9-Day Small Group Fully Accommodated Cape York 4WD Tour from Cairns

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Cairns to Cape Tribulation⌄

   Travel north from Cairns along the scenic coastal road towards the southern gateway of the Daintree Rainforest. Stop at Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear water flows over giant granite boulders beneath lush tropical rainforest. Enjoy a guided walk through this culturally significant area and cool off with an optional swim in the river.

   Board a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River and search for estuarine crocodiles, snakes, birds and other native wildlife hidden amongst the mangroves.

   Continue deeper into the World Heritage-listed rainforest where the reef meets the rainforest. Explore Cape Tribulation’s beaches, coastal headlands and tropical landscapes before settling into your rainforest accommodation.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in Daintree Rainforest - Cape Trib Beach House (ensuite)

2. 2Daintree Rainforest to Cooktown⌄

   Travel by 4WD along the iconic Bloomfield Track (conditions permitting), one of Australia’s most scenic off-road coastal routes. Pass through remote rainforest, river crossings and rugged landscapes.

   Visit Bloomfield Falls, a culturally significant waterfall surrounded by tropical vegetation and granite rock formations.

   Take in spectacular coastal scenery and untouched wilderness within this remote national park region.

   Stop at one of Australia’s oldest and most famous outback pubs, covered in decades of traveller signatures and memorabilia.

   Discover the mysterious Black Mountain, a striking landscape of huge black granite boulders steeped in local legends.

   Arrive in the historic frontier town of Cooktown and visit the Cooktown Museum to learn about Indigenous culture, European exploration and the region’s fascinating history.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Cooktown - The Sovereign Resort Hotel (ensuite)

3. 3Cooktown to Coen⌄

   Enjoy panoramic views over Cooktown at Grass Hill lookout, then , explore one of Australia’s oldest regional botanic gardens, home to tropical plant species and significant Indigenous heritage.

   Visit this cultural and environmental centre celebrating the biodiversity and artistic heritage of the Cape York region.

   Travel through one of Queensland’s largest national parks, known for wetlands, river systems, wildlife and vast savannah landscapes.

   Visit this historic homestead site that offers insight into early pastoral life in Cape York.

   Continue through remote Cape York country, passing giant termite mounds and river crossings before arriving in the small outback township of Coen.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Coen Guesthouse (shared bathroom facilities)

4. 4Coen to Lockhart River⌄

   Travel through rugged and remote landscapes, crossing the Pascoe River as you journey toward the east coast of Cape York.

   Explore one of Australia’s most biologically diverse rainforest regions, famous for rare wildlife, towering rainforest and strong Indigenous cultural connections.

   Admire the dramatic peaks and rainforest-covered ranges surrounding Mount Tozer as you descend towards the coast.

   Arrive at Lockhart River, a remote Aboriginal community located on the shores of Lloyd Bay and surrounded by pristine rainforest.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Lockhart River - Greenhoose (ensuite)

5. 5Lockhart River & Iron Range National Park⌄

   Spend the day exploring this internationally significant wilderness area. Discover remote beaches, rainforest, heathlands and the spectacular Tozer Range while learning about the stories and traditions of the Kuuku Ya’u people. Keep watch for rare wildlife species found nowhere else in Australia, including birds, reptiles and mammals with links to nearby New Guinea ecosystems. Return to your rainforest accommodation surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the tropics.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Lockhart River - Greenhoose (ensuite)

6. 6Lockhart River to Weipa⌄

   Journey west across the Cape York Peninsula into vast savannah country before arriving in Weipa, the largest town on Cape York and home to one of the world’s largest bauxite mining operations.

   Enjoy a sunset eco cruise along the Embley River. Spot crocodiles and birdlife while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria with drinks and canapés onboard.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: The Weipa Motel & Resort (ensuite)

7. 7Weipa to Cape York⌄

   Travel through one of Cape York’s largest cattle stations as you continue north toward the tip of Australia. Visit this historic telegraph station that once played a vital role in communication across Far North Queensland.

   Swim in the clear waters of Elliot Falls, one of Cape York’s most famous freshwater swimming spots.

   Relax beside this picturesque waterfall and natural swimming hole surrounded by tropical bushland.

   Cross the Jardine River by ferry before continuing to the northernmost region of mainland Australia.

   Arrive in Seisia on the shores of the Torres Strait for a two-night stay.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Cape York - Loyalty Beach (shared bathroom facilities)

8. 8Cape York & The Tip⌄

   Visit the historic ruins of Somerset, once established as a government outpost and cattle station by the Jardine family. Explore remote beaches and coastal scenery where dugongs and sea turtles are sometimes spotted offshore. Travel to the northernmost point of mainland Australia. Complete the scenic walk to “The Tip” and enjoy sweeping views across the Torres Strait. Celebrate reaching one of Australia’s most iconic destinations before returning to Seisia.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Cape York - Loyalty Beach (shared bathroom facilities)

9. 9Thursday Island to Cairns⌄

   For our last day, we take a boat cruise across the Torres Strait to Thursday Island and enjoy a guided tour around this small island that is part of Torres Strait culture and history. The island is situated between Cape York and Australia’s nearest neighbour New Guinea.

   We then take a short ferry ride to Horn Island, where you will also enjoy a short tour of the Island before being transferred to the Horn Island Airport for your flight back to Cairns, arriving at approximately 5.00pm.

   Arrive back in Cairns in the late afternoon where your Cape York adventure concludes.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch