Itinerary
Cape York Safari - 2009
Northbound 7 Day Cape York Drive / Fly Camping 4WD Safari.
Cape York ... one of Australia's last great wilderness regions extends 1000 kilometres north of Cairns. There's a magic here, spun by its vastness and amazing variety. You'll meet the animals and plants of the Australian bush in a habitat of crystal clear spring fed creeks and waterfalls, huge termite mounds and carnivorous plants. And... you'll feel the emotion and pride when you stand at the very Top of Australia!
Day 1 - (LD) Your adventure begins as we travel over the Great Dividing Range into "Quinkan Country" to view ancient Aboriginal rock art at Split Rock near Laura (reasonable fitness and suitable footwear required). Travel on into Lakefield National Park, Queensland's second largest at 537,000 hectares (1.25 million acres) and a great wildlife spotting opportunity. We camp in the National Park tonight.
Day 2 - (BLD) Waterlily covered billabongs, wildlife and a great variety of birdlife in Lakefield National Park this morning. Visit the historic telegraph station of Musgrave before travelling on to Coen and the Archer River. Continue on to "Merluna", a remote family operated cattle station, where we camp tonight.
Day 3 - (BLD) On to Weipa on the Gulf of Carpentaria and an opportunity to learn about this remote community and its bauxite mine. Leaving Weipa, we travel east through Batavia Downs Station to our camp at the historic Moreton Telegraph Office on the Wenlock River.
Day 4 - (BLD) 4WD action, adventure and fun on Cape York's rugged Telegraph Track today. Cross rivers and creeks, swim and relax, see prehistoric palms, giant termite mounds and carnivorous plants. You'll be enchanted by the magic of Twin Falls - swimming here, in pristine spring-fed pools landscaped by nature, will be a life long memory. We camp here tonight in the company of millions of stars.
Day 5 - (BLD) Onward across the mighty Jardine River to our beach front campsite on the tropical shores of Torres Strait. This afternoon a fascinating visit to the beautiful "Lockerbie Scrub", an isolated pocket of monsoon rainforest on our way to an emotional walk to the very top of Australia - CAPE YORK!
Day 6 - (BD) Choose from a tropical cruise to Thursday Island or fishing with a professional guide (both optional). Alternatively, take your bird book and binoculars for a bushwalk or relax at the beach with a good book.
Day 7 - (B) You'll be sad today when you leave this magical place, and your new friends ... but you'll take unforgettable memories with you as you fly back to Cairns over the Great Barrier Reef at the end of your incredible adventure in Australia's far north. The safari terminates at Cairns Domestic Airport.
Tour Details
2010 Departure Dates: Coming soon.
Highlights / Inclusions:
Small Groups - Maximum 6 guests
Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
Professional Qualified Guide
Meals as coded
Safari tent / Foam mattress
Guided Tour of Split Rock Aboriginal Rock Art
Lakefield National Park
Old Laura Homestead
Musgrave, Coen, Archer River, Merluna Station
Weipa
The Telegraph Track
Wenlock River, Moreton Telegraph Office
Twin Falls
Cape York
Lockerbie Scrub
One-way air travel between Bamaga and Cairns
All National Park, Site and Ferry Fees
Exclusions:
All alcoholic drinks
Optional Tours
Lunch on Days 6 and 7
Sleeping Bag (available for hire - $25 per person) / Pillow
Transfers from Cairns Airport
Items of a personal nature
Luggage:
Luggage space is very limited on the safari sector. Please limit this to one small soft travel bag (typically 300mm x 300mm x 700mm) and a small daypack (cabin baggage). Your sleeping bag and pillow may be packed separately.
Safari Price:
Current rates AUD $ To be adviseed per person twin-share + AUD $20.00 Fuel Levy
Note: This tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age
On this journey we are travelling to very remote regions. Occasionally things happen which may require a change to the itinerary. To enjoy the full benefit of your journey you should not be rigid with your expectations. Be flexible, open-minded and prepared for the unexpected because after all, this is outback Australia.
