Fitzroy Island
Located just a 50 minute ferry trip from Cairns this island is a fabulous destination. Spend the day snorkelling or relaxing in the very well kept camp grounds. There are free barbeques and rates are from $33.00 per night. Showers ard Toilets are at the campgrounds. Campers are also welcome to use the resort bars, restaurants and pools.
Palm Cove Camping Grounds
Situated right on the waterfront at Palm Cove about a 25 minute drive north of Cairns is this lovely facility. If your into fishing this is a great place to stay. A long jetty/pier is right at your door step with the lovely Double Island in the background. The facility offers grassy camp areas, full toilet and shower facilities and is only a short walk to the lovely bars and restaurants of the Palm Cove waterfront. Fees for 2 people overnight are from $28.00.
Ellis Beach
Located further north of Palm Cove but only by about 5 extra minutes driving, Ellis Beach Camping ground is wonderful. The beach has a stinger net and is lifeguard patrolled so its safe for you and the children. Right across the road is a quaint little bar and restaurant. The Camp grounds are right on the beach front. Just step over a small fence and you have your toes in the sand. Palm trees line the beach and it really is the ultimate place to unwind for a few days. Prices vary from season to season.
Cape Tribulation Camping
Again set about 20 metres back from the beach in a lush rainforest setting, Cape Tribulation Camping offers a beautiful tropical setting. Showers and Toilets are available as are under cover kitchen facilities, and they have a very knowledgeable staff who can advise you on what activities are available in Cape Tribulation that suit your interests. They have sea kayaks available for hire and the reef is just off the beach. This facility is highly recommended by us.
The Lions Den
A little off the beaten track lies this precious little campground gem.
Located on the Bloomfield Track en route to Cooktown via the ocean road drive -:The Bloomfield Track" the Lions Den is a rather unique piece of northern Queensland. The Bloomfield Track is however only for 4WD vehicles. The "Den" offers camping and Safari tent style accommodation. There is a beach nearby and of course the great little pub that is the Lion's Den. It is a very popular place so its a good idea if you want to go there to goggle them and make contact for availability.
Cooktown
Cooktown was once the second busiest port in Queensland, back in the days of the Palmer River Goldrush. The campground offers all facilities and is locate near town so a walk to the harbour and the James Cook Museum are a must. Access is available via the Cape Tribulation Bloomfield track route or via the Mulligan Highway (the inland road). Cooktown is quite unique and is really well worth a visit. Just the historical nature of the town is fascinating. It currently has three hotels. In its heyday it had 64. Cooktown is about a 4 hour drive from Cairns via the inland sealed highway or about 6 hours via the Bloomfield Track.
The Palmer River Goldfields
In September of 1873, James Venture Mulligan discovered 102 troy ounces of "payable gold" on the Palmer River and the biggest Alluvial Goldrush in Australia's mining history started.
This place is really worth a visit as it is an major historical part of North Queensland. Be aware that is only accessible by 4WD and is not accessible during the Wet season months (Dec - Mar). There are no facilities available and you must even take your own water but for most of the dry season the Palmer River has fresh water swimming holes and is quite safe. Try your hand at gold panning and you never know you may ......