CRUISE/DRIVE CAPE YORK ADVENTURE

ITINERARY (Drive and cruise combination)

Meals as indicated-: Breakfast (B); Lunch (L); Diner (D).

Day 1. Cairns - Embarkation (D)

We meet at your accommodation then it's "all aboard" the MV Trinity Bay to begin a truly unique Cape York experience. The coastal Trading Ship measures some 80 metres in length. All cabins are surprisingly spacious and all meals are included and of a good standard. The vessel has a license to sell alcohol and the staff are most attentive. (Toilets & Shower)

Day 2. Great Barrier Reef - Coral Sea. (BLD)

Observe seafaring throughout the cruise. The ship plays a vital role in supplying the main communities of Cape York, it is an essential link to civilization. Enjoy the company of like minded travellers and delight in the turquoise tropical waters of both the Coral and Arafura Seas as the ship meanders through the Great Barrier Reef. (Toilets & Shower)

Day 3. Thursday and Horn Islands (BLD)

An interesting day observing the ship unloading its cargo at Thursday and Horn Island. There is a chance to take a guided tour on one or both islands as the ship frantically works to get the benefit of the tides. (Toilets & Shower)

Day 4. Seisa - Base Camp (BLD)

Disembarkation this morning and we then drive to the top of the Australian continent and celebrate arriving at Cape York. The afternoon is spent touring the ruins of Somerset before returning to our base camp overlooking Torres Strait. (Toilets & Shower).

Day 5 Base Camp - (Opt) Thursday Island (BD)

An optional tour to Thursday and Horn Islands is recommended with the Peddells Ferry Service, however, most Trinity Bay passengers will have already visited this area. Alternatively, a fishing trip may also be possible. Note:- To avoid disappointment, fishing trips must be booked well before tour departure date. (Toilets & Shower)

Day 6. Base Camp - Twin Falls (BLD)

This morning we break camp and drive through the 'wet desert', cross the Jardine River by old world cable ferry and arrive at the jewel of the peninsula, Twin Falls. Here we hike, swim, relax and enjoy the spectacular series of waterfalls on the Elliot River. (Toilet & Swim)

Day 7. Twin Falls (BLD)

A day of total bliss. Relax, swim, sunbake and plunge into the natural spa. Mid morning we go on a short hike to see more wonders of this magnificent river system. Alas, others are envious because Billy Tea  Bush Safaris is the only tour to spend two days at this most enchanting site. (Toilet & Swim)

Day 8. Twin Falls - Bramwell Cattle Station (BLD)

We ford deep watercourses and travel through a wide variety of country including heathlands, open woodlands and riverine and tropical forests then divert to the coastal vistas of Captain Billy Landing for lunch. We then enter the expansive 520 square mile Bramwell Cattle Station and are treated to that wonderfully unique bush hospitality from the owner, Wendy, a most forthright and charming woman. (Toilets & Shower)

Day 9. Bramwell  Cattle Station - Weipa (BLD)

The broad acre property of Bramwell contrasts utterly with the relatively modern Bauxite mining township of Weipa with air-conditioned shops and sealed roads. Time this morning to catch up on laundry, telephone family or possibly, take a fishing trip. Note:- To avoid disappointment, all fishing trips must be booked well before departure date. (Toilets & Shower)

Day 10 Weipa - Coen (BD)

An optional Bauxite and lifestyle tour is highly recommended this morning, the comprehensive tour is conducted by a local Weipa resident with an emphasis on the mining, the people and the environment. After lunch we drive to the frontier town of Coen and camp by the local hotel and experience the colour and character of this quaint little town. (Toilets & Showers)

Day 11. Coen - Lakefield National Park (BLD)

Our first pause this morning is at Musgrave Telegraph Station then we turn east and enter the vast expanses of Lakefield National Park, an absolute wildlife haven. We hope to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. A huge variety of birds abounds within the Park, billabongs and waterholes are plentiful. Our camp is by the Normanby River within the 1.6 million acre National Park. (Toilets & Shower)

Day 12. Lakefield National Park - Cooktown (BL)

The ruins of Old Laura are testimony to the hardships endured by our pioneers, just one of the sights we visit this morning. We cross Battlecamp Range, wind through fertile agricultural country and arrive in Cooktown late afternoon with time to enjoy some of the town's attractions. We all eat out this evening, a break from camp cooking. (Toilets & Shower)

 Day 13. Cooktown - Cairns (BL)

We spend a wonderful morning enjoying the sights of Cooktown including Grassy Hill and the famous James Cook Museum. Later we absorb the mystical atmosphere of Black Mountain National Park and visit the historic Lions Den Hotel. We drive through Cedar Bay National Park and enter the internationally recognised World Heritage areas of the Greater Daintree National Park and its unique rainforest jungles. Another highlight is Cape Tribulation where the 'Rainfroest meets the Reef'. Finally, we drive the scenic coastal road back to Cairns to your pre-arranged accommodation considerably wiser and refreshed from your Cape York Adventure.

Rates and departure dates available here