Getting to Cooktown from Lizard Island?
 

We are booked on the Spirit of Freedom for next October which stops at Lizard Island then flies back to Cairns. We were thinking we'd like to hop over to Cooktown for a look around and a trip to the Aboriginal art sites up there (maybe staying at Mungumby Lodge). But so far can't find transportation from Lizard to Cooktown. We could fly to Cairns and then fly back to Cooktown, but that seems expensive and time consuming, but the only idea we have gotten is from Lizard Island who said we could go on the charter plane for $1536 AUD per person one way. HAHAHAHAHHHA some people may be able to afford that, but we aren't among them! BTW, if you answer, Pat W., what is the website for your B&B? I have searched and searched and can't find it!
Sally in Seattle

Sally,
Pat's B&B site is at www.lilybank.com.au Pat and Mike are lovely people. I would like to see the Spirit of Freedom 'fly'. Have you contacted them or the person you booked through. It might be possible for the plane to be diverted for much less than the cost of the charter?

HaHa, TreeRoo, the boat doesn't actually fly, although that would be very cool. Just bad grammar! I didn't think to ask them to divert their flight. Pretty bold, don't you think! It might be an option, though. I mean, Cooktown is right there, just a bit of ocean between us and our goal. Thanks for the website for Pat's B&B. I'm making reservations soon, I hope.

Sally in Seattle

Yes, there is a boat that does transfers for campers to Lizard Island from Cooktown. Try Paradise Adventures or Cooktown Fishing Charters as I cannot recall which one. I think it was Paradise.

Cooktown is still small so I think one boat will also do reef trips, fishing trips, sailing trips, and ferry service to Lizard!

I think its Paradise Blue, too, tassietwister - last time I was in Cooktown it was out on a charter and didn't see it at all. There's also a seaplane for scenic flights including Lizard Island.

Sally, try www.cooktown.com.au - its in a funny little corrugated iron building in the main street of Cooktown but it has an email address on website. Should do a lot better than that ridiculous price given to you - was that from the resort? Lizard Island is a national park, available to all, with a basic camping site.

Looking forward to meeting you in person!

Sorry Sally, that's www.cooktownbookings.com.au

Thanks for the link (and the correction, Pat. I went to the other site and was disappointed. I emailed the new one and we'll see what happens. I also emailed Paradise Blue but have not received an answer. They must be taking a break or out fishing!
Cheers and happy new year!
Sally in Seattle

How come Sally gets to go to sunny OZ and I'm stuck in the monsoonal NW eh

AndrewDavid

Andrew/David, we are stuck up to our eyeballs in rain, also, not going to Oz until October (when you will probably be in rain AGAIN and we will be off to the sun!) We were even without power for 5 long days in the cold, but managed to have a nice Christmas anyway. We will have developed gills by the time October rolls around so won't need a boat to get from Lizard to Cooktown, maybe! I hear Victoria got a lot of bad weather, too, not just Bellevue.
Sally in Seattle (actually Bellevue)