8 Day Fully Accommodated Quality Tour to Cape York and Torres Strait Islands – Exclusive to six passengers – Fly North/Drive South (Code: OAFD)

Type: Tours - Cape York Accommodated Tours

On this 8 Day Cape York tour, it not just a travel destination. You are offered a truly memorable touring experience that's tailored to your interests, with a maximum of only 6 passengers per vehicle. You'll experience the best that Cape York has to offer. Whether you're exploring the spectacular scenery and unique ecology of Cape Tribulation by 4WD or discovering the lush tropical wetlands in Lakefield National Park, it will be an extraordinary adventure.

This small group Cape York Accommodated tour is quite unique in that the itinerary is fairly flexible and the guide will take no more than six people at one time. Cape York is an area of wonderful contrasts. From the expansive red outback, to the lush green rainforests, from the golden beaches, to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef with it's rich coral kaleidoscope. Within this amazing diversity there are things to do and see that will fascinate everyone - from relaxed pleasure to active adventure.

Departure Dates for 2011: All the following tours are guaranteed to depart on the follow dates with a minimum of three passengers and road conditions permitting. Some dates below may already be booked out, such is the popularity of these tours and the limited number of departures available. This tour also operates in the exact reverse on different dates to those below. Click here to see the dates and itinerary of the reverse itinerary. (Drive North/ Fly South)

• 11 June - Full
  
• 13 July  - Full
  
• 15 Aug - Full
  
• 17 Sep -  Full
• 19 Oct - 6 spots left

Click here to see Departure Dates for ALL the Cape York Tours in 2011.

Click here to see Departure Dates for ALL the Cape York Tours in 2012.

Please note: On this Accommodated tour, solo travellers must pay an extra sole-use rate of $995.00 pp for single private accommodation.

How to book: This trip should be booked as far in advance as is possible. We require a deposit of 20% within 5 days of making a booking. The balance must be paid in full seven weeks prior to departure. Bookings made within seven weeks of the travel date must be paid in full within 72 hours. Please note, if you are the first to book, your tour is not guaranteed until at least three people are booked. In previous years, each tour has run, but we can not guarantee the same will happen every year.

Tour Itinerary:

All fares include meals as per itinerary code: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner. (En) = Ensuite, (SB) = Shared bathroom.

Where the schedule permits - Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea and Sundowners (Nibbles & Drinks at sunset) are also provided.

Day 1:  Cairns to Cape York by Air - (L / D / En)

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cairns airport for a flight over the last great wilderness area of Australia - the Cape York Peninsula.  With a surface area as large as Victoria and a mainland population of less than 5000 ‘The Cape’, as it is known locally, is a mosaic of open savannahs, water lily covered billabongs, majestic rivers and mountain ranges holding remnants of forests from a bygone era and all of this will be laid out below you.  Your guide will meet you at Bamaga Airport and after a relaxed morning tea it’s time to explore.  Cape York, named by Cook in honour of the Duke of York, is properly known as Pajinka and commonly referred to as ‘The Tip’.  Whatever you call it, there is a magical feeling standing at the end of our continent knowing no-one is further north than you on mainland Australia.  On the way we pass through Lockerbie Scrub - isolated pockets of monsoonal rainforest and Somerset, the failed Singapore of the Pacific, established by the famous (and sometimes infamous) Jardine family.  We complete the day with a drive along the Northern Beaches interspersed with craggy headlands and giant termite mounds that stand defiant to the battering of the winds.  Our beach front accommodation on the tropical shores of the Torres Strait will provide a relaxing finish to an adventure filled day.  * Punsand Bay Resort (L / D / En)

Day 2:  Cape York Touring - (L / D / En)

There is a lot more to northern Cape York than just visiting Pajinka. During World War II this area played a strategic role in the defence of Australia and today we visit some sites that are a reminder of the era and the men and women who committed to that effort.  Starting at Jacky Jacky Airport we visit the wreck of a Beaufort Bomber and the remains of the American base that it operated from.  Then it is off to the DC3 wreck that crashed, with no survivors, on approach to the runway.  Muttee Heads is our next stop, where the radar tower stands as a silent sentinel to the past.  This part of the journey also takes us to secluded beaches and the mouth of the Jardine River.  At almost a kilometre wide it truly is a site to behold.  Today’s journey also takes us through the various communities that were established by Torres Strait Islanders who moved to the mainland after WWII.  Each community is named for the Island that was their ancestral home.  This afternoon we finish off the day with sundowners on the beach and hopefully, a magnificent Torres Strait sunset.  * Punsand Bay Resort (B / L / D / En)

Day 3:  Thursday Island and Horn Island Touring - (B/ L / D / En)

An early start today for your private charter boat trip through the Torres Straits to Thursday Island.  The Island has been populated for thousands of years by the Melanesian Torres Strait Islanders, who named it Waiben, thought to mean 'no water or place of no water', owing to the scarcity of fresh water.  In 1877, an administrative centre for the Torres Strait Islands was established by the Queensland Government. By 1883 over 200 pearling vessels were based on the Island.  During World War II, Thursday Island became the military headquarters for the Torres Strait and was a base for Australian and United States forces. As a result, the Island was bombed by the Japanese in 1942, which saw the evacuation of civilians. Following the conclusion of the War the Island tradition of ‘no footwear’ was reinstated in respect for the ancient spirits believed to reside there.  Your journey today will also take you to Horn Island and the Heritage Museum.  * Punsand Bay Resort (B / L / D / En)

Day 4:  Cape York to Moreton  (B / L / D / Sb)

Time to pack the bags and head south.  After crossing the Jardine River by ferry our first stop will be at Twin and Elliot Falls.  Then visit Fruit Bat falls for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of Elliot Creek, continuing along the Northern Bypass Road into Heathlands Reserve.  This vast, remote wilderness is an ancient sandstone landscape.  Sediments laid down when the area was a shallow sea have been shaped over millions of years of weathering to form today's gently undulating landscape. Clear fresh water is abundant, not only in the mighty west-flowing Jardine River, which dominates the landscape, but also in swamps, boggy gullies and numerous smaller streams. This, along with the absence of food for horses and cattle, prompted early European explorers to call this place the ‘wet desert’.  We leave the bypass road to join the Overland Telegraph Line (OTL), the traditional route up and down the Cape and for much of the Cape’s history, the only possible route. The big challenge for today will be crossing Palm Creek with its steep rutted approach and an almost vertical departure angle. After a break at Bramwell Junction we rejoin the PDR for a short drive to Moreton Telegraph Station, another of the original Telegraph Stations.  Situated on the banks of the Wenlock River, Moreton is a green oasis steeped in the history of the pioneering days of Cape York.  Take a stroll along the tree lined banks of the river where clear water flows over a sandy bottom, watch for Archer Fish as they shoot insects off low branches with jets of water or just sit and enjoy the sounds of the abundant birdlife that inhabits the river valley.  Our accommodation for tonight is set amongst a beautiful Eucalypt forest, the perfect place for an after dinner campfire while watching for the abundant insectivorous bats (Little Bentwings and Sheath Tails) that inhabit the area.  * Moreton Telegraph Station (B / L / D / Sb)

 Day 5:   Moreton to Portland Road (B / L / D / Sb)

Continuing south we once again we leave the PDR for a side trip crossing both the Wenlock and Pascoe rivers on our way to Portland Road and the beautiful Chilli Beach.  Situated in the Iron Range National Park, Australia’s largest remnant lowland rainforest, this is a refuge to some unusual wildlife species only found here and Papua New Guinea.  Some of the interesting wildlife species include the Green Python, Spotted and Common Cuscus, Tree Frogs, Monitor Lizards and Cassowary’s, as well as a myriad of bird species, many of which can be viewed from the verandah of our accommodation at Portland House.  Time to break out the fishing rods and try our luck, the beach is Portland House’s front yard.  From the beach you could catch a Mangrove Jack, Coral Trout, Barramundi or Trevally (just to name a few).  Or, you may prefer to relax on the verandah with a book from the owner’s extensive natural history library. * Portland House (B / L / D / Sb)

Day 6:  Portland Road to Coen (B / L / D / Sb)

After rejoining the PDR we come to the Archer River Crossing, one of Cape York’s largest river systems.  With its headwaters in the Great Dividing Range on the eastern side of the Cape this magnificent river flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria on the Western Cape. Prepare to be amazed when you view the flood level marks on the side of the Archer River Roadhouse.  Continuing on we come to the former gold mining town of Coen, our overnight stop. You may want to spend some time in the Coen Historical House or meet the locals and fellow adventurers at the Exchange Hotel.  The beautiful Coen River is the place for a dip to cool off after a day on the road.    * Coen Guesthouse / Exchange Hotel (B / L / D / Sb)

Day 7: Coen to Cooktown (B / L / D / En)

An early start today as we make our way to Musgrave Station Roadhouse, another of the original Telegraph Stations.  It is here that we leave the PDR and travel into Lakefield National Park.  At 537,000 hectares (1.25 million acres) this is Queensland’s second largest National Park.   Open savannahs, water lily covered billabongs and a range of forest types support a diversity of wildlife and birds and a large population of  salt water crocodiles.  Time permitting we will try to catch a Barramundi in Saltwater Creek.  Rejoining the PDR at the historic township of Laura we stop at the Quinkan Cultural Centre before visiting Split Rock to view some of the world famous Quinkan rock art.  Continuing on we pass through Lakefield Downs, once a major peanut growing area now renowned for its coffee plantations.  From here the Mulligan Highway takes us to Cooktown with a short detour to the historic Lions Den hotel for an afternoon ale.  Discover the history of Cooktown as you stroll the Esplanade and meet Linda at the Croc Shop, a real life Crocodile Dundee.  After a visit to the James Cook Museum you will be amazed by the view from Grassy Hill Lookout, where Cook encountered his first Gungaru (Kangaroo).  * Sovereign Resort (B / L / D / En)

Day 8:  Cooktown to Cairns (B / L)

Leaving Cooktown we travel south with our first stop at the Black Mountains followed closely by the Little Annan River Gorge.  Leaving the Mulligan Highway we head into the mountains to Ayton where we will follow the Bloomfield River to the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal. Before crossing the Bloomfield River we visit Bloomfield Falls where we will be met by members of the Walker family, traditional owners of the area.  After a break for lunch we leave the tarmac roads behind and traverse the Bloomfield track through some of the most magnificent rainforest in Australia and make our way along the coast to Cape Tribulation where the rainforest truly does meet the sea.  Further along we cross, by cable barge, the Daintree River, home to one of the north’s largest crocodile populations.  Passing though fields of sugar cane we come to Mossman before joining Qld’s version of the great ocean road for the drive into Cairns where your journey ends and your unforgettable memories begin.  * (B / L)

Please note: On 8 day accommodated tours solo travellers must pay an extra sole-use rate of $995 pp (sole use is subject to availability).  Maximum of only 6 passengers per departure.  Prices include the cost of flights, all accommodation & meals, Thursday Island charter, all entries and side tours.  Please refer to website for terms and conditions.

On this journey you are travelling to very remote regions. Occasionally things happen which may require a change to the itinerary. To enjoy the full benefit of your journey you should not be rigid with your expectations. Be flexible, open-minded and prepared for the unexpected because after all, this is outback Australia.  

Features & Inclusions

• Modern, comfortable, air conditioned 4WD vehicles / no fuel levy
• Ice boxes for cold drinks (water supplied)
• All meals (a mix of continental and full hot breakfasts, generous lunches and 2 course dinners)
• Where our schedule permits – Morning / Afternoon Tea and Sundowners (Nibbles & Drinks at sunset) are provided
• Quality accommodations with ensuites wherever possible
• All National Park, site & ferry fees
• Intimate Thursday Island Tour (including vessel charter, TI tour, Horn Island Heritage Museum and lunch)
• Entry into James Cook Museum
• Traditional interpretive tour – Bloomfield Falls
• Entry to Quinkan Rock Art Site and Cultural Centre
• Dining experience with local Cape Elder where available
• Fishing equipment for the enthusiasts Lakeland Downs, Black Mountains
• Little Annan River Gorge
• Cooktown, James Cook Museum
• Quinkan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• Split Rock Art Site
• Lakefield National Park
• Old Laura Homestead
• OTL (Old Telegraph Line)
• Musgrave Telegraph Station
• Coen
• Archer, Wenlock & Pascoe Rivers
• Portland Road
• Chili Beach
• Iron Range National Park
• Sir William Thompson Range
• Moreton Telegraph Station, Bramwell Junction
• Palm & Dulcie Creeks, Delhunty River
• Heathlands Nature Reserve
• Fruit Bat, Elliot & Twin Falls
• Jardine River Ferry Crossing
• Seisia
• Cape York & Somerset - The Tip!
• Far Northern Beaches
• Thursday Island, Torres Strait, Horn Island (Heritage Museum)
• Jacky Jacky Airport – Beaufort Bomber, DC3 wreck
• Muttee Heads & Mouth of the Jardine River
• Cape Tribulation
• Daintree National Park & Ferry Crossing
• Bloomfield Track & Falls (with indigenous interpretive tour)
• Lion’s Den Pub
• Scenic Flight – Cairns to Bamaga

Specials & Packages

Rates and Tariffs

2011 Season	1st May 2011 to 31st Oct 2011
Accommodated Tour - Twin Share Room	$4220.00 per person
Accommodated Tour - Private Single Room	$5215.00 per person
Special for 19 Oct departure only - min 2 people	$3920.00 per person
* Booking terms and conditions may apply, please details below.

Booking Information

Departure Dates for 2011:
11 June - Full
13 July - Full
15 Aug - Full
17 Sep - Full
19 Oct - 6 spots left

Please note: On all these Accommodated tours solo travellers must pay an extra sole-use rate of $995 pp for single private accommodation.

Please note, if you are the first to book, your tour is not guaranteed until at least three people are booked. In previous years, each tour has run, but we can not guarantee the same will happen every year.

A key point of difference from other tours to Cape York is that this tour includes everything. The price includes many things other tours to Cape York do not, so make sure you are comparing apples with apples. Some of the key value added inclusions are:

• Intimate Thursday Island Tour (including vessel charter, TI tour, Horn Island Heritage Museum and lunch)
• Entry into James Cook Museum
• Weipa Mine Tour
• Entry to Quinkan Rock Art Site and Cultural Centre
• Fishing equipment for the enthusiasts

How to Book: A Deposit of 20% per adult is required to confirm your place with the balance due 49 days before departure. Bookings made within seven weeks of the travel date must be paid in full within 72 hours. The minimum number of people per trip required for the trip to run is 3. The maximum number is 6. You can book online via the rates table above or call + 61 7 4036 3562 from overseas or 1800 681 685 from within Australia.

Exclusions:
Some alcoholic drinks - You can BYO for the tour in moderation.
Items of a personal nature.

Booking Policy

Please note, if you are the first two people to book, your tour is not guaranteed until another two people make a reservation. Minimum passenger numbers is 3. In previous years, each tour has run, but we can not guarantee the same will happen every year.

CANCELLATIONS / REFUNDS: If cancellation occurs more than 31 days prior to departure a cancellation fee of $150 per person will be deducted from your refund. Cancellations occurring less than one month prior to departure will incur the following charges: 15-31 days prior 80% of Total, 14 Days or less 100% of Total Price.

INSURANCE: Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover against the possibility of a substantial financial loss. An emergency medical evacuation might cost you as much as $3000. Last minute cancellations can mean loss of the cost of the tour. This makes it extremely important to obtain travel insurance as soon as you book - or even before. There are several good insurance policies which are designed for travel within Australia. See the Travel insurance link on the left hand side navigation bar of this web page. (scroll up, look to the left)

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