7 DAY CAPE YORK CAMPING SAFARI (Fly/Drive)

Meet fellow travellers when our friendly staff collect you from your Cairns accommodation and take you to the Cairns airport to board your scenic coastal flight from Cairns to Horn Island in the Torres Strait.  Enjoy a friendly chat with locals fishing on the Horn Island jetty before you board the inter island ferry to the Seisia, via Thursday Island.

Your expert Cape York tour guide will meet you when you arrive on the mainland in Seisia and officially, welcome you on tour in Cape York.  Once all your luggage is loaded into our air-conditioned four wheel drive tour vehicle we take a short drive to stunning Loyalty Beach and set up our base camp before a relaxing afternoon of socialising, knowledge sharing and sunset drinks on the beach.

Make sure your lens is clean and batteries charged because today is the day we capture your signature Cape York photo on the absolute tip of Australia.   Walk as a group to the very end of Cape York Peninsula, celebrate together and grab that all important photo evidence that proves “I did it!”

Your expert guide will take you on a leisurely stroll around the area and share historical stories and eco-facts before 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 we arrive 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.

Rise and shine early for some more four wheel drive action today!  Our exciting journey from Twin Falls to Weipa sees 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 arrive in Weipa around midday with plenty of time to explore.  Why not grab some bait and go fishing, browse shops or visit the Laundromat on the main street before you return to base camp and enjoy some more camp oven delights then settle in for the evening. 

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 mid bound for the Old Musgrave Telegraph Station.

From Weipa we continue south along the Peninsula Development Road, through the historic gold frontier 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 male asylum seekers.  

We also make a short stop 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 Old 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 along the Peninsula Development Road 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 wildlife including, 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 set up camp by the Normanby River and spend a starry night in the heart Lakefield National Park.

Today we leave Lakefield National Park and get firsthand experience of its plentiful billabongs, waterholes and creeks on our journey towards Cooktown.
See 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.
See 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 the camp oven a break and eat out at a restaurant and stay in accommodation instead. 

Rise and shine early today to experience the magnificent sunrise and early morning view from Grassy Hill lookout before we make our final journey from Cooktown to Cairns.  
Shortly after we leave Cooktown we make a quick stop at Black Mountain to see the bouncing stones and learn the legend of this area’s deep, spiritual past before we continue on to the historic Lion’s Den Pub and enjoy a cool drink.
From here we tackle the rugged and famous "Bloomfield Track" where we cross the Bloomfield River and journey into the oldest surviving tropical rainforests on earth in Cape Tribulation and the Daintree.  Make sure your camera is handy as this area is full of wonderful wildlife spotting and photo opportunities  Take advantage of your last chance to spot a wild crocodile when we board the ferry and cross the Daintree River. Reflect on the highlights of your trip and exchange email addresses with your fellow travellers during the scenic coastal journey from the Daintree, past Port Douglas and into Cairns where we will safely return you to your Cairns accommodation

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• 1 Driver/Guide
• Return Cairns Accommodation Transfers
• Meals as indicated
• Guided tours & activities
• Air-conditioned 7-14 seat 4WD vehicle
• 6 nights camping in tents
• Tent & Stretcher Bed
• Sleeping Bag
• Cairns to Cape York (Horn Island) airfare
• Thursday Island Ferry

• 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 buy one in Cairns
• Thursday Island Bus Tour $31 per person
• Weipa Mine Tour $30 per person