• A highly regarded and personalised 15 day Cape York tour that departs from Cairns with some of the most passionate tour guides you will find in Australia
• These tour guides have been travelling from Cairns to Cape York on hosted 15 day tours for over 20 years so you can be guaranteed you will be only experiencing the best of the best Cape York tours  
• Our Cape York tour guides have various specialities and indepth knowledge of zoo keeping, nocturnal tour guiding, animal tracking, Aboriginal culture, Australian fauna and flora, birding, bush tucker and bush medicine and more
• On our 15 day Cape York guided tours we visit remote working cattle stations, gold fields, Aboriginal rock art, pearl farms, waterfalls, rainforests and outback savannah

Join our small, personally guided Cape York specialised tours to see iconic and historical places on our rugged but comfortable outback four wheel driving tours of Cape York in Queensland Australia and its surrounds.

What to Expect

2027 Departure Dates

• 29th May 2027 
• 19th June 2027
• 24th July 2027 
• 14th August 2027
• 18th September 2027

Cape York & Kinrara Wetlands 4WD Safari Highlights

• Roko Island
• Daintree Wildlife Cruise
• Black Mountain
• Cooktown
• WWII sites
• Lion’s Den Hotel
• Private Indigenous Experience
• Fruit Bat Falls
• Old Telegraph Track (Part thereof)
• World Heritage Daintree National Park
• Jardine River – Torres Strait
• Private Cattle Station Wetlands Stay (Kinrara, 3 nights)
• Private guided walk through the oldest rainforest in the World
• Pajinka (local Aboriginal name for the Tip of Australia)

 

Day 1. Cairns Tablelands to Kinrara Wetlands

***Cape York Tours - 15 Day Sample Itinerary Only - Changeable***

• After picking you up from the Cairns CBD your adventure begins.  We’ll drive the Kuranda Range, stopping to stretch the legs and some morning tea (included) at Mareeba’s Coffee Works – known for their coffee and tea selection with homemade scones with jam and cream.  From Mareeba we make our way to Yungaburra to stop and stare in wonder at the Curtain Fig Tree – one of the greatest natural sites in the Tablelands Rainforests. Lunch is at the historic Ravenshoe Hotel – Queensland’s highest pub. Arriving around 4pm on afternoon to Kinrara Eco Retreat you will be welcomed and introduced to the expedition team, and given a tour of the campsite. Your bags will be ushered to your respective tents with some welcome beverages. Sunset drinks and food, welcoming hospitality, and shared story will conclude your first day of adventure.

ACCOMMODATION – STUNNING GLAMPING TENTS ADJACENT TO WETLANDS 

Meals: lunch & dinner included

Day 2. Kinrara

• On Day 2 we explore the vast expanse of Kinrara Station, loading up our 4WD convoy we drive to the outer limits of the station’s boundary discovering and experiencing outback life. Taking the bulk of the day, we depart mid-morning from camp, winding through dirt tracks stopping for wildlife such as kangaroos, goannas, emu, plains turkey, wild boar, wedge tail and sea eagles, plus countless cattle and horses. We explore the cattle yards, windmills, watering points, lava tubes and share an outdoor picnic beside a dam covered in water lilies. Returning to camp mid-afternoon, guests are welcome to use the Kayaks, go for a swim or a walk, or find a comfy spot to rest before sunset drinks and dinner.

ACCOMMODATION – STUNNING GLAMPING TENTS ADJACENT TO WETLANDS

Meals: all meals included

Day 3. Kinrara

• Today we are exploring the private spring and waterfall located within the property. You also have the opportunity to take a helicopter flight over the incredible landscape. The flight gives guests the ability to see the wetlands, flying over the crater of one of the youngest volcanoes in the area in a way that highlights just how incredible this landscape is.  (Optional extra – price on application)

ACCOMMODATION – STUNNING GLAMPING TENTS ADJACENT TO WETLANDS

Meals: all meals included

Day 4. - Kinrara to Daintree

• We have an early breakfast today as we need to make our way from the outback to the rainforest to continue our journey to Cape York.

  Lunch today will be at our favourite café, Beechwood, in Mossman (included).  We then board our vehicles and we head for the Daintree Rainforest. Before we make our way to across the Daintree River, we have the opportunity to go spot some crocs on a river cruise (at your own cost).  We then board the Daintree River Ferry and arrive at tonight’s accommodation at the Noah’s Creek Eco Retreat.  Nestled in the heart of the world-renowned Daintree Cape Tribulation rainforest, Noah Creek is a private World Heritage Rainforest Reserve. Offering exclusive hiking access to graded walking trails through Noah Valley with eco-friendly glamping accommodation, it’s the largest private rainforest reserve in the area. Noah Creek provides a secluded, minimal-impact experience. Access is by booking only to preserve its pristine environment.

ACCOMMODATION IN THE RAINFOREST - ECO GLAMPING TENTS

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5. Daintree

• Noah’s is one of the largest privately owned World Heritage Reserves in Cape Tribulation, offering guests exclusive access to private rainforest trails.

  Today we will explore the unique Noah Valley on guided walks through rare, ancient rainforest, with a lunch time picnic with time to cool off in swimming holes or beneath waterfalls. You may even spot a Cassowary. We will also have the pleasure to meet our Indigenous friends who will take you on a private Dreamtime Walk showcasing the local bush medicine in the area.

  Maybe some afternoon sunset drinks at the local Sandbar with dinner to follow.

ACCOMMODATION IN THE RAINFOREST – ECO GLAMPING TENTS

Meals: breakfast & lunch included 

Day 6. Daintree to Cooktown

• We continue our adventure with the famous off-road Bloomfield Track. Stopping off at the famous Lion’s Den Hotel, we will continue onto Cooktown via the stunning Black Mountain in Kalkajaka National Park where we will stretch our legs and take in the different scenery. Arriving in Cooktown we will eat dinner at the local restaurant of your choice (at own expense).

ACCOMMODATION IN COOKTOWN.

Meals: breakfast included

Day 7. Cooktown - Laura

• Leaving Cooktown after breakfast we start our drive to Laura, with lots of destinations on the way. We will visit Split Rock Indigenous Art site before we arrive in Laura where we stay for the night.  Dinner at the local pub with the locals.

ACCOMMODATION - LAURA

Meals: breakfast and included

Day 8. Laura - Archer River

• Leaving Laura after breakfast we start our drive to Archer River, with lots of destinations on the way. We stop at the Old Laura Homestead for morning tea, and then driving through Lakefield National Park where we will stop to view lagoons and the birdlife that call it their home.  Dinner at Archer River.

ACCOMMODATION – ARCHER RIVER

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 9. Archer River - Weipa

• Today we follow parts of the original Old Telegraph Track – one of the highlights of Cape York and it is a great track for 4WD enthusiasts. We pass the memorial to “Toots”, a famous lady trucking character, we head west towards the Gulf of Carpentaria to our beachside accommodation for the night.

ACCOMMODATION – WEIPA CAMP GROUND

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10. Weipa - Private Island

• Leaving Weipa continue north.  We stop for lunch and a swim in the crystal-clear water at Fruit Bat Falls before reaching the Jardine River, named after pioneering explorers to the area Frank and Alexander Jardine. “The Jardine” is the largest river on the Cape York Peninsula and renowned for crocodiles. We then make our way to our accommodation for the last few nights of our tour on Roko Island.

ACCOMMODATION: ROKO ISLAND GLAMPING TENTS.

Meals: all meals included

Day 11. Roko Island

• Today we visit the Famous Croc Tent and walk to the TIP. We will travel through the drier savannah woodlands which will change into dense rainforest before opening up at the deserted beaches at Australian’s most northern point. After taking in the spectacular views of the Torres Straits and the surrounding beaches we will have lunch at Somerset Beach, which was the home and now resting place of Frank Jardine, visit these historic graves on the beach. 

ACCOMMODATION – ROKO ISLAND GLAMPING TENTS

Meals: all meals

Day 12. Roko Island - Lakefield - Iron Range

• After leaving the island we hit the road heading south, aiming for our destination of Iron Range National Park, making lots of stops along the way. We will eventually make it to our Accommodation for the night – Cabins deep in the rainforest. After dinner guests may join our guides for an evening night tour through these ancient forests, looking for unique wildlife found no-where else.

ACCOMMODATION – IRON RANGE - UNIQUE BUSH STYLE ACCOMMODATION

Meals: all meals

Day 13. Iron Range

• Today your Guide will take you on a day of adventures where you will travel to Chilli Beach which is truly stunning with its wonderful ocean and landscapes. We also visit significant historical sites in the area from the gold times of the 1930’s and the Airfield at Iron Range. We will visit the famous landmark and discover the story of Cook’s Hut. Lunch today will be at the famous Portland Roads Locals Cafe (at own expense), overlooking the sea with wonderful home cooked food including fresh fish on the menu. Then after lunch we return to your accommodation for some free time.

ACCOMMODATION – IRON RANGE - UNIQUE BUSH STYLE ACCOMMODATION

Meals: breakfast & dinner

Day 15. Fairview Cattle Station - Cairns

• Before we head back to Cairns you will be treated to a tour of the cattle station in their open-air vehicle.  Guides will share the history and the people that shaped the station today as we know it.  After our tour we make our way back to Cairns and back to reality!!  You will be transferred back to your accommodation in Cairns CBD to then stay on or make your way home the next day.

Day 14. IRON RANGE - FAIRVIEW CATTLE STATION

• Leaving Iron Range National Park to head further south to our next destination – Fairview Cattle Station.  It is a massive, working outback cattle station located in the heart of the pristine Cape York wilderness. This station spans nearly one million acres of private land and it’s here we spend the night. An amazing buffet dinner will be waiting for you tonight.

Accommodation: FAIRVIEW CATTLE STATION

Meals: breakfast & dinner

Packing List

Luggage: One small soft Carry bag or overnight bag no bigger than 605mm x 505 mm x 308 mm (24x20x15) which should not exceeds 10 kilograms as space in limited. One piece of hand luggage (the size of an airline bag) is advisable for everyday use. Don’t forget your camera.

• 1 soft bag per person
• Photo id
• 3 or 4 changes of clothes (washing facilities available)
• 1 light jacket
• 1 pair of bathers
• Toiletries
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Torch
• Insect Repellent
• Sunblock
• Camera
• Small daypack
• Charger/Spare batteries
• Water Bottle
• 1 Pair of rubber soled shoes or joggers
• Jeans or long pants

Please do not bring pillows or alcohol

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

7:30am approx.

Destinations

• Cape York Peninsula
• Cooktown
• Daintree Rainforest
• Horn Island
• Thursday Island
• Outback Queensland Australia

Months of Operation

May - September

Days of Operation

Saturday

2027 Departure Dates: 29th May, 19th June, 24th July, 14th August and 18th September

Duration

15 days

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Not Included: Daintree Croc Cruise, some meals as per itinerary (BLD). All alcohol to be purchased at your own expense.
• Helicopter scenic flight over Wetlands and Kinrara Crater - Price on application

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Additional Information

• TRAVEL INSURANCE: North West Australian Safaris and 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. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance agent and take adequate travel insurance to cover any event and give full travel protection. Most claims arise from personal or close family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges.
• As this tour is accessing remote areas, the tour itinerary may change due to weather and road conditions and this is the decision of the Operator.
• Alcohol and Drinks We run an Honesty Tin for drinks (beer, wine). Any surplus money above the cost to purchase is donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 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. We are strictly prohibited from carrying any spirits. On the occasions we are dining in towns clients are able to purchase and consume any alcoholic drinks they choose. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY ALCOHOL ON TOUR
• As we travel though the lands of great importance to the aboriginal community, we ask you are also respectful to the wishes, beliefs and cultural differences to the present and past custodial owners.
• While we make every effort to make everyone comfortable and cater to different requirements, the tours that North West Safaris operate travel through remote areas that unfortunately do not provide wheelchair- friendly trails or facilities. A reasonable level of fitness is required on our tours; to be able to walk easily and comfortably on rough and uneven ground, and to be able to sleep on camp stretchers in comfortable in head height safari tents. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.
• Cash on hand We suggest you bring approximately $500 cash per person. Credit cards are accepted in many but not all places throughout the Cape York Peninsula
• Our tours are designed to show the very best of Cape York Peninsula without driving too many kilometres each day. During the normal course of the day, we stop for morning tea and lunch. We also stop at places of interest, towns, communities and any notable flora or fauna features. We aim to reach camp by mid-afternoon.
• NOT INCLUDED: any costs incurred before departure, any personal items, personal travel Insurance (We strongly recommend all intending passengers have their own travel insurance)

See Packing List section: baggage space is extremely limited. A soft sided sausage style bag measuring approximately 600mm x 500mm x 300mm (24" x 20" x 12") with a maximum weight of about 10 kgs (17lbs) per person which is usually stowed on the roof rack. A small, soft airline type piece of cabin baggage that will fit under the seat. Excess luggage may be stored at your hotel or secured at our depot Free of Charge

Children under 10 welcome after assessment from the tour operator