Cape York & Torres Strait, Australia

Tour Code:
P272
NZ$10,703
Current Stock:

Discover the stunning Cape York & Torres Strait Islands region at a relaxed pace on this dedicated small-group tour exploring stunning locations and having unique experiences en route to 'The Tip' of Australia.

Duration: 11 Days | 10 Nights
Destination: Cairns
Scheduled Dates: 07 June; 21 June; 05 July; 02 August; 30 August; 13 September; 27 September 2023
Tour Highlights: Medium level of fitness required
• Daintree Rainforest and Daintree Discovery Centre
• Bana Yirriji Art & Cultural Centre
• Bloomfield Track and Daintree Coast
• James Cook Museum
• Cooktown Botanic Gardens
• Guided tour of Split Rock, Quinkan Centre
• Weipa Bauxite Mine Tour
• Gulf Eco Cruise
• Moreton Telegraph Station
• Fruit Bat Falls (swimming opportunity)
• Cape York Walk to ‘The Tip’
• Endeavour Strait Cruising
• Horn and Thursday Island Touring
• Torres Strait Cultural Heritage Experiences

Day 1: Wednesday – Cairns
Your adventure begins with a Welcome Dinner at our tour hotel. Please check-in after 2.00pm. Meet fellow travellers and hear all about the adventures ahead with a comprehensive tour orientation by your Savannah Guides Operator driver and host. Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns. (Dinner)

Day 2: Thursday – Cooktown
We travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives to Mossman; nestled in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. We’ll board the Daintree River Ferry for a short cable crossing of the famous Daintree River. Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, an award-winning interpretive facility. Join a guided tour of the rainforest boardwalks. Follow the Bloomfield Track on a spectacular scenic journey hugging the Daintree Coast. Visit the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in Wujal Wujal, a small coastal Aboriginal community on the banks of the Bloomfield River. 2 nights River of Gold Motel, Cooktown (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Friday – Cooktown
Discover Cooktown’s colourful history today. We’ll visit the Cooktown Cemetery where you’ll learn the intriguing story of a fair skinned woman known as the ‘Normanby Woman’ who was seen living with Aboriginal people back in the 1800s. Visit James Cook Museum in the magnificent 19th Century Sisters of Mercy Convent. Gain an insight into the grounding of the Endeavour and the most significant land- based stay of Captain Cook’s east coast expedition. Wander the beautiful heritage-listed Cooktown Botanic Gardens and see the Vera Scarth-Johnson collection of original regional botanical illustrations. Enjoy some free time to stroll downtown Cooktown and a late afternoon tour of Grassy Hill with 360-degree views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Saturday – Musgrave
Travel to Lakeland and Laura via the mysterious Black Mountains, a special story place for the Kuku Yalanji people. World-class Aboriginal rock art and wonderful locally grown coffee are two big drawcards for these small towns. Best known are the Quinkan Rock Art Galleries, considered to be some of the most significant Aboriginal art sites in the world. We’ll join a guided tour of the Split Rock Galleries. Travel along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the Hann River Roadhouse for a short break before continuing on to Musgrave Roadhouse. Overnight Musgrave Roadhouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Sunday- Weipa
We continue along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the old mining community of Coen. The town was originally created around a repeater station in the Overland Telegraph Line to the Tip of Cape York Peninsula. We’ll arrive in time for lunch at the Archer River Roadhouse. Located on the banks of the crystal clear Archer River, the Roadhouse is famous for the massive Archer Burger, best served with an icy cold drink under their shaded patio. Last stop for the day is Weipa, the Barramundi capital of Queensland. Originally an Aboriginal mission, Weipa grew to become a township after the discovery of bauxite. Late afternoon relax at your accommodation with sweeping views of Albatross Bay. 2 nights Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Monday – Weipa
Learn about Weipa’s mining operations on a morning tour of the world’s largest bauxite mine, operated by Rio Tinto. Get up close and personal to the 190 tonne Belly Dumper Haul trucks while touring the working mine site and follow the rail and conveyor belt system as the bauxite makes its way to the loading dock. Join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a chance to spot local birdlife and crocodiles. Relax with drinks and nibbles as you learn about the incredible ecosystems and local culture. Witness a stunning sunset in one of the few places in Queensland where the sun sets over the ocean in the west. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Tuesday – Bamaga
Follow the Old Telegraph Track to Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wenlock River. Part of the historic Overland Telegraph Line, Moreton Telegraph Station was completed in 1887 and ceased operations in 1987 with the introduction of microwave telecommunications. Spot giant termite mounds as the country changes to the open plains of Heathlands Resources Reserve. Cool off in the lush Fruit Bat Falls with its crystal clear water (croc free), a perfect swimming spot and one of the most special places on the Cape. Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry to Bamaga, the closest settlement to the Tip of Australia. This evening enjoy a relaxed dinner overlooking tropical gardens. 2 nights Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Bamaga (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Wednesday – Bamaga
Experience the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas. We begin with a drive to Pajinka. The 45-60 minute walk over rocky headland to ‘The Tip’ of Cape York requires a good level of fitness. Take that ‘bucket-list’ photo as you stand at the Tip of Australia; then savour a picnic lunch on Somerset Beach with breathtaking views to Albany Island. Visit the iconic Croc Tent then enjoy some free time back at your accommodation. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Thursday - Torres Strait Islands
Cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island; just one of 274 islands which lie between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Discover Thursday Island’s hidden past, including Green Hill Fort, on a guided history tour and a visit to Gab Titui Cultural Centre. Enjoy some free time to explore Thursday Island. Overnight Jardine Motel, Thursday Island. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Friday – Cairns
Transfer to Horn Island this morning. Join local guides on a tour of the World War II sites. See gun emplacements, an underground command post and an aircraft wreck with an epic tale. Walk in the steps of traditional owners, the Kaurareg People, and learn their stories. Following the tour, you will have time to wander the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. Enjoy an Asian buffet lunch on Horn Island before transferring to Horn Island Airport for your QantasLink flight to Cairns. Tonight, we’ll celebrate the end of our adventure with a Farewell Dinner at the Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant & Bar. Overnight Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Saturday - Homeward Bound
Your Cape York and Torres Strait adventure concludes after breakfast at Rydges Esplanade Resort. Own arrangements for your connecting flight or rail home. Alternatively, you may like to extend your stay in Cairns with one of our Post Tour packages – please contact us for further information. (Breakfast)

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, emergencies on board or any unforeseen situation.

Inclusions:
• 10 nights en suite accommodation
• Travel by luxury 4WD coach from Cairns
• Touring with our Savannah Guides Operator driver and host
• All meals as per itinerary
• All entries/activities as per itinerary
• Ferry transfers between Cape York, Thursday Island and Horn Island
• One-way economy flight Horn Island to Cairns

Exclusions:
• International or domestic flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned
• Souvenirs
• Tips

Please note:
• Pricing may be subject to availability and seasonal variations.
• All our programs must be reserved at least 30 days in advance (subject to availability).
• Customers can request a re-quote if they want to add, remove or replace any of the proposed activities.
• Airfare, either domestic or international, is not included.
• Travel insurance is not included but is recommended.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.