The Australian Outback
Within easy reach from Port Douglas are some of the most exciting areas of Tropical North Queensland. The Atherton Tablelands is a scenic world of contrast and colour, from the lushest tropical rainforest to the edge of the outback with some of Australia's richest farming land in between. Several tours depart from Port Douglas and many include a trip on Skyrail or the Kuranda Scenic Railway or both. Browse the Kuranda markets, go hot air ballooning, white water rafting, explore the local museums and some of the historic Tablelands towns. Take a scenic drive to the numerous waterfalls, lakes, giant curtain fig tree or the Wetlands.
West beyond the Tablelands the landscape is equally stunning. Eerie limestone outcrops are Chillagoe's dramatic backdrop. The small outback mining town is renowned for the mine that produces the marble used in Parliament House, Canberra. Further south a fasinating geological formation, the Undara lava tubes, reveal the region's volcanic past.
The Gulf Savannah offers travellers a remote, yet accessible, outback adventure, from vast cattle stations and Aboriginal communities, to outback towns and fishing lodges, while a wealth of bird and animal life adds colour and movement to the raw natural environment.
North from Cape Tribulation the rugged Bloomfield Track travels through Aboriginal lands of the community of Wujal Wujal to the Bloomfield River, another haven for crocs. This is some of the last untouched rainforest in the Wet Tropics. The Bloomfield Falls are magnificent especially during the summer months. This rugged section of road is only for the experienced four-wheel driver.
North of the Bloomfield River along the rugged 'four wheel drive only' Bloomfield Track, the road leads to Cooktown. For most of the year conventional vehicles can reach Cooktown via the inland Peninsula Development Road. Cooktown, named after explorer Captain James Cook, is steeped in history and genuine Australian character which is shown in the unique architecture. The James Cook Museum is well worth a visit, there's some good fishing in the area or just relax over a cold beer in an authentic outback pub.
