ITINERARY

Day 1 – (D)

Today you make your own way to Cairns Qantas Domestic Airport. Your adventure begins when you board your aircraft to fly over the Great Barrier Reef to Horn Island. Transfer by ferry to Thursday Island, commercial and administration hub of the Torres Strait Islands. Free time to explore the island (you may wish to take a guided bus tour at your own expense and arrangements). After lunch (own expense) transfer by ferry to the northern-most settlements of mainland Australia to be met by your Guide. We overnight at our beachfront campsite on the tropical shores of Torres Strait.

Day 2 – (BLD)

This morning enjoy a fascinating visit to the beautiful “Lockerbie Scrub”, an isolated pocket of monsoon rainforest before an emotional walk to the very top of Australia – CAPE YORK. After a fitting celebration we head south across the mighty Jardine River and travel through Cape York’s wilderness. This afternoon you’ll be enchanted by the magic of Twin Falls – swimming here, in pristine spring-fed pools landscaped by nature, will be a life long memory. We camp here tonight in the company of millions of stars.

Day 3 – (BL)

4WD adventure and fun on Cape York’s rugged Telegraph Track this morning. Cross rivers and creeks, see prehistoric cycads, giant termite mounds and carnivorous plants. This afternoon we cross the Wenlock River at historic Moreton Telegraph Office before travelling on to our overnight camp at the Archer River. Dinner is at your own expense this evening.

Day 4 – (BLD)

South to Coen then on to the historic telegraph station of Musgrave. Travel on into Lakefield National Park, Queensland’s second largest at 537,000 hectares (1.25 million acres) and a great wildlife spotting opportunity. Enjoy the peace of this remote outback location. In the evening relax around the campfire. We camp in the National Park tonight.

Day 5 – (B)

Rise to the morning chorus of the many bird species in Lakefield. We travel on to “Quinkan Country” near Laura, an outback landscape of termite mounds and cattle stations. Here we climb (suitable footwear and reasonable fitness required) the sandstone escarpment at Split Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art, dated in excess of 13,000 years old, depicting traditional activities and culture. Now we head south and east via the Palmer River, site of one of Australia’s greatest gold rushes. Lunch (own expense) along the way. Now over the Great Dividing Range to the coastal plain and Port Douglas or Cairns completing your fascinating adventure of discovery and fun in Australia’s far north.

2013 Departure Dates

• June 4, 18
• July 2, 16, 30
• August 13, 27
• September 10, 24

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Small Groups – Maximum 13 guests
• Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Professional Qualified Guide
• Meals as coded
• Pyramid-style safari tent / self-inflating mattress

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Thursday Island
• Lockerbie Scrub
• Cape York
• Twin Falls
• Wenlock River, Moreton Telegraph Office
• Musgrave, Coen, Archer River
• Guided Tour of “Quinkan” Aboriginal Rock Art
• One-way air travel from Cairns to Horn Island
• Ferry transfer from Thursday Island to Seisia (mainland)
• All National Park, Site and Ferry Fees

EXTRAS:

• All drinks (except tea and coffee)
• Lunch on Days 1 and 5
• Dinner on Day 3
• Guided Tour of Thursday Island (available at own arrangements)
• Sleeping Bag (limited stock available for hire – AUD 25.00 per person)
• Pillow
• Transfers to Cairns Airport
• Items of a personal nature