continues, of course, but it is proceeding well, and there have been absolutely minimal delays to traffic.

The concrete slab decking has been fully installed. Drilling to anchor the 1 metre blocks has been in progress for over a week now. Importantly, the drillers’ work still allows plenty of room for vehicles to pass safely. 

The Track from Cape Trib to Wujal Wujal, however, is still pretty awful with small boulders at Collins and Thompsons Creeks slowing down 4x4 travellers to a crawl. Just keep gritting your mouthgards, book the physio and hope that Cairns Regional Council is able to start maintenance work soon.

Cairns Council informs us that the CREB Track is also now open, so this provides a serious 4X4 option for people travelling from Daintree village.
At the top end of the Track, the Cook Shire has gone all out to make sure the road between Cooktown and Wujal Wujal is presentable to traffic, and it was in pretty good condition last weekend. They are also working hard on the road out to Archer Point, so it is becoming less harsh on tyres!
This week’s happy travellers along the Track are Russell and Roseanne Wolfe from Christchurch.

Russell pointed out “ the scenery is reminiscent of the West Coast of the South Island, which we love, but the green, lush growth along the Bloomfield Track, and the leafy tunnel-like avenues are breathtaking. “Then the contrast and diversity as you get up towards Cooktown is brilliant. Suddenly, you’re travelling on red, dusty  roads among eucalyptus trees.

“The Black Mountain is awesome. It looks like a big coal dump left over as a legacy from the Maggie Thatcher era in the UK”.
Well, I hope that Maggie isn’t offended by the comparison! We certainly aren’t, Russell. But then again, the Iron Lady always gave her opponents that big crocodile smile! 

Around here, winter also brings out the best in our local crocs, as they look for sunny river banks and even rocks to warm themselves…and smile.
 The Bloomfield River is undoubtedly the best spot in the whole region for the passing motorist to see crocs in their natural state. There are at least three vantage points, including;

• On the sandy bank at low tide at the river lookout on the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib
• From the embankments or the Boat ramp on the Bloomfield River drive from Wujal Wujal towards Ayton
• Lying on a warming rock on the other side of the river about 60 metres down from the Wujal Wujal waterfall, during the day or even late in the afternoon – rocks keep their heat for a long time!

So, take your cameras, but don’t even think about swimming in the Bloomfield River.

Always plan your travel with a tide chart. This weekend and the next week will see low tides in the middle of the day, which will give great colourful scenery and beach access.

Happy travelling
 
Mike D'Arcy

Free ride for Daintree visitors

Jungle Adventures Cape Trib - Jungle Canopy Surfing News Feed

Free ferry trips across the Daintree River will be offered during the Easter holidays, encouraging locals to take advantage of the attractions that exist right on their doorstep.

Thanks to Cairns Regional Council, the ferry service will waive all crossing fees for the duration of the holidays, as part of an economic stimulus package to get local tourism moving.

Council has recently completed significant works to improve access north of the Daintree, including upgrades to the Cooper Creek and Mason Creek river crossings – both designed to cope with a one-in-five-year rain event – and Melelee Bridge.

In addition, a $360,000 upgrade was last year carried out on The Switchback area on the Bloomfield end of the Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road. This work included laying reinforced concrete to assist with traction and to quickly disperse rainfall run-off.

“This is an opportunity for Cairns residents to get out and explore their own backyard,” Mayor Val Schier said.

 “Council has put a lot of work into improvements north of the river and we would love for people to see first hand what we’ve done to make the experience more enjoyable.

“We live in one of the most spectacular regions in the world – why not load the family into the car and see our stunning rainforests, beaches and attractions?

“We also hope tourists will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy what the northern parts of our region have to offer.”

Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu, who welcomed the good news, said she hoped people would visit the Daintree and think about what they would like to see next time.

“I’m pleased that Council has agreed with this request,” Cr Leu said.

“We are currently in the process of developing a Daintree Gateway Master Plan and we are looking for public input.

“This is the perfect opportunity to visit this truly amazing part of our region, which contains world heritage-listed rainforest, and have some input into its future.”

The free ferry service will run from 6am on Saturday, April 16, to midnight on Monday, May 2. Tickets will still need to be obtained from the ticket booth.

Existing concession card holders will have access to a priority lane to avoid delays.

Daintree Eco Lodge open in Feb

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa - Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa News Feed

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa and it's lush rainforest valley, sustained no physical damage during Cyclone Yasi, however due to prolonged loss of electricity and services the Lodge & Spa is now not able to be open for business.

The electricity supply company has not confirmed when the supply will be restored as they are dealing with larger populated areas and essential services as first priorities.

We believe we will be fully operational again during the month of February.

Once power has been restored and all essential onsite infrastructure is fully operational, management and staff will contact you with the announcement that Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is re-opened.

As our office is now operating remotely, we encourage you to continue to make contact with us for all enquiries and advance bookings, as ultimately we want to be able to provide our unique experiences for your clients as soon as possible.

We are sure you appreciate our unfortunate situation as a small Australian owned and operated business and we sincerely thank you for your patience and your support.

Ferntree Back in Action

Ferntree Rainforest Lodge - Ferntree Rainforest Lodge News Feed

We are pleased to announce that we will be back in full operation at Ferntree Rainforest Lodge and Ferntree Hostel as of Monday February 7th 2011.

Pk's Jungle Village is back to normal

PK's Jungle Village - PK's Jungle Village News Feed

Pk's Jungle Village is back to normal operation and we would love to see you up here to enjoy Cape Tribulation.
We look forward to welcoming you all back into the heart of the rainforest.

The Horses Breezed it in

Cow Bay Horse Rides - Cow Bay Horse Rides News Feed

Our horses did a great job with high winds and branches and will be ready to go again MONDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2011.  Best of luck clearing up to all and don’t forget to rest.

Completely unaffected by Cyclone Yasi

Crocodylus Village - Crocodylus Village News Feed

Crocodylus Village Resort was completely unaffected by Cyclone Yasi, and business is as usual in our beautiful tropical rainforest resort.

Crocodylus is a truly unique hostel resort situated at Cow Bay, between the World Heritage rainforest areas of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef.

Walkabount from the 9th of Feb

Down Under Tours - Daintree Walkabout News Feed

Daintree Walkabout should will up and running by Wed the 9th Feb. We are taking bookings now.

Daintree Walkabout Tour takes you through ancient rainforests and back to the Dreamtime with the local Kuku Yalanji tribe. Dine at Silky Oaks Lodge, then cruise the Daintree River and spot a crocodile, enjoy tropical fruit tastings and spend time in the historical town of Port Douglas.

The sea is calm, the skies are blue

Tropical Sea Kayaks - Snapper Is. Sea Kayaks News Feed

Tropical Sea Kayaking at beautiful Cow Bay in the Daintree Rainforest was completely unaffected by Cyclone Yasi.

The sea is calm, the skies are blue and it's business is as usual with overnights sea kayaking tours to tropical Snapper Island.

Cape Trib Beach House is open for guests!

Cape Trib Beach House - Cape Trib Beach House News Feed

We wanted to let you all know that the Cape Trib Beach House did NOT suffer any structural damage (thankfully) and we are once again operational.
 
Cape Trib Beach House is open for guests!

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