Itinerary
10 Day Camping
Maximum of only 6 passengers per departure.
Day 1: Pick up from your accommodation in Cairns before departing on your adventure of a lifetime.
Our trip this morning takes us up and over the Karanda Ranges through Mareeba, Mt. Molloy, Mt. Carbine and on into Lakeland Downs where we will stop for morning tea at the famous Lakeland Coffee House. From this point onwards the sealed roads end and our outback adventure begins. Our next stop is the small township of Laura where we will visit the Quinkan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, before heading out across a cattle station to Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp, an epicentre of Aboriginal rock art. Walk to ancient sites on Jowalbinna's sandstone escarpments and investigate the lives of the original inhabitants, and enjoy a refreshing creek swim. In the evening chat around a bush campfire. (L) (D).
Day 2: This morning we travel into Lakefield National Park, Queensland's second largest. At 537,000 hectares (1.25 million acres) Waterlily covered billabongs, wildlife and a great variety of birdlife and hopefully some fresh water crocodiles, makes for a memorable day before arriving at the century old Telegraph Station and now working cattle station of Musgrave, our overnight stop. (B) (L) (D).
Day 3: This morning we cross the Great Dividing Range to visit the old gold mining town of Coen. Onward we cross the sprawling sandbanks of the Archer River and the Wenlock River, site of the historic Moreton Telegraph Station, before arriving at Branwell Station and our camp for the night. (B) (D).
Day 4: From Bramwell we travel north along the Overland Telegraph Line through numerous creek crossings before arriving at Heathlands Nature Reserve. From here we head out on to the southern bypass track before arriving at spectacular Fruit Bat, Elliot and Twin Falls. After a relaxing afternoon swim we continue on to the Jardine River Ferry Crossing and through to our tropical beachside camp just outside the small township of Seisia. (B) (L) (D).
Day 5: Today it is off to CAPE YORK, SOMERSET.
An unforgettable day of achievement and interest. Stand at the very 'Tip' of our continent, where oceans meet and where very few travellers visit. Somerset, the ruins of the grandiose failed 'Singapore of the Pacific'. As well as a fascinating visit to the beautiful "Lockerbie Scrub", an isolated pocket of monsoon rainforest, on our way to historic Somerset on Albany passage where you can ponder the past, our explorers, pioneers and the Cape's traditional owners. Drive along pristine beaches, rocky headlands, explore cool shaded forest walks and finally ending the day with a twilight stroll to watch another spectacular Torres Strait sunset. (B) (L) (D).
Day 6: Choose from a tropical cruise to Thursday Island or fishing with a professional guide (both optional). Or alternatively, take your bird book and binoculars for a bushwalk or relax at the beach with a good book. (BD).
Day 7: Today we head back down across the Jardine River, through Batavia Downs Station and on to visit the Bauxite mining town of Weipa where we will Camp for the night. (B) (D).
Day 8: Today we will see one of Australia's largeat mining export ports in action as well as visit ancient Aboriginal shell midden sites before heading south again to spend the night at the historic Musgrave Telegraph Station(B)(D).
Day 9: Today we head into Cooktown for a wonderful day enjoying the sights and sounds of this historic town. Visiting the famous James Cook Museum and historic monuments along the foreshore. This afternoon is free for you to explore the town at your leisure. (B).
Day 10: This morning we make our way out of Cooktown through the mysterious Black Mountains to visit the historic Lions Den Hotel for a morning coffe before heading into the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park along the Bloomfield track into Cape Tribulation before returning via the scenic northern beaches toyour accommodation in Cairns. (B) (L).
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.
