The Wild North

Heading north way past the glitz of Port Douglas to the wilderness of Cape York Peninsula, it’s in the Wild North that you can combine your exploration of the World Heritage-listed double act of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest with a rugged, outback experience.

You will find an array of accommodation options in both Cooktown and the northern village of Bamaga. The townships along the Cape York Peninsula offer mainly camping facilities and 4WD access so make sure you plan your trip in advance!

If venturing by 4WD is not on your to do list, there are a number of packaged tours from Cairns and Cooktown that will allow you to explore the Wild North, as well as flights from Cairns to Horn Island. 

Top things to do:

• Hire a 4WD or join a 4WD tour, braving unsealed roads, river and creek crossings, and steep terrain to the northern-most tip of Australia, all while discovering secluded beaches, untouched nature, and an ancient rainforest.
• Explore the Daintree Rainforest from above, Jungle Surfing between rainforest canopies.
• Visit the historic town of Cooktown, stopping at the James Cook Historical Museum.
• Visit the famous prehistoric Aboriginal rock paintings in Quinkan Country. 
• Lizard Island is the closest reef island to one of the best diving sites in the Great Barrier Reef: Cod Hole. Home to friendly potato cod, that can reach up to 100kg, dwarf minke whales have also been known to make an appearance during the winter months.
• Take a ferry to Horn Island or Thursday Island and discover the forgotten tales of Australia’s World War II history, explore the quaint coastal bays, take that perfect holiday snap from a lookout and enjoy an authentic island experience. 
• Experience spectacular sports fishing off the coast of Cape York, catching northern bluefin tuna, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, marlin, and Spanish mackerel.

How to get there:

• Join a 4WD tour from Port Douglas.
• Hire a private charter to Lizard Island from Port Douglas or Cairns.