Cooktown and Cape York

Venture to the northernmost tip of Australia and discover one of the wildest tropical environments on Earth. Soar over Cape York in an included helicopter flight, wander through ancient rainforests, and admire Indigenous rock art.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cairns, Port Douglas

Your adventure begins in Cairns today, where we meet you on arrival and transfer you to your resort in Port Douglas. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. You might like to go for a dip in one of the resort's many pools, or head into Port Douglas for a wander through town. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable degustation dining experience at Port Douglas’ most nationally awarded restaurant, Harrisons. Your degustation menu, created by owner chef Spencer Patrick and his team, will showcase the best quality Australian produce.

Day 2: Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park

After your Signature Experience, embark on a Daintree River Cruise and keep an eye out for crocodiles, birds, butterflies and a variety of reptile species. Tonight, dine amidst the rainforest in an open-air restaurant. 

Signature Experience - Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk

Travel to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park and set off on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk, led by local Indigenous guides. Start with a smoking ceremony, before journeying along private, gentle tracks visiting culturally significant sites. Learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques, hear stories of the Dreamtime and gain a deeper understanding of how the Indigenous people have lived off the land here for thousands of years. 

Day 3: Cape Tribulation, Bloomfield Track, Cooktown

After a day of Signature Experiences, arrive in Cooktown and discover the Cooktown Botanic Gardens and the James Cook Museum. Just before sunset, savour views from Grassy Hill Lookout over the Endeavour River. 

Signature Experience – Cape Tribulation Exploration

Explore Cape Tribulation this morning, the only place in Australia where two World Heritage-listed phenomena meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Signature Experience – Bloomfield Track

Journey along the Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s most iconic outback roads. From here, journey through dense sections of rainforest, tackling steep climbs and several challenging creek crossings. 

Day 4: Quinkan Country, Laura, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, Musgrave

Travel to Quinkan Country, ranked by UNESCO as one of the top 10 rock art areas in the world. Here, embark on a walk with an Aboriginal guide to Split Rock, an intriguing rock art site where Quinkan figures depicting native animals, spirits and totems have been painted onto the rock face. Later, turn off into Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, home to crocodiles, wallabies and an array of bird life. Arrive at Musgrave, the only remaining telegraph station on the peninsula. 

Day 5: Coen, Gulf Country, Weipa

Explore the old gold mining town of Coen and stop at the well-known Archer River Roadhouse for lunch, which marks the halfway point of your journey. Afterwards, continue to the town of Weipa, home to the largest community on the Cape York Peninsula. 

Day 6: Weipa, Bramwell Station

Set out on a boat trip in Weipa and relax as you learn about the region’s unique ecosystem, mining industry and Indigenous culture. Keep your eyes peeled for saltwater crocs lazing on the banks. Afterwards, travel to Bramwell Station. 

Day 7: Fruit Bat Falls, Punsand Bay

Observe the towering termite mounds of Bramwell Junction before continuing on with your adventure. Stop at Fruit Bat Falls and cool off with a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of the Elliott River. Cross Jardine River by ferry, then skirt Jardine River National Park and continue through the traditional land of the Injinoo Indigenous people. 

Day 8: Punsand Bay, Tip of Cape York

Travel along a 4WD track to Frangipani Beach, with sweeping views of the tip of Cape York.

After your Cape York experience, travel to historic Somerset Hill, the site of a station established by John Jardine in 1863. On Somerset Beach, admire Albany Island, as well as discover the history of ‘Jackey Jackey’ and Frank Jardine.

Signature Experience – Reach the Tip of Cape York

Take a mildly challenging but thoroughly awe-inspiring walk to the tip of the peninsula to experience being at the Australian mainland’s most northerly point. Take in the stunning vistas over the Torres Strait, then afterwards, take to the skies as you embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the tip of Cape York. 

 

Day 9: Thursday Island

Ferry across Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island, which was once a base for pearling luggers. Step back in time with a visit to Green Hill Fort, located atop the island’s highest hill. Once used as ammunitions storage, the fort’s maze of underground tunnels and rooms now houses the Torres Strait Museum. Immerse yourself in ancient Torres Strait Islander culture with an unforgettable traditional dance, storytelling and musical show, the Migi Malu Experience. Enjoy traditional island damper with a hot tea, coffee or water. 

Day 10: Horn Island, Fly to Cairns

Transfer to Horn Island aboard the local ferry. On a guided tour, visit the World War II Base and Torres Strait Heritage Museum, and learn how the island became an operational airbase following the bombing of Darwin. Later, board a flight from Horn Island over the Great Barrier Reef and marvel at this spectacle from the air before arriving in Cairns. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner at the renowned Dundee’s Waterfront Dining, a quintessential Australian restaurant boasting stunning views, local delicacies and unique fare including kangaroo, crocodile and emu. The menu is a drawcard for return local, national and international visitors.

Day 11: Depart Cairns

After breakfast this morning, be transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight.