Cedar Bay Track
Cooktown

Dense tropical rainforest grows in Cedar Bay National Park, a remote coastal park south of Cooktown in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Sandy beaches and fringing reefs are backed by rainforest. Tulip oaks, Daintree pendas, tall rainforest cycads, fan palms and milky pines grow in the rainforest. Much has never been logged or disturbed. Windswept vegetation covers exposed hillsides.

Cedar Bay is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife including the vulnerable Southern Cassowary and rare Bennett's Tree-Kangaroo. The adjacent waters are protected in marine parks. This is the traditional land of the Kuku Yalanji people whose country extends along the coast to Mossman. The return trail to Cedar Bay leads through rough undulating country.

Along the way see large rainforest trees, tree ferns, and granite boulders. The trail emerges at the northern end of Cedar Bay beach - a remote, palm fringed tropical paradise stretching three kilometres.

Walk Highlights

• Dense tropical rainforest
• Sandy beaches and fringing reefs
• Variety of wildlife

Walk Hints

Only fit walkers should attempt this steep track.

Wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Take drinking water and a first aid kit. Water is not available along the route.

Avoid disturbing snakes (some are venomous).

You can bushcamp in the park. No facilities are provided.

Best Time To Go

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit, for both safety and ease of access. It is essential to start the walk in the morning - the earlier the better - to arrive at the bay before nightfall.