12 DAY CAPE YORK CAMPING SAFARI (Sea/Drive)

Mix cruising with camping and experience the best that Cape York has to offer.

Kick off your holiday with a glass of champagne as you set sail from Cairns on a relaxing Great Barrier Reef cruise bound for the crystal blue waters and tropical islands of the Torres Strait. Then buckle up and get set for an exciting four wheel drive and camping safari. Visit national parks, historic towns, and World Heritage-Listed rainforests. See endangered and native wildlife in their natural habitats, make new friends and meet colourful outback characters whilst taking in some of the most beautiful sights and untouched places in Australia. 

This tour is perfect for travellers who want to visit the Torres Strait and also experience the inland and coastal areas of Cape York.

See below for tour highlights and the full 12-day itinerary. 

• M.V. TRINITY BAY Cargo boat from Cairns to Cape York 
• Horn Island 
• Thursday Island 
• Seisia 
• Loyalty Beach 
• Cape York - Most Northern Tip of Australia 
• Jardine River Ferry 
• The Old Telegraph Track 
• Twin Falls 
• Bramwell Cattle Station 
•Wenlock River
•Weipa 
• Archer River
• Coen 
• Old Musgrave Telegraph Station 
• Lakefield National Park 
• Old Laura Homestead 
• Cooktown 
• Black Mountain 
• Lions Den Hotel 
• Bloomfield Track 
• Cape Tribulation 
• Daintree National Park

Legend; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Spend the day relaxing.  Feel the wind in your hair, bask in the sun and enjoy peaceful ocean views or chat to members of the friendly local crew aboard the M.V. Trinity Bay.

Today we leave Bamaga and head south, across the famous Jardine River on the old world cable ferry.  See if you can spot a crocodile sunning itself on the banks then buckle up for some four wheel drive action on the old Telegraph Track before arriving at one of the most stunning and talked about places on tour, Twin Falls on the Elliott River. 

Set up camp in naturally lush Wet Tropics rainforest surrounded by the peace and beauty of two crystal clear swimming holes, each with their own flowing waterfalls.  Take a refreshing swim, go for a rainforest walk, spot some tropical birds or simply relax and enjoy the peace and awesome natural beauty that surrounds you. 

Tonight we enjoy more camp oven cooking and sleep under the stars.

Get set for some more four wheel drive action today!  Our exciting journey from Twin Falls to Bramwell Station will see us return to the Old Telegraph Track, splashing through creeks, tackling steep inclines and ditches as we make our way out of the rainforest and into the unusual landscapes of Heathland Reserve.

Marvel at the contrast between low scrub country and the magnificently strong giant termite mounds.  The work of tiny creatures, some of these termite mounds stand taller than humans and are always a favourite photo opportunity and talking point on tour.

After a brief stop at Heathland Reserve, we continue to Bramwell Cattle Station and experience the true bush hospitality offered on Australia’s Northern most cattle station and the largest of its kind in Cape York.

Station owner Wendy Bramwell, will often come and greet your group herself and share stories about Bramwell Station, their expansion into earth moving and tourism, as well as environmental and legislative issues that have changed the nature of station life in the Cape. 

After this very special experience, we set up our camp and spend the night at Bramwell Station.

This morning is your last chance to learn more about Weipa on guided tour of Weipa bauxite mine and township (optional extra cost).    Learn about Weipa’s history, lifestyle and how the town is a driving force in the Cape York economy.  Or you can just sleep in and relax around our campsite before we re-board the four wheel drive bound for Old Musgrave Telegraph Station.

We leave Weipa mid morning and continue south along the Peninsula Development Road.  We journey through the remote old gold rush township of Coen, across the Archer River, and pass the little known RAAF base in Sherger.  This base became less secret in September 2010 when the Australian Government announced it would be used to accommodate up to 300 male asylum seekers.
We also stop off today at the Peninsula Quarantine Station and gain an interesting insight into the unique Quarantine needs of The Cape.  

Relax and enjoy the bush scenery as we continue south to The Old Musgrave Telegraph Station where we will spend the night. 
Take time to look at and reflect upon Musgrave Station’s historical collection of memorabilia and old photos of the area, and allow yourself to be humbled by the amazing hurdles overcome by hard-working people from the bush.

Another early rise today as we continue south from Musgrave bound for wildlife haven and fishermen’s oasis, Lakefield National Park.

Spot threatened species including the Red Goshawk, Lakeland Downs Mouse and Spectacled Hare-Wallaby and watch more common Cape York animals and birds such as, Ibis, Bustards, Jabirus, Brolgas, wild pigs and crocodiles  going about their daily routines.  

You can also go fishing for Barramundi.  Lakefield National Park is renowned for bird watching and its abundance of top fishing spots full of Barramundi and Mangrove Jack. 

Tonight we camp overnight by the Normanby River within the Lakefield National Park.

Today we explore more of Lakefield National Park and get firsthand experience of its plentiful billabongs, waterholes and creeks on our journey towards Cooktown.

We visit the New Laura Ranger Station and enjoy a drink at the historic Old Laura Homestead before we lock in the hubs for a bumpy drive along the corrugated Battlecamp Road.

Notice the environmental landscape change as we travel down the coast into fertile farming country and arrive at Cooktown.  Cooktown is rich with Australian history and you are free to spend the afternoon exploring its highlights and landmarks including Grassy Hill and the site where Captain James Cook landed the Endeavour in 1778.

Tonight we give the tents and camp oven a break and eat out at a restaurant and stay in accommodation instead

• 1 Driver/Guide
• Meals as indicated
• Guided tours & activities
• Air-conditioned 14 seat 4WD vehicle
• 8 nights camping
• 3 nights boat accommodation
• Tent
• Stretcher Bed & Sleeping bag
• Cairns to Cape York boat costs
• Return Cairns Accommodation Transfers

• Before & After tour $42.50 per person per night
  includes free Airport pick up, Breakfast & Luggage storage
  click here for more info

• Pillow BYO or purchase in Cairns
• Thursday Island Bus Tour $31 per person
• Thursday Island Ferry $112 per person return
• Horn Island Bus Tour $30 per person
• Horn Island Ferry $30 per person return