Is the 4WD Bloomfield Track difficult to drive?

The Bloomfield Track is a four-wheel drive adventure that takes drivers through the picturesque rainforest of Far North Queensland. Your road tripping experience starts at Cape Tribulation, along the coast to Bloomfield, and an added benefit of continuing to Cooktown. But, is the Bloomfield Track Difficult to drive?

The track is full of steep climbs and descents and many creek crossings. With that in mind, it’s essential to be prepared for the challenging terrain before embarking on this journey and to remember that safety should always be your top priority.

Therefore, let me share my personal experience, and tell you everything you need to know when completing the track. While also providing answers to all the questions you might have in preparing for the journey. 

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Is the Bloomfield Track difficult to drive?

Key Takeaways:
How difficult the Bloomfield track is to drive will totally depend on the track/weather conditions at the time. But, it’s was really easy for us at the time! However, at certain times of the year, the path will be more accessible than other times. Rain will affect the track drastically and should be avoided during the summer rainy season.

Be aware that in wet weather, these parts can be really slippery. Therefore, if you’re unfamiliar with driving in 4WD conditions, it is better to hire a guide who knows the area well before attempting this track.

➡  Click to check out a 3 day 4×4 guided Tour featuring the Bloomfield Track and more.

In dry weather, driving here isn’t hugely eventful, but after rain, beware of possible bogs on the flats as you get closer to shore. Also, slow down when driving because cassowaries live around here, and your stopping distance will be shorter on muddy roads.

Where does it Start and End & Map

Officially, the Bloomfield track is about 30 kilometres long and runs from Cape Tribulation to the aboriginal community of Bloomfield (Wujal Wujal). However, most people will factor in the entire road trip of 100 kilometres from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown.

The track starts on the northern outskirts of Cape Tribulation, just past the Cape Trib Beach House. It meanders its way north through the Daintree Rainforest, with creek crossings, waterfalls, and the Bloomfield River. 

(Please click here for the Map Directory Link , including the stops mentioned today. Open or apply directions from your location)

How long does it take to drive?

Remember that 4WD tracks are slower to drive and require more time to complete. After visiting the highlighted sites along the track, my journey was about 4 hours from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown.

Do you need a 4WD?

Although some paving and driving conditions are suitable for a standard 2 wheel drive vehicle, local authorities typically recommend using a four-wheel drive. 

Therefore, I only suggest using a 2-wheel drive vehicle for more experienced or regular drivers and/or who are familiar or up to date with the current track conditions.

Know that if you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, then travelling from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown will require you to double back to (almost) Port Douglas. This includes using the Daintree River Ferry crossing, Mossman Mount Malloy Road and drive inland to the Mulligan highway and north into Cooktown. This is over 300 kilometres and will take 4.5 to 5 hours to complete. 

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Is it a 2-way track?

Yes, the it’s is a 2-way track from South the North and North to south. This means, with single-lane roads, obstructions, creek crossings, and boggy roads, you need a little consideration and patience to let others pass first. 

How to find out if the track is Open?

As conditions change quickly, it is best to check if the track is open within the week leading up to it or in the last couple of days. This can be done by checking the Douglas Shire Council Website. Additionally, find out about delays, road grading, or planned closures for repairs. 

If the track is closed on your visit, please take note and adhere to the signs in place. If you drive on the track while closed, a fine will apply, and you could be up for the cost of damages caused. 

Should you engage 4WD on your car?

Current track conditions will determine if you need to engage the 4WD on your car. Our journey was relatively easy, and we didn’t change out of the 4×4 high gear for the entire trip. However, you might need to consider your environment, the steep sections, and the weather to know what gear you need to be in.

Plan ahead by selecting the proper gear and engaging 4WD if necessary. If you need help with how to engage 4WD, make sure to learn before embarking on these treacherous slopes!

In many cases, driving down a steep hill is more dangerous than going up. Be sure to shift into low gear before beginning the descent and use your engine to help control your speed. Do not rely solely on your brakes since this can worsen if you start to slide. 

Can you toe a Trailer / Caravan?

The track is generally unsuitable for trailers. Even though our drive was relatively smooth and easy, I don’t recommend towing a trailer unless it’s lightweight. Also, you want to avoid getting into trouble on an incline and not make it up the hill. 

Note: I did see a few cars toeing trailers on my trip, but this would depend on your 4WD experience, confidence, and gear.

I definitely, don’t recommend doing this while towing a caravan. Still, again, I have heard of some people doing so when the conditions are good. 

Keep in mind the other traffic on the road and how much room you’ll be taking up with a caravan. Also, single lanes will be harder to pass oncoming traffic, and creek crossings will be slower. Therefore, please consider the other drivers! 

What makes this a 4WD track?

Just like any other 4WD track, certain elements need high clearance and all four wheels working together to pass a specific section. This track is no different, and there are a few fundamentals that make it a 4WD track. 

This includes:

• Steep inclines and declines on the Donavan (20%) and Cowie Range (33%) through the Mountains.
• Roads are paved with gravel, rocks, clay, and cement, making them slippery and boggy.
• Creek Crossings and floodways increase in height after rain and contain smooth eroded rocks for an uneven surface.

➡ Please click this link to watch my You Tube HERE on Driving the Track

Is a permit needed?

No, you do not need a permit to drive along the Bloomfield track. However, you need to check if it’s open and the current conditions the roads are in before going.

Can you camp?

There is no actual camping or specific campgrounds along the Bloomfield track. Still, you can find some camping sites nearby at Rossville, Archer Point, and Cooktown. 

Things to see along the Track?

Cape Tribulation

After Travelling up from the Daintree National Park, we only got to overnight in Cape Tribulation. However, it could be worth hanging around for a few nights. This rugged and beautiful corner of the world is home to some of the most amazing scenery on the planet.

We only had time for the main lookout Point along the Kulki Boardwalk and then got the drone up for photo’s along the beach. There is a lot of rainforest accommodation but be prepared for a high cost per night to stay. However, I recommend those along the coast for a short walk to the beach.  

Emmagen Creek

Emmagen Creek is roughly five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park. Here is where you’ll prepare for your first creek crossing, but only after stopping for a quick swim or checking out the cascading water. 

Emmagen Creek is lined with water-eroded rocks and filled with beautiful, refreshing water. Swimming in Emmagen Creek is an unforgettable experience, but know that the water is freezing, and you’ll have to brace yourself to enter. More importantly, please keep an eye out for crocodiles which are known to congregate downstream of the creek crossing.

Under typical conditions, the Creek and River Crossings are reasonably straightforward. However, during wet weather, Emmagen Creek might be harder to cross with strong currents washing a car away, even if it’s capable of deeper water! 

That’s why it’s always best to first walk into the water crossings to determine depth and speed before driving through. Then, in the end, if you’re unsure, always double back to Cape Tribulation and wait some time for the water level to go down enough for you to drive through.

Woobadda/Wukuju Creek & Bridge

The Woobadda Creek was once the deepest creek crossing on the track and often stopped drivers from going further. During periods of extremely high rainfall, many vehicles were lost after being swept away by this Creek.

However, since around 2014, it’s now bridged with a new name Wukuju Creek. The management agencies agreed that upgrading the crossing was necessary for safety reasons. But they also wanted local residents to be able to easily connect with those in Mossman Township both socially and economically.

The Woobadda Creek Bridge design makes for a safer crossing and a lovely photo opportunity. Along with reducing the habitat disruptions for one of the Wet Tropics of Queensland endangered frog species, the mist frog.

Additionally, being another great swimming hole, so if you want to stop off for a while and enjoy lunch or a morning/afternoon tea snack. 

Cowie Beach

Traveling a further 6km north of Emmagen Creek, you’ll arrive at Cowie Beach. Unfortunately for us, the weather started getting a little overcast at this time, and it could have looked nicer. However, we decided to explore around the mangroves and small pools at low tide. 

Keep in mind that even if the ocean waters may look enticing for swimming, the Daintree National Park is rampant with crocodiles. Also, remember the stingers around the summer from November to May/June. Therefore, this is not a great spot for swimming! Nevertheless, the beach is worth exploring, 

Donovan and Cowie Mountain Range

The track winds through the Donovan and Cowie Ranges and offers stunning views of the rainforest-clad ranges. It was designed with few switchbacks and bends on the climbs to reduce the impact on the environment, resulting in patches of steep gradients over the ranges.

Be prepared for the steeper climbs and descents on the Track at Donovan’s Range, about 20%, and Cowie Range, which is up to 33%.

The steepest parts have been covered with concrete slabs to give better traction. However, they will still be slippery if water runs over them. Some uphill’s don’t have any gravel or concrete, so it can be really tough going on this muddy, clay surface. After all, you are driving through the rainforest!

Bloomfield River Lookout

The Bloomfield River Lookout point is just a short stop pulling off to the side of the cemented road. The view is positioned on the bend of the Bloomfield River and is a great spot to see saltwater crocodiles basking in the sun. Along with the rich rainforest surroundings and other wildlife in the distance. 

Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls

After another 33 kilometres, you will cross over the Bloomfield River and pass the small community of Wujal Wujal or Bloomfield. Be aware that alcohol limits are in place for the Wujal Wujal community. So if you intend to stop in town, please be mindful of these restrictions. 

With a short 5-minute via off the main road, you come to the carpark of Wujal Wujal Falls (Bloomfield Falls). You encounter two different paths but know either one is fine and will get you to the falls. However, we started with the uphill trek and returned on the other one. 

It’s a rocky pathway and uneven ground, so take care. But you can hear the falls from the start of the track, and it takes only a couple of minutes to see them. You can choose to admire from a distance, or depending on the water level, and climbing over rocks, you can get up closer.

The Falls is culturally vital to the local aboriginal people, who have been custodians of this area for some time. They use the plants around the falls for food, medicine, and traditional ceremonial purposes. The name Wujal Wujal comes from ‘many falls,’ which speaks to the number of sacred waterfalls in the area. 

This is where the Bloomfield Track officially ends, but we continued exploring other sites before Cooktown.

Lion’s Den Hotel

The roads north of Bloomfield were intermittently sealed and definitely more manageable than the rest of the journey. Officially, the Lion’s Den hotel isn’t on the Bloomfield Track. Still, you’ll find everyone who passes by will stop for photos, a meal, or camping.

The hotel was established in 1875, made of timber and iron, and surrounded by a tropical rainforest landscape. You have some basic camping facilities out the side (and I believe some cabins), but most people stop in for a drink or lunch stop. We opted for one of their signature lunchtime pizzas, and the chicken and bacon version was very yummy!

Apart from that, you can explore the building with years and years’ worth of visitors placing their mark on the walls, doors, and bar. This is either using a black marker for their name, stickers, business cards, or even clothing. They even sell Lion’s Den Hotel merchandise out the back in the souvenir store. 

Black Mountain National Park

From the Lion’s Den, you’ll drive a few more minutes up the road and come to the T junction for the Mulligan highway. This is the main highway to get into Cooktown and is suitable for any standard vehicle. 

Our last stop before Cooktown is the Black Mountain National Park. Essentially a huge mountain made up of smaller black granite rocks, all piled up and balancing on each other. I haven’t seen anything like it, or nothing that huge before – so it was very interesting. 

But don’t get too close! Be warned that it’s common for snakes in all the cracks and crevices between the rocks. 

The black rocks return a fair degree of heat reflecting off the sun, and people have gone missing from this area in the past. Ultimately, we stopped for 10 minutes to grab a quick photo and continued onto Cooktown. 

Cooktown

Cooktown is a beautiful seaside town in Far North Queensland, and the end of our journey today. It’s located on the Endeavour River and has lots of things to do to keep you entertained. This includes beaches, lookout points, swimming holes & waterfalls, and learning about Captain James Cook. 

You could easily spend a week in Cooktown, but I think 3 days is a minimum. Most travellers will use Cooktown to gather supplies on their way to and from Cape York. The Cape York area is a bucket list destination in Australia and requires another week or two to complete. 

Wrap-up – Is the Bloomfield Track difficult to drive?

So, after all that information, do you think the Bloomfield Track is Difficult to Drive? I think if you’re looking for an unforgettable Australian adventure, then this should be added to your list.

Thanks for reading this blog post today, and I hope you found the information you were looking for. Remember to check out my other Queensland blog posts to help you plan your onward journey.