10 Day Accommodated Cape York Tour - Cargo Boat North & 4WD South
Cape York Tours Tour Code: O-A10SO
Combining the excitement of a cargo ship voyage between Cairns and Cape York with the adventure of a Cape York Safari. In a style reminiscent of bygone coastal steamers, experience the colour and serenity of a Barrier Reef voyage, the magic of the Daintree, the magnificent isolation of the Peninsula wilderness and the diverse cultures of the Cape and Torres Straits.
The tours overnight stays quite often reflect the unique nature of the sparsely inhabited regions in which you travel: Forest shrouded resorts and lodges; hotels and motels to “No Frill” cattle station cabins and cabin tent accommodation along the track where no alternatives exist. All are clean and comfortable, the hospitality genuine, open and friendly, and the cuisine generous and appetising. 240V Electricity at station accommodation is generally not available between 10pm & 7am.
PRICES FOR 2013
May, Sep, Oct
Per Person Twin Share $4,100
In a Private 2 Berth Boat Cabin
Per Person Triple Share $4,000
In a Multi Share 3 Berth Boat Cabin
Jun, Jul, Aug,
Per Person Twin Share $4,450
In a Private 2 Berth Boat Cabin
Per Person Triple Share $4,350
In a Multi Share 3 Berth Boat Cabin
ITINERARY
DAY 1 FRIDAY(D)
Depart Cairns, M.V “Trinity Bay”.
Mid-day pick from your Cairns accommodation. At 80 metres and over 3000 tonnes the Trinity Bay is the largest cargo vessel ship servicing the Torres Strait communities.
DAY 2 SATURDAY(BLD)
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Total relaxation as you enjoy the company of the crew and new shipboard companions.
DAY 3 SUNDAY(BLD)
Thursday Island, Horn Island. “Barge Day”.
The focus of all attention today are the wharves on Thursday & Horn Islands, as the MV Trinity Bay disgorges its cargo of fuel, building materials, indeed everything needed by these remote island communities. Time to explore legendary Thursday Island and Horn Island. (Own costs)
DAY 4 MONDAY (BLD)
Seisia, Bamaga, Punsand Bay.
Another “barge day” to Seisia wharf, the sea port for Cape York’s five aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A short stop at Seisia
Islander settlement. 2 nights accommodation: Punsand Bay Private Reserve – Beachfront Cabin Tent (ensuite facilities)
DAY 5 TUESDAY (BLD)
Cape York, Somerset.
An unforgettable day of achievement and interest. We stand at the very tip of our continent. Visit the ruins of Somerset, (road conditions permitting) with pristine beaches and rocky headlands.
DAY 6 WEDNESDAY(BLD)
Jardine River, Fruitbat Falls, Moreton Station.
Anticipation and excitement as we commence our overland trek. Retracing the paths of our earliest overlanders, we cross the Jardine River to Fruitbat Falls, a Mecca for “off road” travellers. Enjoy a refreshing swim and lunch before we continue negotiating river crossings and bush tracks to arrive at Moreton Telegraph Station, on the banks of the Wenlock River. Overnight accommodation (2 nights) Cabin Tent – shared facilities (twin share fully screened tents with beds, linen).
DAY 7 THURSDAY (BLD)
Weipa, Wenlock River.
Time for a guided nature walk along this lightly forested waterway before we cross the sandy Wenlock River. Travel south to Batavia Downs Station then detour west to the Gulf of Carpentaria through huge cattle runs and Aboriginal tribal lands to the bauxite-mining town of Weipa. A veritable “Oasis in the wilderness” and providing further contrast to your experience of this last frontier. Today, an optional Weipa Mine Tour (own cost) is available.
DAY 8 FRIDAY (BLD)
Archer River, Coen, Musgrave.
Across rolling Piccaninny Plains, a lunch stop at the Archer River and then via historic Coen to arrive at Musgrave pioneer Telegraph Station, which is over 100 years old.
Overnight accommodation: Musgrave – share facilities
DAY 9 SATURDAY (BLD)
Lakefield National Park, Cooktown.
We head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay and enter the massive bird and animal sanctuary of Lakefield National Park. The waterfowl teem in lily fringed billabongs and an opportunity to safely view crocodiles in their natural habitat. Travel over the legendary Battle Camp Range to historical Cooktown. An eventful afternoon sightseeing and viewing significant landmarks and sites so important to all Australians.
Overnight accommodation: Seaview Motel – ensuite facilities
DAY 10 SUNDAY (BL)
Bloomfield, Cape Tribulation, Cairns.
Crossing The wide Bloomfield River marks the start of our drive over the controversial “Bloomfield Track”. Jungle green heights descend to the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, with tantalising glimpses of deserted beaches and fringing coral. Through the famous World Heritage Rainforest across the Daintree River, then travel via the scenic road to Cairns.
Hotel transfers on arrival in Cairns completes your holiday.
DEPARTURES IN 2013
- May 17, 31
- June 14, 28
- July 12, 26
- August 09, 23
- September 06, 20
- October 04, 18
TOUR INCLUDES:
- 6 nights land accommodation
- 3 nights boat accommodation
- Cairns to Cape York boat costs
- Return Cairns Accommodation Transfers
- 1 Driver/Guide
- Meals as indicated
- Guided tours & activities
- Meals as coded
- Air-conditioned 16-20 seat 4WD vehicle
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cargo ship voyage
- Great Barrier Reef
- Torres Straits
- Thursday Island
- Horn Island
- Punsand Bay (2 nights)
- Cape York “The Tip”
- MoretonStation(2 nights)
- Weipa (mine tour option)
- Musgrave (overnight)
- Lakefield National Park
- Cooktown (overnight)
- Bloomfield Track
- Cape Tribulation Daintree National Park
EXTRAS:
- Alcoholic Beverages
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
- Thursday Island Bus Tour $35 per person
- Horn Island Bus Tour $35 per person
- Weipa Mine Tour $40 per person
- Cairns Accommodation Before & After tour $42.50 per person per night includes free Airport pick up, Breakfast & Luggage storage