Home Rule Track and Gap Creek Track
Cooktown, Cook Area

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info@derm.qld.gov.au
www.derm.qld.gov.au

Description

Dense tropical rainforest grows in Cedar Bay National Park, a remote coastal park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Sandy beaches and fringing reefs are backed by rainforest. There are two walking tracks in Cedar Bay National Park, the Home Rule track and the Gap Creek track.

The Home Rule track traverses attractive rainforest, ascending and descending steeply before arriving at the northern end of Cedar Bay. The early part of the walk follows an old road and involves several creek crossings. The road narrows to a track before Slaty Creek, then ascends to Black Snake Rocks. The track enters the national park on a ridge that affords a glimpse of the sea and descends steeply along an old tin mining track that leads to the beach. A walk south along the beach will take you to the camping area.

The Gap Creek track begins on the eastern side of the Cooktown-Bloomfield Road and heads straight into the national park. Initially the track runs parallel to the road before descending to cross Gap Creek. From Gap Creek the track climbs and descends a number of spurs and crosses several gullies before reaching ""Centre Garden"", just west of the camping area.

About the Walk

28 kilometres
2 days
Multi-Day Walk, Multi-Day Walk, Multi-Day Walk, Multi-Day Walk
Hard
Return
The walk begins at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge, private property 3 kilometres off the Cooktown-Bloomfield Road from Rossville. Overnight camping is allowed by prior arrangement at the lodge.

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.

Property Details

Facilities

• Car park
• Shaded Area
• Walking Tracks

Activities

• Animal Watching
• Birdwatching
• Walking

Other Information

Further Details:
Visiting in the cooler winter months from April to September is recommended. Visitors hiking into the park should set out early in the morning in order to complete the tracks before dark. Highlights of the Home Rule Track and Gap Creek Track include: dense tropical rainforest, sandy beaches and fringing reefs, variety of widelife, remote hiking and camping.
Bush camping is available in coastal vegetation adjacent to the beach. No facilities are provided and campers must be self-sufficient. Camping permits are required and fees apply. Permits are limited and it is recommended that you book at least two weeks in advance.

The Home Rule Track is 17 kilometres long and takes between six and eight hours to complete. The Gap is six kilometres long and takes between four and six hours to complete. Both tracks are classified as difficult. Both tracks are difficult and only fit, experienced walkers should walk the tracks. Walking the Gap Creek track should not be attempted when heavy rain has fallen or is forecast. It crosses several creeks and steep sections can become slippery in wet weather. Both tracks can be undertaken as return trips or can be walked as a circuit starting at the beginning of either track. Just remember, if walking the circuit you will need to arrange for transport from your finishing point.

How To Get There:
Cedar Bay is 40 kilometres south of Cooktown or 10 kilometres north of Ayton. Access is by boat or on foot via two walking tracks. Boat access is best at the far northern and southern ends of the bay. Another three kilometres to the homestead and access to Cedar Bay North.

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