Today we follow parts of the original Old Telegraph Track – one of the highlights of Cape York and is a great track for 4WD enthusiasts. We pass the memorial to “Toots”, a famous lady trucking character, have morning tea at Musgrave and stop at the beautiful Archer River for a sumptuous lunch before our river crossing. We traverse open woodland country passing huge termite mounds before arrival at the historical Moreton Telegraph Station.

CAMPGROUND – MORETON STATION. (BLD)

Another exciting day of 4WD driving and creek crossings until we reach the Jardine River, named after pioneering explorers to the area Frank and Alexander Jardine. “The Jardine” is the largest river on the Cape York Peninsula and renowned for crocodiles. Later we stop for lunch and a swim in the (crocodile free) crystal clear water at Fruit Bat Falls.

CAMPGROUND – SEISIA. (BLD)

Today we visit a very special family who live on a stunning and beautiful private island located in the Torres Strait. The owner has been taking over this legacy by maintaining this status of “pearl producer from the birth place of the cultured pearl”. You will be taken on a tour of the Island’s Pearl Farm. Lunch today under Palm Trees – such a wonderful day! PEARL FARM INCLUDED.

CAMPGROUND – SEISA.  (BLD)

Today we visit the famous Croc Tent and walk to the TIP. We will travel through the drier savannah woodlands area which will change into dense rainforest before opening up at the deserted beaches at Australia’s most northern point. After taking in the spectacular views of the Torres Straits and the surrounding beaches we will have lunch at Somerset Beach. This was the home and now resting place of Frank Jardine, visit these historic graves on the beach.   Dinner tonight will be at Loyalty Beach where you get to relax and take in the far north oceanside beauty.

CAMPGROUND – SEISIA. (BL)

* DINNER TONIGHT AT OWN EXPENSE

 

We begin today by travelling to Thursday Island and Horn Island. Both Island tours have information and history of the past and the important part the Islands played in the war and keeping Australia safe. History of the early Pearling Luggers and the part they played while admiring the spectacular and breathtaking views of the Torres Straits and its turquoise waters. This afternoon we head back to the Cape York mainland.

CAMPGROUND – SEISIA. (BLD)

This morning we head to Fruit Bat Falls for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear-waters, which amazingly originates from Papua New Guinea. Today we enjoy some 4WD action,( road conditions and weather permitting), arriving at Bramwell Station – Australia’s most northern cattle station. Be treated to an informative talk about the cattle properties beginnings before enjoying a home cooked dinner. There is also live entertainment after dinner.

CAMPGROUND – BRAMWELL STATION.

DINNER TONIGHT AT OWN EXPENSE (BL)

We depart early, travelling through Savannah lands and past huge termite mounds eventually onto better roads. Arrive in Weipa in time for lunch and opportunity to experience the Weipa Mine Tour.

CAMPGROUND – WEIPA, (BD)

LUNCH AND MINE TOUR IS AT OWN EXPENSE.

This morning we move East through cattle country. We travel through the largest area of tropical lowland rainforest remaining in Australia, crossing rivers before entering Iron Range National Park via Tozers Gap. This place is truly spectacular with rare fauna and flora like the famous Palm Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots & Green Pythons.

ACCOMMODATION COOKS HUT – UNIQUE BUSH STYLE CABINS (BLD)

Today your guide will take you on a day of adventures where you will travel to Chilli Beach which is truly stunning with its wonderful ocean vista’s and landscapes. We also visit significant historical sites in the area from the gold times of the 1930’s and the Airfield at Iron Range. On about 18th April 1942 Walter Maierersperger, the Commanding Officer of 33 Bomb Squadron of the 22nd Bomb Group USAAC carried out an aerial reconnaissance flight over the Iron Range area. Lunch today will be at the famous Portland Roads Locals Cafe overlooking the sea with wonderful home cooked food including fresh fish on the menu. After lunch we move back towards the Batavia Goldfields and the Chuulangun homelands. This is home to the Traditional Custodians, the clan group of the Kuki”Yu northern Karrju, who belong to the highlands. “Our homelands are centre of the Wenlock and Pascoe River and encompass some 840,000 hectares”. Chuulangun homeland operate a serviced campground for visitors to their land and area.

CAMPGROUND – CHUULANGUN. (BD)

LUNCH TODAY AT YOUR OWN COST

Today we travel to Coen where you can visit the Coen Historical Museum and will be treated to lunch on the banks of the Coen River. After lunch we travel through Lakefield National Park on the same tracks as the mounted mail men did. This National Park is filled with Billabongs and river systems alive with wildlife. Stay tonight at the Kalpowar crossing located in the Lakefield National Park.

CAMPGROUND – KALPOWAR BUSH CAMP. (BLD).

Leaving Kalpowar, we visit old Laura Homestead then travel down the infamous Battle Camp road. Here you will marvel at this wilderness and the views of the Laura escarpments, sighting signs of the old railway line that travelled from Cooktown to the Palmer River Goldfields. We travel into the area of Hope Vale then on to Cooktown for dinner at the local icon, The Sovereign Hotel. Before dinner enjoy an afternoon in historical Cooktown which became a thriving port during the gold rush era and is a region rich with history. Captain James Cook spent substantial time here by accident in 1770 after the HMS Endeavour ran into reef and the ship sailed into the Endeavour River for repair. Cooktown was founded in 1873 as a port for the Palmer River Goldfields and has a colourful history of settlement and Aboriginal culture. Enjoy wonderful stories of history and aboriginal culture of this region as your guide takes a step back in time and helps you to understand the regions colourful past. Dinner tonight is at the The Sovereign Resort Hotel.

HISTORICAL QUEENSLANDER GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION – COOKTOWN (BL).

DINNER TONIGHT AT OWN EXPENSE – SOVEREIGN RESORT

You have an opportunity this morning to visit any sights in Cooktown that you may have missed the previous afternoon. We travel via Black Mountain and the famous Bloomfield track (weather and roads permitting). We visit the old historical Lion’s Den Hotel for a photo opportunity, a must do before seeing  the spectacular Bloomfield Falls in Wujal Wujal. We continue our journey through untouched rainforest onto the Bloomfield Track as we start the climb through the Daintree Ranges. Lunch today will be a picnic alongside Woobita Creek on the Bloomfield Track. North West Australian Safaris has access to a unique beachfront location on Aboriginal Lands. Tonight, our magnificent rainforest location is in the heart of the rainforest in Cape Tribulation, part of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. You will be treated to a special delicious meal and a break from the on-road cooking. This evenings accommodation is in stunning rustic open plan safari style homes deep in the pristine jungle of the Daintree rainforest. Enjoy dinner on the property overlooking a crystal-clear rainforest creek.

PRIVATE SAFARI STYLE HOMES – DAINTREE (BLD)

DINNER AT OWN EXPENSE AT LOCAL CAFE IN THE HEART OF CAPE TRIBULATION

Wake up in the heart of the beautiful Daintree National Park. After a cooked breakfast your guide will take you to where two World Heritage Listed Parks abut, Cape Tribulation. The Daintree rainforest comes right onto the shore and meets with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Enjoy a morning interpretive walk along this stunning beach front as the sun shines over the Coral Sea. We then move onto a café hidden deep in the rainforest for morning tea today. Enjoy fresh scones with cream and jam with your cuppa before having the opportunity to swim in a crystal clear rainforest stream. After swimming we return to the private property for lunch. Experience the properties walks or relax for the afternoon with a book on the balcony of our private Safari style homes. This afternoon your guide will take on a private walk through the property, you may even get a glimpse of the resident Cassowary which is often seen. Dinner is a special treat tonight at one of the very popular local restaurants in the heart of the forest.

PRIVATE SAFARI HOMES – DAINTREE (BL)

DINNER AT OWN EXPENSE AT A BEAUTIFUL LOCAL CAFE IN THE HEART OF CAPE TRIBULATION

Up early today for an interpretative rainforest, mangrove walk with your guide. A delicious cooked breakfast this morning before our Crocodile-spotting cruise looking for Estuarine Crocodiles and the rare Cassowary. After your wilderness croc cruise enjoy the stunning views of the mountains in the background as we make our way to the famous Daintree Ice Creamery (ice cream at own cost). Here they blend ice cream with exotic tropical fruits grown on the farm. We continue on down the Alexander Range, across the Daintree River via the Cable Ferry heading south along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cairns which brings us to the end of your North West Australian Safaris Cape York tour.

CROC CRUISE AND ICE CREAM AT YOUR OWN COST. (B)