ITINERARY

DAY 1 CARGO BOAT to CAPE YORK (D)

After lunch join other travelers for your trip up the coast of Australia on the M.V. Trinity Bay Cargo Boat. At 80 metres and over 3000 tonnes the M.V. Trinity Bay is the largest cargo vessel servicing the Torres Strait communities and the only one that carries passengers. Please note you will need to pay for your own transport to Trinity Wharf in the Cairns CBD from your accommodation before the boat departs. A taxi will cost approximately $20 and take less than 10 minutes to Trinity Wharf from most of Cairns accommodation properties.

DAY 2 CARGO BOAT to CAPE YORK (BLD)

Total relaxation as you enjoy the company of the crew and new ship board companions.

DAY 3 HORN ISLAND AND THURSDAY ISLAND (BLD)

Sunday 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 with an expert guide, who is the curator/owner of the local museum. Some of the sites visited include two World War II plane relics, slit trenches, taxi ways, a 3.7 inch gun site, an underground command post, and the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. As well as the historic aspect, the tour also takes in scenic sites of Horn Island. Only passengers taking part in the tour are allowed to
disembark at Horn Island. Sunday afternoon finds us at Thursday Island (TI). TI was settled in 1877 when it was decided to re-locate the government administration point from Somerset to a more suitable spot. The island was chosen for it’s closeness to the main shipping channel and it’s well sheltered port. The hunt for pearl-shell, beche-de-mer and trochus attracted many people from around the world to these shores and a number of
whom decided to stay and adopt the island as their home.

Arrangements can be made for a personalised and informative bus tour of the Island by a local guide who will show you why TI is one of the most culturally and historically interesting places in Australia. The tour takes in spectacular views and visits the Torres Strait Museum (not always accessible on Sundays), Green Hill Fort (circa 1891), Quetta Memorial Cathedral and the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial at the local cemetery. Both of the above optional tours can be organised when you are on the cargo boat.

DAY 4 SEISIA (BD)

On Monday the vessel travels back to the mainland of Australia to the jetty at Seisia, one of the communities in the Bamaga area. After viewing the cargo being unloaded, you disembark the ship at Seisia, where you will be met by your tour representative, who will take you your permanent camp site in Seisia. Seisia is ideally located for your next few days, being in walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, a famous fishing spot. Having familiarized your selves with the camp site, the rest of the day is yours.

DAY 5 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.

DAY 6 CAPE YORK – FRUIT BAT FALLS – BRAMWELL STATION (BLD)

Southward bound, your tour vehicle will 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 you make your way to a permanent campsite at a “True Blue Aussie” cattle station, Bramwell Station.

DAY 7 BRAMWELL – WEIPA (BD)

A southerly run through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to cross the Wenlock River. The tour heads for the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and your overnight permanent camp site at Weipa, with its view over Albatross Bay. This afternoon there will be the opportunity to tour of the largest bauxite mine in the world at Weipa (own expense).

DAY 8 WEIPA – MUSGRAVE (BLD)

In the morning your tour will continue south, stopping off at the picturesque Archer River, then on to the historic frontier gold town of Coen. The afternoon finds you arriving at a permanent campsite at the Old Musgrave Telegraph Station.

DAY 9 MUSGRAVE – LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK – COOKTOWN (BLD)

After an early start, the tour heads east towards Princess Charlotte Bay where you will 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, you will continue on to Old Laura Homestead and then cross the Battle Camp Range. This afternoon take time to explore the old gold port of Cooktown, visit Captain Cooks Landing and Grassy Hill Lookout. Overnight accommodation at the Seaview Motel in Cooktown – en suite facilities.

DAY 10 COOKTOWN – BLOOMFIELD TRACK – CAPE TRIBULATION – CAIRNS (BL)

The final exciting day has, unfortunately, arrived, but before returning to Cairns, the tour makes its way south passing the mysterious Black Mountain and the historic Lions Den Hotel. Traversing the jungle shrouded Bloomfield Track (road conditions permitted) here you will see where the ‘rainforest meets the reef’ at Cape Tribulation. 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, where you will be taken to your accommodation.

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
• Somerset
• Lockerbie Scrub
• Bamaga
• Jardine River Ferry
• The Old Telegraph Track
• Fruit Bat Falls
• Bramwell Station
• Wenlock River
• 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 plus 1 Hostess/Cook
• Meals as indicated
• Guided tours & activities
• Air-conditioned 24 seat 4WD vehicle
• 5 nights camping
• 1 night Motel accommodation
• 3 nights boat accommodation
• Tent & high density foam mattress
• Cairns to Cape York boat costs
• Return Cairns Accommodation Transfers
• Pre-erected tents

EXTRAS:

• Drinks

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• Sleeping Bag $15 per trip
• Pillow $5 per trip
• Sheet $5 per trip
• Stretcher Bed $60 per trip
• Horn Island Bus Tour $30 per person
• Thursday Island Bus Tour $31 per person
• Cairns accommodation before & after your tour at $42.50 per person per night includes free Airport pick up, Breakfast & Luggage storage