Destinations: Bamaga, Cairns, Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, Bloomfield, Archer River, Weipa, Great ...
Destinations: Weipa, Archer River, Yarraden, Bamaga, Horn Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Laura, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield
Explore the ancient histories and prehistoric rainforests of Australia’s northern reaches on an adventurous small-group tour across the Cape York Peninsula (max. eight travellers). Lose yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, admire crystal-blue waters at Horn Island and drive along historic tracks to hidden pools and working cattle stations, where you’ll discover the fascinating stories of the land. Dive deeper with your knowledgeable guide and travel comfortably in your air-conditioned 4WD transport, then rest and reenergize at carefully selected hotels and outback stations, offering views of the region’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Then, complete your voyage through Far North Queensland as you glide over the Torres Strait on an exhilarating helicopter ride.
Your journey takes you to: Cairns – Daintree Rainforest – Bloomfield – Cooktown – Laura – Yarraden – Archer River – Weipa – Bamaga – Horn Island – Cairns.
Destinations: Bamaga, Cairns, Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, Bloomfield, Archer River, Weipa, Great ...
Destinations: Weipa, Archer River, Yarraden, Bamaga, Horn Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Laura, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield
After breakfast, take some time to explore Cooktown, starting with Grassy Hill lookout for panoramic views and the Cooktown Museum for a glimpse into the past.
Afterward, enjoy a hearty lunch at a local cafe before stopping at the beautiful Cooktown Botanic Gardens for a stroll through the vibrant flora. Later, return to your hotel for an afternoon free to relax, take a dip and unwind before a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.
Say goodbye to Cooktown and continue to the grassy landscapes of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park and the town of Laura. Pause at the Split Rock Aboriginal rock art site, where you can see firsthand the amazing detail in the 14,000-year-old paintings.
Reboarding the vehicle, continue northwest, where you’ll stop in at the historic Old Laura Homestead. You will have time to wander the site before a glorious sit-down picnic in this scenic location.
The former telegraph station of Musgrave is your final stop for today. This heritage homestead — once an essential communication link between Thursday Island and Mount Surprise — is now an important roadhouse for locals and travellers in Cape York. After checking into your accommodation for the night, enjoy dinner with your group.
This morning, continue your adventure along the Peninsula Development Road, admiring the changing scenery and endless lowlands. Along the way, stop at the small town of Coen for a quick refuel and enjoy a hearty lunch at Archer River Roadhouse.
After lunch, rejoin your vehicle and head northwest towards Merluna Station, a working cattle station and our overnight accommodation. Settle into your air-conditioned cabin with an ensuite bathroom and take some time to freshen up before a sumptuous station dinner. Later, relax with new friends around the fire pit, gazing up at the plentiful stars.
Turn your attention inland as you travel west along red dirt roads to the coastal mining community of Weipa. Stop for lunch at a local cafe, then transfer to the tropical waters on an enchanting sunset cruise. Sip on a glass of sparkling wine or a nice cold beer as you watch for the elusive saltwater crocodile and an array of native birds.
Later, you’ll transfer to your hotel for the rest of your evening to spend at leisure. Spend your downtime at your hotel overlooking the bay before reconvening for dinner tonight.
There’s still plenty to discover in Weipa this morning. Join a tour of the town’s mine – the largest bauxite mine in the world. Don your hard hat and check out the giant machinery while learning about the mining process.
Travel onward, and enjoy afternoon tea at Bramwell Station, then continue to Batavia Downs and Morton Telegraph Station on your way to Bamaga. This afternoon you’ll transfer to the ferry from Seisia as you cross the Jardine River. On the far bank, set out for Fruit Bat Falls, where the refreshing waters offer the perfect chance to cool off after the morning’s journey.
Wake up to a relaxed breakfast, then join your guide as you set off for the northernmost reaches of Queensland. Travelling to Punsand Bay, you’ll join your short scenic helicopter flight over the picturesque Torres Strait, marvelling at the crystalline waters and rugged coastline from above.
With your feet back in the sand, continue on your way to the very tip of mainland Australia. Drive through lush rainforest, stopping along the way at the legendary Croc Tent, where you can peruse all kinds of Cape York-themed souvenirs. The last 400 metres to the tip are crossed on foot. Climb out of your vehicle and make the journey across the rocky terrain to the most northerly point of mainland Australia. Take photos, choose to toast the journey with a celebratory drink or simply soak in views of the Torres Strait.
Later, return to your Bamaga accommodation for a dip in the pool before joining your fellow travellers for dinner.
There’s still time to squeeze in more epic explorations today. Say farewell to Bamaga and board the ferry to Thursday Island, then onward further to Horn Island, where unbelievably blue waters await.
Dazzling blue waters welcome you as you join a tour to learn all about the significant role this tiny island played during World War II. Afterwards, enjoy lunch before visiting the Torres Strait Heritage Museum for a glimpse at the region’s history. This afternoon your guide will whisk you away to Horn Island Airport (HID) for your included flight back to Cairns.
Upon arrival, follow your helpful guide as you make your way to the luxurious Crystalbrook Riley Hotel located right on the esplanade and check in for the evening at leisure.
Spend your final full day in Cairns exploring the formidable coral quays and marinescapes of the Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this expansive slice of Australian ocean is one of the worlds most sought-after snorkelling destinations. Join your group aboard a luxurious Seastar Cruise ship where you will get the exclusive opportunity to visit Michaelmas Cay with all snorkelling and diving gear included. For lunch, savour a hot and cold buffet aboard before heading to your last stop at Hastings Reef.
Savour one final breakfast at your hotel, then check out by 10am and make your own way to the airport as your Far North adventure comes to an end.
Australia’s Torres Strait is renowned for its jaw-dropping vistas and wild beauty. From the vast open plains of Bamaga to the incomprehensibly beautiful shores of Horn Island and glittering waters surrounding its archipelago, the Torres Strait is the ultimate outdoor escape. Experience the thrill of soaring above its crystalline waters on an unforgettable helicopter adventure. As you take to the skies, you’ll be mesmerised by the breathtaking view of azure waters, pristine white beaches and lush tropical islands stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Australia’s vast landscape boasts a stunning array of natural features, everything from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. In this spectacular, sprawling outback, the dense forests and Great Dividing Range have helped Far North Queensland retain a wildness unlike any other. Amongst ancient trees and coastal waters, you’ll find historic stations that have kept life in this rugged region running for generations.
Along your journey, you’ll stay at the heritage-listed Musgrave Telegraph Station – now an important roadhouse, this station served a critical function for the remote communities nearby from as early as 1886. You’ll spend an evening at Merluna Station, a working cattle ranch that offers a window into Cape York’s unique farming history.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
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Your tour begins and ends at your Cairns accommodation, without airport transfers.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Please book your flights to arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS) before 5am on Day 1 and depart from Cairns Airport (CNS) after 10am on Day 10.
Roundtrip airport transfers are NOT included in your tour, please plan accordingly.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Queensland
Time zone: AEST, GMT +10
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: Moderate to warm with an average temperature of 29 degrees.
Tropical North Queensland
Climate: Warm with low rainfall during winter (June to August) and high rainfall with balmy temperatures during summer (December to February).