15 Day Cape York - Boat North, Drive South - Camping 4WD Safari (Code: HT15SDC)

Type: Tours - Cape York Camping Tours

This 15 day tour offers you the chance to travel from Cairns to Cape York on a working cargo ship before your adventure packed 4WD safari back to Cairns begins. After the boat ride north, you have a free day at the top to explore Thursday and Horn Island. Once back to the mainland, the tour begins by heading south back toward Cairns covering most of the places you'll want to see in Cape York.

Departure Dates: All tours are guaranteed to depart on the follow dates with a minimum of six passengers and road conditions permitting.  We strongly advise to make a booking in advance. Some dates below may already be booked out, such is the popularity of these tours. This tour also operates in reverse on different dates to those below as a 14 Day Tour.  

2012 Departure Dates:

• June 15
• July 13
• Aug 10
• Sep 7
• Oct 5

Click here to see the dates and itinerary of another Drive North Cruise South Camping Safari.

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 rates table for this tour.

More Information:

The accommodation on board the cargo ship 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 bunk style accommodation on board is basic and of a quad share basis with shared bathroom facilities.

On this tour you’ll have good Aussie camp meals and sleep in outback tent accommodation except for the last night in Cooktown where the tents are done away with, and you sleep in a motel for the night. 

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 camping and accommodation costs and entrance fees as per itinerary. Twin share tents and foam mattresses are provided to all passengers on camping safaris. Itinerary Legend; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, T = Toilets, S = Showers, L = Laundry, Bc = Bush Camp.

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 its 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 your tour guide, 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 camp site the rest of the day is yours. (STL)

 

DAY 5 THURSDAY ISLAND (BD)

An early morning departure as we cruise through island studded straits to explore our northern community, Thursday Island. Here you have the option to take a informative guided bus tour of the island (own expense) and its picturesque Harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet. Ample time to explore the sites on the island, the Cultural Museum and souvenir shops, before you board your ferry to return to Seisia late afternoon. 

 

DAY 6 SEISIA - CAPE YORK - SOMERSET  (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 base.  (STL)

 

DAY 7 SEISIA – TWIN FALLS (BLD)

Departing the Top End, southward bound, we cross the Jardine River. We travel along the upper section of the Old Telegraph Track, en route to Twin Falls, with its enchanting waterfalls and rock pools, ‘Paradise in Cape York’. An early arrival allows plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing swim and view the pristine falls. (Bc+T)

 

DAY 8 TWIN FALLS – BRAMWELL  (BLD)

After a leisurely morning, we travel on to Fruit Bat Falls, where you can enjoy the view and have a refreshing swim. We then make our way to our camp for the night at a “true blue, aussie” cattle station, Bramwell. (ST)

 

DAY 9 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 beachfront campground, 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). (STL)

 

DAY 10 WEIPA – IRON RANGE NATIONAL PARK (BLD)

Leaving this modern town behind, we head towards the East Coast, crossing the Wenlock and Pascoe River, before arriving at Iron Range National Park (the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Australia) to find the Eclectus Parrot, the rare Palm Cockatoo, cuscus, and green python. Overnight camp in Iron Range National Park. (Bc+T) (weather and road conditions permitting)

 

DAY 11 IRON RANGE - CHILI BEACH (BLD)

Today we will explore at our leisure, Iron Range National Park, Chili Beach, and Portland Roads community, which once serviced the Gold Fields and WW II airfield. (Bc+T)

(weather and road conditions permitted)

 

DAY 12 IRON RANGE NATIONAL PARK - ARCHER RIVER  (BLD)

Heading back to the main road, we cross the picturesque Pascoe River before exploring the Old Wenlock Gold Fields, an abandoned mining town, showing relics of Cape York’s history. Then making our way to our campsite at picturesque Archer River. (STL)

 

DAY 13 ARCHER RIVER - LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK  (BLD)

We head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay and Lakefield National Park. An amalgamation of 3 huge cattle stations, now a haven for the many birds and animals native to the area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles. We camp the night at Kalpower Crossing (road conditions permitted). (ST)

 

DAY 14 LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK - COOKTOWN (BLD)

This morning we stop at Old Laura Homestead, before travelling on, where we step back in time when we arrive at the old gold port of Cooktown. Visit the Cooktown Museum (own expense), Captain Cooks Landing, Grassy Hill Lookout. Overnight camping in Cooktown.

 

DAY 15 COOKTOWN - CAPE TRIBULATION - CAIRNS (BL)

We travel on, stopping off at Black Mountain, and then down the Bloomfield Track (road conditions permitted) to Cape Tribulation, where the ‘rainforest meets the reef. At Cape Tribulation, where Captain Cook’s troubles began, we will enjoy a rainforest walk, before crossing the Daintree River to begin the last leg of our journey home. A scenic drive along the Marlin Coast is a perfect way to complete your Cape York Adventure. We arrive back in Cairns in the late afternoon and return you to your accommodation.

The operator reserves the right to alter itinerary and location of camp site if necessitated.

 

Features & Inclusions

• 3 night sea journey on cargo vessel M.V. Trinity Bay in a 4 berth share cabin
• Horn Island visit
• Thursday Island visit
• Ferry transfer to the mainland
• Cape York - Most Northern Tip of Australia
• Twin Falls
• Bramwell Station
• Weipa
• Iron Range National Park
• Chilli Beach
• Lakefield National Park
• Cooktown
• Cape Tribulation

Specials & Packages

Rates and Tariffs

2012 Season	1st Jun 2012 to 5th Oct 2012
15 Day Boat/ Drive Camping Tour	$3470.00 adult $3123.00 per child
* 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. We strongly advise to make a booking in advance. Some dates below may already be booked out, such is the popularity of these tours. This tour also operates in reverse on different dates to those below as a 14 Day Tour.

2012 Departure Dates:

June 15
July 13
Aug 10
Sep 7
Oct 5

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.

Departure time from Cairns: Approximately 7:00am - exact time is 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 be any time of day.

Return time to Cairns: 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.

CAMP STRETCHER BED HIRE –
High quality camp beds for hire. At a cost of only $60.00 per tour you can sleep safe and sound in absolute comfort.

HIRE OF CAMPING EQUIPMENT -
• Sleeping bags $ 15.00 for the entire safari
• Sheet $ 5.00 for the entire safari
• Pillows $ 5.00 for the entire safari
• Towel $ 5.00 for the entire safari
• Single tent $ 70.00 for the entire safari
• Camp beds $ 60.00 for the entire safari

WEIPA MINE TOUR

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 $33.00 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: $31.00 pp (fuel levy may apply)

HORN ISLAND 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: $106.00 pp (Includes buffet lunch, WWII Tour, Museum and return boat transfer from Thursday Island.) (fuel levy may apply)

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: $260.00 pp (fuel levy may apply)

Booking Policy

Child Policy: Child = 11- 14 years. This tour is not recommended for children under 11 years of age.

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.

Cancellation Policy:
•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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