Outback Spirit - Cape York Wilderness Adventure Itinerary

Arrive in Cairns and meet your friendly and professional touring crew. We then begin our journey north with a scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas. Enjoy a brief tour of this famous tropical village before checking into the premier accommodation choice in Port Douglas - the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort for our overnight stay.  

This evening enjoy a delicious welcome dinner together at the resort.

*Please ensure to have lunch prior to collection. 

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Port Douglas – 1 Night

This morning, meandering north, we’ll visit the award-winning Mossman Gorge Centre in the Daintree National Park. Embark on the Dreamtime Gorge Walk, beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony. Guided by knowledgeable Indigenous custodians, you’ll discover the rich stories, culture and connection to country that make this experience truly unforgettable. At the end of the walk enjoy traditional bush tea and damper.

We then venture further into the Daintree with an informative cruise on the Daintree River before an exclusive guided tour at Cooper Creek Wilderness to learn more about the world’s oldest rainforest. Situated directly below Thornton Peak, the epicentre of refugial significance in the Daintree, Cooper Creek is home to pristine old growth rainforest and extraordinary fan palm galleries. Here we'll take a guided tour along the forest floor with expert local guides; an exclusive experience that's far removed from other mass tourism offerings in the area.  

Later this afternoon we arrive at the Heritage Lodge and Spa for our overnight stay.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Daintree National Park – 1 Night

Journey deeper into the Daintree as we venture to Cape Tribulation, the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage wonders meet: the ancient Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. After a serene beach stroll, get ready for an exhilarating drive along the legendary Bloomfield Track, a true outback adventure. There are numerous steep climbs through the rainforest and several creek crossings to navigate, so sit back and enjoy the scenery as your experienced tour driver does the hard work. 

Once across the Bloomfield River a visit to the Bloomfield Falls will build your appetite for lunch at the Lion’s Den Hotel, one of Queensland’s oldest bush pubs. We arrive at Cooktown with time for a visit to  Grassy Hill lookout followed by dinner at the hotel.

Note: Bloomfield Track access is subject to road conditions.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Cooktown – 2 Nights

With a small population of around 3,000 people located at the mouth of the Endeavour River where it enters the Coral Sea, Cooktown is rich in aboriginal and European history. The rugged Mount Cook forms a backdrop to the town at 1,450ft and is now part of Mount Cook National Park.

After a leisurely breakfast we take in an orientation tour of Cooktown, which includes the Cooktown Museum and Botanic Gardens. After lunch you are free to explore the many monuments and tributes dotted along the foreshore before dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Setting out today, we travel the historic Battle Camp Road (subject to road conditions) and visit the Old Laura Homestead before reaching the cultural hear of Laura. Here, an Indigenous guide leads us through ancient rock art sites, sharing cultural stories passed down through generations. We then continue into Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, pausing at Kalpowar for afternoon tea before arriving at the wildlife-rich Red Lily Lagoon, home to a vast array of flora and fauna.  

As the journey unfolds, watch the landscape transform into the bast savannah of the Nifold Plain. We then continue through to Lotus Bird Lodge for an exclusive two night stay, beautifully located on the edge of a tranquil billabong.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park – 2 Nights

Take to the skies for a breathtaking helicopter flight over Rinyirru’s shimmering wetlands and sprawling floodplains. Afterwards, follow the Kennedy River to Princess Charlotte Bay, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and habitat for the dugong.

The afternoon is yours – relax at the lodge or join a guided walk through the billabong, where you might spot rare birdlife.

Important Note: Maximum passenger weight limits apply to all scenic or transfer flights.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing Lotusbird Lodge, we make our way north along the Peninsula Development Road, passing through Coen before arriving at a bucket list stop for lunch, the Archer River Roadhouse, one of Australia’s northernmost roadhouses. We then continue to Weipa, the economic hub of the Cape and often referred to as the ‘Barramundi capital of Queensland’ due to the abundance of marine life,  arriving mid-afternoon to check in to the Albatross Bay Resort.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Weipa – 2 Nights

Start the day at Weipa Mine with a 2-hour tour exploring the largest producing Bauxite Mine in the world before joining Western Cape Eco Tours for a cruise on the Embley River. Explore diverse wildlife habitat, learn about local culture and keep an eye out for some big saltwater crocodiles!  

Afterwards, we’ll visit the Western Cape Cultural Centre which showcases the history of Weipa and its surrounding communities. The centre enjoys an enviable location overlooking the bay, so it’s also a great place for a picnic lunch. This afternoon you can relax at the hotel followed by dinner overlooking the water.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our adventure continues along the rugged Telegraph Track, cutting through remote and wild terrain. Some sections of the track are impassable, so we take the northern and southern bypass roads. A highlight of the day is a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Fruit Bat Falls, a true oasis in the outback. After a picnic lunch, we cross the Jardine River by ferry, formally known as Deception River the largest river of the Cape. We arrive in the indigenous town of Bamaga late afternoon and check in to the award-winning Cape York Peninsula Lodge our home the next two nights. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Cape York – 2 Nights

Today we venture to the northernmost point on the Australian Mainland, a Cape traveller’s ultimate destination. The walking track commences at Pajinka and requires a good level of fitness but is well worth the effort! Get your picture taken next to the iconic signpost and soak up the views of the Torres Strait as your guide fills you in on the history of the area.

This afternoon we visit Somerset, once the home of Frank Jardine and the official government residence on the Cape, protected by British Marines. After a BBQ lunch we return to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Tonight enjoy a performance by a local dance group at the resort. (subject to availability)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we head to Seisia and board the ferry for our cruise across Endeavour Strait. Enjoy informative commentary about the Torres Strait Islands from the captain as we make our way to Thursday Island, situated 35km northwest of the tip of Cape York. The Island has a population of approximately 3,000 people and is the main administrative centre of the Torres Strait.  

Upon our arrival on Thursday Island we'll enjoy a tour with a local expert before some free time. We then take the short ferry trip across to Friday Island, home to Kazu Pearls. Here we enjoy a pearl demonstration and a visit to the pearl farm shop where we will have the opportunity to purchase some of their exquisite pearl jewellery.

Note: For your convenience when taking the ferries to the islands, we suggest that you reduce your luggage to a small backpack. You will require a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, bathers, toiletries (no sharps), personal ID. The rest of your luggage will return to Cairns on the coach.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Thursday Island – 1 Night

This morning we catch a ferry across to Horn Island and enjoy a tour of this once prominent WWII air base before visiting the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. We then board our QANTAS flight back to Cairns, arriving in time for lunch.

For our final evening together, we'll check into the Shangri-La The Marina. Enjoy luxurious rooms in this perfectly positioned hotel along the Esplanade. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at the hotel and reflect upon our incredible adventure to the tip of Australia.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Cairns – 1 Night

After breakfast enjoy the morning at your leisure. You will then be transferred according to the details specified below.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary Variations:
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