Visit Jowalbinna on Google Earth at coordinates 15°46'25.5"S, 144°14'45.2E

Jowalbinna is located 350 kilometres or 5 hours drive north of Cairns and 36 kilometres from Laura in south-east Cape York. It's a great stop on the way to Lakefield National Park or Cape York, and is easily accessible from Cooktown. The inland road from Cairns to Laura includes only 40km of unsealed road, and the road from Laura to Jowalbinna is 36km unsealed.

Driving to Jowalbinna

The drive to Jowalbinna from Cairns takes a pleasant 5 hours through changing landscapes. We recommend a 2 night stay.

• From Cairns drive north along the Cook Highway past the Port Douglas turnoff. Turn left (south of Mossman) towards Mount Molloy.
• Drive through the picturesque rainforest and stop at a lookout on the Rex Range.
• Continue past Julatten until you meet the Kennedy Highway at a "T" intersection. Turn right towards Cooktown and continue to Lakeland. Enroute Mount Carbine Roadhouse and Hotel, the Palmer River Roadhouse, Lakeland Roadhouse and the Lakeland Cafe all welcome travellers, and it's wise to stop along this section for a break.
• At Lakeland turn left towards Weipa. Between Lakeland and Laura there are 40 kilometres of dirt road - please drive carefully.
• Laura has a roadhouse, general store and pub as well as the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre. This modern display of the region's history and people is a recommended stop.
• Head north from Laura, over the Laura River and turn left at the "Jowalbinna" signposted turnoff, approximately 300 metres past the Lakefield National Park turnoff.
• Follow the Jowalbinna signs through 36km of Olive Vale cattle station (4WD only, approximately 50 minutes). Once on Jowalbinna Station please follow the signs to the Safari Camp reception.

The alternative route is via the coast along the 4WD Bloomfield Track between Cape Tribulation and Rossville. Highlights include the World Heritage Rainforest, Lion's Den Hotel and Black Mountain National Park. Consider a stop in Cooktown to discover more of the region's rich history and diverse landscapes.

Important: Please book ahead for accommodation and tours.

By Air

Jowalbinna has a 1000m grass airstrip. Please contact us for details on landing and charter flights.

On a Tour