HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cape York - Most Northern Tip of Australia
• Horn Island
• Thursday Island
• Fruitbat falls
• Bramwell Station
• Weipa
• Lotus Bird Lodge
• Lakefield National Park
• Cooktown
• Bloomfield Track
• Cape Tribulation
• World Heritage Daintree National Park

ITINERARY

Legend; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

DAY 1 CAIRNS – HORN ISLAND - THURSDAY ISLAND (L, D)
Transfer to Cairns airport for your flight to Thursday Island. This flight provides spectacular views of the Coral Sea and The Great Barrier Reef and the uninhabited East Coast wilderness of Cape York Peninsula. This day includes a tour of Horn Island, entry to the WW II Museum. You will stay the night at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort at Horn Island – ensuite facilities.

DAY 2 HORN ISLAND – THURSDAY ISLAND – CAPE YORK (B, D)
On arrival at Thursday Island, you will be taken on a informative guided bus tour of the island and its picturesque Harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet. Late afternoon ferry transfer to the mainland, where you will be met by your guide, who will take you to the Bamaga Resort, our accommodation for the next 2 nights – ensuite facilities.

DAY 3 CAPE YORK (BLD)
An unforgettable day! Stand at the very top of mainland Australia. We then visit Somerset (road conditions permitted), once the home of the legendary Jardine family and government outpost established in 1864. We have lunch on the palm fringed Anchorage Beach, which overlooks the Albany Passage. A walk on the beach will complete your day before returning to base – ensuite facilities.

DAY 4 CAPE YORK – FRUIT BAT FALLS– BRAMWELL STATION (BLD)
Southward bound, we cross the mighty Jardine River, stopping at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim and enjoy this unique area with its enchanting waterfall. Travelling along part of the Old Telegraph Track, before we make our way to our accommodation, a ‘true blue, aussie’ cattle station, Bramwell Station. (share facilities)

DAY 5 BRAMWELL - WEIPA (BLD)
A southerly run through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to cross the Wenlock River. We head for the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and our overnight stop at Weipa, with its view over Albatross Bay. This afternoon there will be the opportunity of a tour of the largest bauxite mine in the world (own expense). Accommodation: Heritage Resort – ensuite facilities.

DAY 6 WEIPA – LOTUS BIRD LODGE (BLD)
We continue south, stopping off at the picturesque Archer River, then on to the historic frontier gold town of Coen. The afternoon finds us arriving at our accommodation, Lotus Bird Lodge, set amongst shady eucalypts along the inner bank of a large horseshoe shaped billabong. The local environment ranges from open eucalypt woodland and gallery forests to grassy plains, marshlands, creeks and lagoons, providing the ideal habitat for over 200 species of birds. (ensuite facilities)

DAY 7 LOTUS BIRD LODGE - LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK - COOKTOWN (BLD)
After an early start, we head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay where we traverse the entire length of Lakefield National Park (road conditions permitted). An amalgamation of 3 huge cattle stations, now a haven for the many birds and animals native to this area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles. Travelling southwards, we continue on to Old Laura Homestead and then cross the Battle Camp Range. This afternoon we explore the old gold port of Cooktown. Visit the Cooktown, Captain Cooks Landing and the Grassy Hill Lookout. Accommodation at the Sovereign Resort in Cooktown – ensuite facilities.

DAY 8 COOKTOWN - CAPE TRIBULATION (BLD)
We make our way south passing the mysterious Black Mountain and the historic Lions Den Hotel. Traversing the jungle shrouded Bloomfield Track to Cape Tribulation, where the ‘rainforest meets the reef.. At Cape Tribulation, where Captain Cook’s troubles began, we will enjoy a rainforest walk. Our accommodation tonight is at Cape Trib Beach House – ensuite facilities.

DAY 9 CAPE TRIBULATION - CAIRNS (BL)
After a leisurely morning, we spend time exploring the wonders of Cape Tribulation, before crossing the Daintree River to begin the last leg of our journey home. Travelling south along the Marlin Coast, we stop off at Hartleys Crocodile Adventures. Here you will enjoy an informative introduction to the flora and fauna, you may have encountered in the Cape. A scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway is a perfect way to complete your Cape York Adventure. We arrive back in Cairns in the late afternoon and return you to your accommodation.

The operator reserves the right to use alternative location of accommodation or camp site if necessitated.

2008 DEPARTURE DATES

MAY 27*, JUNE 3, 14*^, 20, JULY 2*, 9, 22*, 28, AUGUST 11*, 17, 29*, SEP 5, 16*, 23, OCT 7*, 13

* = reverse itinerary

^ = accommodation at Musgrave Old Telegraph Station with Shared Facilities instead of accommodation at Lotus Bird Lodge, cost less $ 60.00

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