Bloomfield Track

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A few weeks after arriving in Cairns we decided to test out the car with a trip up to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track which runs from Cape Tribulation to Bloomfield (just south of Cooktown) through the Daintree Rainforest.

We started with a visit to Mossman Gorge where one of the indigenous communities I work with is located to catch up with some people and have a swim. Crossing the Daintree River on the ferry we made our way to Noahs Beach (just south of Cape Tribulation) and had our very first camp in a beautiful spot in the rainforest just behind the beach. Setting up the tent for the first time was a high point of cooperation and harmony in our relationship! Next morning we went for a swim and a walk along the beach, I found out later that the beach is famous for extremely big crocodiles.

Cape Trib is a real backpacker haunt so we didn't hang around for too long when we went through in the morning. Just past Cape trib the Bloomfield Track starts. It is a beautiful road running through the rainforest close to the coast. While it is supposed to be a pretty hardcore 4wd track it was pretty tame when we were there late in the dry, just a few steep hills and some creek crossings. It is a pretty controversial road, initially pushed through the world heritage Daintree at the behest of Joh Bjelke Peterson, greenies now want it closed. Can't really see the point doing that now it is here as it makes the Daintree much more accessible for people and it is a beautiful drive.

At the end of the track is the Lions Den Hotel which is a great little pub not too far from Cooktown. We camped here the night and got there just in time to watch the AFL Grand Final. A good match but a shame the Swannies lost. I think if Ben Cousins hadn't been chemically enhanced we would have won for sure. The beer was cold and the river a great place to swim so it was all good.

Next day we drove up to Cooktown, had a bit of a look about and drove back down the newly tarred inland highway. Great little weekend trip.

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Comments

[Mum]

From Rome
Bizarre to sit in an internet cafe in Rome not far from the Forum and look at pictures of the Daintree! Great work - good writing - not too many errors says English teacher. Keep it up. Photos excellent. Watch out for those crocodiles. Love

[Mel and Damo]

Good stuff
Hey guys, looks like you are having a great time seeing the sights. We recently did a trip to the Flinders Rangers for a bit of outback, 4wd adventure and had a great time, but will definately have to make our way up north sometime it looks so specky! Keep up the photos, that way we can pretend we are not spending our days at work! Take care, Mel and Damo

[Aunty Margaret]

Enjoy your adventures and look forward to reading more. I am off to Austria and parts nearby on May1 for a month. Getting excited. Enjoy your trip we'll keep up with you via this site. Have fun.