ITINERARY

DAY 1 CARGO BOAT to CAPE YORK (D)

After making your own way from your Cairns accommodation to Trinity Wharf in the Cairns CBD area (most people take a taxi for $20) for a 1.00pm boarding, you will be welcomed aboard by the friendly crew of the cargo vessel M.V. TRINITY BAY. Settle in for your trip up the East Coast of Cape York, taking in the splendor of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical coastline. Great views, good food and friendly company will make an excellent start to your adventure.

DAY 2 CARGO BOAT to CAPE YORK (BLD)

A fascinating and relaxing sea passage following the Great Barrier Reef and isolated coast line in the footsteps of Captain Cook.

DAY 3 HORN AND THURSDAY ISLAND (BLD)

This morning is spent at Horn Island. Here passengers are given the opportunity to learn about an often forgotten part of history – the role of Horn Island and the Torres Strait in the Second World War. A local tour is available (optional extra) and only passengers taking part in the tour are allowed to disembark at Horn Island. This afternoon finds us at Thursday Island the working heart of the Torres Straights. A local tour is available (optional extra) the tour takes in spectacular views, history and visits the Torres Strait Museum (not always accessible).

DAY 4 SEISIA (BD)

This morning the vessel travels back to the mainland of Australia to the jetty at Seisia. After viewing the cargo being unloaded, you disembark the ship at Seisia, where you will check in to your accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park. Seisia is ideally located for our next few days, being in walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, a famous fishing spot. Having become familiar with your accommodation the rest of the day is yours to explore the area. Your accommodation at the Seisia Holiday Park is a cabin with ensuite facilities.

DAY 5 CAPE YORK – SOMERSET (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.

DAY 6 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. Traveling along part of the Old Telegraph Track, before we make our way to a “True Blue” Aussie cattle station, Bramwell Station which has share bathroom facilities.

DAY 7 BRAMWELL – WEIPA (BD)

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). Your accommodation tonight is at the Heritage Resort with ensuite facilities.

DAY 8 WEIPA – MUSGRAVE (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 overnight stay at Old Musgrave Telegraph Station which has share bathroom facilities.

DAY 9 MUSGRAVE – 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. Traveling 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. Overnight accommodation at the Sovereign Resort in Cooktown – ensuite facilities.

DAY 10 COOKTOWN – CAPE TRIBULATION -
CAIRNS (BL)

The final exciting day has, unfortunately, arrived, but before returning to Cairns, we make our way south passing the mysterious Black Mountain and the historic Lions Den Hotel. Traversing the jungle shrouded Bloomfield Track we see where the ‘rainforest meets the reef’ at Cape Tribulation. We travel through the splendor of a World Heritage listed rainforest. A scenic drive along the Marlin Coast is a perfect way to complete your safari. Arriving late afternoon in Cairns, your tour ends with a drop off at your Cairns CBD accommodation or our selected Caravan Parks.

DEPARTURES IN 2013

• May 24
• June 7, 21
• July 5, 19
• August 2, 16, 30
• September 13, 27
• October 11, 25

HIGHLIGHTS:

• M.V. TRINITY BAY Cargo boat from Cairns to Cape York
• Horn Island
• Thursday Island
• Seisia
• Cape York – Most Northern Tip of Australia
• Lockerbie Scrub
• Somerset
• Fruit Bat Falls
• The Old Telegraph Track
• Bramwell Station
• Weipa
• Archer River
• Coen
• Old Musgrave Telegraph Station
• Lakefield National Park
• Old Laura Homestead
• Cooktown
• Black Mountain
• Lions Den Hotel
• Bloomfield Track
• Cape Tribulation
• Daintree National Park

TOUR INCLUDES:

• 1 Driver/Guide
• Meals as indicated (restaurant cooked)
• Guided tours & activities
• Air-conditioned 21 seat 4WD vehicle
• 3 nights boat accommodation
• 6 nights land accommodation
• Cairns to Cape York boat costs
• Drop off at your Cairns CBD Accommodation or our selected Caravan Parks

EXTRAS:

• Before tour transfer to Trinity Wharf

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• Horn Island Bus Tour $30 per person
• Thursday Island Bus Tour $31 per person
• Weipa Mine Tour $30 per person
• Cairns accommodation before & after your tour at $42.50 per person per night includes free Airport pick up, Breakfast & Luggage storage