Cape York And Torres Strait

Day 3: Friday – Cooktown

Discover Cooktown’s colourful history today. We’ll visit the Cooktown Cemetery where you’ll learn the intriguing story of a fair skinned woman known as the ‘Normanby Woman’ who was seen living with Indigenous people back in the 1800s. Visit James Cook Museum in the magnificent 19th Century Sisters of Mercy Convent. Gain an insight into the grounding of the Endeavour and the most significant land-based stay of Captain Cook’s east coast expedition. Wander the beautiful heritage-listed Cooktown Botanic Gardens and see the Vera Scarth-Johnson collection of original regional botanical illustrations. Enjoy some free time to stroll downtown Cooktown and a late afternoon tour of Grassy Hill with 360-degree views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 4: Saturday – Musgrave

Travel to Lakeland and Laura via the mysterious Black Mountains, a special story place for the Kuku Yalanji people. World-class Aboriginal rock art, and wonderful locally grown coffee are two big drawcards for these small towns. Best known are the Quinkan Rock Art Galleries, considered to be some of the most significant Aboriginal art sites in the world. We’ll join a guided tour of the Split Rock Galleries. Travel along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the Hann River Roadhouse for a short break before continuing on to Musgrave Roadhouse.

Overnight Musgrave Roadhouse.

Day 5: Sunday- Weipa

We continue along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the old mining community of Coen. The town was originally created around a repeater station in the Overland Telegraph Line to the Tip of Cape York Peninsula. We’ll arrive in time for lunch at the Archer River Roadhouse, located on the banks of the crystal-clear Archer River. Famous for the massive Archer Burger and best served with an icy cold drink under its shaded patio. Last stop for the day is Weipa, the Barramundi capital of Queensland. Originally an Aboriginal mission, Weipa grew to become a township after the discovery of bauxite. Late afternoon, relax at your accommodation with sweeping views of Albatross Bay.

2 nights Heritage Resort or Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa.

Day 6: Monday – Weipa

Learn about Weipa’s mining operations on a morning tour of the world’s largest bauxite mine, operated by Rio Tinto. Get up close and personal to the 190 tonne Belly Dumper Haul trucks while touring the working mine site and follow the rail and conveyor belt system as the bauxite makes its way to the loading dock. Join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a chance to spot local birdlife and crocodiles. Relax with drinks and nibbles as you learn about the incredible ecosystems and local culture. Witness a stunning sunset in one of the few places in Queensland where the sun sets over the ocean in the west.

Day 7: Tuesday – Bamaga

Follow the Old Telegraph Track to Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wenlock River. Part of the historic Overland Telegraph Line, Moreton Telegraph Station was completed in 1887 and ceased operations in 1987 with the introduction of microwave telecommunications. Spot giant termite mounds as the country changes to the open plains of Heathlands Resources Reserve. Cool off in the lush Fruit Bat Falls with its crystal clear water (croc free), a perfect swimming spot and one of the most special places on the Cape. Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry to Bamaga, the closest settlement to the Tip of Australia. This evening enjoy a relaxed dinner overlooking tropical gardens.

2 nights Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Bamaga.

Day 8: Wednesday – Bamaga

Experience the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas. We begin with a drive to Pajinka. The 45-60 minute walk over rocky headland to ‘The Tip’ of Cape York requires a good level of fitness. Take that ‘bucket-list’ photo as you stand at the tip of Australia; then savour a picnic lunch on Somerset Beach with breathtaking views to Albany Island. Visit the iconic Croc Tent then enjoy some free time back at your accommodation.

Day 9: Thursday – Torres Strait Islands

Cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island; just one of 274 islands which lie between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Discover Thursday Island’s hidden past, including Green Hill Fort, on a guided history tour and a visit to Gab Titui Cultural Centre. Join Island Stars for an entertaining, education and spiritual showcase of traditional dance, storytelling songs and music. This unique show brings together two of the world’s oldest living cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures. After the show enjoy a traditional island lunch before taking some free time to explore Thursday Island.

Overnight Jardine Motel, Thursday Island.

Day 10: Friday – Cairns

Transfer to Horn Island this morning. Join local guides on a tour of the World War II sites. See gun emplacements, an underground command post and an aircraft wreck with an epic tale. Walk in the steps of traditional owners, the Kaurareg People, and learn their stories. Following the tour you will have time to wander the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. Transfer to Horn Island Airport for your QantasLink flight to Cairns. Tonight we’ll celebrate the end of our adventure with a farewell dinner at the Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant & Bar.

Overnight Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns.

Day 11: Saturday – Homeward Bound

Your Cape York and Torres Strait adventure concludes after breakfast at Rydges Esplanade Resort. Please make your own arrangements for your connecting flight or rail home. Alternatively you may like to extend your stay in Cairns, please contact us for further information.