Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer

29 Aug 2024

Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer

PZRY

Validity: 01 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026

Travel to the tippy top of northern Queensland with this amazing Australian adventure in Far North Queensland. Over 11 days, you’ll learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during immersive activities with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides, hit the beach for swims and nature walks, cross the Iron Range and soak in all the natural beauty of this rural landscape. Spend a night in Chilli Beach, camp in the bush under the clear night sky and tick Pajinka off your bucket list – the northernmost point of the country! Take an eco-cruise to spot crocodiles, walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation and discover ancient rock art. With all of these activities and more, you’ll soak up Australia’s amazing history, landscapes and remote communities.

Basix

Overland

Private 4WD Overland Vehicle

4

Bay Village Tropical Retreat

227 Lake St

Cairns

AUSTRALIA

From Cairns Airport (airport code CNS), your best option is to take a taxi or Uber from the airport directly to the hotel in approximately 10 to 15 minutes (depending on traffic).

Cairns

Cairns

Cairns

AUSTRALIA

START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME This trip starts in Cairns with a welcome meeting at our joining point hotel at 6pm on day 1. The trip finishes on the last day upon the included flight's arrival time at Cairns Airport. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. CAMPING This is a camping trip where you will be expected to pitch your tent at each location (tents are provided). Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are basic and are shared with other campers that are not part of our group. The facilities at Chilli Beach are very basic, with bush toilets and no showers. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip, including the hotel night in Cairns, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. INCLUDED FLIGHT The flight from Bamaga to Cairns is included on this trip and will be unaccompanied by a tour leader. The trip finishes on arrival at Cairns Airport, with no other transport or accommodation included on this day. Due to the unpredictability of the flight schedule, we recommend booking an additional night in Cairns on Day 11. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS As we have limited storage space on our vehicle, please limit your luggage to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag. LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Take into consideration the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you are well hydrated in the tropical heat.

AUSTRALIA LEADERS All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. But they will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia!

REMOTE AREA TRAVEL We carry a satellite phone on all our remote/overland trips to be used by our leaders in the event of an emergency and for your safety. Our leaders are all First Aid trained and certified.

PHONE COVERAGE & WIFI In remote areas of Australia travelling even a small distance from populated areas will see phone coverage drop off dramatically. The extent of coverage will depend on your phone provider. If you are spending longer in Australia it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card. Telstra and Optus deliver better coverage in rural and regional areas, while Vodafone can be very patchy. Wifi is common at accommodations in urban areas of Australia, but many of the more remote properties may not offer this service, and some properties may charge a fee for usage.

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/

Learn about Aboriginal culture in a remote retreat outside Cooktown with an Aboriginal guide during a Welcome to Country ceremony, bush food and medicine walks and storytelling about the land and its ancestors.

Make the pilgrimage to Pajinka in Cape York – the continent’s northernmost point and one of Australia’s most remote and unique locations, known as ‘The Tip’. Travel through the ever-changing landscape from the rainforest to savanna woodlands, looking out for wildlife along the way.

Cross the Iron Range and for a night on Chilli Beach – this picture-perfect white sand beach is framed by palm trees swaying in the breeze.

Head into the mangroves on an eco-cruise in Weipa to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy riverbanks.

Take a ferry from the mainland to Thursday Island and learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait on a guided walk along Bayo Beach with a Torres Strait Islander Guide.

This is a truly epic road trip to the far north of Australia and you'll be travelling for long distances for extended periods of time in remote areas most days, often on bumpy unsealed roads. See the daily itinerary for approximate total travel times and distances.  Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night at Chilli Beach. As this is a camping trip, we rely on all travellers to help with camp duties for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This includes pitching and packing up your own tent daily and assisting your leader with cooking and cleaning duties.  The weather in Cape York and the Torres Strait can be unpredictable, with road and travel conditions sometimes affected by rain. Be prepared to be flexible and for some occasional changes of plan during our journey. Your leader will advise on any updates to the itinerary and inclusions as you travel.  As we are travelling in very remote areas of Australia, mobile phone reception and opportunities to charge devices will be very limited. There are few shops or services in this part of the world, so bring all essential items with you and take this time to disconnect, enjoy nature and each others company. There is limited luggage space in our vehicle, so you will need to pack light (maximum 15kg) and take soft sided bags. Please note we are staying in and travelling through alcohol-restricted areas and all travellers must comply with these restrictions. 

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

All breakfasts are included and will be eaten at camp before setting off for the day. Lunches are typically picnic-style and will be eaten in a scenic location during or between activities. For the included dinners we usually head to the local pub or a nearby restaurant, while on the nights where dinner isn't included you can choose yourself where you would like to dine, with or without the group. Your leader will be able to advise of options. Please consult the daily itinerary for details on which days have meals included. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS If you have any dietary requirements please advise your booking agents at the time you make your booking along with your leader at the time of the group meeting. While most dietary requirements can be catered for, you may also like to bring along some of your own supplies to ensure you can enjoy your favourite foods as these may be limited in remote locations.

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. The currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Most shops will take card as well as cash, but occasionally will only take one or the other. ATMs are common in all cities and towns, but may be limited in remote areas. You may need to use a PIN for purchases, and businesses often add a small surcharge for card payments. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

LUGGAGE LIMIT As we have limited storage space on our vehicle, please limit your luggage to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag as well as bring a day pack for items you need to access during the day. Be ready to manage your own luggage, including loading it on and off our vehicle and taking it from the vehicle to your tent in each location. PACKING LIST Below are some suggestions for packing for this trip. Check online for the expected weather to ensure you pack appropriately for the time of year you are travelling. ESSENTIALS - Sleeping bag (either bring your own or request to hire one through us for an additional cost) - Pillow - Long shirts and pants are important to protect against the harsh Australian sun and wind. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. - Comfortable, closed-in shoes to protect your feet from cuts, scratches, bites and stings when walking through bush or grasslands. - A pair of sandals or thongs/flip flops for around camp or on the bus - Sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. - Wind & waterproof jacket. - Light weight, quick dry towel. - Headlamp or torch for around camp at night. - Sleep sheet (for warmer months) or extra sleeping layers (for colder months) - Battery pack/power bank for recharging your phone or camera - Refillable water bottle minimum 2 litres - Swimwear - Insect repellent - Clothing suitable for hot days and cool nights - Personal toiletries & medication RECOMMENDED - Earplugs to get a good night's sleep at our campsite. - Binoculars for spotting wildlife. VALUABLES Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables with you on holiday. Take a photo of all important documents (tickets, passport, vaccination certificate etc to keep on your phone). MORE! If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.

Overland travel to Cape York and the Torres Strait is only possible in the dry season from June to September, with maximum daytime temperatures of around 30°C and 20°C overnight. As the season progresses, the days become hotter and more humid.

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY, please contact our local Operations Team on the number listed below: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night at Chilli Beach. As this is a camping trip, we rely on all travellers to help with camp duties for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This includes pitching and packing up your own tent daily and assisting your leader with cooking and cleaning duties. 

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. PARTICIPATORY CAMPING On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour but you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Hotel (1 night),Camping (9 nights)