Tour Dates (2025):
17th June – 5th July (OTT, Weipa) – PLACES AVAILABLE
15th – 29th July (OTT, Weipa) – PLACES AVAILABLE
16th – 30th July (OTT, Weipa) – 1 x PLACE REMAINING
13th – 27th Aug (OTT, Frenchman’s Tk) – PLACES AVAILABLE
9th – 23rd Sept (OTT, Frenchman’s Tk) – PLACES AVAILABLE
10th – 24th Sept (OTT, Frenchman’s Tk) – 3 x PLACES REMAINING
1st – 15th Oct (OTT, Frenchman’s Tk) – 3 x PLACES REMAINING
Day 1: We aim to depart Cairns approximately 0800hrs and head north to Smithfield. From here we follow the Kennedy Hwy up and over the MacAlister Range.
We will stop for morning tea, and a chance to freshen up with a swim, on the banks of the McLeod River.
After a visit to the Quinkan Cultural Centre we head for camp at Kalpowar Crossing. Here you can fish the banks of the Normanby River for Barra, throw in some nets for Cherabin, search for Saltwater Crocs or just relax under the stars by the campfire.
Day 2:
Today you’ll have an opportunity to get up for an early morning fish, in hope of catching tonight’s dinner, prior to driving to Coen.
The day’s drive takes us past several picturesque creeks and lagoons in Rinyirru NP before we head off the beaten track through Lama Lama NP on the Running Creek Track.
Day 3: We camp tonight at the Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wenlock River. Tonight, you will have an opportunity to spotlight along the banks of the river for cuscus, crocodiles and other creatures of the night. You can also try your luck fishing in the ‘Barra hole’.
Day 4: Today we reach the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) and the real adventure begins. Our first creek crossing on the OTT is Palm Creek located 2km north of Bramwell Junction Roadhouse.
We pass through several crossings before making camp for the night. Where exactly we camp will depend on our progress and track conditions.
Day 5: We depart our camp and head to the beautiful Eliot Falls passing through several difficult creek crossings and deep fords including the infamous Gunshot Creek.
On our way to Eliot Falls we will also stop for a dip in the crystal-clear croc safe waters of Fruit Bat Falls.
Day 6: Today we depart Eliot Falls for the Jardine Ferry.
On our way, we drive across a log bridge at Cannibal Creek and through Sam, Mistake, and Cypress Creek Crossings as well as Nolan’s Brook a notoriously deep crossing responsible for drowning numerous vehicles each year.
Day 7: Today we step foot on the northern most tip of mainland Australia.
On the way to the tip we will stop for souvenirs at the Croc Tent a must stop spot on any trip to the top.
After some time at the tip for photos, reflection and/or some more fishing, we will return to camp, at Loyalty Beach for the next 3-nights, via the 5 Beaches drive for another diverse 4×4 challenge and great coastal scenery.
Day 8 and 9: The next two days are itinerary free.
You can choose to do whatever you like, whether it be; a day trip to Thursday Island and/or Horn Island, sightseeing or fishing at the Jardine River mouth and Mutee Head, lounging around camp, hiring a boat to explore the waterways and islands or exploring the many WW2 plane wrecks and historical sights.
Day 10: Today we head south for Captain Billy landing.
On our way we will visit the Jardine River Crossing. Unfortunately the crossing is now closed so we will again be taking the ferry to continue south. We will again stop at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch and a swim before heading to the east coast for camp.
Day 11: After an early morning to experience the amazing sunrise (optional) we depart Captain Billy Landing and continue down the Peninsula Development Road (PDR).
Frenchman’s Track Tour – We turn of the PDR onto the infamous Frenchman’s Track, and our camp on the bank of the Wenlock River
Weipa Tour – We turn west at Batavia Downs and head for Weipa for a two night stay and opportunity to undertake a fishing charter or wildlife cruise.
Day 12:
Frenchman’s Track Tour – Today we continue along the Frenchman’s Track providing several driving challenges including the Wenlock River and the infamous, deep and rocky Pascoe River. Tonight we camp in a small section of rainforest at Cooks Hut campground, within the Iron Range National Park.
Weipa Tour – Today is an itinerary free day. You can take a tour of a working bauxite mine, a wildlife boat cruise, or join a fishing charter. You could also try your luck from numerous land based fishing spots, or venture North to the remote community of Mapoon for a famous Burger lunch.
Day 13:
Frenchman’s Track Tour – We have an early start today to experience another glorious sunrise, this time over the famous Chilli Beach. After a quick visit to Portland Roads we stop at Lockart River before continuing to Hann River Roadhouse for the night. While at Lockart River you will have the opportunity to admire or purchase some Indigenous artwork from the renowned Lockart River Arts centre. https://lockhartriverart.com.au/#section/home
Weipa Tour – After departing Weipa, we stop at the Archer River Roadhouse. Here you will have the option of purchasing the famous ‘Archie Burger’. After lunch we continue down the PDR to the Hann River Roadhouse for the night.
Day 14:
We depart Hann River Roadhouse for Cooktown and our final night of the tour at the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel.
While in Cooktown we will visit Grassy Hill Lookout for 360 degree views of the region. We will also visit the Cooktown Museum, Black Mountain and Keatings Lagoon, before heading to the Lion’s Den for dinner and camp.
Day 15: On this our final day of the tour we head back to Cairns. We will stop at the Indigenouse Community of Wujal Wujal and visit the thundering Bloomfield Falls, before emabarking on the Bloomfield River Track.
Today we will experience some amazing coastal and rainforest scenery as we meander our way through the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.
We aim to arrive back in Cairns around 4pm.
Gallery
What’s included in your 14-day Cape York tagalong tour:
⦁ A fully equipped Land Rover Perentie 4×4 vehicle including; double bed, 30L 12v Waeco fridge, crockery and cutlery, camp chairs, table, lighting, annex, 240 volt power inverter and recovery gear)
⦁ Fully catered (breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea and coffee)
⦁ All National Park entry and camping fees
⦁ A Cooktown Museum Tour
⦁ Entry to the Quinkan Cultural Centre and Split Rock Art Gallery
⦁ Jardine River ferry
⦁ Daintree River ferry
⦁ The services of a passionate and enthusiastic tour leader with over a decade of experience as a Parks and Wildlife Ranger working across South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland
⦁ Tips and assistance on 4×4 driving, camping, fishing, campfire cooking and much more
⦁ Guided evening spotlighting walks with information on local flora and fauna. This provides a greater opportunity to spot elusive critters such as crocodiles (fresh and estuarine), cuscus, tree kangaroo, striped possum and many more of the unique animals of Northern Queensland
⦁ UHF radio and emergency first aid kits are supplied in all vehicles. Spot tracker emergency beacons and a satellite phone are also carried by our experienced and 1st Aid trained tour leaders
⦁ Minor mechanical and electrical repairs
⦁ Bush shower
⦁ Bush toilet
⦁ An edited tour video of your trip
⦁ The use of a range of field guides and books on local flora, fauna, culture and history
⦁ Fishing rods and tackle
What you need to bring:
⦁ Personal toiletries (please bring environmentally friendly soaps and shampoos)
⦁ Clothes
⦁ Snacks and drinks (Alcohol is welcome, however there are restrictions on what and how much can be taken into Indigenous communities and north of the Jardine River, please discuss with your tour leader)
⦁ Pillow, sheets/sleeping bag
⦁ Camera, fishing gear, binoculars, torch/headlamp
⦁ A sense of adventure
A detailed list of required and recommended personal items will be provided to you in your information pack upon booking.
