Bloomfield Track opens in time for school holidays

The iconic Bloomfield Track in Tropical North Queensland is set to reopen on June 22, just in time for the school holidays!

The Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road (aka the Bloomfield Track or the Coast Road) has been closed since mid-December after Tropical Cyclone Jasper blew through, causing extensive damage and even wiping the track out completely in some places.

Crews have been on site since early January 2024 to restore the track to its previous condition as a 4WD track. With crews working from both ends, the iconic Bloomfield Track is set to reopen on June 22, just in time for the school holidays.

Bloomfield Track views — *The Bloomfield Track © TTNQ*

About the Bloomfield Track

The Bloomfield Track is one of Australia’s most scenic and iconic 4WD tracks. You could take the sealed inland route to Cooktown via the Mulligan Highway, but why would you want to do that? Instead, this route travels through the heart of the Wet Tropics and features world-heritage listed rainforest, waterfalls, creek crossing, rainforest-clad ranges and stunning views. The track is only partially sealed with steep ranges and natural creek crossings. As a result, it can become impassable after heavy rain.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said, “There are plenty of places to stay along the 100-kilometre drive to Cooktown, including the beachfront Cape Trib Camping, which has just completed new dining facilities, or there is a choice of bush camping and lodges at Rossville Retreat near Kalkajaka (Black Mountain).”

Bloomfield Track - Lions Den Hotel — *The Lions Den Hotel © TTNQ*

Tourism businesses have been hurting since the closure

“Long-standing tourism operations such as The Lions Den Hotel are looking forward to a busy winter season, and I’m sure many previous visitors will want to return to hear about the biggest flood in living memory and see the line above the Lions Den bar where the water went to,” Olsen said.

The Lions Den Hotel Manager, Darryl Paradise, welcomes the opening of the road to bring back the many customers who stop in for a cold beer, meal, or to stay in the historic hotel.

“One-third of our business comes from the Bloomfield Track, which has four-wheel-drive tour buses, motorcycle tours, and independent travellers visiting on their way to Cooktown,” he said.

“During the season we do up to 300 meals a day but we’re down to just 100 while the track was closed. Our pizzas are known far and wise, and we will be able to start up our special $20 road and schooner Sundays with the Bloomfield Track open.”