This 4WD, six hour journey heads north through Lakefield (Rinyirru) National Park and Laura.
From Cooktown, a 30-minute drive will take you to Endeavour Falls Caravan Park which features a short scenic walk behind the park to the Endeavour Falls. Swimming is not recommended here due to crocodiles.
The loop drive continues to the turn-off to Isabella Falls and Battle Camp Road. This is a great place to go for a picnic and a swim in the freshwater falls (no crocodiles!) while enjoying the sounds of nature.
Continuing on along Battle Camp Road, you will meander through the unsealed and sealed roads of Lakefield National Park, Normanby Station, Normanby River crossing and Battle Camp Station, with great mountain views before arriving at the Old Laura Homestead, built in 1879. Past Laura the road diverges – turn right for Lakefield National Park (Rinyirru) with popular camping and fishing locations or turn left to take the road that links back to the township of Laura.
Driving into Laura township, keep an eye out for the local galahs at the Laura store. Laura is also home to some of Australia’s unique aboriginal rock art including the popular Split Rock, just off the highway south of Laura. A 1.5 hour self-guided return walk from the carpark will lead you to the national heritage listed Quinkan rock art.
Your last stop is the Gateway to Cape York Sculpture Park at Lakeland (45mins from Laura and Cooktown), full of incredible art installations representing all of the communities in Cape York Peninsula.
This loop drive is only available during the ‘dry season’, normally May – November, due to high volumes of water that may close the road during the wet season. Please check the road conditions prior to travel.