Is Cape York on your "Bucket List"?
| TRIP DATES | AVAILABILITY | PRICE | SPACE LEFT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/09/2023 - 12/09/2023 | Guaranteed | $8,883.00 |
17 Available |
If you have always had Cape York on your “bucket list” now is the time to do it. Cape York Peninsula is the largest unspoiled wilderness in northern Australia and one of the last remaining wilderness areas on earth. Follow in the steps of the early explorers on an epic adventure through natural wilderness to the northern most tip of Australia that features un-spoilt beauty. Visit remote savannah and rainforest clad National Parks, capturing amazing wildlife, cultural experiences, characters and adventure as well as spending some time in tropical Cairns.
Images courtesy of Felicity Elms.
Itinerary
Expand/CloseYour tour commences in Cairns at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort right near the Esplanade. Upon arrival, check in after 2pm, and then meet the rest of your fellow passengers in the lobby prior to dinner.
Cairns is considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day exploring at your own leisure. The Cairns Esplanade which is close by, is lined with bars and restaurants, and has a beautiful swimming lagoon.
Our early morning flight takes you to Horn Island. Upon arrival, we take a tour of the island before visiting the Torres Strait Heritage Museum learning about WWII history. As this is an early morning flight, we may have a boxed breakfast this morning.
After breakfast, we take the ferry from Horn Island to Thursday Island. Upon arrival, you will be taken on an informative guided bus tour of the island and its picturesque Harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet. This afternoon board your ferry to the mainland, where you will be met by your guide, who will take you to Seisia. Seisia is ideally located for our next few days, being in walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, a famous fishing spot.
An unforgettable day! Stand at the very top of mainland Australia. We then visit Somerset (road conditions permitted), once the home of the legendary Jardine family and government outpost established in 1864. We have lunch on the palm fringed Anchorage Beach, which overlooks the Albany Passage. A walk on the beach will complete your day before returning to Seisia.
Southward bound, we cross the mighty Jardine River, stopping at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim and enjoy this unique area with its enchanting waterfall. Travel along part of the Old Telegraph Track, before we make our way to a ‘true blue’ Aussie cattle station, Bramwell Station our home for tonight.
A southerly run through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to cross the Wenlock River. We head for the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Weipa. Upon arrival in Weipa, we enjoy the Weipa Wildlife Eco River Cruise which is designed for the person who truly wants a unique experience and to engage and immerse themselves in our beautiful eco systems and local culture of Weipa. The boat can seat 28 passengers with 2 crew, has a toilet on board. Cruise the harbour, the Embley River to Hay Point and learn about the local culture, history and view the abundance of wildlife this area has to offer. Cruise takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
We continue south, stopping off at the picturesque Archer River, then on to the historic frontier gold town of Coen. The afternoon finds us arriving at our overnight accommodation.
After an early start, we head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay where we explore Lakefield National Park (road conditions permitted), a haven for the many birds and animals native to this area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles. Travelling on, we visit Split Rock, Aboriginal Rock Art, before arriving in the old gold port of Cooktown, where we visit Captain Cooks Landing, before settling in to our accommodation in Cooktown.
Our final day on the road, but before returning to Cairns, we make our way south passing the mysterious Black Mountain and the historic Lions Den Hotel. Traversing the jungle shrouded Bloomfield Track (road conditions permitted) we see where the ‘rainforest meets the reef’ at Cape Tribulation. We travel through the splendour of a World Heritage listed rainforest and a scenic drive along the Marlin Coast back to Cairns and our accommodation.
We are transferred by bus to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where we take you on a fascinating journey of discovery over and deep into Australia’s Wet Tropics – World Heritage listed rainforest. Glide mere metres above the pristine rainforest canopy before descending to explore the forest floor at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Immerse yourself in the unique sights, sounds, smells and feel of the rainforest. Once at the top in Kuranda, take a short walk up into the main street into the Kuranda Village (the Village in the Rainforest). Spend some time exploring the Village or perhaps visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary while there. Later this afternoon we return to Cairns via the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway as it meanders its way down the mountain back into Cairns. This famous railway opened in 1891 and is 328 metres above sea level. Your historic journey is in fully refurbished vintage carriages with commentary and a short photo opportunity stop at Barron Falls. Upon arrival into Cairns Railway Station, it is only a short walk back to your accommodation.
Breakfast this morning is our last meal on the tour and we say goodbye at checkout. We are sure you will have many stories to tell of your Cape York Adventure.
