Combine the excitement of a cargo ship voyage between Cairns and Cape York with the adventure of a Cape York Safari. In a style reminiscent of bygone coastal steamers, experience the colour and serenity of a Barrier Reef voyage, the magic of the Daintree, the magnificent isolation of the Peninsula wilderness and the diverse cultures of the Cape and Torres Straits.
Our overnight stays quite often reflect the unique nature of the sparsely inhabited regions in which we travel: Forest shrouded resorts and lodges, hotels and motels to "No Frill" cattle station cabins and cabin tent accommodation along the track where no alternatives exist. All are clean and comfortable, the hospitality genuine, open and friendly, and the cuisine generous and appetizing.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Daintree National Park
• Cape Tribulation
• Bloomfield Track
• Lions Den Hotel
• Black Mountain
• Cooktown
• Old Laura Homestead
• Lakefield National Park
• Old Musgrave Telegraph Station
• Coen
• Archer River
• Weipa
• Moreton Telegraph Station
• Fruit Bat Falls
• Punsand Bay Safari Lodge
• Thursday Island
• Cape York - Most Northern Tip of Australia
• Somerset
• Lockerbie Scrub
• M.V. TRINITY BAY Cargo boat from Cape York to Cairns
Legend; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
LAST MINUTE SPECIALS
Last minute bookings - Save $300 per person on a 13 day drive/drive camping trip, departing Sept 7. Click here to see this tour
Last minute bookings - Save $400 per person on a 7 day fly/drive camping trip, departing Sept 13. Contact us for more info on this trip
Last minute bookings - Save $400 per person on a 14 day drive/drive camping trip, departing Sept 14. Click here to see this tour
Last minute bookings - Save $550 per person on a 10 day fly/drive camping trip, departing Sept 18. Click here to see this tour
Last minute bookings - Save $400 per person on a 10 day drive/fly camping trip, departing Sept 25. Click here to see this tour
Last minute bookings - Save $500 per person on a 9 day fly/drive camping trip, departing Oct 4. Click here to see this tour
DAY 1 CAIRNS – COOKTOWN (LD)
After an early morning pick up at your Cairns accommodation or Caravan Park, the 4wd will head North and travel via the beautiful coastal road
until we cross the Daintree River and enter the majestic
expanse of the World Heritage listed Daintree/Cape
Tribulation Rainforest. Over the jungle shrouded slopes of
the controversial Bloomfield track to Cooktown. A chance to
shop for souvenirs in original colonial era shops.
Overnight accommodation is at the Sea View Motel with ensuite facilities.
DAY 2 COOKTOWN - LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK - OLD MUSGRAVE TELEGRAPH STATION (BLD)
Assured of a unique place in the rich fabric of Australian
history, Cooktown provides a visit of interest and excitement.
Visit Cook's landing place, Grassy Hill Lookout and the
century old cemetery. Mid morning we travel via Battle
Camp Ranges and Old Laura Station to Lakefield National
Park. An opportunity to safely view crocodiles in their natural
habitat. Experience living outback history as we approach
Musgrave pioneer telegraph station, which is over 100 years
old. Overnight accommodation tonight is at Old Musgrave Station with share bathroom facilities.
DAY 3 OLD MUSGRAVE TELEGRAPH STATION - COEN - ARCHER RIVER - WEIPA (BLD)
Via historic Coen we travel
North by West through Mungkan Kaanju National Park and
across Piccaninny Plains and boundless Savannah to the
bauxite-mining town of Weipa on the Gulf of Carpentaria. A
veritable "Oasis in the wilderness" and providing further
contrast to your experience of this last frontier.
Tonight's accommodation is at the Heritage Resort which has ensuite facilities
DAY 4 WEIPA - WENLOCK RIVER -
MORETON STATION (BLD)
In the cool of early
morning, a fascinating Weipa Mine Tour (own cost). A
veritable "Oasis in the Wilderness" and providing further
contrast to your experience of this last frontier. South by East
through huge cattle runs to arrive at the Wenlock River. Time
for a guided nature walk on established trails along this lightly
forested waterway. Tonight's accommodation is at Moreton Station in "Tent Cabins" which have shared bathroom facilities. The "Tent Cabins" are twin share fully screened tents with beds, linen, lights, gas powered hot showers, flushing toilets and an outdoor
covered dining area.
DAY 5 FRUITBAT FALLS - JARDINE RIVER - PUNSAND BAY (BLD)
Civilization far behind and we are really in four wheel drive
country as we traverse streams, rocky crossings and the ever
changing wilderness landscape of Zamias and eucalyptus
forests to reach today's lunch destination. Then onto
picturesque Fruitbat Falls on the Elliot River. Time to swim
and explore or photograph the enchanting rock pools, and
waterfall of this unique spot. This afternoon we cross the
Jardine River, followed by a short visit to Bamaga Aboriginal
and Islander settlement.
Last stop is to check in at your accommodation for the next three nights at Punsand Bay Safari Lodge where you sleep in a
Beachfront Cabin Tent which has ensuite facilities.
DAY 6
THURSDAY ISLAND (BD)
Early morning cruise through the islands
of the Torres Strait to legendary Thursday Island, once home port of the
romantic pearl diver fleet, now "Capital" of the scattered
islander communities between Australia and New Guinea.
Ample time for sightseeing, souvenir shopping, perhaps a
conducted bus tour (own cost, as is lunch).
DAY 7
CAPE YORK - SOMERSET (BLD)
An unforgettable day of achievement and interest. We stand at the very "Tip" of our continent. Visit the ruins of Somerset, (road conditions permitting) with pristine beaches and rocky headlands.
DAY 8 SEISIA – M.V. TRINITY BAY (BLD)
"Barge Day"
The focus of all attention today is Seisia wharf, where the
cargo ships from Cairns disgorge their cargo of fuel, building
materials, indeed everything needed by the island and local
communities. At 80 meters and over 3000 tonnes the M.V. Trinity
Bay is the largest cargo ship servicing the Torres Strait
communities.
DAY 9 CARGO BOAT to CAIRNS (BLD)
Total relaxation as you enjoy the company of the crew and
new shipboard companions.
DAY 10 CARGO BOAT to CAIRNS (B)
On arrival at Trinity Wharf (anytime between 9.00am and 5.00pm depending on cargo logistics) your
tour concludes with a drop off at your Cairns accommodation.