Ancient Dreaming - Cooktown & Bloomfield 4WD Adventure

Trip Type
Indigenous & Culture, Nature & Wildlife
Twin Share
Maximum of two adults
$ 4690
Single
$ 4990

Make a private tour

Mooks

Harold “Mooks” Tayley is a Kuku Nyungkul traditional owner of Rossville Retreat and a world-renowned bush medicine expert and healer. Guided by his ancestors and the rainbow serpent, he shares the wisdom passed down from his Elders on his ancestral homeland. With over 40 years of guiding experience, Mooks is a passionate storyteller who helps visitors connect deeply with Country and culture.

Duration

5 Days

Group Size

10 Peoples

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

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About This Tour

Journey deep into the heart of Far North Queensland on a five-day cultural adventure from Cooktown to Cairns. Experience ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes and genuine connections with Indigenous guides. From a Welcome to Country and bush medicine walks with healer Mooks to preparing a traditional Kurrma feast, visiting sacred waterfalls and exploring the legendary Bloomfield Track through the Daintree Rainforest, every moment immerses you in story, culture and Country. This unforgettable journey invites you to listen, learn and walk in the footsteps of the world’s oldest living culture.

For the tour start in Cooktown, please book the 1:30pm Hinterland Aviation flight from Cairns, arriving 2:15pm for your meet & greet and transfer.

Highlights

Discover Cooktown and its surrounds, uncovering the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable region
Take part in a traditional Smoking Ceremony in Kuku Nyungkul with Indigenous healer Mooks
Visit the Waalmbal Birri Heritage & Culture Centre for an inspiring guided tour with Traditional Owner Alberta
Explore Grassy Hill Lookout and the lush Cooktown Botanic Gardens
Enjoy a 2-hour Bush Food & Medicine Walk with renowned healer Mooks, learning ancient knowledge of Country
Learn to prepare a Traditional Indigenous Kurrma (Ground Oven) meal and share in a communal feast with live cultural dance performances
Participate in tree planting with the Jabalbina Foresters Rainforest Restoration Programme
Swim beneath the breathtaking Roaring Meg Falls, a sacred and scenic wonder
Journey through the legendary 4WD Bloomfield Track and Daintree Rainforest, guided by Indigenous hosts sharing the stories of this ancient land

Included/Excluded

Included
Excluded

Airport pick-up in Cooktown on Day 1 and transfer to your accommodation
3 nights at Rossville Retreat in private en-suite eco lodges (single occupancy available)
1 night at Yirri Yirri Daintree River Falls Lodge, a stunning Indigenous-owned property (shared king-split bedding)
All meals included: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners - featuring an authentic Indigenous Kurma (ground oven) feast
Guided by Mooks, a renowned Indigenous healer and bush medicine expert, plus local hosts for unique & exclusive cultural experiences – see itinerary
Comfortable air-conditioned 4WD touring through rainforest, reef and remote Country

Flight to Cooktown (For the tour start in Cooktown, please book the 1:30pm Hinterland Aviation flight from Cairns, arriving 2:15pm for your meet & greet and transfer)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a spectacular flight (not included) over the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, landing in historic Cooktown. Upon arrival, meet your friendly indigenous guide for the scenic drive to Rossville Retreat, your eco-luxury base surrounded by lush rainforest. Be welcomed by Mooks, a respected Kuku Nyungkul healer, who will host a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed dinner at the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel, sharing stories and anticipation for the days ahead. Accommodation: Rossville Retreat

After breakfast overlooking the Cooktown waterfront, journey through time with a guided visit to the Waalmbal Birri Heritage & Culture Centre, where local elder Alberta brings to life the incredible story of Captain Cook’s 48 days in Cooktown and his connection with the Guugu Yimithirr people. Take in panoramic views at Grassy Hill Lookout before exploring the lush Cooktown Botanic Gardens and its rich cultural plant history. Returning to Rossville, join Mooks for an interactive bush food and medicine walk, artefact sharing and boomerang throwing. The evening ends around the campfire with stargazing and storytelling under the endless northern sky. Accommodation: Rossville Retreat

Begin your morning learning the ancient art of Kurrma, a traditional ground oven cooking method, guided by Mooks. Then venture deep into the rainforest to experience the majestic Roaring Meg Falls, a sacred and breathtaking natural wonder where crystal pools invite you for a refreshing swim. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this pristine paradise before returning to Rossville. That evening, uncover the delicious feast you helped prepare in the Kurrma and share in a cultural celebration featuring traditional dance and music performed by Mooks and his group - a highlight of the journey. Accommodation: Rossville Retreat

Wake to the sounds of the forest before journeying south via the scenic and adventurous 4WD route, the Bloomfield Track. Enjoy the drive through the world-renowned Daintree Rainforest, one of the only places on Earth where two World Heritage sites meet. Stop for lunch at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest kisses the sea, then explore an exclusive-access property, Gurrandji Bubu (Cassowary Country), alongside Mooks and Jon Jon. Learn about ancient cycads, rare insects and living ecosystems that have thrived for millennia. Participate in tree planting with the Jabalbina Foresters Rainforest Restoration Programme before settling into your rainforest accommodation at Yirri Yirri Daintree River Falls. Enjoy a tranquil dinner at the Daintree Ecolodge, surrounded by the symphony of the forest. Accommodation: Yirri Yirri Daintree River Falls Lodge (Split King shared rooms only)