19 Jun 2024
The iconic Bloomfield Track will reopen on June 22 in time for the school holidays after being closed since mid-December following extensive damage in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the popular four-wheel drive coastal route through the Daintree National Park to Cooktown took in the spectacular scenery and wildlife of one of the world's oldest rainforests.
“Explore Cape Tribulation where you can take a snorkelling tour to Mackay Reef with Ocean Safari and taste exotic tropical fruits at Cape Trib Farm before joining the track just 40km north of the Daintree Ferry,” he said.
“There are plenty of places to stay along the 100km drive to Cooktown, including the beachfront Cape Trib Camping, which has just completed a new dining facility, or there is a choice of bush camping and lodges at Rossville Retreat near Kalkajaka (Black Mountain).
“Long-standing tourism operations such as The Lions Den Hotel are looking forward to a busy winter season and I'm sure many previous visitors will want to return to hear about the biggest flood in living memory and see the line above the Lions Den bar where the water went to."
Down Under Tours Driver and Guide Joe Ahie has been taking tours along the Bloomfield Track for more than five years and is looking forward to returning there with visitors, with his first trip scheduled on July 14.
“It's such a great adventurous drive to Cooktown, taking in ancient rainforest and beautiful creeks, with spectacular views of the Coral Sea in many places,” he said.
The Lions Den Hotel Manager, Darryl Paradise, cannot wait for the road to reopen and bring back the many customers who stop in for a cold beer, meal, or to stay at the historic hotel.
“One-third of our business comes from the Bloomfield Track, which has four-wheel-drive tour buses, motorcycle tours, and independent travellers visiting on their way to Cooktown,” he said.
“We have many travellers, especially from Victoria, coming up for the winter each year and booking in for the night.
“During the season, we do up to 300 meals a day but were down to just 100 while the Track was closed.
“Our pizzas are known far and wide, and we will be able to start up our special $20 roast and schooner Sundays with the Bloomfield Track open.”
ENDS
TTNQ Contact: Liz Inglis | liz.inglis@ttnq.org.au| 0419 643 494
