Travelling to Wujal Wujal
The Wujal Wujal community is in the Cape York region on the banks of the Bloomfield River surrounded by high mountains, waterfalls, river tributaries and creeks. The area’s boundaries are the Cook Shire to the north and Douglas Shire to the south. We are located about 4 hours north of Cairns or 1 hour south of Cooktown by road.
Checking road conditions prior to departure is essential.
For all roads managed by Cook Shire Council visit http://www.cook.qld.gov.au/services/roads/current-road-status
For roads managed by Douglas Shire Council, including The Bloomfield Track visit https://douglas.qld.gov.au/road-conditions
You can also check conditions by contacting RACQ by calling 1300 130 595 or visiting www.racq.com.au
Travel Options
Drive in
You can drive in your own 4-wheel drive, or the closest vehicle hire is from Cairns or Cooktown.
There are two ways to drive in to Wujal Wujal.
Coastal road:
From Cairns, take the scenic coastal road, a fully sealed route along the Captain Cook Highway with views of the ocean, stop along the way at Mossman and visit the Mossman Gorge. At Cape Tribulation you will reach the famous Bloomfield Track, an unsealed road that runs up to Cooktown. It is rated one of Australia’s most scenic drives. Please be aware that caravans are not permitted on the Bloomfield Track.
Other tracks include:
- The Creb Track is an old service access road linking the north of Daintree Village to Wujal Wujal. It is very steep and rough and only suitable for experienced drivers in 4-wheel drive vehicles. As part of the Burungu Aboriginal community, it is mainly for local residents, but can be accessed as part of an arranged tour with our local guides.
- The Rossville Bloomfield Road is a sealed road that runs from Wujal Wujal to Ayton.
- The Cape Tribulation Road (The Bloomfield Track) is partly sealed and runs from Wujal Wujal to Cape Tribulation and is suitable for 4x4 vehicles only. It is not suitable for towing a caravan.
Be aware that roads may be closed in the wet season due to flooding. And please note that, due to our National Parks and World Heritage status, it is an offence to drive on closed roads.
Inland route:
See the Australian Outback and stunning rainforest vistas from smaller sealed roads and dirt tracks. From Cairns, travel via the market village of Kuranda to Mareeba – a town renowned for coffee, chocolates and wineries. Leaving Mareeba the coastal hills give way to rolling plains and open savannah. Keep an eye out for wildlife and livestock along the roadsides as some sections are unfenced. Bobs Lookout at the top of the Desailey Range is awe inspiring, giving a glimpse of the vastness of the outback and definitely worth a stop. You’ll pass through Lakeland and eventually reach the Bloomfield Track signposted Helenvale and Shiptons Flat Rd. Shortly after passing through Ayton you’ll reach Wujal Wujal.
Drivers, please note:
- Both roads may be closed in the wet season due to flooding.
- The coastal route is not recommended for caravans.
- Due to our National Parks and World Heritage status, it is an offence to drive on closed roads.
Tour operators:
There are many tour operators that bring guests to Wujal Wujal. There is also a 4-wheel drive coach service that runs between Cairns and Cooktown including the Bloomfield Track. Visit the Trans North Bus and Coach company for more information: www.transnorthbus.com
Flying
In the wet season (November to March), flying is sometimes the only way in and out of Wujal Wujal. You can fly in to Cairns and then drive to Wujal Wujal. There is also a private airstrip only 20km from the shire, serviced by Hinterland Aviation.
Where to find maps
The road maps for Wujal Wujal Shire Council can be downloaded at the Department of Environment and Resource website
Service Station
The Wujal Wujal Service Station is temporarily closed as it is repaired after being flooded in Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
We will update you when it is open for business.
Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)