Tour Highlights
- 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
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- ***Small Group Tour ***
- Complimentary hotel pick up and drop off
- All camping equipment including: tent, camp stretcher, sleeping bag, sleep sheet (liner), a small camping pillow & one towel.
- All National Park, Camping & Ferry fees
- Most main meals, please refer to the “Itinerary” section
- Fuel and 4WD Vehicle
- Mosquito Repellent & Sunscreen
- Single supplement guarantees your own tent
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
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Australian outback tours to Cape York on our four-wheel drive safaris, where over 20 years of regional expertise and local knowledge ensure an unforgettable exploration of Australia's outback. Operated by the locally owned Cairns based business North West Safaris, our tours are crafted to offer a deep dive into the raw beauty, history, and vibrant local cultures of this unique area.
Features and Highlights
Cape York Four-Wheel Drive Safari Tours
Expertise and Experience:
- Benefit from the extensive knowledge of our expert guides, who are renowned for their skills in navigating the rugged terrains of Cape York.
- Our guides are equipped with a Certificate IV in Tourism, specialized 4x4 off-road training, and certifications in senior first aid and CPR.
Intimate and Personalized Tours:
- Enjoy a boutique safari experience with small group tours, limiting six guests per vehicle for a more personalized journey.
- Tailored options available for private charters, special interest groups, and families, ensuring a unique experience suited to your preferences.
Dynamic and Engaging Itinerary:
- Over the course of 15 days, traverse the changing landscapes of Cape York, where each hour brings new scenes and wildlife encounters.
- Experience close-up interactions with native Australian animals, ranging from the ferocious to the inquisitive, and immerse yourself in the rich local cultures.
Comprehensive Learning Opportunities:
- Our guides boast deep knowledge and specialties in various ecological and cultural aspects, including nocturnal animals, turtles, flora and fauna, bush tucker and medicine, animal tracking, and more.
- This educational component ensures that your safari is not only thrilling but also an enriching learning experience.
Scenic and Cultural Immersion:
- Become part of the breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture as you explore Cape York’s iconic outback landscapes.
- Our Australian outback tours and safaris are designed to engage you fully with the environment and local traditions, making for a comprehensive and memorable exploration.
Things We Do- Places We Visit:
- Daintree crocodile cruise
- Iron Range
- Lions Den Hotel
- Black Mountain
- Cooktown
- WW11 sites
- Moreton Telegraph Station
- Fruit Bat Falls
- Old Telegraph Track
- Daintree Rainforest
- Batavia Gold Fields
- Portland Roads - Chilli Beach
- Lakefield National Park
- Jardine River
- Seisia, Torres Strait
- Thursday Island & Horn Island
- Cape York
- Cape Tribulation
Join us for a journey of a lifetime on our Cape York four-wheel drive safaris and cross this quintessential Australian outback experience off your bucket list. With unrivaled service and expertise, our boutique tours promise adventure, education, and the chance to forge lasting connections with the land and its cultures.
See our 5 Day Australian Outback Tour to Kinrara National Park for Glamping on a working cattle station
Itinerary
Cape York 4WD Safari Highlights
- Quinkan Rock Art
- Private Cattle Station Stay
- Daintree Croc Cruise
- Iron Range
- The historic Lion’s Den Hotel
- Black Mountain
- Cooktown
- WWII sites
- Morton Telegraph Station
- Fruit Bat Falls
- Old Telegraph Track
- Weipa
- World Heritage Daintree National Park
- Portland Roads – Chilli Beach
- Lakefield National Park
- Jardine River – Torres Strait
- Seisia / Thursday Island / Horn island
- Private guided walk through the oldest rainforest in the World
- Pajinka (local Aboriginal name for the Tip of Australia)
- 2 Night Unique Bush Style Accommodation (Iron Range)
- 2 Nights Cooktown Accommodation
- 1 Night Daintree Cabin Accommodation
Day 1. Cairns - Quinkan Rock Art - Private Cattle Station
***Cape York Tours - 15 Day Sample Itinerary Only - Changeable***
- Complimentary pick up from your Cairns accommodation by your personal tour guide. We start our journey by travelling inland over the coastal range and onto the James Mulligan Highway before stopping at the Palmer River Roadhouse to stretch our legs and have lunch. You will learn of the history of the Palmer River Gold Fields that started in 1872. After lunch we journey to Quinkan Rock Art site at Laura. The Quinkan Rock Art sites are now listed by UNESCO as being amongst the top 10 Rock Art sites in the world. We then move on to experience a unique wildlife at our private overnight Cattle Station.
Overnight at Private Cattle Station.
Meals: breakfast and lunch not included on first day. Dinner included.
Day 2. Private Cattle Station - Moreton Telegraph Station
- Today we follow parts of the original Old Telegraph Track - one of the highlights of Cape York and is a great track for 4WD enthusiasts. We pass the memorial to “Toots”, a famous lady trucking character, have morning tea at Musgrave and stop at the beautiful Archer River for a sumptuous lunch before our river crossing. We traverse open woodland country, pass huge termite mounds before arrival at the historical Moreton Telegraph Station
Overnight Campground: Moreton Station
Meals: all meals included
Day 3. Moreton Station - Fruit Bat Falls - Seisia
- Another exciting day of 4WD driving and creek crossings until we reach the beautiful Fruit Bat Falls. Here we enjoy a swim in the (crocodile free) crystal clear waters of the Elliot River before enjoying a fresh lunch. From here we continue to 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. Crossing the Jardine River Ferry will see us to our destination in Seisia.
Campground: Seisa
Meals: all meals included
Day 4. Seisia - Roko Private Island
- Today we visit a very special family who live on a stunning and beautiful private island located in the Torres Strait. The owner has been taking over this legacy by maintaining this status of “pearl producer from the birth place of the cultured pearl”. You will be taken on a tour of the Island’s Pearl Farm. Lunch today is under palm trees – such a relaxing day!
Campground: Seisia
Meals: all meals included
Day 5. Seisia - Tip
- Today we visit the famous Croc Tent and walk to the Northernmost point of the Australian continent (The Tip!). We will travel through the drier savannah woodlands area which will change into dense rainforest before opening up at the deserted beaches at Australia’s most northern point. After taking in the spectacular views of the Torres Straits and the surrounding beaches we will have afternoon tea at Somerset Beach. This was the home and now resting place of Frank Jardine, visit these historic graves on the beach.
Campground: Seisa
Meals: breakfast & lunch included - Group Dinner at Cape York Peninsula Lodge at your own expense
Day 6. Seisia - Islands Tour - Thursday & Horn Island OR Punsand Bay OR Day Off
Optional Activity 1: Two Island Day Trip – Thursday and Horn Island ($325 per person)
- We begin today by travelling to Thursday Island and Horn Island. This two island day trip offers guest valuable information such as the history & the important part the Islands played in the war and keeping Australia safe. History of the early Pearling Luggers and the part they played while admiring the spectacular and breathtaking views of the Torres Straits and its turquoise waters.
Inclusions:
- Private Guide
- Return transfers
- Lunch (no drinks)
Optional Activity 2: Half Day Tour – Punsand Bay ($60 per person)
- Your guide will drive you further north from the campsite to visit the well known Punsand Bay. On the way they will take you on a journey explaining on the history of the area. Finishing at the most northern mainland bar in Australia, The Corrugation Bar & Restaurant to enjoy a casual lunch (at your own expense) overlooking the water of Cape York.
On completing option 1 or 2 , you will return back to Cape York mainland.
Option 3: Day Off
- Dinner tonight will be at Loyalty Beach where you get to relax and take in the far north oceanside beauty.
Campground: Seisa
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Lunch at your own expense
Day 7. Seisia - Fruit Bat Falls - Bramwell Station
- This morning we head to Fruit Bat Falls for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, which amazingly originates from Papua New Guinea. Today we enjoy some 4WD action, (road conditions and weather permitting), arriving at Bramwell Station – Australia’s most northern cattle station. Be treated to an informative talk about the cattle properties beginnings before enjoying a home cooked dinner. There is also live entertainment after dinner.
Campground: Bramwell Station
Breakfast & Lunch included
Meals: dinner at Bramwell Station is at your own expense
Day 8. Bramwell Station - Weipa
- We depart early, travelling through Savannah lands and past huge termite mounds eventually onto better roads. Arrive in Weipa in time for lunch.
Campground: Weipa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 9. Weipa - Cooks Hut (Iron Range) - Unique Bush Style Accommodation
- This morning we move East through cattle country. We travel through the largest area of tropical lowland rainforest remaining in Australia, crossing rivers before entering Iron Range National Park via Tozers Gap. This place is truly spectacular with rare fauna and flora like the famous Palm Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots, Green Pythons and the elusive Cuscus.
Accommodation: Cooks Hut Unique Bush Style Cabins
Meals: All meals included
Day 10. Iron Range - Chilli Beach - Portland Roads
- 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 vista’s and landscapes. We also visit significant historical sites in the area from the gold rush times of the 1930’s and the Airfield at Iron Range. On about 18th April 1942 Walter Maierersperger, the Commanding Officer of 33 Bomb Squadron of the 22nd Bomb Group USAAC carried out an aerial reconnaissance flight over the Iron Range area. Lunch today will be at the famous Portland Roads Locals Cafe overlooking the sea with wonderful home cooked food including fresh fish, on the menu. Then after lunch we return back to your accommodation for some free time.
Accommodation: Iron Range
Meals: lunch is at your own expense
Day 11. Iron Range - Coen - Kalpower
- Our day starts early today, as we travel to Coen where you can visit the Coen Historical Museum and will be treated to lunch on the banks of the Coen River. After lunch we travel through Lakefield National Park on the same tracks as the mounted mail men did. This National Park is filled with billabongs and river systems alive with wildlife. Stay tonight at Kalpowar crossing located in the Lakefield National Park.
Campground: Musgrave/Kalpowar Bush Camp
Meals: all meals included
Day 12. Kalpower - Cooktown
- Leaving Kalpowar, we visit old Laura Homestead then travel down the infamous Battle Camp road. Here you will marvel at this wilderness and the views of the Laura escarpments, sighting signs of the old railway line that travelled from Cooktown to the Palmer River Goldfields. Take the opportunity for a swim and lunch at the beautiful Isabella falls before we travel into the area of Hope Vale then on to Cooktown for dinner at the locally famous Jackey Jackey Thai restaurant.
Accommodation: Historical Queenslander Guest House (Cooktown)
Meals: Dinner at your own expense at Jackey Jackey Restaurant
Day 13. Cooktown Surrounds - Archer Point
- Our day in Cooktown gives us a fantastic opportunity to explore a town pivotal to Australian history. We will begin our day at the James Cook Museum, learning the fascinating history of the area. Following this our passengers will enjoy free time explore the main street followed by lunch at the Cooktown’s Gardens Cafe (at own expense). After lunch we drive to explore the famous Archer Point. Before dinner we will take in the sunset over the Endeavour River at the Grassy Hill Lookout. Dinner this evening will be your choice of the many cafes located nearby (at own expense).
Cooktown Accommodation
Meals: Lunch & Dinner at your own expenses
Day 14. Cooktown - Bloomfield Track - Daintree National Park
- After an early breakfast, our departure from Cooktown will see us travelling south, visiting Black Mountain, Lion’s Den Hotel, Bloomfield Falls arriving in Daintree via the Bloomfield Track. Accommodation and our dinner tonight is deep in the beautiful Daintree Rainforest overlooking Coopers Creek.
Accommodation in the Rainforest
Meals: All meals included
Day 15. Daintree National Park - Daintree Crocodile Cruise - Cairns
- Up early today for an interpretative rainforest and mangrove walk with your guide. A delicious cooked breakfast this morning before our Crocodile-spotting cruise looking for Estuarine Crocodiles and the rare Cassowary. After your wilderness croc cruise enjoy the stunning views of the mountains in the background as we make our way to the famous Daintree Ice Creamery (ice cream at own cost). Here they blend ice cream with exotic tropical fruits grown on the farm. We continue on down the Alexander Range, across the Daintree River via the Cable Ferry heading south into Mossman, for lunch at a local cafe.After lunch we continue along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cairns which brings us to the end of your North West Australian Safaris Cape York tour.
Croc Cruise and Daintree Ice Cream at your own cost
Meals: breakfast and lunch are included - dinner not included on last day.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Cairns
Departure Time
7:00am
Pickup Locations
- Cairns
- Cairns Northern Beaches
- Palm Cove
Destinations
- Cape Tribulation
- Cape York Peninsula
- Cooktown
- Daintree Rainforest
- Horn Island
- Thursday Island
- Outback Queensland Australia
Months of Operation
May - September
Days of Operation
Daily
***2024 Departure Dates (08/03/24)***
25th May - 1 seat left
15th June – Fully booked
6th July – Fully booked
27th July – 5 seats left
17th August –9 seats left
7th September – Fully booked
28th September – 13 seats left
Duration
15 days
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Day 6 Optional Extra 1: Two Island Day Trip, $325 per person - PLEASE ADVISE AT TIME OF BOOKING
- Day 6 Optional Extra 2: Punsand Bay Trip, $60 per person - PLEASE ADVISE AT TIME OF BOOKING
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.
- Mains power is available in Cooktown, Musgrave, Coen, Weipa, Bramwell and Cape York Seisa Beach.
- Cash on hand We suggest you bring approximately $250.00 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.
- WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: any costs incurred before departure, any personal items, personal travel Insurance (We strongly recommend all intending passengers have their own travel insurance)
What to Bring
- 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
- Please bring 4 to 5 changes casual clothing including: Shirts, shorts, swimmers, joggers and a pair of sandals or thongs, Jeans, jacket or tracksuit for cooler evenings
- Hat
- Torch / Flashlight
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries and personal first aid supplies such as band aids, headache tablets, and medication you may take regularly and make sure you have enough for the tour
- Remember your camera, all necessary film / memory cards and spare batteries.
- Spare power pack – please be mindful that we can be without power for a couple of days in between our remote bush camping locations, so please feel free to bring along a small external battery or similar to charge your camera / phone.
- Please note -Do note bring pillows, we do not have the space to accommodate these
- Feel free to bring your own sleeping bag but we will happily supply a freshly laundered sleeping bag and sheet liner at no charge and one towel. We ask if you please refrain from bringing your own pillow
- Whilst Covid is still in the community we ask you bring masks and testing kits with you in the event you or one of your fellow travellers fall ill.
- PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY ALCOHOL ON TOUR
Child Policy
Children under 10 welcome after assessment from the tour operator
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
WHAT TO EXPECT:
North West Australian Safaris will be travelling through isolated outback areas and due to the remoteness, services will be limited to the major towns. The people you will be travelling with may have different interests and backgrounds to you. They may also be of all ages but they will share a few things in common, like getting off the beaten track, a sense of humour and a spirit of adventure.
PAYMENT & BOOKING CONDITIONS:
Deposits – Bookings require a 35% deposit and a copy of the booking form to be submitted in order to confirm the booking. The payment of deposit by and/or on behalf of any person constitutes the full agreement with and the acceptance of the terms and conditions as set forth in this document. Final Payment is due 65 days prior to departure. If these conditions are not met the operator may terminate the booking. Whilst prices could be subject to change without notice, upon final payment tour fares are fixed and not subject to change. For tours departing in less than 65 days, full and immediate payment is required. All fares are shown in Australian currency.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Meals, except where otherwise stated. National Park fees, Camping fees, Ferry transfers. Tent, high density foam mattress, and sleeping bag are provided, however you may prefer to use your sleeping bag. Pillows are provided.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Accommodation, meals, fares and transfers on route to home cities. Any personal items (such as laundry, telephone, newspapers, TRAVEL INSURANCE, drinks, souvenirs).
WHAT TO BRING:
Avoid white clothing as dust may stain. Casual gear is a must. You will need two to three changes of clothes, something cool to wear during the day, perhaps jeans and jumper or tracksuit to wear at night. Comfortable walking shoes, bathers, bath and hand towel, toiletries, insect repellant, hat, camera and a spirit of adventure.
LUGGAGE:
One small bag, preferably soft (605mm x 505mm x 152mm) (24 x 20 x 6) which should not exceed 10 kg as space is limited. A small day pack about the size of an airline bag is handy to carry personal items that you will require on a daily basis (hat, camera, sunscreen).
UNUSED TOUR COMPONENTS:
No refunds will be made in respect to any part of the tour, including food, excursions, accommodation etc. that are not used or undertaken should a passenger fail to join a tour or leave prior to its completion for whatever reason.
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.
CANCELLATION FEES
Bookings require 35% deposit and final payment 65 days prior to departure.
Cancellations 60 days before tour date receive a Full Refund minus $200.00 Admin fee.
Cancellations 59-41 Days before tour date forfeit the deposit.
Cancellations less than 40 days before tour date receive NO REFUND.
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.
We strongly recommend all intending passengers have their own travel insurance that includes COVID 19 or illness cover as any accommodation, isolation & relocation costs are the responsibility of the passenger.
COVID19
If the Government closes the borders or remote areas due to a COVID case or lockdown, credits will be issued at no extra cost valid for 18 months - Not Including any extra cost of Flights.
To align with local Government requests, travellers on Northwest Australian Safaris must be up to date with required vaccinations and able to produce their COVID-19 digital certificate on request.
ON ARRIVAL IN CAIRNS:
On arrival in the Cairns area, prior to your tour departure please confirm your booking and accommodation with our office.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
As these tours and safaris operate in remote areas, North West Australian Safaris reserves the right to alter, and/or cancel any section and/or parts of the itinerary which may result from road, weather or any other conditions of an operational nature. Whilst every endeavour will be made to keep the arrival/departure times given in the itinerary, no guarantee will be made that these will be kept. The operator will not be liable for any costs incurred through failure to connect with any other service. Any personal expenses incurred by the passenger as a result of any delay, alteration or curtailment of any tour whether caused by weather conditions, mechanical defects or any other causes are the responsibility if the passenger. The operator shall not in any circumstances be held liable or accept responsibility for any loss, acts, omissions, defaults, accidents, misdeception, delay failure or expense on the part of the transport companies, hotel/motel contractors and the like who may provide you with services and facilities at the request of the operator. In the result of breakdown or other unforseen circumstances, the operator has the right to substitute vehicle, vessel or alternative transportation and/or accommodation other than those advertised at any time. The places depicted in the photographs are representative of the country through which tours pass and may not necessarily be visited by these tours. The highlights, excursions and itineraries as set out will be adhered to wherever possible. The operator may make alterations to the itineraries and excursion highlights as they deem fit. Information contained here is correct to the best of the operators knowledge, and the operator is not liable for inaccuracies herein, or weather conditions that may influence the limits of your tour and the enjoyment of your tour. If for any reason the itinerary is altered and/or different itinerary offered, no refund is payable by the operator. The operator reserves the right without payment or compensation, and whether before or after the commencement of travel, to exclude any passenger if that passenger may appear likely to endanger the health or safety or to impair the comfort of other passengers and may be asked to leave the tour/safari immediately should he/she commit any illegal act. We reserve the right to change our price in light of increased operating expenses.
LIABILITY:
The operator and/or its employees accepts no responsibilities, or is liable for any act of omission whatsoever (whether inside or outside their control) for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or tour/safaris which may result in any loss, damage, accident, detention, diversion or theft in regard to luggage or personal belongings, and will be exempt from liability in respect of direct or indirect or consequential loss or damage, death, injury, sickness, irregularity, delay liability and additional expenses, or inconvenience or any other event beyond its control including accident or failure to machinery or equipment, accommodations, transport or other services, any acts of God, dangers incident to the sea or fire, acts of government or other authorities, delays, strikes or cancellation or changes in itinerary or schedules whatsoever, howsoever by whosoever caused.
ALCOHOL:
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. Please do not bring any alcohol on tour.
From
au$7,474.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$7,474.00
Family: au$29,896.00
Tour Code: 346
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