11 Day Cooktown and Cape York Tour AGOCY11

Itinerary

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 8 Punsand Bay, Tip of Cape York

  Travel along to 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.

• 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.

• 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 an included 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.

• 11 Depart Cairns

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

PLEASE NOTE: You must arrive in Cairns early in the morning on Day 1. Departure flights will need to be in the mid-afternoon.

• Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
• This tour includes mainly easy walks over uneven terrain, with some optional more challenging hikes
• Prices are for land tour and internal flights as stated only

Reviews

A well organised adventure. Good mix of people that mixed well. Tash and Grant, guide and driver, organised and good communicators. Accommodation comfortable, clean and special in Cairns and Port Douglas. Food good no matter where we were. Travelling days were planned so not too long, with highlights each day. Helicopter trip over “the tip” gave a wonderful overview of the top of Australia, followed by ferry trips to Thursday and Horn Islands. Cultural Show on Thursday Island and discussion with organiser after offered an insight into efforts being made with the youth to carry on the culture. Barry and Anne, ACT

The organisation and attention to detail by our driver and tour guide left nothing to be desired. Many highlights, but the standout ones are the time spent in the Daintree NP and the journey to the tip itself. Accommodation was generally excellent – there is no choice in some remote areas! We got on well with fellow travellers, and it was marvellous to see how the older and less able passengers were encouraged and supported by fellow travellers as well as the crew. Michael and Liz, SA

A fascinating, educational and impressive tour of far North Queensland to The Tip by 4WD with 2 ferry rides to Thursday and Horn Islands and a direct flight back to Cairns. In particular learning about flora and fauna through out the national parks, the indigenous knowledge of their lands, the history of white pioneers who hacked their way through unforgiving landscapes to provide the first telegraph lines and so much more. Accommodation was 5 star to rustic with really good meals throughout. The small group of 16 allowed for friendly interactions at all times. Carol & Eric, VIC

Two highlights come to mind – the first was our visit to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve and the other was finally standing on the mainland tip of Australia, after long , bouncy travel days. The itinerary was varied and interesting, with some fantastic local guides. The only sour points was the terrible accommodation at Bramwell Station, east of Weipa, and the tents at Punsund Bay were acceptable, but could have been better with a little thought. Overall, we were pleased we undertook the trip. The driver we had gave us some fantastic local stories he had researched, which included early explorers, setters and problems associated with settling the northern tip – we all loved these stories, as it kept us entertained while we bounced our way north. Graeme, QLD

FAQs

• Is there phone service in Far North Queensland?

  In most towns you will get phone service, but there are large stretches between towns that may not have service. Satellite phones are carried on tours for emergency use. Phone service will be possible in Cairns, Laura, Seisia, Roko Island, Thursday Island, Horn Island, Weipa, Cooktown and Coen. There may be other locations and all service will depend on the phone carrier used.

• How can I pay for my tour?
  We use TravelPay to process credit cards as it is recommended by AFTA (The Australian Federation of Travel Agents) as it provides protection in the event of supplier insolvency.

  Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

  If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment. Remember that ‘TravelPay’ will appear on your credit card statement.

  Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

  Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

  Commonwealth Bank – Australian Tours and Cruises

  Reference: Trip Number

  BSB: 062-504    Account: 1066 1268

  International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees

  SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

• What medical clearance form do I use for the cargo boat?
  MV Trinity Bay Passengers

  IMPORTANT: Please note that MV “Trinity Bay” requires passengers to complete a Passenger Medical Information Form to advise the crew of any medical issues they may need to be aware of. This information will also be used by medical attendants in the event of a medical emergency or accident.

  If required by Part 1 of the Sea Swift Passenger Medical Form, a GP Fit-to-Travel Clearance is available to print and take to your GP for signature.
  Please email a copy back to reservations@capeyorktours.com.au to complete your booking, please include your booking reference number in the email.

  Bookings are not confirmed until all forms are completed and returned.

• Is there mobile phone reception and internet cafe access on the tour?
  Digital mobile telephones only operate in Cooktown. Telstra NEXT G telephones work in Cooktown, Laura, Coen, Weipa and Thursday Island. Email access via internet cafes is generally not available. Most phones these days can recieve emails.
• Is it possible to recharge phones, cameras etc on the tour?
  Telephones, cameras and other electrical devises can be charged using mains power in Cooktown, Musgrave, Coen, Weipa, Bramwell Station and Cape York.
• What is the policy on alcohol on the tour?
  The Government has imposed very strict alcohol regulations throughout Cape York Peninsula and our company has a permit to carry certain quantities of alcohol and complies with all regulations and laws. Please contact our office for further, more recent information.
• What is the policy on smoking on the tour?
  As per Government regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for smoking breaks.
• Where can I store my car and caravan?
  There are a number of places to store your vehicle or caravan. We can give you the details to book directly once your tour dates are confirmed.
• Are special dietary requirements catered for on the tour?
  If a passenger is on a medically prescribed diet, we will do our absolute utmost to cater suitable meals for that person. Please contact our office to discuss any diet needs.
• What are the meals provided on the tour?
  Your Guides / Chefs work extremely hard to provide passengers with excellent, wholesome meals. Breakfast consists of a choice of at least 3 cereals, toast and spreads. Lunch has a variety of cold meats and an abundant selection of salad vegetables on rolls or sandwiches. Evening meals begin with happy hour followed by a 2 course meal which could be a grill, roast, casserole, BBQ, fresh fish and appropriate selection of vegetables followed by a tasty dessert.
• What type of toilet and shower facilities should be expected on the tour?
  Toilets are either flushing or National Park composting type and showers are available most nights and if not, a long, soaking soap free swim in a shallow, safe stream is available.
• How far do we travel each day?
  These tours are designed to show the very best of Cape York Peninsula. The day normally starts around 8.00am ending approximately 4.00pm covering 300 kilometers per day. During the normal course of the day you will stop for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The tour also stops at places of interest, towns, communities and any notable flora or fauna features.
• How many people will be on the tour?
  The maximum number of passengers depends on the seating in the 4WD vehicles which range from 4 to 22 seats.
• How does the tour run?
  All tours are conducted on a partial participation basis, it generates friendship and conversation. The Tour Leader does all cooking however assistance with vegetable peeling, firewood collection and filling water buckets is greatly appreciated. Passengers assist with washing and wiping and erect their own tents (unless on pre-erected tent camping tour or on accommodated tour) after a demonstration, those less agile will be given assistance.
• How much luggage am I allowed?
  Baggage space is limited. One soft sided sausage style bag per person measuring approximately 600mm x 500mm x 300mm with a maximum weight of about 10kgs plus one small day pack per person for inside the vehicle. Excess luggage may be stored at your accommodation.
• What clothing should I bring?
  4 tee shirts

  4 shorts or skirts

  Swimmers/Towel

  Water bottle

  A spray jacket/warm jacket

  1 pair of sandals

  Shady hat

  Torch

  Toiletries

  Laundry powder

  Insect repellent

  Small day pack

  Track suit pants/jeans

  NB: clothes line & pegs are supplied by us (campers only) PLEASE AVOID ARTICLES OF WHITE/LIGHT CLOTHING AS DUST MAY STAIN

• How comfortable are the 4WD vehicles and seating used on the tour?
  Vehicle seats are individual, padded bucket seats with lap and sash seat belts. Vehicle suspensions are modified to ride as comfortably as possible to Cape York. A seat rotation is normally done each day.
• What kind of boats are used on the tour?
  M.V Trinity Bay carries 38 passengers stopping at Horn Island, Thursday Island and Bamaga. The trip normally takes 2.5 days and you will sleep on the boat for 2 nights. Accommodation is in either twin cabins or 3-4 passengers per cabin, all cabins have share bathroom facilities. A licensed bar is on the ship and your trip includes meals as indicated in the tour itinerary.
• What kind of air planes are used on the tour?
  Generally medium sized air planes with a capacity of 20 to 50 passengers are used. During peak season when services are in demand we occasionally use smaller aircraft carrying 8 or less passengers.
• Should travel insurance be organised before going on the tour?
  Travel Insurance

  As a valued customer of Cape York Tours, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity get a quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

• Should I bring extra spending money for incidentals?
  We suggest about $300 per person. Credit cards and EFTPOS machines are accessible in most places throughout Cape York.
• What is excluded from the price of your Cape York tour?
  Any costs incurred before or after departure. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary. Any personal items such as newspapers, telephone, alcohol and drinks, laundry, personal and travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance which specifically covers cancellation fees, most claims arise from either personnel or close-family illness before departure resulting in cancellation charges. We suggest you talk to your car, home or life insurer and purchase a policy that will cover you for cancellation fees in the unlikely event that you need to cancel your Cape York tour.
• What is included in the price of your Cape York Tours from Cairns?
  If on a camping tour – all camping equipment including tents with a floor built into them, mattresses, National Park fees, land access and usage fees to local communities, all camping fees. If on an accommodated tour – all accommodation costs whilst on tour. Meals as indicated: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).