Wilderness Challenge - 7 Day Drive/Fly Cape York 'Frontier' Accommodated Safari
Cape York...one of Australia's last great wilderness regions extends 1000 kms north from Cairns. There's a magic here, spun by its vastness and amazing variety of landscapes. You'll meet the plants and animals of Cape York in a landscape 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.
2010 Departure Dates:
Drive / Fly
May 15, 29 / Jun 4, 16, 20 / Jul 4, 7, 21, 23
Aug 7, 11, 24, 29 / Sep 10, 17 / Oct 2, 16
Tour Itinerary:
Meals as coded. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner
Day 1 - (LD) Your adventure begins travelling along the scenic coastal route to the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Daintree rainforest. We cross the infamous Daintree River by cable ferry and travel on into the primeval jungle. Here you’ll walk with your guide to experience some of the intriguing plants and animals of this wonderful region. Now the rugged 4WD Bloomfield Track (weather permitting). We travel on gravel roads, cross beautiful rainforest creeks and are afforded the most spectacular views from the steep climbs and descents. We cross the Bloomfield River near the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal. Lunch is at the quaint Lion's Den Hotel. After lunch we visit eerie Black Mountain on the way to historic Cooktown. Walk where Captain Cook walked and enjoy Grassy Hill’s spectacular views on a tour of Cooktown where we stay tonight.
Day 2 - (BLD) This morning travel through the agricultural district of Lakeland on our way to “Quinkan Country” near Laura. Here we climb (suitable footwear and reasonable fitness required) the sandstone escarpment at Split Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art, dated in excess of 13,000 years old, depicting traditional activities and culture. Explore 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 makes for a memorable day before arriving at the century old Telegraph Station and now working cattle station of Musgrave, our overnight stop.
Day 3 - (BL) This morning we cross the Great Dividing Range to visit the old gold mining town of Coen. Onward we cross the picturesque Archer River before heading to the west coast of the Peninsula to the bauxite mining town of Weipa, our overnight stop. Dinner is at your own expense this evening.
Day 4 - (BLD) An opportunity this morning to learn about this remote mining town. Later we travel via Batavia Downs to the Wenlock River, site of the historic Moreton Telegraph Office. Time for exploring, bushwalking, birdwatching or simply relaxing. We overnight at Moreton’s delightful permanent tent safari camp.
Day 5 - (BLD) 4WD adventure and fun today on the famous Telegraph Track through Cape York's unique wilderness of gigantic termite mounds, crystal clear creeks, carnivorous pitcher plants and prehistoric cycads. Lunch at pristine Fruit Bat Falls and a great chance to swim in its cool spring-fed waters. Across the mighty Jardine River by cable ferry and on to the northern-most settlements on mainland Australia where we stay for two nights.
Day 6 - (BLD) 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. Now, an emotional walk to the very top of Australia - CAPE YORK!
Day 7 - (B) We say farewell this morning as you board your boat to cruise to Thursday Island, capital of the Torres Strait Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the island. After lunch (own expense) transfer by ferry to Horn Island to board your aircraft to fly over The Great Barrier Reef to Cairns ending your fascinating safari of adventure and discovery in Australia’s far north. The safari terminates at Cairns airport.
Note:
Due to limited accommodation in remote areas of northern Australia we may have to use alternative accommodation of a similar standard from time to time.
Departs: Hotels in Cairns / Beaches / Port Douglas from 7:00am
Returns: Cairns Qantas Domestic Airport at approximately 5:30pm - flight times to be confirmed. The safari terminates at the airport.
This tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age. Child age is from 7 - 14 years only. Solo travellers must pay the Single rate. See below to book now!
Includes:
- Small Groups with a minimum of four and a Maximum of 13 guests
- Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
- Professional Qualified Guide
- 4 nights accommodation – Private Bathroom Facilities
- 2 nights accommodation – Share Bathroom Facilities Meals as coded
- World Heritage Listed Daintree rainforest
- Bloomfield Track (weather permitting) Guided Tour of Cooktown
- Guided Tour of “Quinkan” Aboriginal Rock Art
- Lakefield National Park
- Musgrave
- Coen
- Archer River
- Weipa
- Wenlock River
- Fruit Bat Falls
- Cape York
- Guided Tour of Historic Somerset
- Ferry between Seisia (mainland) and Thursday Island
- Guided Tour of Thursday Island
- One-way air travel between Horn Island and Cairns
- All National Park Site and Ferry Fees
Bookings
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