Cairns to Cape York

Thursday 17 July

Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand for a flight to Brisbane before boarding our flight to Cairns. On arrival transfer to our central city hotel with time to relax before our Welcome Dinner.

Friday 18 July

Today we experience the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the scenic Kuranda Railway which takes you over Australia’s World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. The famous Kuranda Scenic Railway was built over 120 years ago and winds its way through the tropical mountain ranges between Kuranda and Cairns. There will be time to explore Kuranda, known as the ‘Village in the Rainforest’ which includes markets, cafés, restaurants and galleries. Return to hotel late afternoon with a free evening to explore.

Saturday 19 July

Travel by 4WD vehicles north along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, through the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. Then making our way along the jungle shrouded Bloomfield Track (road conditions permitting), stopping off at the unique Lion’s Den Hotel and the mysterious Black Mountain, arriving at the old gold port of Cooktown, where we visit Captain Cooks Landing. Stop en-route for lunch. Arrive Cooktown for a one-night stay.

Sunday 20 July

This morning we continue on to Lakefield National Park (conditions permitting) – a haven for the many birds and animals native to the area. Lagoons, billabongs and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and salt water crocodiles. In the afternoon arrive at the Old Musgrave Telegraph Station for an overnight stay.

Monday 21 July

Continue north to the historic frontier gold town of Coen and the picturesque Archer River. Travel through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to the bauxite mining town of Weipa. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria. 

Tuesday 22 July

Time in the morning to explore the township of Weipa or the opportunity of a Wildlife Eco River Cruise viewing the wildlife in its natural habitat.  After lunch head for our overnight accommodation at a former ‘True Blue’ Aussie Cattle Station.

Wednesday 23 July

An early start as we travel along part of the Old Telegraph Track to arrive at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim and enjoy this unique area and the enchanting waterfall. Cross the Jardine River to arrive at Cape York and our accommodation at Seisia.

Seisia is ideally-located, being within walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, the departure point for the ferry to Thursday Island and a famous fishing spot. 

Thursday 24 July

An unforgettable day as you stand at the very top of mainland Australia. Visit Somerset (road conditions permitting) once the home of the legendary Jardine family and government outpost established in 1864. Lunch at palm-fringed Anchorage Beach which overlooks the Albany Passage. Relax and enjoy a walk along the beach before returning to Seisia.

Friday 25 July

An early morning departure by ferry to nearby Thursday Island. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the island and the picturesque harbour (once home to the pearl luggers from yesteryear). Continue to Horn Island for a flight to Cairns, arriving late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel in Cairns and enjoy our farewell dinner.

Saturday 26 July

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our direct flight back to Auckland.