A relaxed and exciting holiday combination. An overland wilderness expedition, with the additional perspective of a spectacular flight, and the comfort and amenity of overnight accommodation. Your flight from Cairns to Horn Island (Thursday Islands airport) will provide a unique aerial overview of this vast wilderness tract, its huge rivers, remote communities and deserted coastline. Appreciate and experience the rich geology, the unique flora and fauna as you travel overland from Cape York to Cairns. Our overnight stays quite often reflect the unique nature of the sparsely inhabited regions in which we travel. Forest shrouded resorts and lodges; hotels and motels. "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. LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE IS 12KG PER PERSON View Accommodation

Highlights

Horn Island Museum

Itinerary

DAY 1 SUNDAY (LD) Cairns, Horn Island

Pre-arranged pick-up from your overnight accommodation for transfer to Cairns airport for mid morning flight to Horn Island. Met at Horn Island airport by your Gateway Torres Strait Resort hosts for transfer to resort. A two hour Horn Island bus tour, entry to Torres Strait Heritage Museum and hot buffet lunch is included. Join the locals fishing off Horn Island wharf - equipment supplied.
Accommodation with ensuite facilities.

DAY 2 MONDAY (BD) Thursday Island, Red Island Point, Punsand Bay

Thursday Island ("TI")

Morning Transfer by ferry to Thursday Island. Ample time for sightseeing, souvenir shopping and a conducted bus tour of historic "T.I." is included. Lunch is own cost today. Mid afternoon by inter-island ferry for a cruise via Prince of Wales and Possession Islands to Seisia. Accommodation at the Punsand Bay Private Reserve. Beach front cabin tent (ensuite). 2 nights.

DAY 3 TUESDAY (BLD) Cape York, Somerset

A day of interest and outdoor enjoyment. An early morning walk to "The Tip", the most northerly point of our continent. A tour to Albany Passage with a visit to historic Somerset, the once mooted "Singapore of the Pacific" (road conditions permitting.) A peaceful shady stroll through the unique rainforest of Lockerbie Scrub before again returning to your overnight accommodation.

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY (BLD) Jardine River, Fruitbat Falls, Moreton Station

Fruitbat Falls

Anticipation and excitement as we commence our overland trek. Retracing the paths of our earliest overlanders, we cross the swift flowing 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 Old Moreton Telegraph Station, on the banks of the Wenlock River. Cabin tent accommodation - shared facilities (twin share fully screened tents with beds, linen and lights. Gas powered hot showers, flushing toilets and outdoor covered dining area).

DAY 5 THURSDAY (BLD) Weipa

Dwarf Sand Palms

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. Overnight at Heritage Resort - Weipa (ensuite facilities).

DAY 6 FRIDAY (BLD) Archer River, Coen, Musgrave

In the cool of the morning, a optional Weipa Mine Tour (own cost). Across rolling Piccaninny Plains, a refreshment stop at the Archer River and then via old historic Coen to overnight at Musgrave Telegraph Station ( share facilities), A 100 year old pioneer telegraph station.

DAY 7 SATURDAY (BLD) Lakefield National Park, Cooktown

Lakefield National Park

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 huge crocodiles bask in broad river lakes and lagoons. 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 is at the Seaview Motel (ensuite facilities).

DAY 8 SUNDAY (BL) Bloomfield, Cape Tribulation

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 via the scenic sea road to Cairns and journeys end.

2008 Fares & Departure Dates

May, September & October Twin share per person $2890.00 Single supplement $445.00 June, July, August Twin share per person $3215.00 Single supplement $460.00

2009 Fares & Departure Dates

May, September & October Twin share per person $3050.00 Single supplement $470.00 June, July, August Twin share per person $3350.00 Single supplement $485.00

Cape York Tour - Air/Overland Accommodated Cape York Tour