Cape York 10 Day - Boat North, Drive South - Fully Accommodated 4WD Safari (Code: HT10DSA)

Type: Tours - Cape York Accommodated Tours

This tour offers you the chance to travel from Cairns to Horn and Thursday Island on a working cargo ship before your adventure packed 4WD safari from Cape York to Cairns begins.  You'll travel in a luxury 4WD vehicle and eat and sleep in relative comfort compared to all the other Cape York tours.

Departure Dates: 

All tours are guaranteed to depart on the follow dates with a minimum of six passengers and road conditions permitting. This tour is available in reverse order on different dates.

2012 Dates:

• May 25
  
• June 8, 22
  
• July 6, 20
  
• Aug 3, 17, 31
  
• Sep 14, 28
  
• Oct 12, 26
  

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

How to Book:  A Deposit of $400 per adult is required to confirm your place with the balance due 60 days before departure. Bookings made within 60 days of the travel date must be paid in full within 72 hours.  You can book online via the rates table's "Add to Itinerary" button. Click on it and follow the prompts, or, call to book on + 61 7 4036 3562  from outside Australia or 1800 681 685 (free call) from within Australia.  Your booking confirmation/ receipt will be emailed to you shortly after your booking request and deposit payment has been received.

Click here to jump straight to the price tables for this tour!

More Information:

The accommodation on board the cargo ship for the first three nights is offered as an opportunity for you to view first hand the servicing of supplies and food at the top end remote island communities. The accommodation on board is basic and of a four share basis with shared bathroom facilities.

On the last seven days and six nights of the tour you will travel overland in a modern 4WD vehicle staying in out back accommodation with some of the comforts of home. The meals, apart from the lunches, are generally had at each of the accommodation establishments.

The minimum number of people per trip required for the trip to run is 6. The maximum number is 24 however these are amongst the most modern and comfortable 4WD tour vehicles available  featuring on-board toilets, TV/ DVD, road cam and all forward facing, reclinable seats.

Tour Itinerary:

All fares include meals as per itinerary code: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner. All accommodation costs and entrance fees as per itinerary.
All bedding and linen are provided.

DAY 1 CAIRNS – M.V. TRINITY BAY (D)

Welcome aboard! The friendly crew will welcome you aboard the cargo vessel M.V. Trinity Bay and help you to settle in for your trip up the East Coast of Cape York, taking in the splendor of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical coastline. Great views, good food and friendly company will make an excellent start to your adventure.

DAY 2 GREAT BARRIER REEF – MARINE NATIONAL PARKS (BLD)

A fascinating and relaxing sea passage following the Great Barrier Reef and isolated coast line in the footsteps of Captain Cook.

DAY 3 HORN AND THURSDAY ISLAND (BLD)

Sunday morning is spent at Horn Island. Here passengers are given the opportunity to learn about an often forgotten part of history - the role of Horn Island and the Torres Strait in the Second World War. A local tour is available with an expert guide, who is the curator/owner of the local museum. Some of the sites visited include two World War II plane relics, slit trenches, taxi ways, a 3.7 inch gun site, an underground command post, and the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. As well as the historic aspect, the tour also takes in scenic sites of Horn Island. Only passengers taking part in the tour are allowed to disembark at Horn Island.

Sunday afternoon finds us at Thursday Island (TI). TI was settled in 1877 when it was decided to re-locate the government administration point from Somerset to a more suitable spot. The island was chosen for it's closeness to the main shipping channel and it's well sheltered port. The hunt for pearl-shell, beche-de-mer and trochus attracted many people from around the world to these shores and a number of whom decided to stay and adopt the island as their home. Arrangements can be made for a personalised and informative bus tour of the Island by a local guide who will show you why TI is one of the most culturally and historically interesting places in Australia. The tour takes in spectacular views and visits the Torres Strait Museum (not always accessible on Sundays), Green Hill Fort (circa 1891), Quetta Memorial Cathedral and the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial at the local cemetery.

DAY 4 SEISIA (BD)

On Monday the vessel travels back to the mainland of Australia to the jetty at Seisia, one of the communities in the Bamaga area. After viewing the cargo being unloaded, you disembark the ship at Seisia, where you will be met by a Heritage Tours representative, who will take you to Seisia. Seisia is ideally located for our next few days, being in walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, a famous fishing spot. Having familiarized your selves with your accommodation the rest of the day is yours. The accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park tonight are cottages with ensuite facilities.

DAY 5 CAPE YORK (BLD)

An unforgettable day! Stand at the very top of mainland Australia. We then visit Somerset (road conditions permitted), once the home of the legendary Jardine family and government outpost established in 1864. We have lunch on the palm fringed Anchorage Beach, which overlooks the Albany Passage. A walk on the beach will complete your day before returning to Seisia. The accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park tonight are cottages with ensuite facilities.

DAY 6 CAPE YORK – FRUIT BAT FALLS– BRAMWELL STATION (BLD)

Southward bound, we cross the mighty Jardine River, stopping at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim and enjoy this unique area with its enchanting waterfall. Travelling along part of the Old Telegraph Track, before we make our way to a ‘true blue, aussie’ cattle station, Bramwell Station – share facilities.

DAY 7 BRAMWELL - WEIPA (BD)

A southerly run through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to cross the Wenlock River. We head for the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and our overnight stop at Weipa, with its view over Albatross Bay. This afternoon there will be the opportunity of a tour of the largest bauxite mine in the world (own expense). Our accommodation tonight is at the Heritage Resort – ensuite facilities.

DAY 8 WEIPA - MUSGRAVE (BLD)

We continue south, stopping off at the picturesque Archer River, then on to the historic frontier gold town of Coen. The afternoon finds us arriving at our overnight accommodation at Old Musgrave Telegraph Station – share facilities.

DAY 9 MUSGRAVE - LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK - COOKTOWN (BLD)

After an early start, we head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay where we traverse the entire length of Lakefield National Park (road conditions permitted). An amalgamation of 3 huge cattle stations, now a haven for the many birds and animals native to this area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles. Travelling southwards, we continue on to Old Laura Homestead and then cross the Battle Camp Range. This afternoon we explore the old gold port of Cooktown. Visit Captain Cooks Landing and Grassy Hill Lookout. Overnight accommodation at the Sovereign Resort in Cooktown - ensuite facilities.

DAY 10 COOKTOWN - CAPE TRIBULATION - CAIRNS (BL)

The final exciting day has, unfortunately, arrived, but before returning to Cairns, we make our way south passing the mysterious Black Mountain and the historic Lions Den Hotel. Traversing the jungle shrouded Bloomfield Track we see where the 'rainforest meets the reef' at Cape Tribulation. We travel through the splendor of a World Heritage listed rainforest. A scenic drive along the Marlin Coast is a perfect way to complete your safari. Arriving late afternoon in Cairns, where you will be taken to your accommodation.

 The operator reserves the right to use alternative location of accommodation if necessitated.

Features & Inclusions

• 3 nights aboard the M.V. Trinity Bay Cargo Ship in a 4 berth cabin
• Cape York - Most Northern Tip of Australia
• Thursday Island
• Fruit Bat Falls
• Bramwell Station
• Weipa
• Musgrave Telegraph Station
• Lakefield National Park
• Cooktown
• Bloomfield Track
• Cape Tribulation
• World Heritage Daintree National Park

Specials & Packages

Rates and Tariffs

2011 Season	1st May 2011 to 31st Oct 2011
10 Day Tour - Twin Share during 4WD safari	$3745.00 adult $3745.00 per child
10 Day Tour - Single Room during 4WD Safari	$4275.00 adult
2012 Season	1st May 2012 to 31st Oct 2012
10 Day Tour - Twin Share during 4WD safari	$3775.00 adult $3775.00 per child
10 Day Tour - Single Room during 4WD Safari	$4295.00 adult
* Booking terms and conditions may apply, please details below.

Booking Information

Departure Dates:

All tours are guaranteed to depart on the follow dates with a minimum of six passengers and road conditions permitting. This tour is available in reverse order on different dates.

2012 Dates:
May 25
June 8, 22
July 6, 20
Aug 3, 17, 31
Sep 14, 28
Oct 12, 26

How to Book: A Deposit of $400 per adult is required to confirm your place with the balance due 60 days before departure. Bookings made within 60 days of the travel date must be paid in full within 72 hours. You can book online via the rates table's "Add to Itinerary" button. Click on it and follow the prompts. Or, call to book on + 61 7 4036 3562 from outside Australia or 1800 681 685 (free call) from within Australia.

Departure time: Mid afternoon: to be advised. Guests should make arrangements to stay in Cairns on the day before the tour is due to begin because the time of departure could be changed with very little notice.

Return time: 6.00pm. Guests should make arrangements to stay in Cairns on the date of return because the time of return can be delayed by several hours.

Pickup or Departure Point Details: Complimentary pick up from Cairns city accommodation.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Pre and Post tour accommodation. Meals, unless mentioned on day to day itinerary, sleeping bags and pillows, any personal items such as drinks, newspapers, telephone, laundry, souvenirs, personal and holiday insurance.

WEIPA MINE TOUR - FOR ANYONE

The Largest Bauxite Mine in the World
A fascinating and informative tour of this enormous open cast mining site and the remote mining town of Weipa. The tour covers just about everything you might want to know about the Western Cape Region and its history plus a comprehensive insight into the whole process of mining and a chance to see the enormous mining equipment, trucks, locomotives and other plant used on the 2,590 square Km. Site. The tour takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs $30.00 pp

THURSDAY ISLAND BUS TOUR

There is probably no other place in Australia with a history longer or more colorful than that of Torres Strait. This T.I. Tour takes you to places the ordinary tourist could not hope to cover by foot in a single day. Stops include the Torres Strait Museum, Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial, and Green Hill Fort. Your local guides commentary takes you on a journey from the early, pre Europeans days, to the discovery of pearl shell, local involvement in wartime conflicts and on through to today's main primary industry Crayfishing and T.I.s pivotal role as the government administrative Centre. Cost: $ 30.00 pp (subject to change)

HORN ISLAND BUS TOUR

Just across the Harbour from Thursday Island is Horn Island. Here you join a WWII Tour designed to reveal the vital role Torres Strait played in Australia's northern defense. Evidence of Horn Island as a strategic WWII Airbase can be found across the island in the form of old trenches, taxi ways and gun sites. Also included is a visit to a private WWII Museum. Lunch at Gateway Resort is a mouth-watering buffet featuring local fare. Cost: $ 96.00 pp (Includes buffet lunch, WWII Tour, Museum and return boat transfer from Thursday Island.) (subject to change)

TWO ISLAND TOUR

The two Island tour includes your ferry to Thursday Island. Upon arrival a local guide will escort you on a tour of discovery around historic T.I. (see TI Bus Tour description above). Just across the harbour is Horn Island, here you will enjoy a mouth- watering buffet style luncheon at a small resort. After lunch you have time to visit a WWII Museum before heading out on a bus tour to visit the many WWII relics strewn across Horn Island. Your tour concludes with a return boat ride to T.I. where you connect with the ferry back to your campsite on the mainland. This is a perfect opportunity to visit both islands in one day. Cost: $ 206.00 pp (subject to change)

Booking Policy

Child Policy: Child = 11-14 years. Children under 11 years are not recommended to take this tour.

Single Traveller Policy: Where possible, if asked, we will try to match you up with a fellow (same sex) single traveller. If not possible or if you want to sleep on your own, you will have to pay a single supplement of $700.

Please also advise the following:
The name of your Holiday Accommodation and/ or a mobile telephone contact in case the tour director can’t find you. We also book accommodation at the best locally available rates so if we can help you with that, please let us know.

Important Notes:
•60 – 30 days prior to travel, a 25% cancellation fee applies
•30 – 14 days prior to travel, a 50% cancellation fee applies
•Less than 14 days prior to travel, a 100% cancellation fee applies
A $400 per person cancellation and administration fee applies to every cancellation greater than 60 days prior to the date of travel.

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