Again the weather has not been kind to us. It would have been lovely to see Cooktown in the sun but at least it stopped raining. On the way up we took the Bloomfield Track (mainly gravel) through the Daintree National Park over the Donovan Range going north (without van) and Highway 1 going south on the way back.
On 10/09/2021 we left the van in Palm Cove to drive up the coast taking the ferry crossing over the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation. We stopped at the Mount Alexandra Lookout which should afford views of the coastal lowlands and the Great Barrier Reef but it was a tad overcast. Luckily we had visited some years ago so we could imagine what it looked like…. After reaching Cape Tribulation we took the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown. The track is mainly gravel but no corrugations just lots of pot holes and no dust (because it was wet!). However, it is very narrow, has a few creek crossings and many ascents and descents some up to 31% over the Donovan Range. Pretty exciting. They have started to lay concrete on the really steep sections for traction. Lots of engaging 4WD low. As it was late afternoon when we arrived in Cooktown (and it was blowing a gale) we retreated to our very nice hotel room (what a luxury) and a meal at the Cooktown RSL.
On 11/09/2021 we woke up to a much better day. Blue sky, yippee. The morning was spent waiting for breakfast and wandering round the town where Captain Cook landed on June 17 1770. Many memorials and markers in the town. This was followed by a drive to various sights. Firstly, up to Grassy Hill lookout on a headland where a very short (now) automated lighthouse is located with views towards the Coral Sea and the Endeavour river (named after Capt Cook’s ship). You can see why Capt Cook sort refuge to repair Endeavour after running aground on the Great Barrier Reef. Then we drove to Finch Bay nestled below Mount Cook (guess who it’s named after….). And lastly, along the waterfront precinct along Endeavour River. Cooktown is a lovely town to spend a weekend.
Endeavour River view from Grassy HillMount CookEndeavour River view from Grassy HillMount Cook view from Grassy Hill 
On 12/09/2021 we drove back to Palm Cove on Highway 1 for one last night. The drive back was very pretty with many twists and turns but no gravel!
On 13/09/2031 we head southwards (Brisbane bound) to Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast.
Comments
2 responses to “Cooktown and the Bloomfield Track (Wk 25)”
I remember when we did the Bloomfield track. I wanted to stop at a few places but Ray would say “we’ll see it when we drive back”. After completing the drive we both agreed we wouldn’t be going back that way. We enjoyed our return trip on Hwy 1 much better 😀. Glad to hear you are Brisbane bound.
agree, one way is enough!