• Scenic Flight from Cairns to Horn Island – Begin your adventure with a breathtaking aerial journey over the Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait, offering unforgettable views of remote landscapes and turquoise island waters.
• Stand at the Tip of Australia – Capture the moment at the iconic northernmost point of the continent, with sweeping views over the Torres Strait and surrounding islands.
• Explore Thursday Island – Discover the cultural heritage of the Torres Strait Islands with guided visits to Green Hill Fort, local museums, and historic landmarks.
• Visit Laura Rock Art Galleries – See ancient Indigenous rock art, recognised by UNESCO, and learn the stories of the Kuku-Yalanji people through guided interpretation.
• Drive the Great Barrier Reef Route – Travel one of Australia's most scenic coastal roads, where rainforest meets reef along the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cairns.

Explore on a 5-day Cape York to Cairns 4WD tour. Visit the Tip of Australia, Thursday Island, Iron Range National Park, Cooktown, and more. Includes scenic flight, expert guides, and off-road adventure through remote landscapes.

What to Expect

Begin your adventure with a scenic flight from Cairns to the remote northern frontier of Cape York. Upon arrival, explore Thursday Island with local guides who share compelling stories of the region’s wartime history and multicultural heritage. Visit Green Hill Fort, the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial, and the iconic northernmost signpost of Australia.

Travel in a premium 4WD vehicle built for comfort and performance across rugged terrain. Along the way, take in panoramic views of the Arafura Sea and Torres Strait, and stop for a refreshing swim at the crystal-clear Fruit Bat Falls.

From there, delve into the depths of Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, home to Australia’s largest remaining lowland rainforest. With expert wildlife spotting, you may encounter cuscus, green tree pythons, and vibrant birdlife in their natural habitat.

Your journey continues south through the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal and the dramatic cascade of Bloomfield Falls, before visiting the culturally rich village of Cooktown. Traverse the unique ecosystems of Lakefield and Black Mountain National Parks, concluding your adventure with a drive through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

This small-group Cape York 4WD tour delivers authentic outback experiences, cultural encounters, and diverse landscapes from remote islands to ancient rainforests.

Features and Highlights

• Cape York: Stand at the tip of mainland Australia and capture a moment at the iconic signpost in Cape York.
• Thursday Island: Explore Green Hill Fort, historical sites, and Torres Strait culture with local Indigenous guides.
• Horn Island: Scenic flight landing and historical war sites add depth to your Torres Strait experience.
• Fruit Bat Falls: Swim in clear freshwater pools surrounded by rugged bushland.
• Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park: Discover rare wildlife and explore pristine rainforest trails.
• Bloomfield Falls & Wujal Wujal: Learn about Aboriginal heritage and visit sacred sites with community insight.
• Cooktown: Visit the site where Captain Cook repaired the Endeavour and walk the streets of the historic port of Cooktown.
• Lakefield & Black Mountain National Parks: Travel through contrasting landscapes rich in wildlife and geological features.
• Daintree Rainforest: Conclude your journey through ancient tropical rainforest, one of the world’s oldest living ecosystems.
• Fully Guided Small Group Cape York Tour: Travel in modern 4WD vehicles with expert guides offering in-depth knowledge, cultural context, and logistical ease.

See all Outback Australia 4WD tours and Cape York Tours.

Read about all the things you need to know before you go on The Tour Specialists Blog.

Day 1 – Cairns to Thursday Island

Kick off your Cape York adventure with a scenic flight over the Coral Sea from Cairns to Horn Island, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Torres Strait. Upon arrival, a short ferry ride takes you across the channel to Thursday Island—your gateway to an unforgettable cultural journey.

Begin your exploration with a guided Thursday Island tour, led by local Indigenous storytellers who share captivating insights into the island’s deep-rooted traditions and historical significance.

Take in panoramic views from the iconic Green Hill Fort, a coastal stronghold rich in military history, and wander through its on-site museum filled with artefacts and wartime relics. A poignant stop at the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial within the island’s cemetery sheds light on the area's pearling era—honouring those who shaped a key chapter in the island’s multicultural heritage.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel on Thursday Island
‍Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Cape York

Start your day with an early ferry ride back to the mainland before setting off on foot to reach one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks – The Tip of Cape York.

From there, journey south past Bamaga and take the vehicle ferry across the remote and storied Jardine River. As the day unfolds, enjoy a refreshing swim at the crystal-clear Fruit Bat Falls, one of the most beloved spots along the legendary Old Telegraph Track.

Finish the day immersed in Cape York’s pastoral heritage at Moreton Station, a historic outback property steeped in character and local stories.

Accommodation: Moreton Station, Shelburne
‍Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3. Moreton Station to Fairview Station

Venture through rugged outback terrain, winding your way past the small frontier town of Coen and making your way across the Archer River, a vital waterway in Cape York’s remote wilderness.

Your day concludes at the picturesque Fairview Station, a working cattle property nestled in the heart of the Cape, offering a true taste of rural Queensland life.

Accommodation: Fairview Station, Laura
‍Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4. Fairview Station to Daintree Rainforest via Bloomfield Track

Explore the remarkable rock art sites near Laura, where ancient Indigenous galleries tell the stories of the Kuku-Yalanji people and their deep spiritual connection to the land.

Afterward, travel through the historic coastal town of Cooktown before arriving at Cape Tribulation, nestled deep within the lush Daintree Rainforest, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by nature’s oldest living ecosystem.

Accommodation: Cabin in Cape Tribulation.
‍Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5. Daintree National Park to Cairns

Spend the morning immersed in the ancient beauty of the Daintree Rainforest, discovering its rich biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere. Then begin the return journey to Cairns along the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Drive—one of Australia’s most scenic coastal routes.

Take in sweeping ocean vistas and rainforest-clad headlands as your Cape York adventure comes to a close. Your guide will ensure a smooth midday drop-off at your preferred location within the Cairns region.

Meals: breakfast

Itinerary

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, unexpected circumstances or Tour Guides decision based on what is best for the group and preferences.  This itinerary is ONLY a guide. Our itineraries are flexible, we modify our itineraries based on our guests needs and requirements. We believe in accommodating all our guest's needs and creating a remarkable Far North Queensland Adventure.

Packing List

Due to the warm, tropical climate of this region, guests should pack lightweight clothing which can be layered if necessary. Whilst we take care of most things for you, the below tips will ensure your Far North Escape is a seamless one:

• A Small Day pack to take on excursions for water, your photography equipment, or other supplies.
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes (old sneakers are fine!)
• Long sleeve shirt or rashie for sun protection
• Comfortable, pants or shorts
• Hat and Sunglasses
• Sunscreen & insect repellent – a supply is available however you may wish to bring your own. We recommend 50+ sunscreen that is non-toxic to marine life.
• Photography equipment
• Face mask if your itinerary includes a Domestic flight (Eg: Fifio Trip to the Tip/6-Day Safari)
• Prescription medication
• Personal hygiene items

Additional suggested items

• Journal & Pen
• Device chargers and storage cards
• Binoculars

Luggage:

The luggage limits for each passenger are as follows: One (1) medium-sized soft bag or suitcase weighing no more than 16kg per person* (see exceptions below). The sum of the case’s length (L), width (W) and depth (D) is not to exceed 140cm. One (1) hand luggage/backpack to be stored in the overhead racks weighing no more than 3kg per person.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Departure time will be advised once your flight has been confirmed from Cairns to Horn Island

Destinations

• Cape York Peninsula
• Cooktown
• Daintree Rainforest
• Horn Island
• Thursday Island
• Green Hill Fort
• Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial
• Jardine River
• Fruit Bat Falls
• Old Telegraph Track
• Moreton Station
• Coen
• Archer River
• Laura Rock Art galleries

Months of Operation

June - September

Days of Operation

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

2025 Departure & Return Dates
Monday, July 21st - Friday, July 25th, 2025
Wednesday, August 6th - Sunday, August 10th 2025
Friday, August 8th - Tuesday, August 12th 2025
Wednesday, August 27th - Sunday, August 31st, 2025
Friday, September 12th - Tuesday, September 16th, 2025
Monday, September 29th – Friday, October 3rd, 2025

Duration

5 Day

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Additional Information

Passengers will be required to sign a Medical Waiver Form for each tour.

• The luggage limits for each passenger are as follows: One (1) medium-sized soft bag or suitcase weighing no more than 16kg per person* (see exceptions below). The sum of the case’s length (L), width (W) and depth (D) is not to exceed 140cm. One (1) hand luggage/backpack to be stored in the overhead racks weighing no more than 3kg per person.
• Small day pack to take on excursions for water, camera etc
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Long sleeve shrit or rashie for sun protection
• Comfortable pants for cool evenings
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera (charged)
• Prescription medication & personal hygiene items

Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, Please note there is no child rate available.