Itinerary

** The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, and amenities may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. Medium level of fitness – if guests have any mobility concerns or any pre-existing injuries / illness which may affect their participation, they are required to declare these prior to travel. Please note tours include walks that can be more than 1.5km. Travel insurance is required for this tour.

• 1 DAY 1 CAIRNS - LIONS DEN HOTEL (L D)

  Meet just north of the Cairns Airport and head off via the scenic coast road. Explore Mossman Gorge & cross the Daintree River on the Ferry continuing through Cape Tribulation & Daintree National Park, haave an ice cream at the iconic Daintree Ice Creamery with exotic local fruits and onto the scenic Bloomfield Track. Make camp at the iconic Lions Den Hotel where you can relax & enjoy a few coldies & feast on a delicious Welcome dinner.

• 2 DAY 2 LIONS DEN – COOKTOWN – MUSGRAVE VIA LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK (B L D)

  We head towards Cooktown to explore some local attractions before making our way north through Lakefield National Park, stopping at a couple of lagoons to spot some local flora and fauna. Lunch will be at Old Laura Homestead, you can explore, while we put the billy on. Make camp at Musgrave Camp Grounds where you can relax & soak up the atmosphere.

  ADDITIONAL TOUR;  Here you may wish to explore the Cooktown Museum.  Additional costs apply/ no need to book in advance.

   

• 3 DAY 3 MUSGRAVE - WEIPA (B L D)

  Calling in at Archer River Roadhouse, we will stop for a short break then continue on to Weipa.

  Additional Tours Available * We normally arrive at Weipa around lunch time so here we recommend the Western Cape Eco Sunset Tour ($60 per Adult with Beverages & Nibble Platters included)

   

• 4 DAY 4 WEIPA (B D)

  Today is your own, you can choose to venture out on one of the optional tours with other Tourism Providers (must be booked well in advance) Western Cape Eco Tours 4:30pm Sunset or Daily Tours 8:30am, Rio Tinto Town & Mining Tours 8:30am or 2pm.  Check out some of the local sights or try your luck at fishing some local hot spots.  Fishing charters can be quite expensive as most are privately booked/ not groups where you have to book the whole boat so we suggest when arriving to Weipa the day before calling them then and they may offer a half day/ discounted option.  Weipa Caravan Park has scenic helicopter flights also.

• 5 DAY 5 WEIPA – BRAMWELL JUNCTION – ELLIOT FALLS NATIONAL PARK (B L D)

  Travelling from Weipa we will stop in at The Morton Telegraph Station which is set on the banks of the Wenlock River. Here you can learn about some of the Telegraph line history. After a quick lunch stop at Bramwell Junction we make our way to Eliot Falls National Park where we will camp for 2 nights.

  Relax or explore more on the tele track and enjoy our scrumptious camp oven meals.

  No showers available here just amazing swimming and soaking in the near by Twin and Eliot Falls just walking distance from the camp.

• 6 DAY 6 ELIOT FALLS – TWIN FALLS – OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK (B L D)

  Another day to relax or explore the National Park.  Water crossings, swimming holes, bush tracks & adventure in abundance. Here we can day trip the OTT and watch others play or have a go at some 4WD yourself.

  Camping at Eliot Falls Campground you can enjoy a long soak in the amazing waterfalls whilst we prepare another famous ‘Camp Oven Feast’.

• 7 DAY 7 ELIOT FALLS – THE TIP – PUSAND BAY (B L D)

  Ready & raring for the trek north, we cross the Jardine River on the Ferry, pass through Bamaga headed to the Northernmost point of Australia, “The Tip”. We will have a bite to eat for lunch here before walking to the famous sign for photo’s. We will set up camp at Punsand Bay Campground for 2 nights.

• 8 DAY 8 PUNSAND BAY (B D)

  Today is your own, you can choose to hang out around Punsand Bay where you can wet a line with some beach fishing or set off on your optional tours (must be booked in advance) which may include a 3 Island Tour; Thursday Island, Horn Island & Roko Island that departs from Sesia; we will leave 6:45 to make the charter. Lunch is not supplied but can be purchased on Thursday Island.  From Punsand Bay; Scenic Helicopter Flights through Costal Rotors.  A Fishing Charter we recommend contacting them the night before to inquire. (Please note; we do not book Fishing Charters or Heli Flights.)

• 9 DAY 9 PUNSAND BAY – FRUIT BAT FALLS – MERLUNA CATTLE STATION (B L D)

  Back across the Jardine River to a relaxing cool off at the glorious Fruit Bat Falls. Make camp for 2 nights at a working Cattle Station.

• 10 DAY 10 MERLUNA CATTLE STATION (B L D)

  Today we get to spend the whole day here at a working cattle station.  There’s plenty of flora & fauna to explore and livestock to see. Relax by the Plunge pool or go on a Nature Walk.  Play cards, pool table, ping pong or read a book. End the day sitting around the fire with a delicious Camp Oven feast.

  Wi-Fi is available to purchase for $5 per pax.

• 11 DAY 11 MERLUNA CATTLE STATION – HANN RIVER ROADHOUSE (B L D)

  Today we set off south bound and visit the 28 mile waterhole.  We then stop at Coen where you can explore the museum. We make camp at Hann River Roadhouse where you will meet Aussie the Emu, geese, peacocks, pigs & watch the feeding wallabies.  Here we have our final farewell dinner where we can reminisce about our tour and the new friendships we’ve made.

• 12 DAY 12 HANN RIVER ROADHOUSE - CAIRNS (B)

  Today being the final leg of our Cape York adventure together.  We will stop off at Laura to visit the Quinkan Cultural Centre if its open?  which showcases some of the local heritage, we then make our way to splitrock to view some spectacular aboriginal rock art.  You can purchase your own lunch at the Palmer River part of the ‘an old gold rush’ history.  From here we make our way back to Cairns where we will arrive mid/ early afternoon and drop Ride Alongs off at Mareeba/ Cairns locations.

** Itinerary is subject to change

• Pre and post tour accommodation required for tour.
• Please note – Children over 9 years of age accompanied with an adult may participate in this tour.

Additional Information

Bath and beach towels are supplied for your use on tour.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

Supplier Terms and Conditions Summary:

• If cancelled more than 90 days before departure, full tour costs will be reimbursed.
• If cancelled between 90- 60 days before departure, tour cost less deposit will be reimbursed.
• If cancelled between 30- 60 days, before departure, 50% of the Tour cost will be reimbursed.
• Cancellations received 30 days and less to departure, we will offer a rebook/transferrable tour option to be booked & used within the next 12 months.

Changes to the Itinerary

You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility, and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries and amenities may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.

While we endeavour to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.

Before departure: If we make a major change, we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative trip offered.

After departure: 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 non-refundable flights.

Caravan Park Accommodation
There are three Caravan Parks to choose from with limited storage options available at one of these properties. The Caravan Parks usually request a minimum stay of at least 4 nights pre/post tour to store your caravan/car/campervan/motorhome. Storage prices are anywhere from $30-$40 per night. These Caravan Parks are located all around the Cairns region and if applicable to your chosen tour itinerary your 4WD safari vehicle will either pick up or drop you off at your chosen Caravan Park. We are happy to book this for you or provide you with these Caravan Park options once your selected tour booking has been confirmed. Should passengers choose to stay elsewhere, we can advise you which pick-up point is the closest to your chosen accommodation.

Motel Accommodation
We work with a local motel located in the Cairns CBD that offers quality, clean, and a range of good value room styles (see below). The room styles and rates listed below include free Wi-Fi, guest laundry, swimming pool & luggage storage whilst you are on tour. Your tour bus will pick you up and drop you off at the front door of the motel. We’re happy to make the booking for you or we will give you the motel details after you have booked your Cape York Tour.

STANDARD ROOM (20-25 sqm) Rooms have 1 queen bed or 2 single beds
ROOM FACILITIES Air Conditioning, 42″ LCD Television, Tea/Coffee Making Facilities, Small Fridge, Safe, Iron & Ironing Board, WiFi.

ONE BEDROOM SUITE (50SQM) Rooms have 1 queen bed or 2 single beds
ROOM FACILITIES Air Conditioning, 42″ LCD Television, Tea/Coffee Making Facilities, Small Fridge, Safe, Iron & Ironing Board, WiFi, Private Balcony.

Travel Insurance
As a valued customer 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 to get a free no-obligation quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Credit Card Payments
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.

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
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: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

Trip Reviews

The ride-along option was perfect for me, to be able to enjoy the scenery, go to beautiful out-of-the-way places and camp without any hassles. The vehicles were comfortable and obviously suited for the sometimes-rough terrain. The tents and bedding were quite luxurious — much more comfortable than I’d expected, and the trailer was a work of art — so well thought out and practical.

Dale and Bones were terrific. They were thoughtful, helpful, efficient, and very patient. They managed to appear relaxed while ensuring that the tour ran smoothly. When difficulties arose Dale always had a plan B (and maybe even C & D) and things got sorted without any fuss. Dale took us to places I would otherwise have missed seeing, and his love of the Cape was infectious. His stories about camping with family and friends made the whole experience very special. Sue

Dear Michelle, Max, Dale & Renae

Thank you for giving us lifetime memories of our trip to the Cape York peninsula.  We had an absolutely fabulous experience with both dale and max looking after us and treating us with the best that Cape York had to offer. We wish all of you the very best in your venture.

Travelling alone through Queensland, I decided to experience Cape York. I was reluctant to risk it alone, so a tag-along tour sounded like a good idea. Dale suggested I could ride-along in their vehicle, which made a lot more sense! The trip was well organised, the like-minded company was great, and the adventure memorable. Everyone was very well looked after and the facilities certainly adequate. I was sorry to see the trip end! Tony

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).