An original Oz Tours concept, 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. 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

Itinerary

MV Trinity Bay

DAY 1 FRIDAY (D) Depart Cairns, M.V "Trinity Bay".

Early afternoon pick from your Cairns accommodation. At 80 metres and over 3000 tonnes the Trinity Bay is the largest cargo vessel servicing the Straits and the only one to carry passengers.

DAY 2 SATURDAY (BLD) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

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

Fruit Bat Falls

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.

DAY 4 MONDAY (BLD) Seisia, Punsand Bay.

Another "barge day" but at Seisia wharf, the sea port for Bamaga's five aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A short stop at Seisia Islander settlement before proceeding to our accommodation for the next 2 nights at the Punsand Bay Private Reserve. Beachfront cabin tent - ensuite facilities.

Sheldon Lagoon

DAY 5 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 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 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).

Palm Cockatoo - Courtesy of Scotty Templeton

DAY 7 THURSDAY (BLD) Weipa.

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 8 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 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 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 10 SUNDAY (BL) (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

Tour Code: A10SO (sea/overland) Tour Code: A10OS (reverse) (overland/sea)             - May 23             - Jun 6, 20             - Jul 4, 18             - Aug 1, 15, 29             - Sep 12, 26             - Oct 10, 24             - May 19             - Jun 2, 16, 30             - Jul 14, 28             - Aug 11, 25             - Sep 8, 22             - Oct 6, 20

May, September & October Private Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) $3140.00 per person Share Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) (3-4 passengers) $3025.00 per person Single Supplement - Land Leg $445.00 Single Supplement - Sea Leg On request June, July, August Private Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) $3460.00 per person Share Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) (3-4 passengers) $3325.00 per person Single Supplement - Land Leg $460.00 Single Supplement - Sea Leg N/A

2009 Fares & Departure Dates

Tour Code: A10SO (sea/overland) Tour Code: A10OS (reverse) (overland/sea)             - May 8, 22             - Jun 5, 19             - Jul 3, 17, 31             - Aug 14, 28             - Sep 11, 25             - Oct 9, 23             - May 18             - Jun 1, 15, 29             - Jul 13, 27             - Aug 10, 24             - Sep 7, 21             - Oct 5, 19

May, September & October Private Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) $3295.00 per person Share Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) (3-4 passengers) $3195.00 per person Single Supplement - Land Leg $470.00 Single Supplement - Sea Leg On request June, July, August Private Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) $3595.00 per person Share Cabin (SHARE FACILITIES) (3-4 passengers) $3495.00 per person Single Supplement - Land Leg $485.00 Single Supplement - Sea Leg N/A

• Single supplement on boat leg is unavailable in June, July, August and September, and available on request in May and October.
  
• Sole traveller departures are available. Click here for more info.

Great Barrier Reef Voyage - 10 Day Cape York, Great Barrier Reef Tour