12 Day Cape York Overland / Sea Camping (C12OS)

Day 1

CAIRNS, CAPE TRIBULATION, COOKTOWN. - (LD)

Early morning pick up from Oz Tours selected locations as we travel via the beautiful coastal road until we cross the Daintree River and enter the majestic expanse of the World Heritage Cape Tribulation Rainforest. Over the Bloomfield track to historic Cooktown. Perhaps a chance to shop for souvenirs in original colonial era shops.
Overnight Cooktown with facilities.

Day 2

RINYIRRU (LAKEFIELD) NATIONAL PARK, MUSGRAVE TELEGRAPH STATION. - (BLD)

Assured of a unique place in the rich fabric of Australian history, Cooktown provides a visit of interest and excitement. Visit Cook’s landing place, Grassy Hill Lookout and the century old cemetery. We travel via Battle Camp Ranges and Old Laura Station to Rinyirru National Park. Experience living outback history as we approach Musgrave Telegraph Station, the last remaining telegraph station in Cape York. Overnight with facilities.

Day 3

COEN, ARCHER RIVER, CUULANGUN HOMELANDS . - (BLD)

Via historic Coen we travel north to cross the wide sandy Archer River and after lunch we cross the Wenlock River.

Tonight we camp by the Wenlock River on the Chuulangun Homelands with facilities.

Day 4

PORTLAND ROADS, KUTINI PAYAMU (IRON RANGE) NATIONAL PARK, CHILLI BEACH - (BLD)

We cross the Pascoe River before entering Kutini-Payamu National Park. This features the largest area of tropical lowland rainforest remaining in Australia. Rare fauna and flora include Cuscus, Palm Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots, Green Pythons, palms and orchids. There is impressive coastal and mountain range scenery. Portland Roads, a former sea port, now affords the locals a relaxed lifestyle in an idyllic tropical setting. Visit Chilli Beach overlooking Restoration Island, Bligh’s first landing site in 1792. Overnight camp in Kutini-Payamu National Park.

Day 5

BATAVIA, GOLDFIELDS, MORETON TELEGRAPH STATION. - (BLD)

Travel west to visit the old Batavia Goldfields, an abandoned mining town. Then travel North by West across Piccaninny Plains to arrive at Moreton Telegraph Station, a former Telegraph Station that carried the morse code signal from Brisbane to Thursday Island. Two night permanent camp on the Wenlock River at Moreton Telegraph Station with facilities.

Day 6

WEIPA, MORETON TELEGRAPH STATION. - (BD)

This morning we have an eco boat cruise included. Discover the waterways and diverse wildlife habitat, including saltwater Crocodiles, numerous bird species and mining history. Lunch at own expense.With the Gulf of Carpentaria behind us, we pass through huge cattle runs to arrive at the fast flowing Wenlock River.

Day 7

FRUIT BAT FALLS, JARDINE RIVER, BAMAGA, LOYALTY BEACH. - (BLD)

Be awakened by the dawn chorus of birdlife endemic to the Wenlock River. Today’s journey, travels sections of the old Telegraph Track through ever changing landscapes of zamias and heath forests to reach today’s lunch destination the picturesque Fruit Bat Falls on the Eliot River. Time to swim and explore or photograph the enchanting rock pools, and waterfalls. This afternoon we cross the Jardine River, followed by a short visit to Bamaga Aboriginal and Islander settlement then to Loyalty Beach overlooking the Torres Strait, our permanent base camp for 3 nights with facilities.

Day 8

THURSDAY ISLAND, HORN ISLAND. - (BLD)

Today’s highlight is a ferry transfer through the island dotted Straits to explore historic Thursday Island and Horn Island. A conducted 2 island bus tour with lunch is included. Afternoon ferry return to mainland.

Day 9

CAPE YORK, SOMERSET. - (BLD)

An unforgettable day of achievement and interest. We stand at the very ‘Tip’ of our continent. Visit the ruins of pioneer settlement Somerset, overlooking Albany Passage with pristine beaches and rocky headlands.

Day 10

SEISIA, COMMENCE SEA-LEG. - (BLD)

The focus of all attention today is Seisia wharf, where the cargo ship from Cairns disgorge their cargo of fuel, building materials, indeed everything needed by the local communities. At 80 meters and over 3000 tonnes the Trinity Bay is the largest cargo ship servicing the Torres Strait communities.

Day 11

GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK. - (BLD)

Total relaxation as you enjoy the company of the crew and new shipboard companions.

Day 12

DISEMBARK CAIRNS. - (B)

Your Oz Tours adventure ends on arrival at Trinity Wharf Cairns. Make your own way to your accommodation venue.