HIGHLIGHTS
- Daintree Rainforest and Daintree Discovery Centre
- Bana Yirriji Art & Cultural Centre
- Bloomfield Track and Daintree Coast
- James Cook Museum
- Cooktown Botanic Gardens
- Guided tour of Split Rock, Quinkan Centre
- Weipa Bauxite Mine Tour
- Gulf Eco Cruise
- Moreton Telegraph Station
- Fruit Bat Falls (swimming opportunity)
- Cape York Walk to 'The Tip'
- Endeavour Strait Cruising
- Kazu Pearl Farm Tour
- Horn and Thursday Island Touring
- Torres Strait Cultural Heritage Experiences
PRE OR POST TOUR STAY
Why not add an extra night/s in Cairns before or after your tour commences? Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
Day 1 TUESDAY
CAIRNS
Your adventure begins with a welcome dinner at our tour hotel. Please check-in after 2.00pm. Meet fellow travellers and hear all about the adventures ahead with a comprehensive tour orientation by your Savannah Guides driver-host.
Day 2 WEDNESDAY
COOKTOWN
We travel north along one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives to Mossman; nestled in the World Heritage -Listed Dain tree Rainforest. We will board the Dain tree river ferry for a short cable crossing of the famous Daintree River. Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, an award-winning interpretive facility. Join a guided tour of the rainforest boardwalks. Follow the Bloomfield Track on a spectacular scenic journey hugging the Dain tree Coast. Visit the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in Wujal Wujal, a small coastal Aboriginal community on the banks of the Bloomfield River.
Day 3 THURSDAY
COOKTOWN
Discover Cooktown's colourful history today. Join our guide on a tour of the Cooktown Cemetery and hear the intriguing story of a fair skinned woman known as the "Norman by Woman" who was sighted living with Aborigines back in the 1800s. Visit James Cook Museum in the magnificent 19th Century Sisters of Mercy Convent. Gain an insight into the grounding of the Endeavour and the most significant land based stay of Captain Cook's east coast expedition. Wander the beautiful heritage-listed Cooktown Botanic Gardens and see the Vera Scarth -John son collection of original regional botanical illustrations. Enjoy some free time to stroll downtown Cooktown and a late afternoon tour of Grassy Hill with 360-degree views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 4 FRIDAY
MUSGRAVE
Travel to Lakeland and Laura via the mysterious Black Mountains, a special story place for the Kuku Yalanji people. World-class Aboriginal rock art and wonderful locally grown coffee are two big drawcards for these small towns. Best known are the Quinkan Rock Art Galleries, considered to be some of the most significant Aboriginal art sites in the world. We'll join a guided tour of the Split Rock Galleries. Travel along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the Hann River Roadhouse for a short break before continuing onto Musgrave Roadhouse.
Day 5 SATURDAY
WEIPA
We continue along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the old mining community of Coen. The town was originally created around a repeater station in the Overland Telegraph Line to the tip of Cape York Peninsula. We'll arrive in time for lunch at the Archer River Roadhouse. Located on the banks of the crystal clear Archer River, the Roadhouse is famous for the massive Archer Burger, best served with an icy cold drink under their shaded patio. Last stop for the day is Weipa, the Barramundi capital of Queensland. Originally an Aboriginal mission, Weipa grew to become a township after the discovery of bauxite. Late afternoon relax at your accommodation with sweeping views of Albatross Bay.
Day 6 SUNDAY
WEIPA
Learn about Weipa's mining operations on a morning tour of the world's largest bauxite mine, operated by Rio Tinto. Get up close and personal to the 190 tonne Belly Dumper Haul trucks while touring the working mine site and follow the rail and conveyor belt system as the bauxite makes its way to the loading dock. Join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a chance to spot local bird life and crocodiles. Relax with drinks and nibbles as you learn about the incredible ecosystems and local culture. Witness a stunning sunset in one of the few places in Queensland where the sun sets over the ocean in the west.
Day 7 MONDAY
BAMAGA
Follow the Old Telegraph Track to Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wen lock River. Part of the historic Overland Telegraph Line, Moreton Telegraph Station was completed in 1887 and ceased operations in 1987 with the introduction of microwave telecommunications. Spot giant termite mounds as the country changes to the open plains of Heathlands Resources Reserve. Cool off in the lush Fruit Bat Falls with its crystal clear water (croc free), a perfect swimming spot and one of the most special places on the Cape. Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry to Bamaga, the closest settlement to the tip of Australia. This evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner overlooking tropical gardens.
Day 8 I TUESDAY
BAMAGA
Experience the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia's last great wilderness areas. We begin with a drive to Pajinka. The 45-60 minute walk over rocky headland to 'The Tip' of Cape York requires a good level of fitness. Take that 'bucket-list' photo as you stand at the Tip of Australia; then savour a picnic lunch on Somerset Beach with breathtaking views to Albany Island. Visit the iconic Croc Tent then enjoy some free time back at your accommodation.
Day 9 I WEDNESDAY
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS
Cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island; just one of 274 islands which lie between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Discover Thursday Island' s hidden past, including Green Hill Fort, on a guided history tour. Join a special tour to Friday Island and the Kazu Pearl Farm. Tuck into a delicious Japanese seafood lunch followed by a demonstration on the cultivation, seeding and harvesting of the pearl. Time also to visit the Pearl Farm Shop. Return to Thursday Island before travelling by ferry to Horn Island late afternoon.
Day 10 THURSDAY
CAIRNS
Join local guides on a tour of the World War II sites. See gun emplacements, an underground command post and an aircraft wreck with an epic tale. Walk in the steps of traditional owners, the Kaur a reg People, and learn their stories. Following the tour you will have time to wander the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. Enjoy an Asian buffet lunch on Horn Island before transferring to Horn Island Airport for your Qantas Link flight to Cairns. Tonight we celebrate the end of our adventure with a Farewell Dinner at the Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant & Bar.z
Day 11 FRIDAY
CAIRNS
Your Cape York and Torres Strait adventure concludes after breakfast at Rydges Esplanade Resort. Own arrangements for your connecting flight or rail home. Alternatively, you may like to extend your stay in Cairns with one of our Post Tour packages, then enjoy some free time back at your accommodation.
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
Solos Mix
This tour is operated by Outback Aussie Tours. We’ve hand-picked this tour as it is a good choice for solo travellers.