Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer
Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer
11 Days Starting and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, Cape York Peninsula, Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, Weipa, Apudthama National Park, Cape York
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZRY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 19
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer tour, a journey through Australia's remote and culturally rich landscapes. Begin in Cairns, the gateway to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and traverse the iconic Bloomfield Track to Cape Tribulation. Experience the rich Aboriginal culture with a Welcome to Country ceremony and storytelling in Cooktown. Venture to the northernmost point of the continent, Pajinka, and explore the stunning Chilli Beach in Kutini-Payamu National Park. Discover the vibrant arts scene in Lockhart River and cruise through Weipa's mangroves, spotting crocodiles along the way. Conclude your journey with a cultural tour on Thursday Island, learning about the Torres Strait Islander heritage. This camping adventure offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking natural beauty, all while traveling in a private 4WD overland vehicle.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy, in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s gorgeous Daintree Rainforest and Queensland's Cape York Peninsula. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into any local bars that take your fancy. After the meeting, maybe head out with your group for a dinner.
Day 2: Cape Tribulation / Rossville
Location: Cape Tribulation
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning board your private 4WD truck and head to the Daintree ferry which will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage area of Cape Tribulation within the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a short nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the forest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! Stop at a lookout and enjoy the beach scenery, then hop back into your truck for the drive along the iconic Bloomfield Track – also known as the Coast Road, this track takes you from the cape through the forest’s many creeks. After, carry on to your accommodation in Rossville for the night, and if you like, join your group for an optional dinner at The Lion Den Hotel. After some pub food, spend the night stargazing at your campsite, overlooked by the Kalkajaka (Black Mountain).
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Rossville / Cooktown / Laura
Location: Cooktown
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fuel up on breakfast this morning, then meet a local Aboriginal guide. Start with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, then take a bush food and medicine walk as your guide tells you stories about the land. You’ll learn about boomerang throwing and learn more about Country. Have tea together and soak up your opportunity to connect with the land. Next head to the Cooktown History Centre and learn more about the significance of Cooktown and what role it played in Aboriginal history. Say goodbye to the rainforest to make tracks for Laura, where you’ll have the opportunity to take the self-guided walk to Quinkan Country’s rock art. Included on the Australian Heritage Estate and listed by UNESCO as being among the top 10 rock art sites in the world, these Aboriginal paintings are worth the tricky, uphill walk! Tonight, you’ll stay in a local campground and enjoy dinner as a group.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Coen / Archer River
Location: Cape York Peninsula
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, make tracks for Coen – a rural town on the eastern side of the Cape York peninsula. When you arrive, visit the Coen Heritage House and wander around the displays depicting the local gold-mining past. After lunch, carry on to Archer River, where you’ll spend the night. Today will be a bit of a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got your book, favourite playlist or road games handy. Have dinner at your campsite tonight – Archer River Roadhouse. Positioned on 400 hectares of native bush landscape, this site sits in the remote wilderness. If you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife as the sun goes down.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park / Chilli Beach
Location: Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you’ll walk through Wenlock Goldfield – heritage-listed goldmine ruins in Archer River, which were originally built from 1892 to the 1950s. Driving through the Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, your next stop will be the Mount Tozer viewpoint, where you take a short walk for views of the mountain, which rises in the distance. Tonight, you’ll stay within the national park at Chilli Beach, camping right next to the beach under swaying palm trees. This is a popular spot for campers, for fishing, birdwatching and chilling out in this remote beach landscape. Have dinner as a group at the camp site, watch the sunset through the palm trees and maybe sit around the fire, watching the stars come out.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park / Lockhart River / Wenlock River
Location: Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Just a short drive from Chilli Beach sits the small coastal community of Portland Roads. This remote tropical outpost is a historical site framed by mangroves and famous for its small local cafe. If open, why not sit down for a coffee and a snack. Carry on to the Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation. Established in 1995, the artists of Lockhart River Art Centre have been recognised for many years as ‘The Art Gang’. After, visit Quintel Beach, then head to your campground for the night on Wenlock River – you'll be staying at Moreton Telegraph Station for the next two nights, giving you the chance to really settle in.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Weipa / Wenlock River
Location: Weipa
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll drive to the Western Cape Cultural Centre in Weipa. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the region of Weipa and its surrounding communities. This centre plays an important role in preserving traditional language within the region through informative displays and artworks. After, you’ll hop on a boat cruise to see Cape York's mangroves from the water – look out for saltwater crocodiles and the numerous bird species that live in these waterways and mangroves and learn about the local culture and wildlife habitats. After, visit Lake Patricia and head out on a short walk with your leader around the area. Tonight, you’ll have dinner back at your campground on the river and spend another night under the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Apudthama National Park / Seisia
Location: Apudthama National Park
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll carry on to Kennedy’s Lost Camp to learn about Edmund Besley Court Kennedy J. P. – an Australian explorer in the mid-19th-century, known for his knowledge of (and untimely end in) Cape York. You’ll then visit Fruit Bat Falls, which sits within Apudthama National Park. These lush, bushy falls are a beautiful spot for a nature walk and a swim! After a refreshing dip, carry on to the Jardine River ferry for the short journey to Seisia – home to the most northerly mainland community in Queensland and a gorgeous spot with almost untouched beaches, still waters and palm trees. You’ll spend the next three nights in the local caravan park and have dinner with your group at the site.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Pajinka / Cape York / Seisia
Location: Cape York
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll drive to the northernmost point of the mainland of Australia – Pajinka (also known as 'The Tip'). Once you cross this mighty spot off your bucket list with a walk along the inland route, carry on to Somerset Beach and Fly Point for a beach visit and some photos, trying to spot the resident turtles. Then, carry on to the plane wreckages from World War II – located throughout Cape York, there are now plane wreckages where there were functioning Allied air bases during the war. These are a reminder of how close the fight really was to Australian shores. End the day with a visit to the remote community of Injinoo (also known as Cowal Creek or Small River) then take some time to wander through the town of Bamaga and stock up on snacks before making your way back to Seisia for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Thursday Island (Torres Strait) / Seisia
Location: Thursday Island
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, jump on the daily local ferry to Thursday Island, the economical and administrative heart of the vast Torres Strait Islands archipelago, occupying the waters between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea. Once arrived in the main settlement meet with a local Torres Strait Islander guide for a cultural activity. You’ll learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach. Enjoy your time in this tropical paradise, and perhaps try the local crayfish toastie, a specialty of the island. In the afternoon jump back aboard the ferry and glide through turquoise waters back to the mainland for your last night in Seisia.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Seisia / Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Seisia and take a transfer to Bamaga Airport, where you’ll leave your leader and take an unaccompanied flight back to Cairns. Upon arival in Cairns, your adventure will come to an end at the airport. If you’d like to extend your stay in Cairns, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (1 night), Camping (9 nights) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners -
Cape Tribulation - Lookout
The tour includes a visit to the Cape Tribulation Lookout.
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Cape Tribulation - Daintree Rainforest nature walk
The tour includes a nature walk in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation.
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Rossville - Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony
The tour includes a Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony in Rossville.
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Cooktown - Cooktown History Centre visit
The tour includes a visit to the Cooktown History Centre.
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Rossville - Kuku Nyungkul cultural tour
The tour includes a Kuku Nyungkul cultural tour in Rossville.
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Coen - Coen Heritage House visit
The tour includes a visit to the Coen Heritage House.
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Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Chilli Beach
The tour includes a visit to Chilli Beach in Kutini-Payamu National Park.
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Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Mount Tozer viewing platform
The tour includes a visit to the Mount Tozer viewing platform in Kutini-Payamu National Park.
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Lockhart River - Wenlock (Batavia) Goldfields Ruins walk
The tour includes a walk through the Wenlock (Batavia) Goldfields Ruins in Lockhart River.
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Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Portland Roads Coastal Community visit
The tour includes a visit to the Portland Roads Coastal Community in Kutini-Payamu National Park.
What's Not Included
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Sleeping Bag and Pillow
You need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, or hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost.
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Single Supplement
A single supplement is not available on this trip; you will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.
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Luggage Restrictions
Luggage is limited to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag due to limited storage space on the vehicle.
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Additional Accommodation
No additional accommodation is included after the flight arrives in Cairns.
Transport
Private 4WD Overland Vehicle
Accommodation
Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night at Chilli Beach.As this is a camping trip, we rely on all travellers to help with camp duties for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This includes pitching and packing up your own tent daily and assisting your leader with cooking and cleaning duties.
Important Information
START & END POINT LOCATION & TIMEThis trip starts in Cairns with a welcome meeting at our joining point hotel at 6pm on day 1. The trip finishes on the last day upon the included flight's arrival time at Cairns Airport. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.CAMPINGThis is a camping trip where you will be expected to pitch your tent at each location (tents are provided). Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are basic and are shared with other campers that are not part of our group. The facilities at Chilli Beach are very basic, with bush toilets and no showers.SINGLE SUPPLEMENTA single supplement is not available on this trip. You will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.INCLUDED FLIGHTThe flight from Bamaga to Cairns is included on this trip and will be unaccompanied by a tour leader. The trip finishes on arrival at Cairns Airport, with no other transport or accommodation included on this day. Due to the unpredictability of the flight schedule, we recommend booking an additional night in Cairns on Day 11.LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONSAs we have limited storage space on our vehicle, please limit your luggage to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag.LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGSThis trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Take into consideration the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you are well hydrated in the tropical heat.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Cape York and Torres Strait in a private 4WD overland vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and adventurous journey through diverse terrains.
Accommodation
Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night at Chilli Beach.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer tour?
The tour uses a private 4WD overland vehicle for transportation.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour primarily involves camping, with tents and camping gear provided. However, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, except for the night at Chilli Beach.
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Will I need to participate in any camp duties during the tour?
Yes, as this is a camping trip, all travelers are expected to help with camp duties, including pitching and packing up tents daily and assisting the leader with cooking and cleaning duties.
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Is there a single supplement available for this tour?
No, a single supplement is not available on this trip. You will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.
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What should I know about the luggage restrictions for this tour?
Due to limited storage space on the vehicle, luggage is restricted to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag.
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Are there any early mornings or long travel days on this tour?
Yes, the tour involves some early mornings and long traveling days. It's important to stay hydrated in the tropical heat.
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What is the significance of Pajinka, also known as 'The Tip'?
Pajinka is the northernmost point of the Australian mainland and is known for being one of Australia's most remote and unique locations.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Welcome to Country ceremony, bush food and medicine walks, storytelling with an Aboriginal guide, and a cultural tour on Thursday Island with a Torres Strait Islander guide.
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What wildlife might I see during the tour?
You may spot wildlife such as crocodiles during the mangrove eco-cruise in Weipa, as well as various bird species and possibly turtles at Fly Point.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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