14 Day Cape York Tagalong tour - departing Cairns on 4 June, 2 July, 6 Aug or 3 Sep 2012

Cooktown and Cape York » 14 Day Cape York Tagalong tour - departing Cairns on 4 June, 2 July, 6 Aug or 3 Sep 2012

Type: Tours - Cape York Tag-Along Tours

Experience the real adventure of driving yourself through one of the last great wilderness areas of Australia. To stand at the most northerly point of Australia is a dream of many who enjoy the quest to journey to remote areas. Don't worry too much about having not experienced this kind of a trip before. Doing a tagalong tour will make life a whole lot easier for you. Having a local guide with local knowledge will really enhance your trip to Cape York and greatly decrease your risk of falling into any trouble. This tour includes a lot more than just piece of mind. See the itinerary below and the list of inclusions, to see why this tour is such good value for money.

Departure Dates:

June 4th - June 17th 2012
July 2nd - July 15th 2012
Aug 6th - Aug 19th 2012
Sept 3rd - Sept 16th 2012

How to Book:

A detailed itinerary giving daily distances, daily events etc. will be issued upon booking and receipt of $500 deposit payment for this tour. The final balance will be due no later than 30 days before the departure date of your choice. Bookings made within 30 days of the travel date must be paid in full. 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.

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More Information:

You need to carry your own camping gear, sufficient food and drinking water and this helps to keep the tour cost down and allows you to design your own menu and try some camp cooking. There are opportunities to stock up on supplies and do some clothes washing. The duration of this tour is 14 days and overnight stops are mostly in bushcamps with no or limited facilities, and if there are no facilites, the leader's vehicle will provide the shower if possible. There is ample time for breaks, walks, photography and rest and relaxation.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1. We gather in the morning in Cairns for a short meet and greet and then we travel up the beautiful Kuranda Range to Mareeba, which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year. Then it’s on to Dimbulah for a morning tea break and then we head west to historic Chillagoe. This town boasts a stunning mix of outback landscape, mining heritage, aboriginal art sites and fantastic limestone caves. We arrive at our campsite around midday and set up camp. After lunch we are booked in for a National Park Ranger guided cave tour and as well there are many other interesting sites to see around Chillagoe, such as the Arts & Crafts Shop, Balancing Rock, the old State owned copper smelters and Tom Prior’s Ford museum. In the evening we sit down to our Welcome Dinner, which is provided for us and we begin to get to know each other a bit better. After dinner we set off on our Observatory Tour which rounds off a very busy first day.

Day 2. This morning we pack up our campsite and set off, leaving Chillagoe behind in the distance. We visit some ancient Aboriginal sites along the way as we head for the historic Tyrconnell Gold Mine, where if we are in luck we can see the 120 year old quartz crusher in action. After lunch it’s off to the old ghost town of Mt Mulligan, where we explore the abandoned coal mine site where 75 miners lost their lives in a massive underground explosion in September 1921. The town cemetery contains the graves of those tragically killed that day. We then travel north on some challenging 4WD tracks through Kondoparinga Station and arrive in the afternoon at a delightful crossing on the Mitchell River where we can enjoy a cuppa or a dip. Once refreshed, it’s a short distance before we are on to the tar sealed Peninsula Development Road where we soon arrive at Palmer River Roadhouse and set up camp. A hearty meal is provided for us at the Roadhouse and this is a fitting end to another interesting day.

Day 3. We break camp this morning and leave on our way to Lakeland where we can refuel our vehicles if required. We soon say goodbye to the bitumen and head north west towards Laura where we visit the Split Rock Aboriginal art site and the Quinkan & Regional Cultural Centre. After lunch we explore the old railway Bridge to Nowhere and the old Laura lock up. Native police from Laura were sent south to hunt the Kelly Gang in the 1870s and they were present at Ned’s last stand in June 1880 at Glenrowan. Our journey takes us on the dirt road past Hann River Roadhouse and on to Musgrave Roadhouse which was originally built as a telegraph station in 1887. Here we see the well maintained airstrip with the big mango tree at the end of it, shading the lonely graves of some of the pioneers of the Cape. We enjoy a break to refuel or have a cuppa before we set off for Coen. In just over an hour we turn off the main road before Coen to Charlie’s Gold Mine and set up camp. Here we get to meet one of the true characters of the Cape with his house made of bottles, and an opinion on everything from climate change to modern telephones. Our camp for the night includes a hot shower which helps wash away some of the red dust.

Day 4. We say goodbye to our host Charlie, and continue our trip north west towards Archer River Roadhouse where we enjoy a pleasant stop at the café or down on the banks of the river. Away again and we are soon heading west at the Weipa turnoff, where we encounter a good gravel road into this mining town on the western side of the Cape. Arriving around midday, we set up camp in the shady surroundings of the main camping ground in Weipa and have lunch. In the afternoon we are booked on a guided bus tour of the largest bauxite mine in the world. In the evening we enjoy a fabulous meal together which is provided for us. Later on, the waves gently breaking on the beach near our camp, settle us down for a good night’s sleep after another interesting day.

Day 5. This is a free day in Weipa. You can spend the day of relaxation doing things like fishing, photography, reading, shopping, swimming in the campground pool or doing nothing at all in the thirteen acres of tropical trees and green lawns. There are several operators providing fishing charters out of Weipa and we can supply their contact details to you upon request. A special treat for the photographers is the sunset over the tranquil waters of Albatross Bay.

Day 6. Today we are ready for action again as we pack up and leave Weipa behind and head for the famous Telegraph Road. Our morning takes us through the Batavia Downs cattle station as we travel east again and join the road not far from the Wenlock River. This river crossing is a lot safer these days with a concrete bridge now spanning, what was a very interesting water crossing prior to its construction about 10 years ago. On the northern bank of the Wenlock is Moreton Telegraph Station where we pull up for a refreshing morning tea break and enjoy the sounds of the water rushing by. In another hour or so, we arrive at Bramwell Junction where the Old Telegraph Track parts ways with Bamaga Road and the real 4WD adventure of a Cape York trip begins. There are several water crossings over creeks and rivers and some have particularly steep approach and departure angles. We stop for a lunch break along the OTT and take in the wonderful diversity of the flora and fauna of the Cape. Our destination today is Eliot Falls, a beautiful part of the Cape where we can enjoy a refreshing swim and wash that dust away. Our camp site for tonight is in the camp grounds at the falls, where we can light a fire, if we remember to collect some firewood along the way.

Day 7. Today our destination is the seaside village of Seisia, right on the tranquil shores of Torres Strait. First we have to cross the mighty Jardine River, fortunately via the car ferry which operates only during the daylight hours. We arrive at the Seisia Holiday Park and set up camp, a lovely spot where we will be relaxing for the next few days. A short exploratory walk around the campground shows us the jetty right next door and the beautiful white sandy beach where sunrises and sunsets are a ‘must do’ for all visitors to this part of the world. Our dinner tonight is provided for us in the restaurant at the camp ground.

Day 8. Today is the day that we get to stand on the most northern ‘Tip’ of mainland Australia. On the way there, we visit the Croc Tent, where souvenirs and refreshments are available on the road side at Lockerbie. At last, this is the moment when we get to walk the last few hundred metres to the very top of the Australian continent. After our walk we head to the historic ruins of the Somerset Homestead. This is the site where the Jardine family lived in the 1860s and just down a small sandy track near the beach; we find the graves of Frank Jardine and his wife Sana. We stop for lunch in a lovely shady spot where the old jetty once stood. On the way back we pass the WW2 wreck of an old DC3 aircraft, which crashed in May 1945, with tragic results. We also check out some more WW2 plane wrecks near Jacky Jacky Airport. The afternoon is pretty much free after that, so there is an opportunity to throw a line in or relax on the beach. This is a great place to unwind after the challenging trip north.

Day 9. This is another free day to do whatever you choose, although we recommend a ferry trip to Thursday Island and Horn Island which can also include guided bus tours and lunch. There is a good deal of historic significance in the Torres Strait with the Green Hill Fort and the All Souls Quetta Memorial Church on TI, and the WW2 Museum on Horn Island. Tours can be arranged through the Seisia Holiday Park office but we strongly advise you to book early in order to avoid disappointment. Remember to ask for your senior’s discount if applicable. As well, we are able to provide you with the contact details for several fishing charter operators who can take you out on a trip to one of the best fishing spots in Australia. The beautiful aqua coloured waters around the Strait are sure to stick in your memory forever.

Day 10. Today we are well and truly refreshed as we pack up camp and begin our journey southwards across the Jardine River once again. Our travels take us across to the east coast of the Cape to Captain Billy’s Landing, where a flat grassy area right on the beach, was the loading site for Comalco’s cattle operation in the Heathlands area several decades ago. This picturesque spot is our lunch stop and we can explore the remains of the old concrete landing ramp that has stood the test of time. This location is an excellent spot for a walk along the beach. After lunch we head back to the main track and set out for Moreton Telegraph Station where we set up camp for the night, once again on the banks of the beautiful Wenlock River.

Day 11. Today’s part of our journey is a fairly long run south towards Musgrave Roadhouse where it is an ideal place to refuel and freshen up before we head east again, this time into Lakefield National Park. Our trip takes us into the second largest N.P. in Queensland which covers approximately 5,500 sq kms. It features historic sites, 4WD tracks, plentiful wildlife, diverse vegetation, large rivers and extensive wetlands. Many of these are fringed by tall paper barks and thick rainforest. We arrive in the Park and stop at a lily covered billabong, where we can spot some of the spectacular birdlife that lives here, including brolgas, parrots and finches. This is an area where we need to bring in our own firewood and when we get to Hann Crossing, we set up our camp near the river, with a crackling fire for company. The sounds of the night in this peaceful place are sure to put us straight to sleep after our dinner.

Day 12. Today we pack up and break camp and set off for Old Laura Station, which had its beginnings in the cattle industry dating back to the 1870s. The homestead and several of the out buildings are still pretty much intact and it is a great place to get a close look at how our ancestors lived in the bush. A few kilometers before we hit the bitumen, we stop at Isabella Falls for a cuppa and a splash in the clear mountain stream on our way down Battle Camp Road towards Cooktown. The lush rainforest indicates that we are heading towards the coast and pretty soon we are in the town named after the British explorer who mapped our eastern coastline over 240 years ago. We arrive in Cooktown around lunch time and make our way to our camp site and set up. This afternoon we explore many places of interest around the town, including the site where the HMS Endeavour was beached for repairs. The botanic gardens, the historic town cemetery, and the Grassy Hill Lookout, are all well worth seeing. In the evening, we are provided with a feed of delicious fish and chips on the wharf before turning in for the night.

Day 13. This morning we are booked on an Aboriginal Cultural Tour with Nugal-warra Elder and story teller, Willie Gordon. Later we are given a tour of the Cooktown Museum. In the afternoon, we set off down the Mulligan Highway and we turn off to Archer Point where from the lookout, we can see forever, all the way out to the Great Barrier Reef. Our journey takes us to Black Mountain, which is over 300 metres high, with its fascinating rock formations, the place of Aboriginal legends. We arrive at the Lions Den Hotel at Helenvale, where we camp on the grassy banks of the Annan River. For our last night together, we are provided with our Farewell Dinner at this historic pub, which was built in 1875. The food here is great and the atmosphere is unforgettable, as we celebrate our 2 weeks together, conquering Cape York.

Day 14. Today, we head for the spectacular Bloomfield Track, which presents a challenging drive through the World Heritage listed rainforest. It’s a 4WD only track, traversing several creeks and river crossings including some steep climbs and descents. We cross the river at Wujal Wujal, and soon we get to enjoy the view from the tops of the peaks as we make our way to Cape Tribulation. We stop for a lunch break at Cape Tribulation and here we get to see where the rainforest meets the reef. This is truly a beautiful part of Australia and soon we are headed to the Daintree River Ferry, where we cross over and begin to make our way south towards Port Douglas. Pretty soon we are following the stretch of road that follows the Pacific Ocean for many kilometers as we get closer to Cairns. We have enjoyed a truly memorable experience, travelling by 4WD to Cape York, building friendships that are sure to last a lifetime and sharing some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. We arrive in Cairns in the late afternoon and bid our farewells before heading home to share our amazing adventure with our families and friends.

Features & Inclusions

Welcome Dinner
Farewell Dinner
Plus 4 free evening meals
Possible 2 or 3 extra evening meals if our fishing is any good!!
2 lunches
All National Park and camping fees
Cave tour with National Parks Ranger
Outback Gold Mine Tour
Observatory Tour
Guided tour of Weipa’s Bauxite Mine
Jardine River ferry - $88 return at time of publication
Cooktown Museum Tour
Aboriginal Elder Cultural Tour
Daintree River ferry
Toilet facilities and bush showers where water is available
Camp cooking plate
Services of experienced tour leader and fully equipped escort vehicle
Satellite Phone, UHF radio and emergency first aid kit carried by tour leader
Licensed and accredited operator

Rates and Tariffs

2012 Season

1^st Jun 2012 to 30^th Sep 2012

Extra person (after first two people in vehicle)

$450.00 adult
$350.00 per child

Semi-Catered Tag-Along - per vehicle - for min 2 people

$1597.50 per person

* Booking terms and conditions may apply, please details below.

* All prices are inclusive of GST and in Australian Dollars ($AUD)

Booking Information

Departure Dates:

June 4th - June 17th 2012
July 2nd - July 15th 2012
Aug 6th - Aug 19th 2012
Sept 3rd - Sept 16th 2012

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.

Booking Policy

A $500 deposit and a completed booking form is required at the time of
booking which is your commitment deposit to say you will be travelling with
us. That's when we normally give all the finer details about the trip. The
balance is due two months prior to the departure date.

Cancellation policy:
Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to departure date = $300 cancellation and admin fee.
15 - 30 days prior to departure date 25% of full payment + $300.
8 - 14 days prior to departure date 50% of full payment + $300.
7 days or less prior to departure date 75% of full payment + $300.
Failure to depart on tour No refund
Leaving during tour No refund

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
We have never been four-wheel driving before, does this matter?
We will guide and assist you in the basic skills of 4WDriving to suit the terrain in which we will be travelling. So if you are a beginner with your first 4WD you can be confident that we will get you through your big trip safely.
Do we get much time for sightseeing?
On our tours you will get plenty of time to explore, bushwalk, fish, photograph and take in the beauty and grandeur of the areas we visit.
What type of 4WD is suitable for these tours?
You need a 4WD that has reasonably good ground clearance and also has a high/low transfer case. All wheel drive vehicles are not suitable for our tours. Hire vehicles and camping gear can be arranged through us.
Does my 4WD need to be modified in any way?
You will need to have fitted a UHF radio for communication. If your vehicle is in good condition and is not overloaded it is more than adequate. However we do suggest a quality set of springs and shock absorbers and All –Terrain tyres with 70% tread or more for these tours.
Do I need to attend any training courses before hand?
If you are inexperienced at 4WDriving then by all means do. On our tours you are given hands on 4WD training as you enjoy your adventure travel.
How long do we drive each day?
We try not to travel more than 300km per day. We usually discuss the following days events around the campfire at night, or at our morning briefing sessions before departure. We are normally on the road between 8am-9am each morning and stop for lunch between 12pm & 1pm. We stop at all points of interest throughout the day and set up camp well before sunset.
If our vehicle breaks down on the tour what happens?
We will do our best to get you going again but if we can't we will get you to where your vehicle can be repaired or arrange to have it recovered. We strongly recommend you have top cover with your state motoring association (NRMA, RACQ etc) and travel insurance.
Are trailers allowed on your trips?
Generally no, as the terrain we are accessing is very rugged in places with many difficult water crossings to overcome, especially on the Old Telegraph Track. Drop us a line and we can discuss it further.
Are children welcome?
Of course. All well behaved children are most definitely welcome.
How do we know what to pack?
When we receive your deposit and booking form, a Briefing Kit with all the information you will need, will be sent to you. It will contain lists of suggested spare parts, camping requirements and hints on food, packing etc. Most people take far too much gear, so pack wisely.
What are our camp facilities like?
Our Cape York tours are a mixture of Campgrounds, National Parks and Cattle Stations. They all have toilet facilities (some have long drop toilets) and every bush camp has a cooking fire and BBQ plate available. Where adequate water is available, a bush shower will be provided.
What if I fall ill?
We are equipped with UHF radio, Satellite Telephone, are first aid certified and we carry a first aid kit if the need arises.
Do we pay for lots of extras?
No! On all our tours we include a lot of extras as stated elsewhere on our web page. All camping and National Parks permits, cave, mine and museum entry fees as well as a welcome and farewell dinner are included. However any fishing, boat or other elected trips are done at your own expense.
Do I need Travel insurance?
We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance agent and take out adequate travel insurance to cover any event and give full travel protection. We are not responsible or liable for loss or damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever or for personal injury, accidents, hospitalisation, illness or medical expenses. Most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges.

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