Meals as indicated-: Breakfast (B); Lunch (L); Dinner (D).

DAY 1 - Cairns - Hann River (LD).
We meet at your accommodation in Cairns and gather for morning tea at our depot before departing on an adventure of a lifetime. Our route takes us up the Kuranda Range to Mareeba and we travel on good roads to Lakeland Downs before pausing to absorb the mysticism of ancient Quinkan Country with its Aboriginal Rock Art. This evening we pitch camp at Hann River Roadhouse and enjoy our first hearty dinner cooked over the open fire. (Toilets and showers)

DAY 2 - Hann River - Archer River (BLD).
This morning we travel the Development Road and arrive at historic Musgrave Telegraph Station for morning tea. We then ascend the Bamboo Range and follow the watershed of the Great Dividing Range to Coen and continue on further north to Archer River Roadhouse and arrive by mid afternoon. (Toilets and showers)

DAY 3 - Archer River - Bertie Creek (B/L/D).
Venturing north again through Batavia Downs, we pass monster termite mounds and cross the Wenlock River bridge. After a pause at Moreton and Bramwell Stations to meet some local characters, we intend driving the Overland Telegraph Track and soon learn the skills of authentic four wheel driving. Our secluded overnight camping is on the banks of Bertie Creek. (Bush toilet & Swim)

DAY 4 - Bertie Creek - Cape York Base Camp (BLD).
Excitement again today as we continue further up the track and ford Cockatoo Creek. We then cross the Jardine River by old world cable ferry, drive through Injinoo and Bamaga then settle into our Base Camp at Loyalty Beach with its glorious views overlooking Torres Strait, (Toilets & showers)

DAY 5 - Cape York (BLD).
After a short but well earned sleep-in, we drive to the top of the Australian continent and celebrate arriving at our ultimate destination, Cape York. A little souvenir shopping at the Croc Tent before returning to the comforts of base camp. (Toilets and showers)

DAY 6 - Base Camp - (Opt) Thursday Island (BD)
An optional tour to Thursday and Horn Islands is recommended with Peddells Ferry Service, it has an excellent reputation. A choice of different tour options to the islands is available. Alternatively, a fishing trip may also be possible. Note:- To avoid disappointment, fishing trips must be booked well before tour departure date. (Toilets and showers)

DAY 7 - Base Camp - Twin Falls (BLD).
This morning we break camp and drive through the 'wet desert'. cross the Jardine River by old world cable ferry and arrive at the jewel of the peninsula, Twin Falls. Here we hike, swim, relax and enjoy the spectacular series of waterfalls on the Elliot River. (Toilet and swim)

DAY 8 - Twin Falls (BLD).
A day of total bliss. Relax, swim, sunbake and plunge into the natural spa. Mid morning we go on a short hike to see more wonders of this magnificent river system. Alas, others are envious because Billy Tea Safaris is the only tour to spend two days at this most enchanting site. (Toilet and swim)

DAY 9 - Twin Falls - Bramwell Cattle Station(BLD).
We ford deep watercourses and travel through a wide variety of country including heathlands, open woodlands and riverine and tropical forests then divert to the coastal vistas of Captain Billy Landing for lunch.We then enter the expansive 520 square mile Bramwell Cattle Station and are treated to that wonderfully unique bush hospitality from the owner, Wendy, a most forthright and charming women. (Toilets and shower)

DAY 10 - Bramwell Cattle Station - Weipa (BLD).
The broad acre property of Bramwell contrasts utterly with the relatively modern Bauxite mining township of Weipa with air-conditioned shops and sealed roads. Time this afternoon to catch up on laundry, telephone family or possbily, take a fishing trip. Note:- To avoid disappointment, all fishing trips must be booked well before tour departure date. (Toilets & showers)

DAY 11 - Weipa - Coen (BD).
An optional Bauxite and lifestyle tour is highly recommended this morning, the comprehensive tour is conducted by a local Weipa resident with an emphasis on the mining, the people and the environment. After lunch we drive to the frontier town of Coen and camp by the local hotel and experience the colour and character of this quaint little town. (Toilets and showers)

DAY 12 - Coen - Lakefield National Park (BLD)
Our first pause this morning is at Musgrave Telegraph Station then we turn east and enter the vast expanses of Lakefield National Park, an absolute wildlife haven. We hope to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. A huge variety of birds abounds within the Park, billabongs and waterholes are plentiful. Our camp is by the Normanby River within the 1.6 million acre National Park. (Toilets & showers)

DAY 13 - Lakefield National Park -Cooktown (BL)
The ruins of Old Laura are testimony to the hardships endured by our pioneers, just one of the sights we visit this morning. We cross Battlecamp Range, wind through fertile agricultural country and arrive in Cooktown late afternoon with time to enjoy some of the town's attractions. We all eat out this evening, a break from camp cooking. (Toilets & showers)

DAY 14 - Cooktown - Cairns (BL)
We spend a wonderful morning enjoying the sights of Cooktown including Grassy Hill and the famous James Cook Museum. Later we absorb the mystical atmosphere of Black Mountain National Park and visit the historic Lions Den Hotel. Weather permitting we drive through Cedar Bay National Park and enter the internationally recognised World Heritage areas of the Greater Daintree National Park of Queensland and its unique rainforest jungles. Another highlight is Cape Tribulation where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef". Finally, we drive the scenic coastal road back to Cairns to your pre-arranged accommodation considerably wiser and refreshed from your Cape York Adventure.

2008 DEPARTURE DATES

June 5, 23, July 10, 28, Aug 14, Sep 1, 18, Oct 6, 23