Iconic Tropical North Queensland coastal road reopens
Four-wheel drive enthusiasts are being welcomed back to the Bloomfield Track following repairs needed after a natural disaster.
The iconic Bloomfield Track (Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road) has reopened in time for the school holidays after being closed since mid-December following extensive damage caused by a massive rainfall event in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the popular four-wheel drive coastal route through the Daintree National Park from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown took in the spectacular scenery and wildlife of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.
He said there were plenty of attractions and places to stay along the Track.
A bend in the Bloomfield River. Photo TTNQ
“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,” Mr Olsen 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.”
A view of the ocean from the Bloomfield Track. Photo TTNQ
Down Under Tours driver and guide Joe Ahie has been taking tours along the Bloomfield Track for more than five years and was looking forward to returning with visitors.
“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,” Mr Ahie said.
The Lions Den Hotel Manager Darryl Paradise was looking forward to the arrival of more visitors stopping for a cold drink, meal, or to stay at the historic hotel.
The Lions Den Hotel. Photo TTNQ
“One-third of our business comes from the Bloomfield Track with four-wheel drive tour buses, motorcycle tours and independent travellers visiting on their way to Cooktown,” Mr Paradise 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.”
The Douglas Shire Council outlined specific conditions that apply to travelling on the road, including some sections still being single lane and advising there could be delays of 20–30 minuts at these sections
Before driving on the Bloomfield Track, travellers should familiarise themselves with the road conditions here.
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