Destinations: Bamaga, Cairns, Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, Bloomfield, Archer River, Weipa, Great ...
Destinations: Weipa, Archer River, Yarraden, Bamaga, Horn Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Laura, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield
Explore the ancient histories and prehistoric rainforests of Australia’s northern reaches on an adventurous small-group tour across the Cape York Peninsula. Start your Far North Queensland voyage admiring the crystal-blue waters at Horn Island and soaring over the Torres Strait on an exhilarating helicopter ride. Head south and drive along historic tracks to hidden pools and working cattle stations, where you’ll discover the fascinating stories of the land. Dive deeper with your knowledgeable guide and travel comfortably in your air-conditioned 4WD transport. You’ll rest and reenergize at carefully selected hotels and outback stations, offering views of the region’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Finish your trip among the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and spend your final night in sun-kissed Cairns.
Destinations: Bamaga, Cairns, Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, Bloomfield, Archer River, Weipa, Great ...
Destinations: Weipa, Archer River, Yarraden, Bamaga, Horn Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Laura, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield
Ready for an adventure? Your guide will meet you at your Cairns hotel this morning, ready to whisk you away to Cairns Airport (CNS) for your included flight to Horn Island. Dazzling blue waters welcome to you as you join a tour to learn all about the significant role this tiny island played during World War II. Afterwards, enjoy lunch before visiting the Torres Strait Heritage Museum for a glimpse at the region’s history. Step aboard the ferry to Thursday Island, then transfer onto the Peddells Ferry to the mainland.
Upon arrival at Seisia, follow your helpful guide as you make your way to your Bamaga hotel and check in for the evening at leisure.
Wake up to a relaxed breakfast, then join your guide as you set off for the northernmost reaches of Queensland. Travelling to Punsand Bay, you’ll join your short scenic helicopter flight over the picturesque Torres Strait, marvelling at the crystalline waters and rugged coastline from above.
With your feet back in the sand, continue on your way to the very tip of mainland Australia. Drive through lush rainforest, stopping along the way at the legendary Croc Tent, where you can peruse all kinds of Cape York-themed souvenirs. The last 400 metres to the tip are crossed on foot. Climb out of your vehicle and make the journey across the rocky terrain to the most northerly point of mainland Australia. Take photos, choose to toast the occasion with a celebratory drink or simply soak in views of the Torres Strait.
Later, return to your Bamaga accommodation for a dip in the pool before joining your fellow travellers for dinner.
After a refreshing breakfast, transfer to the ferry from Seisia as you cross the Jardine River. Set out for Fruit Bat Falls, where the refreshing waters offer the perfect chance to cool off after the morning’s journey and savour a picnic lunch.
As you travel onward, enjoy afternoon tea at Bramwell Station, then continue to Batavia Downs and Morton Telegraph Station on your way to Merluna Station – a working cattle station and your home for the night. After a tour by the station owners, settle into your cabin before dinner.
Turn your attention inland as you travel west along red dirt roads to the coastal mining community of Weipa. Stop for lunch at a local cafe, then don your hard hat to tour the largest bauxite mine the world, hearing about the mining process.
Continue to the Western Cape Cultural Centre, where you’ll witness a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork from the surrounding communities. After contemplating these indigenous works of art, you’ll transfer to your hotel for the rest of your evening to spend at leisure. Spend your downtime at your hotel overlooking the bay before reconvening for dinner tonight.
This morning, join an energising boat tour of the local area. Look out for saltwater crocodiles and native birds as you discover the beauty of Far North Queensland.
Later, travel on to the former telegraph station of Musgrave. This heritage homestead – once an essential communication link between Thursday Island and Mount Surprise – is now an important roadhouse for locals and travellers in Cape York. After checking into your accommodation for the night, enjoy dinner with your group.
Rise and shine, then set out along the Peninsula Development Road towards the scenic Rinyirru or Lakefield National Park. Gaze upon the area’s famed giant termite mounds, then turn your eyes to the park’s spectacular river valleys.
Fill up with a hearty lunch on your way to Cooktown, where you’ll visit the heritage-listed Old Laura Homestead and take a moment to appreciate the historic Aboriginal art at Split Rock, where the paintings are believed to date back 14,000 years.
Later, travel on to your lodgings for an afternoon check-in, then freshen up before sitting down to dinner at the Lion’s Den Hotel – a beloved local venue with outback charm.
After breakfast, take some time to explore Cooktown, starting with Grassy Hill lookout for panoramic views and the Cooktown Museum for a glimpse into the past.
Once you’ve explored the museum, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at a local cafe before stopping at the beautiful Cooktown Botanic Gardens for a stroll through the vibrant flora. Later, check in at your hotel for an afternoon free to relax, take a dip, and unwind before a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.
Make your way along the scenic Bloomfield Track by 4WD, stopping at beautiful Bloomfield Falls. Back aboard your vehicle, head towards the beaches of Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Step straight out from under the lush green canopy onto the golden sand and enjoy time to explore the coastal headlands, followed by lunch at a local cafe.
Step into the jaw-dropping Daintree Rainforest for a scenic walk. Estimated to be approximately 135 million years old, the Daintree is the planet’s oldest tropical rainforest. After ferrying across the Daintree River, you’ll take the Captain Cook Highway back down to Cairns, where you’ll continue to your conveniently located stay at the Crystalbrook Riley, offering easy access to central Cairns Esplanade.
Spend your final full day in Cairns exploring the formidable coral quays and marinescapes of the Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this expansive slice of Australian ocean is one of the worlds most sought-after snorkelling destinations. Join your group aboard a luxurious Seastar Cruise ship where you will get the exclusive opportunity to visit Michaelmas Cay with all snorkelling and diving gear included. For lunch, savour a hot and cold buffet aboard before heading to your last stop at Hastings Reef.
Savour one final breakfast at your hotel, then check out by 10am and make your own way to the airport as your Far North adventure comes to an end.
Australia’s Torres Strait is renowned for its jaw-dropping vistas and wild beauty. From the vast open plains of Bamaga to the incomprehensibly beautiful shores of Horn Island and glittering waters surrounding its archipelago, the Torres Strait is the ultimate outdoor escape. Experience the thrill of soaring above its crystalline waters on an unforgettable helicopter adventure. As you take to the skies, you’ll be mesmerised by the breathtaking view of azure waters, pristine white beaches, and lush tropical islands stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Australia’s vast landscape boasts a stunning array of natural features, everything from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. In this spectacular, sprawling outback, the dense forests and Great Dividing Range have helped Far North Queensland retain a wildness unlike any other. Amongst ancient trees and coastal waters, you’ll find historic stations that have kept life in this rugged region running for generations.
Along your journey, you’ll stay at the heritage-listed Musgrave Telegraph Station – now an important roadhouse, this station served a critical function for the remote communities nearby from as early as 1886. You’ll spend an evening at Merluna Station, a working cattle ranch that offers a window into Cape York’s unique farming history.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
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Your tour begins and ends at your Cairns accommodation, without airport transfers.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Please book your flights to arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS) before 5am on Day 1 and depart from Cairns Airport (CNS) after 10am on Day 10.
Roundtrip airport transfers are NOT included in your tour, please plan accordingly.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Queensland
Time zone: AEST, GMT +10
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: Moderate to warm with an average temperature of 29 degrees.
Tropical North Queensland
Climate: Warm with low rainfall during winter (June to August) and high rainfall with balmy temperatures during summer (December to February).