Day 1- CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN VIA THE DAINTREE
Lunch and Dinner Provided – Overnight: Daintree.
Leaving Cairns we head north along the Great Barrier Reef Drive towards Daintree. We will join the Daintree River Cruise for an hour of exploring the wilderness where crocodiles are often found. While we cross the Daintree River by cable ferry, we make our way towards Cape Tribulation, exploring coastal headlands and long sandy beaches. Stopping for lunch, we journey through the World Heritage Rainforest.
Day 2 – DAINTREE TO COOKTOWN
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided – Overnight: Cooktown.
After breakfast, we head off towards Cooktown. Weather permitting, we travel along the Bloomfield Track. Stopping at beautiful places along the way. Take in the scenery of Bloomfield Falls and Cedar Bay National Park. We pull in to the famous Lions Den Pub – a true Aussie icon. We explore the mysterious Black Mountain before entering the historic township of Cooktown.
Day 3 – COOKTOWN TO COEN/MUSGRAVE
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Provided – Overnight: Coen or Musgrave.
The day begins with a trip to Grassy Hill Lookout. Don’t forget your camera – the views are incredible. Then we head to the James Cook Museum, Botanical Gardens and Powerhouse Museum. Leaving Cooktown, we journey inland to Battle Camp, before continuing on towards Lakefield National Park. After visiting “Old Laura” homestead we keep going through stunning river valleys. Marvel as we pass by the giant termite mounds before arriving in either Coen or Musgrave for our overnight accommodation.
Day 4 – COEN/MUSGRAVE TO LOCKHART
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Provided – Overnight: Lockhart River.
Today we continue our adventure to one of Australia’s most remote areas as we head east exploring the Sir William Thompson Range and then crossing the Pascoe River, we head to into The Iron Range National Park. As we enter the National Park, we see the spectacular Mount Tozer at the peak of the table range, before descending to Lockhart River a unique aboriginal community situated on the ocean at Lloyd Bay. Exploring the many wonders of the Iron Range National Park whilst enjoying the dense tropical rainforest being the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Australia. We arrive at Lockhart River for our overnight stay.
Day 5 – LOCKHART
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Provided – Overnight: Lockhart River.
Today we have the opportunity to explore Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park. Kutini means cassowary and Payamu means rainbow serpent. These are important stories for the Kuuku Ya’u (Kanthanampu and Kungkay) people, the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this coastal park of international significance. A day full of spectacular views and biodiversity from the beaches and headlands to the heath-covered Tozer Range. A unique collection of mammals, frogs, lizards and snakes are found only at Kutini-Payamu along with numerous species linking to New Guinea. Return to the Greenhoose surrounded by a tranquil rainforest environment for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 – LOCKHART TO WEIPA
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Provided – Overnight: Weipa.
Leaving the east coast behind, we head inland to the north through the National Park and onwards to more savannah country of the Cape. In the afternoon we continue towards the West Coast and the famous mining town of Weipa located in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Weipa is the largest town on the Cape York Peninsula with a population of about 3000 people. Its main industries are mining and cattle exports. Arriving late afternoon, we then depart the port of Weipa on a Sunset Eco Cruise through the tranquil waters of the Embley River into the golden glow of a sunset over the water, whilst enjoying a cold drink and canapes, your friendly guide will spot crocodiles and birds along the way. The Weipa Motel Resort your stay for the night offers warm hospitality and friendly service with modern comfort and style.
Day 7- WEIPA TO CAPE YORK
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided – Overnight: Loyalty Beach.
Today as we depart Weipa, we visit one of the largest cattle stations on the Cape, Batavia Downs. Moving onto the Morton Telegraph station, learn some history about this important link in communication to the Far North. Now we start one of the tour highlights, joining one of the original telegraph Tracks (weather permitting). Heading further north, we stop at the beautiful Elliot Falls and Fruit Bat Falls. We cross the famous Jardine River – looking out for crocodiles along the way. We then arrive at Loyalty Beach, where we stay for the next two nights.
Day 8 – CAPE YORK TO THE TIP
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided – Overnight: Loyalty Beach.
Today we visit the remains of Somerset, which was established by the Jardine Family as the Government outpost and Cattle Station. Spend some time at some secluded beaches, where we have previously sighted dugongs and sea turtles. This is a particularly scenic part of the Cape. We then head for Australia’s most northerly point, Cape York. The 30-minute walk to the point has lots of great views, also once we arrive it’s time to grab a drink and enjoy the afternoon over the Torres Strait.
Day 9 – THURSDAY ISLAND AND CAPE YORK AND CAIRNS
Breakfast, Lunch and Flight from Horn Island.
Our last day begins with a boat cruise across the Torres Strait to Thursday Island. Located between Cape York and our closest neighbouring country, New Guinea. We jump on a ferry over to Horn Island and enjoy a tour of the island. We make our way to the Horn Island Airport for our flight back to Cairns, arriving at around 5 pm.
