Laura
Town
Population 225
Laura is a tiny town in Far North Queensland that boasts only a few buildings, including the quaint old Quinkan Pub nestled in the shade of mango trees. The area to the south-east of town is known as Quinkan country after the Aboriginal spirits depicted at the incredible Split Rock and Gu Gu Yalangi rock-art sites. Every two years Laura hosts possibly the biggest Indigenous event on Australia's calendar – the Laura Dance and Cultural Festival.
Visitor Information
Quinkan Centre, Peninsula Development Rd; (07) 4060 3457
Nearby national parks
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Lakefield National Park
Lakefield National Park on the Cape York Peninsula is Queensland’s second largest park. Stretching from the small outback town of Laura...more -
Daintree National Park
With its stunning scenery of rainforest-clad mountains sweeping down to long sandy beaches, Daintree National Park is one of the most...more -
Cape Melville National Park
Some gruelling 4WD tracks lead to this national park on Cape York Peninsula, and at journey’s end is a wild and rugged coastline of...more
Nearby towns
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Cooktown
Cooktown is the last main town before the wilderness that is Cape York. In 1770, Captain Cook beached the Endeavour here for repairs after...more -
Daintree
The unspoiled township of Daintree lies in the tropical rainforest of Far North Queensland, at the heart of the Daintree River catchment...more -
Mossman
The town of Mossman, in Far North Queensland, is set among green mountains and fields of sugarcane. Originally named after the explorer...more
In Town
Quinkan Centre: photos and relics of Quinkan Country are on display here. Guided tours, which include rock-art sites, can also be booked from the centre; Peninsula Development Rd; (07) 4060 3457.
Nearby
Split Rock and Gu Gu Yalangi rock-art sites These are Queensland's most important Aboriginal art sites. Hidden behind a tangle of trees in the chasms and crevices of the sandstone escarpment, a diorama of Aboriginal lore and culture unfolds. The Quinkan spirits – the reptile-like Imgin and stick-like Timara – can be found hiding in dark places. There are also dingoes, flying foxes, kangaroos, men, women and many hundreds of other things, both obvious and mysterious. More sites exist nearby, though only these 2 are accessible to the public. Bookings through the Quinkan Centre; 12 km S.Lakefield National Park This park is Queensland's second largest and a highlight of any visit to the Cape. The large rivers and waterholes are excellent for fishing and boating in the dry season, but become inaccessible wetlands in the wet season. In the south is the Old Laura Homestead, once en route to the Palmer River Goldfields, and in the north are plains dotted with spectacular anthills. See the threatened gold-shouldered parrot and spectacled hare-wallaby in the rainforest fringes of the Normanby and Kennedy rivers. 4WD is recommended. Access only in the dry season (Apr–Nov); (07) 4069 5777; entrance is 27 km N. Lakeland Downs: bananas and coffee are the main fare cultivated from the area's rich volcanic soil, which is also ideal for a variety of fruit and vegetables; 62 km S.
Fishing spots near town
Munbah 97 km
It’s predawn and Les Gibson walks down to the creek and stops. He is on his way to push some boats out into deeper water as the tide is falling rapidly. Following Les are three journalists. He stops at the creek,... Find out moreJulatten 149 km
Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out moreCairns 207 km
Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out moreTrinity Inlet 212 km
The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out moreLake Tinaroo 215 km
Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out moreRussell Heads 246 km
Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Indigenous tours - Cooktown to Cape York 87 km
Guurrbi Tours offers an award-winning tour with Willie Gordon, Nugal-warra elder, Guugu Yimithirr speaker and author, on which you will visit a series of sacred rock-art sites that you otherwise cannot see. There are... Find out moreBushwalking around the Daintree and Cape Tribulation 121 km
Join a guided day or night bushwalk in the privately owned Cooper Creek Wilderness, to discover the incredible natural riches of this area. Back Country Bliss Adventures also runs gentle, guided half-day bushwalks to... Find out moreDaintree Discovery Centre 129 km
This multi-award-winning ecotourism centre is a great place to learn about the legendary Daintree rainforest. There are elevated boardwalks, an aerial walkway, a canopy tower and a large interpretive display centre with... Find out moreReef tours 150 km
As with elsewhere on the reef, there is the luxury of choice for diving or snorkelling trips, particularly from Port Douglas. However, remember the reef is not just offshore and involves a boat trip. Among the... Find out moreChillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 176 km
Join a guided tour of the heavens, with closeup views of nebulas and star clusters from two large telescopes. There is camping and cabin accommodation here as well.... Find out moreWildlife experience - Cairns 189 km
Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out moreSavannahlander 207 km
This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out moreCheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 250 km
In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 153 km
Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out moreParadise Palms Country Club 188 km
‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out moreBreweries around town
Blue Sky Brewery 208 km
After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out moreCampsites around town
Six Mile Waterhole camping area 32 km
Six Mile Waterhole is about 15 km south of the New Laura Ranger headquarters, 3 km east of Lakefield Rd. The park’s wetlands attract a diversity of animals, particularly waterbirds. Look for brolgas, sarus cranes,... Find out moreHorseshoe Lagoon camping area 35 km
To reach this campground for self-sufficient campers, head for Old Laura Homestead then turn onto Battle Camp Rd and travel 29 km east of Old Laura to the turn-off. Check with a ranger for current fishing restrictions... Find out moreLake Emma camping area 36 km
Lake Emma is on Battle Camp Rd, approximately 32 km east of the Old Laura Homestead. Complete self-sufficiency for food, water, equipment for treating water, fuel and vehicle spare parts is essential. There is a... Find out moreWelcome Waterhole camping area 37 km
The Welcome Waterhole is about 7 km from Horseshoe Lagoon and about 6 km north of Battle Camp Rd. From Old Laura Homestead, the turn-off is about 30 km along. Bring all self-sufficient supplies. GPS S:15 15.297 E:144... Find out moreTwelve Mile Waterhole camping area 40 km
Twelve Mile Waterhole is near the Normanby River about 12 km east of Lakefield Rd; take the turn-off opposite New Laura Ranger Station. There are 9 numbered sites, open fires are allowed in the provided rings, and... Find out moreBush camping 50 km
This campground beside the North Palmer River is reached by 4WD and suits self-sufficient campers only. There are 2 main access routes for the campground; contact the QPWS for information.... Find out moreKennedy Bend Waterhole camping area 52 km
Kennedy Bend Waterhole is on Lakefield Rd, 9 km north of New Laura Ranger Station. Check the reservation board at New Laura Ranger Station. Lakefield National Park protects a number of threatened species, including the... Find out moreLakeland Caravan Park 55 km
Lakeland Caravan Park is at the junction of the Mulligan Hwy and Peninsula Development Rd in the town of Lakeland, between the Laura and Normanby rivers. On site you’ll find a small internet cafe with 3... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Pinnacle Village Holiday Park 135 km
This absolute beachfront park is 22 km north of Mossman. There are plenty of shady trees and a great expanse of green lawn. It is a good base from which to explore the local region. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out morePandanus Van Park 150 km
This park is just 2 km from the centre of Port Douglas, on the main road into town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park 156 km
The park is located in a peaceful location about 10 km south of Port Douglas off the Captain Cook Highway. It is a nice park, tucked away from the busy centre of this popular tourist destination. Bookings are required in... Find out moreEllis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows 182 km
This small, absolute beachfront park is 30 km north of Cairns. Ellis Beach was voted the cleanest beach in Queensland and has a patrolled swimming area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreLake Placid Tourist Park 196 km
This park is about 10 km north-west of Cairns, on the bank of the Barron River. Enjoy the covered barbecue area, and the Skyrail terminal, a major attraction, is nearby. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out moreCool Waters Holiday Park 201 km
Located in the foothills a few kilometers out of Cairns, this is a quality park with very good facilities. Pets are allowed, but small dogs only. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 202 km
This good quality park is easily accessible and only about 5 km from the centre of Cairns. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreWalkamin Central Van Park 203 km
This is a relatively new owner-operated park adjacent to the Kennedy Highway. There are excellent amenities and a large central building with a camp kitchen and large open fireplace. There is not a lot of shade, but we... Find out moreCairns Sunland Leisure Park 204 km
Located in suburban Cairns, this park is easily accessible and is a good base to spend a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreCairnsvilla and Leisure Park 205 km
The park is 4 km from the centre of Cairns, set in a quiet area with beautiful tropical surrounds. It has very good facilities including a mini-mart and a TV room. It is an ideal park for a holiday.... Find out moreEco-friendly places to stay around town
Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 123 km
If you are in need of some pampering, this is the place to go. With strong and proud links to the Aboriginal heritage of the site – a women’s healing place – the Eco Lodge has 15 sumptuous villas set... Find out moreDaintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 126 km
Set in fan-palm rainforest, the eight bungalows here, accessed by raised boardwalks to protect the forest floor, are partially solar-powered by 20 solar panels, and a biocycle system breaks down all waste on site. As... Find out moreDaintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 128 km
When the owners here decided to reduce their carbon footprint by installing 48 solar panels, the generator’s monthly diesel consumption changed from 1600 litres to 200 litres. By revegetating a rainforest on their... Find out moreKingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 149 km
Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out moreRose Gums Wilderness Retreat 236 km
By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out moreThe Canopy, near Malanda 239 km
Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out morePossum Valley Rainforest Cottages 240 km
Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Laura Aboriginal Dance and Cultural Festival: around
25 Cape York and Gulf communities gather at a traditional meeting ground by the Laura River. Traditional dance, music, and art and craft feature at the 3-day event; odd-numbered years, June.
Laura Annual Race Meeting: race meeting on river flat that has run since 1897, and includes dances and rodeo; June.
