Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer
11 Days Starting and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns Botanical Gardens, Cape Tribulation, Rossville, Kalkajaka (Black Mountain), Cooktown, Laura, Rinyurru Lakefield National Park, Old Laura Homestead, Red Lily Lagoon, North Kennedy River, Nifold Plains, Coen, Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, Mount Tozer, Portland Roads, Chilli Beach, Iron Range National Park, Lockhart River, Wenlock River, Moreton Telegraph Station, Weipa, Western Cape Cultural Centre, Lake Patricia, Shelburne, Apudthama National Park, Seisia, Pajinka, Somerset Beach, Fly Point, Cape York, Injinoo, Bamaga
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZRY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 19
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer tour, a journey through some of Australia's most remote and culturally rich landscapes. Starting in Cairns, this tour takes you on a thrilling 4WD expedition through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the picturesque Chilli Beach, and the historic sites of Cooktown. Experience the unique cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with guided tours and ceremonies. Marvel at the natural beauty of Fruit Bat Falls and the wildlife-rich mangroves of Weipa. Conclude your journey at the northernmost point of mainland Australia, Pajinka, and explore the vibrant culture of Thursday Island. This camping adventure promises a blend of cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns
Location: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns Botanical Gardens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into a local bar. After the meeting, maybe head out with your group for a dinner.
Day 2: Cape Tribulation / Rossville
Location: Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest, Rossville, Kalkajaka (Black Mountain)
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Lunch
Today, you’ll take the Daintree ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage area of Cape Tribulation, which sits within the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a short nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the forest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! Stop at a lookout and enjoy the beach scenery, then hop into your 4WD truck for a drive along the iconic Bloomfield Track – also known as the Coast Road, this track takes you from the cape through the forest’s many creeks. After, carry on to Rossville for the night, and maybe join your group for dinner at The Lion Den Hotel. After some pub food, spend the night stargazing at your campsite, overlooked by the Kalkajaka (Black Mountain). Included Activities:-Cape Tribulation - Lookout-Cape Tribulation - Daintree Rainforest nature walk-Rossville - Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony
Day 3: Rossville / Cooktown / Laura
Location: Rossville, Cooktown, Laura
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fuel up on breakfast this morning, then say goodbye to the rainforest to make tracks for Laura. Along the way, stop in a remote town and meet with your local Aboriginal guide. Attend a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, then take a bush food and medicine walk as your guide tells you stories about the land. You’ll learn more about Country and boomerang throwing as your guide shares some handmade artefacts. Have tea together and soak up your opportunity to connect with the land. Then stop at the Cooktown History Centre and learn about the significance of Cooktown and what role it played in Aboriginal history. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to take the self-guided walk to Quinkan Country’s rock art in Laura –included on the Australian Heritage Estate and listed by UNESCO as one of the top 10 rock art sites in the world. Included Activities:-Cooktown - Cooktown History Centre visit-Rossville - Kuku Nyungkul cultural tourOptional Activities:-Laura - Quinkan Split Rock Art Gallery self-guided walk
Day 4: Lakefield National Park / Coen
Location: Rinyurru Lakefield National Park, Old Laura Homestead, Red Lily Lagoon, North Kennedy River, Nifold Plains, Coen
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, make tracks for Rinyurru Lakefield National Park. When you arrive, step back in time at the Old Laura Homestead, which dates back to 1879, and immerse yourself in one of the park's most historically significant periods. Then, head to Red Lily Lagoon to spot the waterbirds and pink lotus-lilies that carpet the lagoon. After a short walk, you’ll carry on to another peaceful lagoon, where a hundred-year-old mango tree marks the site of a historic family homestead. Have lunch on the North Kennedy River, then visit the termite mounts and grasslands of Nifold Plains. Arrive in Coen in the late afternoon – a rural town on the eastern side of the Cape York peninsula – where you’ll spend the night at camp. Included Activities:-Coen - Coen Heritage House visit
Day 5: Iron Range National Park
Location: Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, Mount Tozer, Portland Roads, Chilli Beach
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll continue north to Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park – the largest area of lowland tropical rainforest in Australia – through Cape York’s wilderness. Stop at Mount Tozer viewpoint and take a short walk for views of the mountain that rises in the distance. Next, visit the small coastal community of Portland Roads. This remote tropical outpost is a historical site framed by mangroves and famous for its small local cafe. If it’s open, maybe sit down for a coffee and a snack before heading to Chilli Beach – a long, sweeping beach, popular for fishing and birdwatching. Chill out under the swaying palms and take in the remote beach landscape, then head to your campsite. Included Activities:-Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Chilli Beach-Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Mount Tozer viewing platform-Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Portland Roads Coastal Community visit
Day 6: Iron Range National Park / Wenlock River
Location: Iron Range National Park, Lockhart River, Wenlock River, Moreton Telegraph Station
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maybe rise early this morning and go bird watching in the surrounding rain forest – if you’re lucky, you may spot the elusive palm cockatoo, red-bellied pitta and yellow-billed kingfisher. Just a short drive from your campsite is Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation – established in 1995, the artists of Lockhart River Art Centre have been recognised for many years as ‘The Art Gang’. You’ll visit here before heading to your campground on the Wenlock River – you'll be staying at Moreton Telegraph Station for the next two nights, which was part of the Cape York Telegraph line, completed in 1887. Included Activities:-Lockhart River - Arts Centre visit
Day 7: Weipa / Wenlock River
Location: Weipa, Western Cape Cultural Centre, Lake Patricia
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll drive to the Western Cape Cultural Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the region of Weipa and its surrounding communities. This centre plays an important role in preserving traditional language within the region through informative displays and artworks. After, you’ll hop on a boat cruise to see Cape York from the water – look out for saltwater crocodiles and the numerous bird species that live in these waterways and mangroves and learn about the local culture and wildlife habitats. After, visit Lake Patricia and head out on a short walk with your leader around the area. Tonight, you’ll have dinner back at your campground on the river and spend another night under the stars. Included Activities:-Weipa - Lake Patricia stop-Weipa - Western Cape Culture Centre visit-Weipa - Mangrove Eco Cruise
Day 8: Apudthama National Park / Seisia
Location: Shelburne, Apudthama National Park, Seisia
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll carry on to Kennedy’s Lost Camp to learn about Edmund Besley Court Kennedy J. P. – an Australian explorer in the mid-19th-century, known for his knowledge of (and untimely end in) Cape York. You’ll then visit Fruit Bat Falls, which sits within Apudthama National Park. These lush, bushy falls are a beautiful spot for a nature walk and a swim. After, carry on to the Jardine River ferry for the short journey to Seisia – home to the most northerly mainland community in Queensland and a gorgeous spot with a beach, still waters and palm trees. You’ll spend the next three nights in the local caravan park and have dinner with your group at the site. Included Activities:-Apudthama National Park - Fruit Bat Falls walk & swim-Shelburne - Kennedy’s Lost Camp stop
Day 9: Pajinka / Cape York / Seisia
Location: Pajinka, Somerset Beach, Fly Point, Cape York, Injinoo, Bamaga, Seisia
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll drive to the northernmost point of the mainland of Australia – Pajinka. Once you cross this mighty spot off your bucket list with a walk along the inland route, carry on to Somerset Beach and Fly Point for a beach visit and some photos, trying to spot the resident turtles. Then, carry on to the plane wreckage from World War II – located throughout Cape York, there are now plane wreckages where there were functioning Allied air bases during the war. These are a reminder of how close the fight really was to Australian shores. End the day with a visit to the remote community of Injinoo (also known as Cowal Creek or Small River) then take some time to wander through the town of Bamaga and stock up on snacks before making your way back to Seisia for the night. Included Activities:-Cape York - WWII plane wrecks-Cape York - Injinoo Community visit-Cape York - Fly Point walk-Cape York - Pajinka ('The Tip') day trip-Cape York - Somerset Beach stop
Day 10: Thursday Island (Torres Strait) / Seisia
Location: Thursday Island, Seisia
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll take the ferry to Thursday Island for a cultural activity with a local Torres Strait Islander guide. When you arrive, learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach. After lunch, jump back aboard the ferry for your last night in Seisia. Included Activities:-Thursday Island - Torres Strait Cultural Tour with local guide-Thursday Island - Return ferry
Day 11: Seisia / Cairns
Location: Seisia, Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Seisia and take a transfer to Bamaga Airport, where you’ll leave your leader and take an unaccompanied flight back to Cairns. When you arrive, your adventure will come to an end at the airport. If you’d like to extend your stay in Cairns, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. Included Activities:-Bamaga - Flight to Cairns
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (1 night), Camping (9 nights) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners -
Cape Tribulation - Lookout
The tour includes a visit to the Cape Tribulation Lookout.
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Cape Tribulation - Daintree Rainforest nature walk
The tour includes a nature walk in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation.
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Rossville - Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony
The tour includes a Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony in Rossville.
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Cooktown - Cooktown History Centre visit
The tour includes a visit to the Cooktown History Centre.
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Rossville - Kuku Nyungkul cultural tour
The tour includes a Kuku Nyungkul cultural tour in Rossville.
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Coen - Coen Heritage House visit
The tour includes a visit to the Coen Heritage House.
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Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Chilli Beach
The tour includes a visit to Chilli Beach in Kutini-Payamu National Park.
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Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Mount Tozer viewing platform
The tour includes a visit to the Mount Tozer viewing platform in Kutini-Payamu National Park.
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Lockhart River - Wenlock (Batavia) Goldfields Ruins walk
The tour includes a walk through the Wenlock (Batavia) Goldfields Ruins in Lockhart River.
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Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Portland Roads Coastal Community visit
The tour includes a visit to the Portland Roads Coastal Community in Kutini-Payamu National Park.
What's Not Included
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Sleeping Bag and Pillow
You need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, or hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost.
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Single Supplement
A single supplement is not available on this trip; you will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.
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Luggage Restrictions
Luggage is limited to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag due to limited storage space on the vehicle.
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Additional Accommodation
No additional accommodation is included after the flight arrives in Cairns.
Transport
- Private 4WD Overland Vehicle
Accommodation
- Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night at Chilli Beach.
- As this is a camping trip, we rely on all travellers to help with camp duties for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This includes pitching and packing up your own tent daily and assisting your leader with cooking and cleaning duties.
Important Information
- START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
- This trip starts in Cairns with a welcome meeting at our joining point hotel at 6pm on day 1. The trip finishes on the last day upon the included flight's arrival time at Cairns Airport. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.
- CAMPING
- This is a camping trip where you will be expected to pitch your tent at each location (tents are provided). Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are basic and are shared with other campers that are not part of our group. The facilities at our campsite in Iron Range National Park are very basic, with bush toilets and no showers.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A single supplement is not available on this trip. You will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.
- INCLUDED FLIGHT
- The flight from Bamaga to Cairns is included on this trip and will be unaccompanied by a tour leader. The trip finishes on arrival at Cairns Airport, with no other transport or accommodation included on this day. Due to the unpredictability of the flight schedule, we recommend booking an additional night in Cairns on Day 11.
- LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
- As we have limited storage space on our vehicle, please limit your luggage to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag.
- LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS
- This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Take into consideration the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you are well hydrated in the tropical heat.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Cape York and Torres Strait in a private 4WD overland vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and adventurous journey through diverse terrains.
Accommodation
Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night in Iron Range National Park.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour primarily involves camping, with tents and camping gear provided. However, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. The first night is spent in a hotel in Cairns.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several cultural experiences such as a Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony in Rossville, a Kuku Nyungkul cultural tour, and a Torres Strait Cultural Tour with a local guide on Thursday Island.
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What kind of wildlife might I see on this tour?
During the tour, you may spot crocodiles on the mangrove eco-cruise in Weipa, and if you're lucky, you might see the elusive palm cockatoo, red-bellied pitta, and yellow-billed kingfisher during bird watching in Iron Range National Park.
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What is the luggage allowance for this tour?
Luggage is limited to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag due to limited storage space on the vehicle.
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Is there a single supplement available for this tour?
No, a single supplement is not available on this trip. You will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.
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What should I bring for the camping aspect of the tour?
You should bring your own sleeping bag and pillow for the camping portion of the tour. Alternatively, you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost.
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How will we travel during the tour?
Travel is conducted in a private 4WD overland vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and adventurous journey through diverse terrains.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will take a transfer to Bamaga Airport and then an unaccompanied flight back to Cairns, where the tour concludes upon arrival at the airport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions