Cape York Wilderness Adventure

Today you will be greeted by our friendly and professional
Tour Directors. 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 sumptuous welcome dinner together
at the resort. (D)

This morning we continue our journey north and visit the
award-winning Mossman Gorge Centre in the Daintree
National Park. Here we enjoy the Dreamtime Gorge Walk,
which begins with a traditional smoking ceremony to
cleanse and ward off bad spirits. Setting off on the walk,
we’ll be accompanied by experienced Indigenous guides
who’ll demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush food
sources and provide an enchanting narrative of the
rainforest. At the end of the walk enjoy traditional bush tea
and damper.
We then venture further into the World Heritage Listed
Daintree, the oldest and most biologically diverse
rainforest in the world. First up, we enjoy an informative
cruise on the Daintree River before an exclusive guided
tour at Cooper Creek Wilderness. 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,
inhabitant guides; an exclusive experience that’s far
removed from other mass tourism offerings in the area.
Late this afternoon we arrive at the Heritage Lodge and Spa
for our overnight stay. (B,L,D)

This morning we continue our journey through the
Daintree to Cape Tribulation, a headland named by
Lieutenant James Cook after his ship struck the Great
Barrier Reef in 1770. After a stroll along the beach and a
cup of tea, we’ll continue north and tackle the infamous
Bloomfield Track. Impassable during the wet season, the
track passes through some wild country and should only be
tackled by 4WD vehicles. There are numerous steep climbs
through the rainforest and several creek crossings to
negotiate, so sit back and enjoy the scenery as your
experienced tour driver does the hard work!
Once across the Bloomfield River we’ll visit Bloomfield Falls
before lunch at the Lion’s Den Hotel, one of QLD’s oldest
bush pubs. We then depart for Cooktown, where
Lieutenant Cook beached the Endeavour for repairs after
hitting the reef. Upon our arrival we’ll enjoy a town tour
including the James Cook Museum, Cooktown Botanic
Gardens and the Grassy Hill lookout.
We then check in to the 4-star Sovereign Resort Hotel for
our overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Today we depart Cooktown along the Battle Camp Road
and visit the Old Laura Homestead before arriving in to
Laura. This area is famous for its rock art.
This morning we visit art sites in the Laura area, where an
experienced Aboriginal guide will accompany us to
interpret the art and explain the significance of this cultural
site.
Later on we enjoy lunch and a visit to the Quinkan Cultural
Centre. We then travel through the grassy plains and
woodlands of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, tackling
several creek crossings along the way. We’ll stop at
Kalpowar on the Normanby River for afternoon tea,
followed by a visit to Red Lily Lagoon, home to a vast array
CAPE YORK WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
of flora and fauna. Admire the tall lotus lily with its
spectacular pink flowers and dense yellow stamens, and
keep an eye out for Brolgas and Sarus cranes striding
through the lilies searching for sedge tubers.
This afternoon we pass through Nifold Plain, an open
savannah characterised by thousands of magnetic termite
mounds. We then continue through to Lotusbird Lodge,
beautifully located on the edge of a tranquil billabong.
Enjoy an exclusive two night stay to discover the area.
(B,L,D)

Today enjoy a breathtaking helicopter flight over Rinyirru
(Lakefield). Board our exclusively chartered Bell Jet Ranger
and fly over swamps, plains and forests before following
the Kennedy River to Princess Charlotte Bay. You’ll spot
crocodiles, pigs, cattle and all sorts of other wildlife on this
mesmerising flight. It really is the only way to get a true
appreciation of the area and adds a great perspective of
Cape York Peninsula.
After lunch there’s time for a walk around the lodge’s
billabong or some bird watching. Alternatively, enjoy some
free time to yourself and soak up the atmosphere of Cape
York from this tranquil location. (B,L,D)
Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights

Today we farewell Lotusbird Lodge and make our way
north along the Peninsula Development Road. Pass through
Coen before arriving at Archer River Roadhouse for lunch.
We then continue on to Weipa, arriving mid-afternoon to
check in to the Albatross Bay Resort. (B,L,D)

This morning we join 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 salt
water crocodiles! Our skipper will also provide a detailed
insight into Weipa’s bauxite mining industry. 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 we depart Weipa and make our way
towards Moreton Telegraph Station. We pass by Batavia
Downs before heading north along the Telegraph Track,
arriving at Moreton mid-afternoon. Situated on the banks
of the Wenlock River, Moreton served as a repeater station
for the Overland Telegraph Line established in the 1880’s.
The last Morse telegram code was sent from Brisbane to
Thursday Island on the 24th June 1964, yet the line
remained in use until 1987 as the local telephone line.
Upon our arrival at Moreton we’ll check in to our exclusive
wilderness lodge for two nights to relax and explore the
local area. Our newly refurbished rooms feature ensuite
bathrooms, quality furnishings and air-conditioning. (B,L,D)

In the 1860’s construction began on the Overland
Telegraph Line. The northern section ran through very
difficult rugged country and the telegraph survey
expedition was only the fourth overland expedition ever
made to Cape York. Work on the Cape York Peninsula
section was completed in 1886, and Moreton Telegraph
Station was completed in 1887.
The line served Australia well until the outbreak of war
when better communications were required in the face of
the threat to the northern coastline. After more than 100
years of service, Moreton eventually ceased
communication operations in 1987 with the introduction of
the modern era of telecommunications.
Today, join our guides for some interpretive walks around
the station and along the Wenlock River, which contains
the highest diversity of freshwater fish of all Australian
rivers. Species include the Freshwater Sawfish, Spear tooth
Shark and more common fish like the Sooty Grunter and
Barramundi.

After lunch, there is time to catch up on some washing or
simply relax and take in the beautiful surrounds followed
by our second night at this historic site. (B,L,D)

Today our journey continues north along the Telegraph
Track, passing through some wild and rugged countryside.
However, as some sections of the track are impassable
we’ll mainly be travelling on the northern and southern
bypass roads on our journey north from Moreton.
This morning enjoy a visit to Fruit Bat Falls for a refreshing
swim in the crystal clear water of Eliot Creek, followed by a
picnic lunch.
We then continue north and cross the Jardine River by
vehicular ferry, before arriving at Bamaga where we check
in to the Cape York Peninsula Lodge for the next two
nights. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

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.
Later this afternoon we return to Thursday Island for our
overnight stay at the Jardine Motel. (B,L,D)
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 and
Qantas Frequent Flyer card (if you have one). The rest of
your luggage will return to Cairns on the coach.

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 ShangriLa 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. (B,L,D)

After breakfast enjoy a relaxing morning before your
transfer to Cairns airport, or to your accommodation if
staying on. (B)