Cobbold Gorge Tours
Formed through sedimentation 135 million years ago nature has to offer a truly unique landscape. 80 square kilometres of Hampstead Sandstone was subjected to large scale faulting and continued weathering by the elements.
Torrential wet seasons spilled torrents of water through the narrow joints, carving out deep gorges leaving permanent water holes overlooked
by spectacular cliffs. A perfect blend of vegetation now grows amongst the oasis, forming a habitat for abundant bird and wild life.
Cobbold Gorge
An incredible silence seems to settle as the flat bottomed battery powered punt glides along Cobbold Gorge. Majestic sandstone cliffs tower on either side and the world becomes a fascinating shadowed place as you enter the deep recesses.
This magical experience is part of the Cobbold Gorge Tour which share a unique part of the Gulf Savannah with visitor to the area.
Cobbold Gorge is unique. It is very narrow (2 m wide in places) with 20 metre high cliffs. The flat bottom boats have barely enough room to
manouvre through the 500m watercourse. The overall length of the gorge is approximately six kilometres. It has a series of rockfalls and
vegetation.
Cobbold Gorge is fed by several springs which keep the gorge at a constant level all year. This allow boat trips to be performed and
is a popular place to cool off. The gorge is stocked with a variety of native fish and Johnstone River Crocodiles.
Tours And Activities (April 1 to October 31)
Two types of tours are available these being:
Gorge Tour
This includes a visit to the grave of pioneer John Corbett, an overview of the geological history that has created the rugged sandstone formations. A walk to the top of the escarpment for freshwater crocodile viewing, along with a Boat Cruise through the most unique waterway to experience the eerie silence and spectacular beauty of Cobbold Gorge. Hats, covered walking shoes and a small bottle of water are required. (3 hours duration).
Departs at 10:00am from April 1 till October 31, and at 10:00am and 1:30pm over Easter and then June-August.
Robin Hood Cattle Station And Fishing Experience
Gain an insight into the cattle grazing industry as you see first hand some of the implications of management today and into the future on the 1237 square kilometre property.
Your guide will bring to life some of theses challenges and you will also have time to relax over smoko and test your fishing skills against the mighty Barramundi fighting fish at one of the large water storages.
4 hours duration. Minimum numbers apply. Some tackle provided - feel free to bring your own. Departs 8:00am and 1:30pm daily.
Helicopter Flights
A helicopter is available at various times over the season to do scenic flights over the Sandstone Escarpment. This gives a fantastic view of the large expanse of sandstone along with the river systems. A fantastic and unforgettable experience.
Self Drive
Self drive tracks - Agate Creek Gemfields, Gilberton Loop and The Quartz Blow.
Other Activities
Agate Fossicking at Agate Creek, Aqua Golf and Canoeing in the dam at the camping area, swimming pool, volleyball and astronomy.
Facilities
ACCOMODATION
Cobbold Village offers an open bush setting giving a feel of warm hospitality while staying in this idyllic location. A range of accommodation is on offer from comfortable air-conditioned rooms to bush camping.
Airconditioned Ensuite Rooms
Cobbold Village provides well appointed comfortable air-conditioned rooms with ensuites. All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities and include a refrigerator and television, with microwave ovens being available in some units. Four of our rooms have a great outlook over the large water storage dam within the village compound.
Camping and Caravans
Cobbold Village offers a level soft camp ground with lots of trees. Our excellent amenities provide clean toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, fresh water on tap and individual fireplaces and BBQ’s (firewood available). Caravans are welcome with powered sites available within the camp grounds. Join the ranks of those who come for a day and stay for a week.
Your hosts, Simon and Gaye Terry invite all guests to take advantage of the amenities and facilties of Cobbold Village:
- Swimming Pool: Relax and enjoy a refreshing swim in our pool, located just off MacDonalds deck for your enjoyment.
- Corbett’s Store: Corbett's Store stocks a large range of quality souvenirs, film, disposable cameras, ice and a good variety of grocery items. Fossicker's permits are available for those wanting to try their luck at fossicking at Agate Creek Gem-fields.
- MacDonalds Deck: MacDonalds Deck offers a fully licenced bar and restaurant providing quality home cooked meals. Light snacks/refreshments are available from our coffee bar.
- Visitor Information: Information regarding activities in the local area and forward bookings at attractions within Gulf Savannah region is available at reception. A public phone/internet connection is available for your convenience.
ARRIVAL OPTIONS
Overnight Self-Drive to Cobbold Gorge Camping Village for a tour of Magnificant Cobbold Gorge with an option of an overnight stay either in our caravan and camping area or take advantage of our comfortable air-conditioned ensuite accommodation.
Bus Transfers
- Thursday: From April to October departing Georgetown Roadhouse at 11.00am for Cobbold Gorge via Forsayth (for lunch) to join the 1.30pm 3 hour Gorge Tour. Returns to Forsayth at 5.15pm and Georgetown at 6:00pm. Ex-Georgetown $124 per person and ex-Forsayth $94 per person.
- Tuesday: From June to August departing Terrestrial Centre in Georgetown at 8:00am via Forsayth at 8.45am for Cobbold Gorge to join 10:00am 3 hour Gorge Tour. Lunch and return to Forsayth by 3.15pm and Georgetown by 4:00pm. Ex-Georgetown $124 per person and ex-Forsayth $94 per person.
Bookings Essential - phone 1800 669922
Extended Tour Options
The following tour companies offer tour itineraries ex-Cairns that include Cobbold Gorge.
- OZ Tours Safaris: 7 or 9 Day Gulf Savannah fully accommodated tours, Including Cobbold Gorge. Prices from $2495 twin share. For more information visit www.oztours.com.au or phone 1800 079 006.
- Wilderness Challenge: A comprehensive 9 Day Safari visiting Chillagoe, Tyconnell Gold Mine, the remote Burke Development Road, Undara, Georgetown, Cobbold Gorge, Croydon, Normanton, Karumba, Burketown, Burke & Wills Camp #119, Lawn Hill Gorge, Riversleigh and the Gulflander and Savannahlander Trains. All meals & accommodation are included. Prices from $2995 twin share. For more information visit www.wilderness-challenge.com.au or phone 1800 354 486.
- Savannahlander Train: Departs Cairns Wednesday and returns Saturday. Transfer from Forsayth on Thursday afternoon for an overnight stay at Cobbold Gorge Village and do a Boat Cruise of the Gorge on Friday morning. Prices from $440. Phone 1800 793 848.
- Direct Flights Ex Cairns Or Townsville: Charter flights to Cobbold Gorge are available departing Cairns or Townsville. For more information contact:
- Daintree Air Services (Cairns) - www.daintreeair.com.au or 07 4034 9300
- Bluewater Aviation (Townsville) - 07 4725 1888
Location And Access
Cobbold Gorge is situated on Robin Hood cattle station 400 kms west of Cairns and Townsville, and 45 kms south of Forsayth on a well maintained gravel road, suitable to conventional vehicles in the winter months. The nearest fuel stop is Forsayth.
An all weather airstrip is located at the Homestead, 15 kilometres from the camping village. Co-ordinates for the 1000m airstrip are 143°28’E - 18°43’S. Please phone to arrange landing clearance and transfers.
For Further Information:
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