7 Day Cape York Frontier Drive Fly Tour H7DFFA

Itinerary

• 1 DAY 1. CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN (L D)

  After an early morning pick up from selected Cairns accommodation your adventure begins. Travelling north along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.

  Then making our way along the jungle-shrouded Bloomfield Track (road conditions permitted), stopping off at the unique Lion’s Den Hotel, and the mysterious Black Mountain, arriving at the old gold port of Cooktown, where we visit Captain Cooks Landing, before settling in our accommodation with ensuite facilities.

• 2 DAY 2. COOKTOWN, LAKE FIELD NATIONAL PARK TO MUSGRAVE (B L D)

  Heading west into the outback to explore Lakefield National Park (road conditions permitted), a haven for the many birds and animals native to this area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles.

  The afternoon finds us arriving at our overnight accommodation at The Old Musgrave Telegraph Station – ensuite facilities.

• 3 DAY 3. MUSGRAVE, COEN, ARCHER RIVER TO WEIPA (B L,D)

  This morning, we continue north stopping off at the historic frontier gold town of Coen and the picturesque Archer River, before making our way to the bauxite-mining town of Weipa. Enjoy the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Accommodation with ensuite facilities.

• 4 DAY 4. WEIPA, WENLOCK RIVER TO BRAMWELL STATION (B D)

  This morning you have the option to join a Wildlife Eco River Cruise (own expense).

  After lunch, we head for our overnight accommodation with ensuite facilities at a former ‘true blue’ Aussie cattle station, Bramwell Station.

• 5 DAY 5. BRAMWELL STATION, FRUITBAT FALLS TO SEISIA (B L D)

  After an early start, we head north travelling along part of the Old Telegraph Track to arrive at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim, and enjoy this unique area with its enchanting waterfall. Then northwards across the Jardine River, to arrive at Cape York! We will be staying at Seisia.

  Seisia is ideally located for our next few days, being in walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, the departure point for the ferry to Thursday Island and a famous fishing spot. Our accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park are cottages with ensuite facilities.

• 6 DAY 6. CAPE YORK TO SOMERSET (B L D)

  An unforgettable day! Stand at the very top of mainland Australia. We then visit Somerset (road conditions permitted), once the home of the legendary Jardine family. We have lunch on palm-fringed Anchorage Beach which overlooks the Albany Passage. A walk on the beach completes your day before returning to Seisia.

• 7 DAY 7. SEISIA TO THURSDAY ISLAND TO CAIRNS (B)

  An early morning departure as you cruise through island-studded straits to explore our northern community, Thursday Island. Here you will be taken on an informative guided bus tour of the island and its picturesque Harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet.

  Then board your plane at Horn Island for your flight back to Cairns. Arriving late afternoon in Cairns your tour finishes with a drop off to selected Cairns hotel accommodation or caravan parks.

  DAY 8 – OPTIONAL DAY HORN ISLAND – (DBL)
  For those interested in WWII history, you will have the option to stay an extra day at Horn Island. Dinner included on day 7. This day includes a tour of Horn Island and entry to the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. You will stay the night at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort at Horn Island. Around lunchtime, you board your plane at Horn Island for your flight back to Cairns. Book this when you complete your passenger form which will be sent once you pay a deposit. Cost: $435.00 pp twin share / $ 590.00 single

   

• Day Prior – flights to arrive anytime at Cairns Airport
• Last Day – We recommend that guests fly out the day after the tour returns to Cairns, as it may be delayed getting back into Cairns.
• Flights to and from your holiday are not included in the price.
• A high level of fitness is required for this tour. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• If you have any mobility issues or are over 80 years of age, it is a requirement to complete the “Fit to Travel & Mobility Questionnaire” and return these. A doctor’s clearance may be required before the booking can be confirmed. Please ask for this questionnaire.
• Pre and post-tour accommodation is required, book online or ask our team to help.

Additional Information

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All fares include meals as per itinerary code: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner. All accommodation costs and entrance fees as per itinerary.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation, meals, transfers and fares en route from home cities. Meals, unless specifically mentioned on day to day itinerary, any personal items such as drinks, newspapers, telephone, laundry, souvenirs, personal and holiday insurance. Fuel tax levy may apply.
HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL
Modern air-conditioned 4WD tour vehicles with comfortable forward facing seats, PA system, and contact with Royal Flying Doctors for your safety and peace of mind. Sat phone all vehicles.
CLOTHING AND WHAT TO BRING
Casual gear is a must. You will need minimal changes of clothing. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, bathers, bath towel, a pair of rubber soled shoes or joggers, a warm jumper or jacket, hat, torch, insect repellent and toiletries. A track suit is most useful, too.
LUGGAGE
Due to Government Workplace Health and Safety Regulations luggage cannot exceed 10kg. Luggage space is VERY LIMITED, so please restrict your luggage to ONE small SOFT travel bag ( 300mm x 300mm x 700 mm) and a small day pack per person. No hard suitcases or bags with wheels please. Any excess luggage can usually be stored at your hotel, or if your post tour accommodation differs, please arrange for your luggage to be transferred to your post tour accommodation.
SMOKING
As per Government Regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for “smoking breaks” en route.
TRANSFER OF TOUR DATES
Should you wish to transfer to another of our tours, a handling fee may be charged, but no cancellation fee applies unless within full payment period.
UNUSED TOUR SECTORS
If a passenger fails to join a tour/safari or joins in after departure, or leaves it prior to completion, no refunds can be made. No refunds will be made in respect of any part of the tour including food, excursions, accommodation, etc., that are not used or undertaken.
INSURANCE
Tour operators and/or its agents are not responsible or liable for loss or damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever or for personal injury, accidents, hospitalisation, illness or medical expenses. Most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their insurance agent and take out adequate travel insurance to cover any event and give full travel protection.
CANCELLATION FEES
Cancellations must be received in writing or by email and cancellation fees will apply to the amount of notice given to the operator.
• Bookings cancelled more than 90 days prior to tour departure – loss of deposit paid.
• Cancellation between 90 and 60 days prior to tour departure – 50% cancellation fee of total tour cost.
• Cancellation between 59 and 31 days prior to tour departure – 75% cancellation fee of total tour cost.
• Cancellation 30 days and less prior to tour departure – 100% cancellation fee of total tour cost.

ACCOMMODATION IN CAIRNS FOR CAPE YORK & GULF SAVANNAH TOURS
Pick up and drop of at the following places in Cairns on tours that include accommodation transfers. The 2 caravan parks have storage facilities available for your car and caravan.
Gulf Savannah 9 day Tours departure points & times
• 6:30AM – Queens Court Hotel
• 6:35AM – Coral Tree Inn
• 6:40AM – Novotel Oasis Resort
• 6:50AM – First City Caravilla Caravan park
• 7:00AM – BIG 4, Cairns Coconut Caravan Park

Cape York 7 day Drive / Fly Tours departure points & times
• 7:00AM – Queens Court Hotel
• 6:55AM – Novotel Oasis Resort
• 6:40AM – First City Caravilla Caravan park
• 6:30AM – BIG 4, Cairns Coconut Caravan Park

Cape York 7 day Fly / Drive Tours departure points & times
• 6:40AM – Queens Court Hotel
• 6:35AM – Novotel Oasis Resort
• 6:20AM – First City Caravilla Caravan park
• 6:10AM – BIG 4, Cairns Coconut Caravan Park
The tours depart from above mentioned accommodation venues at the listed time. Please advise our head office as soon as possible from which location you want to depart from, to enable us to coordinate transfers. Please be ready by the listed time and out the front of the venue. Our head office will send you a text message ONE day prior to the tour departure with confirmation of departure time and location, when applicable. If you do not advise us of the venue, where you want to depart from, we are unable to pick you up. Please refer to individual tour itineraries for accommodation information.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Due to the nature of the trip, it is not recommended for young children. Minimum numbers apply to all tours for the tour to operate. The operator, reserves the right to alter the itinerary and location of accommodation, if necessitated by weather conditions or by any other unforeseen circumstances prevailing at the time of the trip. The operator also has the right to substitute vehicles or an alternative operator, transport, and carrier.
The operator is unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times and is not liable for failure to make connections with other services or for any expenses incurred by the client as a result of weather conditions, mechanical defects, or any other unforeseen cause. If for any reason, the itinerary is altered, no refund is payable by the operator. The operator reserves the right without payment or compensation, and whether before or after commencement of travel, to exclude any passenger, if that passenger may appear likely to endanger the health or safety or impair the comfort of other passengers and may be asked to leave the tours immediately, should he/she commit any illegal act.
LIABILITY
The operator and its employees accept no responsibility for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or tours which result in any loss, damage, accident, diversion, or theft in regard to luggage or personal belongings, and will be exempt from all liability in respect of direct or indirect consequential loss or damage, death, injury, sickness, irregularity, delay liability, and additional expenses, or inconvenience or any other event beyond its control including accident, failure of machinery or equipment, accommodation, transport, or other services.
AIRLINE INDEMNITY
Airline involvement in these tours is as air carrier only. Airlines carry no responsibility for statements in this brochure relating to ground content of these tours and the operator indemnifies them against any claim, action, loss, or damage arising therefrom.

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).