Mulligans Golden Trail
Follow Mulligan's Golden Trail through Mt Molloy, Mt Carbine and into the Palmer River. No doubt, our drive will relatively easy compared to the route James Venture Mulligan would have endured back in 1873. Visit an abandoned 'ghost' town, vast cattle stations, majestic rainforests and the coastal port where miners disembarked to head-off on their amazing overland venture into the goldfields.
This tour is a great way to take in all the history and sights this golden region of north Queensland has to offer.
Departing
31/07/2025
Duration
6 Days
Maximum Group Size
10
Physical Rating
Medium
Day 1 Thursday, 31 July 2025
Cairns to Palmerville Meals D
Departing Cairns we will take the scenic route west to Mareeba then begin following the Mulligan Highway north through Mount Molloy and Mount Carbine, onto Whites Creek Road, our route into the Palmerville Goldfields. No doubt, our drive will be relatively easy compared to the route James Venture Mulligan would have endured back in 1873 when he set out for the Palmer River and discovered rich alluvial deposits all along the upper Palmer River causing a goldrush to the area. Our destination is right in the heart of the Palmer Goldfields. Spend tonight relaxing around the fire, enjoying a coldie and sharing stories with your travel mates. Sometimes, prospectors camped nearby drop in for a yarn about their gold finds.
Accommodation Palmerville Goldfields Prospectors Cabins
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Day 2 Friday, 1 August 2025
Palmerville Gold Prospecting Meals BLD
There is a modern day gold-rush happening right now in Palmerville. Hundreds of visitors come here annually, armed with metal detectors and gold pans hopeful of unearthing a fortune in gold – and many do! Today is your turn to ‘hit the jackpot’ or at least have the best possible chance of doing so. We have arranged for a very experienced prospector to take you into the goldfields and show you how to use gold detectors and point you in the best direction to find gold. Good Luck!
Accommodation Palmerville Goldfields Prospectors Cabins
Day 3 Saturday, 2 August 2025
Palmerville to Fairview Station Meals BLD
With all of your gold securely packed away, wave goodbye to our new found gold-mining buddies and depart Palmerville Camp, bound for what remains of the old gold town of Maytown. Maytown was once the main township on the Palmer River Goldfields, boasting a population of 19,000 people but with the decline in gold and a shrinking population it soon became an abandoned town. Over the last few years, eXpedition10 has made a few good friends at Palmerville Station so we will drop by to see if Adam is available for a quick yarn before continuing to Fairview Station for the night.
Accommodation Fairview Station Cabins
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Day 4 Sunday, 3 August 2025
Fairview Station to Cooktown Meals BD
Fairview Station is fairly close to the tiny settlement of Laura so we will call in for a look around prior to heading to Lakeland. In Lakeland we will pay Peter and Anette a visit and take a look at their property and the huge dam they have constructed to provide irrigation for the local banana growers. Next stop is Cooktown. Captain James Cook visited Cooktown in 1770 when he beached his ship, the Endeavour for repairs. The local river bears the name of his ship. During your town tour today, learn the story of how Captain Cooks visit led to his first recorded meaningful contact and reconciliation with Aboriginal people. During this visit call in to Reconciliation Rocks, the James Cook Museum then tonight, sit back and relax on a delightful sunset river cruise on the Endeavour River.
Accommodation Cooktown
Day 5 Monday, 4 August 2025
Cooktown To Daintree Meals BD
The drive today along the Bloomfield Track is an unforgettable experience, full of spectacular views, ancient rainforests, creek crossings - your route to Daintree today. First stop from Cooktown will be at the Botanical Gardens then the lookout at Black Mountain, an imposing mountain range of massive granite boulders. Take a lunch break at the Lions Den Hotel, which has been a refreshment stop for travellers since 1875. At Wujal Wujal, take a stroll into the majestic falls before we set off through the often steep and windy Bloomfield Track to Cape Tribulation. Just prior to arriving at your accommodation, enjoy a relaxing wander along beautiful Thornton Beach. Your accommodation is right in the heart of pristine rainforest. Keep an eye out for Cassowary which are often spotted in this region.
Accommodation Heritage Lodge Daintree Rainforest
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Day 6 Tuesday, 5 August 2025
Daintree to Cairns Meals B
A short drive this morning will take us to the Daintree River where a ferry crossing will take us to our next adventure - crocodile spotting. Board the Solar Whisper with an informative, ‘eagle-eyed’ guide pointing out all kinds of river creatures including huge crocs, each with their own name! This afternoon, continue south to pass through Mossman, pause in Port Douglas for shopping, then following closely to the coast-line arrive in Cairns. A fantastic way to finish your golden expedition with eXedition10.
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Includes:
Luxury 10 seat 4x4 coach travel
Accommodation
- 5 Nights in Motels/Cabins
Meals
- 5 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
Attractions
- All listed except those stated optional
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE - 10
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