Cape York Overland/Air Safari Camping Tour - 7 days

The ideal wilderness/Torres Strait holiday for the discerning traveller with limited time. The challenge and adventure of an overland 4WD expedition along the entire length of Cape York Peninsula. The excitement of reaching and exploring Australia’s most northerly point, a cruise through the beautiful Torres Strait to visit Thursday Island and then a contrasting aerial overview as you take a scenic flight from Horn Island (The airport for Thursday Island) to Cairns are highlights.

Camping outdoors, in the less disturbed wilderness, rainforest or even the arid outback, provides a rare opportunity to further perceive and appreciate our fascinating difference from other lands.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown Area (LD)

Through the pristine Daintree Rainforests and over the soaring verdant heights of the Bloomfield Track to arrive at Bloomfield Falls. We join a guided cultural walk of this special place with a local Aboriginal Guide. A step back in time as we explore the historic port of Cooktown. Visit Cook’s landing place and Grassy Hill Lookout. Overnight campground – Cooktown area.

Day 2 - Lakefield National Park (BLD)

Travel north from Cooktown and walk with a traditional owner in the rainforest and rock art site. Learn about their art, culture, history and bush tucker. Via the rugged Battlecamp Range, pioneer cattle stations and the old coach road to arrive a the massive wildlife haven, Lakefield National Park.

Day 3 - Musgrave, Coen, Archer River (BLD)

A stop at 100 year old Musgrave, the only original pioneer telegraph station remaining in Cape York. We pass typical frontier cattle country to a welcome fuel and provision stop at the once vibrant gold rush town of Coen before reaching our overnight stop at the Archer River.

Day 4 - Weipa, Wenlock River, Moreton Station (BLD)

Travel across the wide sandy Archer River and through Piccaninny Plains to arrive at Weipa on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Time for an optional Weipa Mine Tour (own cost). Weipa is a veritable "Oasis in the wilderness" and provides further contrast to your experience of this last frontier. With the Gulf of Carpentaria behind us, we pass through huge cattle runs to arrive at the fast flowing Wenlock River. Perhaps a walk on the walking tracks at Moreton Telegraph Station before settling into our overnight camp.

Day 5 - Telegraph Track, Twin Falls (BLD)

Civilisation is far behind and we are really in four wheel drive country as we traverse the ever changing wilderness landscape of zamias and eucalyptus forests. We push on with a mid-afternoon arrival at Twin Falls, where the crystal clear waters of Elliot River and Canal Creek meet. Plenty of time to swim and explore or photograph the many enchanting rock pools, and waterfalls of this unique spot. Campground – basic facilities.

Day 6 - Bamaga, Cape York (BLD)

An exciting morning traversing rushing streams and rocky creek crossings to reach the swift flowing Jardine River. A short stop at Bamaga Aboriginal and Islander settlement, before proceeding to the very “Tip” of our continent. Stand where oceans meet and where very few travellers visit. Overnight campground.

Day 7 - Thursday Island, Cairns (B)

Early morning cruise through the islands of the Torres Strait to legendary “T.I.” once home port of the romantic pearl diver fleet, now “Capital” of the scattered islander communities between Australia and New Guinea. A tour of Thursday Island included. (Lunch own cost today) Mid-afternoon transfer by launch to Horn Island to board the aircraft for the return flight to Cairns. Tour ends at your pre-arranged accommodation.

This tour is also available as an air/overland reverse itinerary:

» DAY 1: Fly Cairns to Thursday Island - Cape York (D)
» DAY 2: Cape York - Somerset - TwinFalls (BLD)
» DAY 3: Telegraph Track - Moreton Station (BLD)
» DAY 4: Weipa - Archer River (BLD)
» DAY 5: Coen - Musgrave - Lakefield National Park(BLD)
» DAY 6: Hopevale - Cooktown (BLD)
» DAY 7: Cape Tribulation - Cairns (BL)

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