Things to Do
Although some people are happy to relax and enjoy Gap Creek Retreat's amazing natural surroundings, it also makes a very conveniently base for activities and day trips to other remarkable natural sites in the local area.
Take the Water Taxi and spend a day at the Cedar Bay Beech made famous by the extensive "hippy" commune that thrived during the 1970s. These days the area is protected as National Park.
Drop offs, pickups or full day trips can be arranged to cater whatever combination of hiking or boating you require. More info here...
Black Cockatoo Gallery
Just along the road is the Cockatoo Art Gallery. Here you can enjoy exhibits realistic natural art. http://www.blackcockatoogallery.com.au/
Guurrbi Tours
Willie, the traditional story-teller of the Nugal-warra clan, takes guests to his ancestral rock art sites, set high in the hills above Hope Vale, outside Cooktown. Here he shares the stories behind the art, and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lores of his people. http://www.guurrbitours.com/
Bloomfield River
The nearby Bloomfield River is one of the prettiest rivers in the northern tropics. Situated right on the northern edge of the Daintree National Park it is home to crocodiles and fish such and the Barramundi and Mangrove Jack. Boat-hire and fishing is highly recommended - no licence required.
Bloomfield Boat Hire
Hire a dingy and go boating or fishing on the Bloomfield River. No licence required.
Bloomfield Falls
Spectacular Bloomfield Falls is a 20 minute drive from Gap Creek. For guided tours of the waterfall and other local tour operated by local Aboriginal people please see Walker Familiy Cultural Tours. http://www.walkerfamilytours.com/
Cedar Bay National Park
Five minutes north you enter the Cedar Bay National Park. There are no better examples of tropical lowland rainforest. There are walking track for those of energetic and adventurous spirt. See Cedar Bay Water Taxi below.
Weary Bay Beach
From Gap Creek Retreat you can drive ten minutes to the Ayton. Turn left onto the “Beach Road” and a further two minutes you find yourself at the beach. Often you will have the beach to yourself. You can walk, swim or just enjoy the scenery. Weary Bay beach makes a great place to picnic or to do some sunbaking. When you are done here you can drop by the local shop for a refreshment.
Rossville
Twenty-five minute further north you arrive at the village of Rossville. Village markets every second Saturday. From Roseville you can visit Home Rule falls.
Lion’s Den
A further ten minutes north is the Lion’s Den Hotel. This is a historic pub full of character and characters; definitely worth a visit.
Black Mountian
Just north of the Lion’s Den Hotel you meet the Mulligan Highway and pass between the Black Mountains. These are unique mountains of black granite boulders, magical and eerie.
Cooktown
The historic town of Cooktown, with its beautiful harbour and beaches, is located 65km to the north. Captain James Cook spend three months here in 1770 repairing his ship after grounding it on the reef 25km east of Bloomfield during his voyage of discovery. Cooktown is a regional centre and there is a range of shops and services here. Founded in 1873 when gold was discovered Cooktown has interesting and colourful past. See the historic relics and information at the museum.
Lakeland Downs
From the turnoff at Helensvale you can head southwest on the Mulligan Highway to Lakeland Downs. Lakeland Downs is an isolated farming district producing coffee, peanuts, bananas and other crops.
Laura
At Lakeland you can take Cape York Developmental road north to Laura – famous for its aboriginal rock art and Cultural Dance Festival.
Quinkan Cultural Centre Website http://www.quinkancc.com.au/