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Day 1 -
Queensland Hinterland,
Tyrconnell Gold Mine, 2 nights
On arrival in Cairns collect your hire car for a
leisurely drive of 150kms to Tyrconnell Gold Mine. In the
1870s, settlers streamed into this region to find their
fortunes and the visual reminders of their presence remain
to this day.
Andrew’s family worked a number of mines in the region
until he and Cate started restoration on Tyrconnell. They
have renovated the manager’s cottage and constructed new
guest cottages very much in tune with the mine’s heritage.
Their innovative use of wood and corrugated iron, with
polished timber floors and antique items, make your stay
an unexpected delight. The rooms have en suite bathrooms
and verandahs looking out across the bush country.
Arrive in time for sun downer drinks and sunset behind Mt.
Mulligan before joining Cate and Andrew for dinner in
their cottage.
Day 2 - Tyrconnell Mine
Wake to the sounds of the bush, as the Friarbirds and
parrots come to life. Breakfast can be brought to you in
your cottage; otherwise join Andrew and Cate for the
full-cooked version.
With the savannah bush country reclaiming the land that
miners once poured over, your stay at Tyrconnell is a
fascinating insight into the times when Australia was
being opened up by brave, and sometimes foolhardy,
pioneers.
Take your pick of activities - a picnic lunch beside a
waterhole taking in the variety of bird life; a walk along
the now abandoned and overgrown access road; time with
Andrew learning of the regions history, or relax on your
verandah with a glass of Australian wine and enjoy bush
tranquillity
Day 3 - Cape Tribulation
National Park, Bloomfield Lodge, 3 nights
Returning the car to Cairns Airport, you begin the
journey to Bloomfield Lodge. It begins with a 30-minute
scenic flight along the dazzling Queensland coastline over
the fringing reefs and tiny islands of the Coral Sea.
Landing at an outback airstrip you are met by staff from
the lodge and escorted on a short trip by unsealed road to
the banks of the Bloomfield River. From here, the launch
cruises downriver to the sea and across Weary Bay to the
Lodge, nestling almost unseen in the rainforest.
The final touch in this little adventure comes as the boat
lets down wheels and is pulled ashore for the driest of
landings while you take in the magic of the area.
Arrive in time for lunch at the lodge and then spend the
afternoon acclimating yourself to the area and the lodge’s
facilities, perhaps take a dip in the pool. Accommodation
is in one of 16 cabins, each is fully screened and has
ceiling fans, mosquito netting around the bed.
Meals are taken in the central area overlooking the pool.
Guests join together at dinner although two gazebos cater
for those wanting privacy.
Day 4 & 5 - Bloomfield
Lodge
The Bloomfield River, lined with mangroves and rainforest,
is ideal habitat for estuarine crocodiles, which are often
viewed (in safety from the lodge boat!) basking on the
riverbank. This is also an excellent trip for spotting a
huge variety of rainforest bird species, waders and
Ospreys, Kingfishers and Sea Eagles, to name a few.
You have the choice of a guided rainforest walk, a cruise
on the Bloomfield river learning about the ecology of the
area, perhaps do a bit of fishing. Optional activities
include full and half day trips to some of the spectacular
waterfalls in the region or a trip into historic Cooktown.
If you want to really get away, visit Kangaji Bay with
beautifully rugged beach that stretches for nearly 2km.
Although the swimming is seasonal there is no need for a 'cossie'
and the only footprints will be yours. Timings for the
boat are dependent on the tide but the chef will prepare a
deluxe picnic lunch and a cool box for any drinks to while
away the time.
Day 6 - Return to Cairns
The return journey to Cairns begins with the boat &
follows the reverse adventure of your arrival day! The
total travel time is about 2 hours.
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Optional Up-grades
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To a Queenslander or
Deluxe room at Bloomfield Lodge
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In place of a hire car,
take private chauffer transfers to / from
Tyrconnell
- Combine this safari with
a few days on one of the Barrier Reef Islands
- Ask us for details
- No children under 12
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