A relaxed and exciting holiday combination. An overland wilderness expedition, with the additional perspective of a spectacular flight, and the comfort and amenity of overnight accommodation. Your flight from Bamaga to Cairns will provide a unique aerial overview of this vast wilderness, its huge rivers, remote communities and deserted coastline. Appreciate and experience the rich geology and the unique flora and fauna as you travel overland from Cairns to Cape York. Our overnight stays quite often reflect the unique nature of the sparsely inhabited regions in which we travel. Forest shrouded resorts and lodges; hotels and motels to outback cattle station cabins and cabin tent accommodation along the track where no alternatives exist. All are clean and comfortable, the hospitality genuine, open and friendly, and the cuisine generous and appetising. 240V Electricity at station accommodation is generally not available between 10pm & 7am.
Availability: Black=Available Green=Nearly Full Red & Struck Through=Fully Booked Orange=Not Reached Minimum Numbers – Waitlist Available
2019 Departures | |
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May | 10 |
01 May 2019 - 31 Oct 2019 | |
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Twin Share | $ 3796 |
Single | $ 4388 |
Prices are per Person in AUD$ |
After an early morning pick up at any of our three selected Cairns CBD hotels or our two selected Caravan Parks (after booking you will be given a list to choose from), we travel via the beautiful coastal road until we cross the Daintree River and enter the majestic expanse of the World Heritage listed Daintree/Cape Tribulation Rainforest. Over the jungle shrouded slopes of the controversial Bloomfield track to Cooktown. Perhaps a chance to shop for souvenirs in original colonial era shops. Overnight accommodation is at the Seaview Motel with ensuite facilities.
Assured of a unique place in the rich fabric of Australian history, Cooktown provides a visit of interest and excitement. Visit Cooks landing place, Grassy Hill Lookout and the century old cemetery. We travel to Laura and visit the Quinkan Cultural Centre. Experience living outback history as we approach Musgrave pioneer telegraph station, which is over 100 years old. Overnight accommodation is Musgrave station which has share bathroom facilities.
Via historic Coen we travel north to cross the wide sandy Archer River and after lunch travel via Piccaninny Plains and Batavia Downs Stations to arrive at Moreton a former Telegraph Station that carried the morse code signal linking Brisbane to Thursday Island. Time for a guided nature walk on established trails along this lightly forested waterway. The next two nights accommodation will be at Moreton Station in pre erected tent cabins which are fully screened tents with twin beds and linen. Toilet and Bathroom facilities are shared here.
Through huge cattle runs your tour to Cape York travels west to arrive at bauxite-mining town of Weipa on the Gulf of Carpentaria. A veritable "Oasis in the wilderness" and providing further contrast to your experience of this last frontier. Today we have an Eco Boat Cruise included. Discover the waterways and diverse wildlife habitat including saltwater Crocodiles, numerous bird species and mining history. Overnight is again at the lovely Moreton Station.
Civilisation far behind and we are really in four wheel drive country as we traverse rushing streams, rocky crossings and the ever changing wilderness landscape of zamias and eucalyptus forests to reach today's lunch destination, the picturesque Fruit Bat Falls on the Eliot River. Time to swim and explore or photograph the enchanting rock pools and waterfalls of this unique spot. This afternoon we cross the Jardine River, followed by a short visit to Bamaga Aboriginal and Islander settlement. The next 3 nights accommodation are at Punsand Bay Private Reserve in permanent tents that have ensuite facilities.
Early morning ferry through the islands of the Torres Strait to legendary "T.I." once home port of the romantic pearl diver fleet, now "Capital" of the scattered islander communities between Australia and New Guinea. Time for sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Thursday and Horn Island tours, ferry's & lunch are included. Tonight's accommodation is at Punsand Bay Private Reserve in permanent tents with ensuite facilities.
A day of interest and outdoor enjoyment. An early morning walk to "The Tip" the most northerly point of our continent. A tour to Albany Passage with a visit to historic Somerset (road conditions permitting), the once mooted "Singapore of the Pacific". Tonight's accommodation is at Punsand Bay Private Reserve in permanent tens with ensuite facilities.
A leisurely morning, before a transfer to Bamaga Airport for your return flight to Cairns. Your tour to Cape York ends with a lifetime of great memories and is topped off with the scenic flight into Cairns. Please note, you will need to pay for your own transport from the domestic terminal of the Cairns airport back to your accommodation. A taxi will cost approximately $20 and take less than 10 minutes from the airport to most of Cairns accommodation properties.
Extras
Cairns Accommodation Before & After Your Cape York Tour
For those wishing Caravan Park Accommodation – There are three Caravan Parks to choose from with limited storage options available at one of these properties. The Caravan Parks usually request a minimum stay of at least 4 nights pre/post tour to store your caravan/car/campervan/motorhome. Storage prices are anywhere from $15-$18 per night. These Caravan Parks are located all around the Cairns region and if applicable to your chosen tour itinerary your 4WD safari vehicle will either pick up or drop off at your chosen Caravan Park. We will provide you with these Caravan Park options once your selected tour booking has been confirmed. Should passengers choose to stay elsewhere, we can advise to you which pick up point is the closest to your chosen accommodation.
If on a camping tour - all camping equipment including tents with a floor built into them, mattresses, National Park fees, land access and usage fees to local communities, all camping fees. If on an accommodated tour - all accommodation costs whilst on tour. Meals as indicated: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).
Any costs incurred before or after departure. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary. Any personal items such as newspapers, telephone, alcohol and drinks, laundry, personal and travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance which specifically covers cancellation fees, most claims arise from either personnel or close-family illness before departure resulting in cancellation charges. We suggest you talk to your car, home or life insurer and purchase a policy that will cover you for cancellation fees in the unlikely event that you need to cancel your Cape York tour.
We suggest about $300 per person. Credit cards and EFTPOS machines are accessible in most places throughout Cape York.
Travel Insurance
As a valued customer of Cape York Tours, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. Options include single trip or annual frequent travellers plan on domestic or international travel.
Free quote for Travel Insurance by SureSave
Travel Insurance by SureSave
SureSave is an Australian travel insurance company who specialise in providing help that’s designed for travellers.
Underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyds, they are dedicated to keeping customers informed and covered through an honest and genuine approach to travel insurance.
SureSave provides world assistance through their Sydney-based support team, including an award-winning customer contact centre, claims team and 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. All their services are in-house, so rest assured that no matter where your travels take you, you’ll have access to expert assistance from home.
Free travel safety app with every policy
When you buy a policy with us, you’ll get instant access to the free SureSave travel safety app.
The app provides you with access to travel safety information on the go, including policy details, emergency contacts, phrasebooks and guides tailored to your trip.
View a video on the SureSave app.
Disclaimer
SureSave Pty Limited, ABN 82 137 885 262 AR 339902, is an authorised representative of Cerberus Special Risks Pty Limited ABN 81 115 932 173, AFS Licence No. 308461. (Cerberus).
Momentum 17 Pty Ltd, trading as Australian Tours and Cruises, ABN 18 621 028 402, is a distributor for Cerberus. This insurance is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s.
Generally medium sized air planes with a capacity of 20 to 50 passengers are used. During peak season when services are in demand we occasionally use smaller aircraft carrying 8 or less passengers.
M.V Trinity Bay carries 38 passengers stopping at Horn Island, Thursday Island and Bamaga. The trip normally takes 2.5 days and you will sleep on the boat for 2 nights. Accommodation is in either twin cabins or 3-4 passengers per cabin, all cabins have share bathroom facilities. A licensed bar is on the ship and your trip includes meals as indicated in the tour itinerary.
Vehicle seats are individual, padded bucket seats with lap and sash seat belts. Vehicle suspensions are modified to ride as comfortably as possible to Cape York. A seat rotation is normally done each day.
4 tee shirts
4 shorts or skirts
Swimmers/Towel
Water bottle
A spray jacket/warm jacket
1 pair of sandals
Shady hat
Torch
Toiletries
Laundry powder
Insect repellent
Small day pack
Track suit pants/jeans
NB: clothes line & pegs are supplied by us (campers only) PLEASE AVOID ARTICLES OF WHITE/LIGHT CLOTHING AS DUST MAY STAIN
Baggage space is limited. One soft sided sausage style bag per person measuring approximately 600mm x 500mm x 300mm with a maximum weight of about 10kgs plus one small day pack per person for inside the vehicle. Excess luggage may be stored at your accommodation.
All tours are conducted on a partial participation basis, it generates friendship and conversation. The Tour Leader does all cooking however assistance with vegetable peeling, firewood collection and filling water buckets is greatly appreciated. Passengers assist with washing and wiping and erect their own tents (unless on pre-erected tent camping tour or on accommodated tour) after a demonstration, those less agile will be given assistance.
The maximum number of passengers depends on the seating in the 4WD vehicles which range from 4 to 22 seats.
These tours are designed to show the very best of Cape York Peninsula. The day normally starts around 8.00am ending approximately 4.00pm covering 300 kilometers per day. During the normal course of the day you will stop for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The tour also stops at places of interest, towns, communities and any notable flora or fauna features.
Toilets are either flushing or National Park composting type and showers are available most nights and if not, a long, soaking soap free swim in a shallow, safe stream is available.
Your Guides / Chefs work extremely hard to provide passengers with excellent, wholesome meals. Breakfast consists of a choice of at least 3 cereals, toast and spreads. Lunch has a variety of cold meats and an abundant selection of salad vegetables on rolls or sandwiches. Evening meals begin with happy hour followed by a 2 course meal which could be a grill, roast, casserole, BBQ, fresh fish and appropriate selection of vegetables followed by a tasty dessert.
If a passenger is on a medically prescribed diet, we will do our absolute utmost to cater suitable meals for that person. Please contact our office to discuss any diet needs.
There are a number of places to store your vehicle or caravan. We can give you the details to book directly once your tour dates are confirmed.
As per Government regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for smoking breaks.
The Government has imposed very strict alcohol regulations throughout Cape York Peninsula and our company has a permit to carry certain quantities of alcohol and complies with all regulations and laws. Please contact our office for further, more recent information.
Telephones, cameras and other electrical devises can be charged using mains power in Cooktown, Musgrave, Coen, Weipa, Bramwell Station and Cape York.
Digital mobile telephones only operate in Cooktown. Telstra NEXT G telephones work in Cooktown, Laura, Coen, Weipa and Thursday Island. Email access via internet cafes is generally not available. Most phones these days can recieve emails.
MV Trinity Bay Passengers
IMPORTANT: Please note that MV “Trinity Bay” requires passengers to complete a Passenger Medical Information Form to advise the crew of any medical issues they may need to be aware of. This information will also be used by medical attendants in the event of a medical emergency or accident.
If required by Part 1 of the Sea Swift Passenger Medical Form, a GP Fit-to-Travel Clearance is available to print and take to your GP for signature.
Please email a copy back to reservations@capeyorktours.com.au to complete your booking, please include your booking reference number in the email.
Bookings are not confirmed until all forms are completed and returned.