2024 Cape York Small Group Tour: 9 Day Fly / Drive Cape York & Thursday Island Safari (Fully Accommodated)

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

• Day 1 – FLY FROM CAIRNS TO CAPE YORK (LD)

Accommodation Seisa: Loyalty Beach (share bathroom)

Your tour commences from Cairns Airport or if required a shuttle bus will take you to the airport from the Cairns CBD. Following your arrival at Horn Island Airport you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the marina. We then jump on board the transfer boat and head to Thursday Island, where we have time to explore this small island that is part of Torres Strait culture and history.

Thursday Island is situated between Cape York and Australia’s nearest neighbour New Guinea. We then transfer by ferry to Seisa on the Mainland and make our way to our accommodation; this will be our home for the next two nights.

• Day 2 – CAPE YORK & THE TIP (BLD)

Accommodation Seisa: Loyalty Beach (share bathroom)

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 3 – CAPE YORK TO WEIPA (BLD)

Accommodation Weipa: Weipa Motel Resort (ensuite)

Leaving the Cape behind us, we travel south across the Great Dividing Range though the Jardine National Park boarded with the stunning Coral Sea to the East. Arriving at the Jardine River it’s time to board the Ferry to cross the Jardine. We arrive at Fruit Bat Falls where we enjoy the board walk. 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 4 – WEIPA TO LOCKHART (BLD)

Accommodation Lockhart River: Greenhoose (share bathroom)

Today we continue our adventure to one of Australia’s most remote area’s we head east exploring the Sir William Thompson Range and then crossing the Pascoe River, we head to 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 down to Lockhart River a unique aboriginal community situated on the ocean at Lloyd Bay.
Heading onwards further north – 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 (BLD)

Accommodation Lockhart River: Greenhoose (share bathroom)

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 COEN (BLD)

Accommodation Coen: Coen Guesthouse (share bathroom)

Travelling along part of the southern leg of the old Telegraph Track we come to the Archer River, one of the Cape’s well-known obstacles and river crossing. We then continue further south to Coen our home for the night. Dinner at the Exchange Hotel.

• Day 7 – COEN TO COOKTOWN (BLD)

Accommodation Cooktown: Seaview Motel (ensuite)

After an early start from Coen, we head into Lakefield National Park including visits to Red and White Lilly Lagoons – these are truly spectacular parts of the National Park. We will also travel through the many river valleys and numerous giant termite mounds and arrive at Old Laura Homestead.  From the homestead we take a short drive to “welcome waterhole” wetlands from here we travel the Battle Camp Track to Cooktown. We then check in to our accommodation for our overnight stay before heading to dinner.

• Day 8 – COOKTOWN TO THE DAINTREE (BLD)

Accommodation Daintree: Ferntree Rainforest Lodge (ensuite)
The day begins visiting the James Cook Museum, Botanical Gardens & Powerhouse Museum – this is truly a unique and amazing place. Leaving Cooktown we engage 4WD and make our way along the Bloomfield Track enjoying many scenic spots including The Mysterious Black Mountain, Bloomfield Falls and Cedar Bay National Park, stopping to enjoy lunch at the Famous Lion Dens Hotel – another classic Aussie Icon.

Heading onward to Cape Tribulation, we give you an opportunity to explore coastal headlands and long sandy beaches journeying through the World Heritage Rainforest.

We arrive at our overnight accommodation in the heart of The Daintree Rainforest before our final evening meal together at a local restaurant.

• Day 9 – THE DAINTREE TO CAIRNS (BL)

After a leisurely start to our final day, we continue our journey through the Daintree Rainforest.  A visit to this area would not be complete without a walk in the Rainforest. We then join our cruise on the famous Daintree River aboard the Solar Whisper where many crocodiles and amazing birdlife are often found. Following the river cruise, we make our way to the Daintree Tea House for lunch. We complete our Cape to Cairns experience with a scenic drive along the beautiful Coral Coast to Cairns City completing a truly memorable time touring the Cape York Region. Return to Cairns approximately 5.00pm