Days
10 Days
Tour Type
Scenic Tours
From
$3,676 Twin Share
- Start
-
Cairns
- Finish
-
Bamaga
- Physical Rating
- 4.0 Moderate to challenging
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 19
- Tour Code
- PZRY
Overview
Travel to the tippy top of northern Queensland on an Australian adventure in Far North Queensland. Over 10 days, you’ll learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during immersive activities with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides, hit the beach for swims and nature walks, cross the Iron Range and soak in all the natural beauty of this rural landscape. Spend a night near Chilli Beach, camp in the bush under the clear night sky and tick Pajinka off your bucket list – the northernmost point of the country! Take an eco-cruise to spot crocodiles, walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation and discover ancient rock art. With all these activities and more, you can soak up Australia’s amazing history, landscapes and remote communities.
Highlights of this walk
- Make the pilgrimage to Pajinka (Cape York) – the continent’s northernmost point and one of Australia’s most remote and unique locations, known as ‘The Tip’.
- Take a ferry to Thursday Island and learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach with a Torres Strait Islander Guide.
- Cross the Iron Range for a night near Chilli Beach – this picture-perfect white sand beach is framed by palm trees.
- Head into the mangroves on an eco-cruise in Weipa to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy riverbanks.
- Learn about Aboriginal culture in a remote retreat outside Cooktown with an Aboriginal guide, try bush food and listen to storytelling about the land and its ancestors. Then, learn about Torres Strait Islander culture on Thursday Island.
Itinerary
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).
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Camping
Fuel up on breakfast this morning, then 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. Soak up your opportunity to connect with the land. Then stop at the Cooktown Museum and learn about the significance of Cooktown and what role it played in Aboriginal history. Next 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 your overnight stay in Lakefield National Park or campsite near Laura, depending on season.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, 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. Pass through Coen – a rural town on the eastern side of the Cape York peninsula – then continue to the roadhouse at Archer River where you’ll spend the night at camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
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, head 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
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. Your first stop today is 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. Next up 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
This morning, continue north and head to beautiful 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 the remote community of Injinoo (also known as Cowal Creek or Small River) and then on 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 two nights in the local caravan park at Loyalty Beach and have dinner with your group at the site.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today, you’ll take an excursion to the northernmost point of the mainland of Australia – Pajinka, also known as Cape York. It’s a short but very scenic walk to ‘The Tip’, and you will be able to see some of the islands of the Torres Strait from here. Once you cross this mighty spot off your bucket list, carry on exploring the area. Depending on road conditions visit Somerset Beach or Fly Point for a beach visit and some photos, trying to spot the resident turtles. Time and weather permitting, there is also the option to head over to Albany Island, traditionally known as Pabaju, a hidden gem just off the coast. Then, search for plane wreckage from World War II – located throughout Cape York near former Allied air bases. These are a reminder of how close the fight really was to Australian shores. Later take some time to wander through the town of Bamaga and stock up on snacks before making your way back to your campsite at Seisia for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
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. In the early afternoon, jump back aboard the ferry to Seisia where your trip will come to an end in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping
Inclusions
Meals
-
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
-
Private 4WD Overland Vehicle
Accommodation
-
Hotel (1 night), Camping (7 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night)
Included activities
-
Make the pilgrimage to Pajinka (Cape York) – the continent’s northernmost point and one of Australia’s most remote and unique locations, known as ‘The Tip’.
-
Take a ferry to Thursday Island and learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach with a Torres Strait Islander Guide.
-
Cross the Iron Range for a night near Chilli Beach – this picture-perfect white sand beach is framed by palm trees.
-
Head into the mangroves on an eco-cruise in Weipa to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy riverbanks.
-
Learn about Aboriginal culture in a remote retreat outside Cooktown with an Aboriginal guide, try bush food and listen to storytelling about the land and its ancestors. Then, learn about Torres Strait Islander culture on Thursday Island.
Dates & Availability
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Important Notes
- Start & End Point Location & Time: This trip begins in Cairns with a welcome meeting at our joining point hotel at 6 pm on Day 1. The trip concludes on the final day upon arrival of the included flight at Cairns Airport. Please refer to the daily itinerary for more details.
- Camping: This is a camping trip where you will be required to pitch your own tent at each location (tents are provided). Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, or you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. If you’d like to hire one, please ask your booking agent to arrange this for you. Facilities are basic and shared with other campers outside of our group. The facilities at Chilli Beach are particularly basic, with bush toilets and no showers.
- Single Supplement: A single supplement is not available for this trip. You will be sharing a tent with another group member.
- Return Flight to Cairns: The flight from Bamaga or Horn Island to Cairns is NOT included in the price of this trip. The trip finishes on arrival at Bamaga on day 10, with no other transport or accommodation included on this day. Please carefully read the finishing point instructions in the Essential Trip Information document for detailed information. Once you have booked your flight, please make sure you let us know your flight details.
- Luggage Restrictions: As storage space on our vehicle is limited, please keep your luggage to a maximum of 15kg in a soft case bag.
- Long Travelling Days & Early Mornings: This trip includes some early starts and long travel days. Please check the daily itinerary for more details. Be mindful of the tropical climate when planning your trip, and ensure you stay well hydrated in the heat.
What Our Travellers Say
Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer
“The Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer tour was an unforgettable journey to the very tip of Australia. The landscapes were diverse and remote, and the cultural experiences in the Torres Strait Islands were truly special. Our guides were knowledgeable and approachable, offering insights into the region’s rich Indigenous history and natural beauty. A unique and well-organised adventure off the beaten path.”
— Hugh G. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not sure if this is the right tour for you?
Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening
As much as this walk is a fantastic outdoor experience, it’s also a social experience, giving you a chance to enjoy the companionship and support of like-minded people.
Enjoy a cuppa with a slice of home-made cake for morning tea and a fresh healthy lunch, surrounded by nature. Every day is finished off by a delicious and nutritious dinner together with the group.
What our customers say
Our Booking Process
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive everything you need to prepare for your trip – from packing lists to pick-up details. As we’re part of the Intrepid Travel Group, your booking will follow Intrepid’s Standard Terms and Conditions, including payments, cancellations, and communications. You’ll hear from their team directly with all the key info and reminders.
Have questions before or after booking? Just reach out – we’re here to help.
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