Cooktown Farmstays

They can come and go as the owners decide to open or close them for visitors, but what is on this page right now is four places, all north of Cooktown, starting with the closest ones as you drive along the Endeavour Valley Road.


The first two, however, are not along the highway, there is a further road in, and in the case of Alkoomie Station it is a serious four wheel drive track.

Alkoomie Station
The closest turnoff to the town, but the rest of the trip is the longest of all Cooktown farmstays. In the end there is a steep climb up the mountain range, and it will cost you $50 just to drive in - which they don't encourage. UPDATE late 2014 I hear the station has been sold, hope for better times!! :-)

Endeavour River Escape
Endeavour River Escape also has a drive, but it's just a normal road and not a hard four wheel drive track. It is a welcoming and friendly place, with many different camping sites, campfire sites, a camp kitchen, BBQ and amenities, as well as friendly farm animals that you can pat.

Hilltop Farmstay
Hilltop Farmstay is a little further along the main road, but is almost next to the highway so no more tracks to drive. It is one of the friendliest Cooktown farmstays and an organic farm, with home grown fruit and vegies and farm animals. There is a cabin, a safari tent and a camping /caravan site, and group camping can be arranged.

Hazelmere Farmstay
Hazelmere Farmstay is further out, near the Endeavour Falls Caravan Park. There is homestead accommodation with breaky included, a lake for fishing, bush walking tracks to Endeavour River, farm animals, bird watching, and tropical fruit fresh from the trees.

Hilltop Farmstay Cooktown

Hilltop Farmstay is north of Cooktown. And it's not your average camping ground.


On top of the accommodation they run tours, and not only that - even courses, workshops and learning adventures.



They are a super eco-friendly organic fruit and vegetable farm about 15 minute drive north of Cooktown.



They have accommodation in a self-contained cabin and safari tent, both twin-share; and also one powered camping / caravan site (takes 2WD caravans, 4WD caravans, camper trailers and tents).



They also have group camping by arrangement.



The guests have exclusive use of all the facilities, including swims in a croc free dam, a library with guide books and maps to discover the local area, separate shower and toilet (eco friendly but odourless), washing machine and drier (solar powered), verandahs great for dining, cooking facilities, BBQ and fireplace (wood supplied).



And they do breakfast packs, and guests can purchase fruit and veggie boxes.



You can meet their farm animals, there are kids' farm activities, there are farm tours in case you are curious about solar hot water, how they grow their super organic fruit and vegies, how they generate their own electricity, or how they operate a closed loop system for all their organic waste.



They can tailor their tour if you have any particular interests, and can for example include working with and harnessing their heavy horse Marcus.



They welcome students and groups, and they even run courses and workshops. These include innovative farming practices, tropical cooking, permaculture design and weekend exploring retreats.

Plan Your Trip... the FREE Cape York Travel Pocket Guide

Get this 50 pages guide totally for FREE. It contains information that helps you getting started with planning of your trip. You get to make early-stages desicions such as when to go, how long time you should take, how to get there and get around, where to stay (general info), what will it cost.. and a short insight to what is there to see and do in Cape York.

Plan and Bring to the Trip... the full Destination Cape York Travel Guide

This complete 300 pages travel guide is all you need before and during your trip. Besides the background chapters on the peninsula's history and wildlife; and the comprehensive detail about all the places (down to prices, opening hours and full contact detail), it has invaluable information on at least 10 four wheel drive tracks, at least 30 guaranteed FREE camping spots on the Cape (and at least 150 on your way to the Cape), at least 40 best swimming holes, all mapped; as well as practical things - from fuel, roads, wireless internet and mobile phone reception, how to deal with the national parks booking rules; and Aboriginal land entrance and camping permits and alcohol restrictions - to vehicle preparation and accessories and necessary recovery gear by my vehicle-recovery-guy partner). Not to mention locals' tips on how to spot that croc and palm cockatoo ;-)

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