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Cape York Wilderness Adventure
Operated by Outback Spirit
Tripcode:
Overview
Destination:
Australia,
Cape York (Australia),
Duration:13 days
Travel Period
May 2025 - September 2025
Fly Free + Save up to $1,500pp - Members Save More^
Tour Highlights:
- Journey to Pajinka, the northernmost tip of the Australian mainland.
- Travel the iconic Bloomfield Track and visit historic Lion’s Den Hotel.
- Enjoy an intimate tour of the Daintree visiting stunning fan-palm galleries.
- Spend 2 nights at the beautiful Lotus Bird Lodge.
- Discover breath-taking Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park by helicopter. Also visit Red Lily Lagoon, Nifold Plain & the Normanby River by land tour.
- Explore the Torres Strait visiting Thursday Island, Horn Island & Friday Island.
- Spend 2 nights at our Moreton Wilderness Lodge on the Wenlock River.
- Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Fruit Bat Falls.
- Enjoy a cultural performance by the Seisia Kayin Thithuil Dance Group.
Standard inclusions
- Small Group Size - 20.
- All meals including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on tour.
- 10 nights of excellent hotel and lodge accommodation and 2 nights at Bamaga in more basic cabins. All accommodation features private en-suite facilities.
- All entry fees into National Parks and all cruise fees.
- One-way airfare from Horn Island to Cairns with QANTAS.
- Travel aboard a 5-star 4WD Mercedes Benz Coach.
- Services of a professional 2-person crew consisting of a Tour Driver and Tour Director.
- Outback Spirit Explorer Pack (for first-time travellers only).
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1 - Cairns - Port Douglas
Arrive in Cairns today by 1pm 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 in to the newly transformed Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort for our overnight stay. Fresh from a $43 million makeover, this iconic resort is once again the premier accommodation choice in Port Douglas.
Day 2 - Port Douglas - Mossman Gorge - Daintree National Park
This morning we continue our journey north and visit the award-winning Mossman Gorge Centre. 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 we’ll enjoy traditional bush tea and damper.
This afternoon we venture 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.
Day 3 - Cape Tribulation - Bloomfield Track - Cooktown
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 we’re 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 Grassy Hill lookout, the James Cook Museum and Cooktown Botanic Gardens. We then check in to the 4-star Sovereign Resort Hotel for our overnight stay.
Day 4 - Quinkan Countries - Lotusbird Lodge
Today we depart Cooktown along the Battle Camp Road and visit the Old Laura Homestead before arriving into 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.
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 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 Lotus Bird Lodge, beautifully located on the edge of a tranquil billabong. Enjoy an exclusive two night stay to discover the area.
Day 5 - Rinyarra Lakefield from the Air
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 birdwatching. Alternatively, enjoy some free time to yourself and soak up the atmosphere of Cape York from this tranquil location.
Day 6 - Coen - Weipa
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 to Weipa, arriving mid-afternoon to check-in to the Albatross Bay Resort.
Day 7 - Wildlife Cruise - Batavia Downs - Moreton Telegraph
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 a great place for a picnic lunch.
This afternoon we depart Weipa and make our way towards Moreton Telegraph Station. We’ll pass 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.
Day 8 - Moreton Telegraph Station
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.
Please Note: we are no longer visiting Piccaninny Plains
Day 9 - Telegraph Track - Heathlands - Fruit Bat Falls
Today our journey continues north along the Telegraph Track, which passes 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 afternoon, enjoy a visit to Fruit Bat Falls for a 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, arriving at Bamaga late afternoon. Enjoy the next two nights in spacious cabins with ensuite bathrooms at Cape York Peninsula Lodge, the perfect base from which to explore ‘the tip’.
Day 10 - Bamaga - The Tip of Cape York
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 Bamaga where the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a cultural dance performance (subject to availability).
Day 11 - Endeavour Strait - Thursday Island - Kazu Pearls
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 wake to Thursday Island, situated 35km northwest of the tip of Cape York. The island has a population of approximately 3000 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 the short ferry trip across to Friday Island, home to Kazu Pearls. Here we enjoy a Pearl Demonstration and a chance to purchase some of their exquisite pearl jewellery.
This afternoon we return to Thursday Island for our overnight stay at the Jardine Motel.
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. The rest of your luggage will return to Cairns on the coach.
Day 12 - Horn Island - Cairns
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 in to the luxurious Shangri-La The Marina.
Day 13 - Farewell
After breakfast enjoy a relaxing morning before your transfer to Cairns airport, or to your accommodation if staying on. Bon voyage, until your next incredible outback adventure!
Departure dates
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Operator
Outback Spirit
At Outback Spirit, we’re continuing with what we’ve done for the past 22 years, which is connecting you – our guests – to Australia’s most remarkable landscapes, unique touring experiences and some very special communities. We’ve always made guest safety paramount – and we continue to do so with our experienced guides who are the best in the business and subtle changes to protect us in this new world of travel. Our journeys incorporate the finest accommodation available, specialised vehicles, fine food and wine and something we could all do with a little more of – and that’s perspective. When you realise you’re one of a handful of people to see exquisite rock art that’s thousands of years old, or you’re overlooking a rugged outback landscape once covered by sea, you gain a sense of perspective that prevails over everything else.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
^Fly Free + Save up to $1,500pp: Terms & Conditions
Save up to $1,500 per person based on selected May 2025 departures - Members save more. Book by 20 December 2024.
Conditions apply. Offer valid for new bookings only. Offer available until 20 December 2024 unless sold out prior. Fly Free includes economy airfares and taxes from major Australian capital cities.
Fly Free Offer
Savings are reflected in the tour fare quoted and are subject to availability. Block out dates may apply. Bookings must be made by 20 December 2024, unless allocation sold out prior. Offer valid on select itineraries and dates departing in 2025. Offer includes economy airfares and taxes. All offers are subject to airline availability. Flight tickets will not be booked until booking deposit has been received by Outback Spirit Tours. Deposit amount is $1,000 per person. Flight offers are available from major capital cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Darwin or Canberra. Fly free is only applicable to a return airfare to and from your domestic capital city airport. Free flights are valid on the most direct route. Free flights are subject to a maximum amount of $1,500 per person. Amendments to ticketed flights will incur airline-related charges and a $50pp admin fee. Changes may not be possible if cancellation happens whilst on tour. Any cancellations of ticketed flights may be subject to third party fees and charges as per Airline T&Cs. No Flight credits will be given for tickets issued under this campaign. Offer is available for new bookings made between 1/11/2024 and 20/12/2024 for travel in 2025.
For full terms and conditions, please ask your travel consultant.
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12 nights
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