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A hand-crafted, eleven-day expedition across Australia’s Cape York—from the ancient Daintree Rainforest to the very tip of Australia
A hand-stitched journey created with passion and attention to detail
An eleven-day journey through one of Australia’s largest unspoiled wildernesses, this private and intimate voyage immerses guests into the ancient, beautiful, and culturally-rich Cape York. Fully hosted by a hand-picked local operator who offers unique insight into the region, guests will be immersed into the diverse environment and fascinating history of Tropical North Queensland, recognised internationally for its ancient ancestry, remarkable flora and fauna, and remote locale.
This expedition takes guests through over one thousand kilometres of untamed, World Heritage-listed 180-million-year-old rainforest and eucalyptus-covered savannah to experience varied Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, stay in remote communities, and admire the flora, fauna and nature in a region of international environmental significance. Guests will swim in crystal-clear lagoons, walk through primordial rainforest, rest in a range of unique bush-style accommodation, and absorb the remarkable scenery that makes up the Cape York.
Discover the rugged remote, exceptional landscapes, passionate local experiences, and much more, accessible through this hand-stitched, comprehensive itinerary with The Tailor.
“The tour had a great balance between outback experiences, coastal retreats and a personal touch. We certainly recommend The Cape York Safari as one of the best holidays we have ever had. Every Aussie needs to see the Cape.”
Your personalised Odyssey
+ With your own family or friends
Designed with intimacy in mind and perfect for families or groups of friends, you’ll tour exclusively with seven of your nearest and dearest. Choosing your own group and travelling with familiar faces enables you to enjoy your journey from the very first moment.
+ In your own space
There’s no cattle class here. All locations, experiences, and transfers* range from highly exclusive to completely private. Privileged access and intimate experiences ensure your absolute safety and privacy, while still remaining authentic.
+ In your own time
Each day is adapted to your needs—forget scheduled departure times and by-the-numbers sightseeing. Spontaneity is welcomed, and your personal whims, wishes, and desires are shaped by your guide into truly one-of-a-kind experiences wherever you are.
+ With genuine characters
Meet hand-picked locals whose very roots are intertwined with the region. You’ll take a seat at the table with born-and-bred residents who present tangible passion for their home, and a range of characters who will welcome you into their everyday lives with genuine enthusiasm.
+ With your own personal guide/s
Your personal guides are there to elevate your experience without intrusion from arrival to departure. Both in tune with the surrounding environment and your own needs, they’ll freely share their knowledge of and passion for each area to enhance your journey.
+ With The Tailor standard
As Australia’s premier luxury and five-star experiential travel company, we know the finest experiences. We’ve hand-picked the best available accommodation, and teamed it with the best local cuisine and beverages in each region to elevate every single moment.
A Passionate Range of TNQ Locals
Throughout this exceptional journey, you will be hosted, guided, and driven throughout the Cape by a local team. This team boasts over 20 years of industry experience in the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropical Rainforests of North-Eastern Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula, specialising in off-the-beaten-track adventures. They take great pride in showing travellers some of the most wonderful parts of the region and its unique beauty, history, and culture, while providing unrivalled customer service with their knowledge, experience, and attention to detail.
Coming from a range of professional backgrounds, including international tour guides, ecologists, naturalists and more, your guides offer unparalleled wisdom and guidance that is born from genuine passion. Each member of staff holds a Certificate IV in Tourism, including 4X4 Off-Road Training, Senior First Aid, and CPR Certificates, while each tour is bolstered through the use of their exceptional 4WDs. Safety of clients and guides is of paramount importance at all times, so you can enjoy some of the exhilarating wilderness experiences in comfort.
Alongside their years of experience and range of remarkable relationships providing privileged access throughout Queensland, the team has also won distinguished tourism awards, including the coveted Cairns Tourism Kamsler Award ‘Promoting Excellence in Tourism’.
Offering knowledge, expertise, commitment to sustainability, and experience in some of the most ancient and remote wildernesses of Australia, these exceptional guides and hosts will accompany you throughout your Cape York expedition. They will leave you with lasting memories and a desire to experience more of country.
- 11-day/10-night tour hosted throughout with a Wet Tropics Accredited Driver/Guide in a custom-built 4WD vehicle.
- Pick up from Cairns accommodation, touring up to your accommodation including café lunch on Day 1
- A Private Daintree River Sunset Cruise with a local operator
- 1-night accommodation at Cockatoo Hill Retreat including dinner and breakfast
- Guided rainforest and Cape Tribulation walks, spend time with an Aboriginal Elder on his Traditional Lands, visit the Bana Yirriji Art and Culture Centre, lunch at the historic Lion’s Den hotel on Day 2
- 2-night’s accommodation at Sovereign Resort including breakfast and dinner at a locally famous restaurant the night of arrival
- Full Day tour of Cooktown including a visit to the James Cook Museum on Day 3
- Full Day tour en route to Musgrave Station including lunch and a visit to hidden Aboriginal Rock Art sites, guided by Traditional Custodians on Day 4
- 1-night accommodation at Musgrave Telegraph Station including dinner and breakfast
- 1-night accommodation in Unique Bush Style Cabins in the Iron Range including dinner and breakfast
- Full Day tour en route to Bramwell Station visiting historic sites including lunch on Day 6
- 1-night accommodation at Bramwell Station including dinner and breakfast
- 3-night’s accommodation in Beach Side Cabins – Seisia including breakfast and dinner
- Full Day tour to the Tip including lunch on Day 8
- Full Day tour to Thursday and Horn Islands including lunch on Day 9
- 1-night accommodation in glamping tent – Roko Island including dinner and breakfast
- A half-day fishing charter on Roko Island on Day 11
- All National Park Entry Fees and Ferry fees
- Scheduled flight from Bamaga to Cairns
- Flights to and from Cairns
- Accommodation in Cairns
- Dinner on Day 3 (Sovereign Resort Hotel)
- Alcohol
- Telephone calls
- All items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Prices vary depending on the number of guests in your group. All prices shown below are per person based on double or twin share, and are valid for travel until 31 October 2021.
Minimum 2 adults: $8,400.00 per person
Minimum 4 adults: $8,000.00 per person
Minimum 6 adults: $7,600.00 per person
If you are interested in travelling with a larger group, we can arrange an additional vehicle for extra cost.
Above costs are dependent on availability at the time of booking. Blackout dates and seasonal surcharges may apply and costs are subject to change. Please consult your Travel Designer to check on full terms and conditions and availability.
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Itinerary
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Beginning in Cairns, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation to begin the journey to stunning Mossman Gorge National Park, the gateway to the greater Cape York region. Your morning will be spent discovering lush ancient rainforest and swimming in crystal-clear waters, with a lunch stop at a local café.
Following this, you’ll enjoy an early check-in to your boutique rainforest accommodation. Freshen up before venturing back to the rainforest for an eco-friendly and informative sunset cruise upon the Daintree River, enjoying abundant wildlife spotting in pristine wilderness. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and admire views of the Daintree Rainforest and Coral Sea from the comfort of your private villa.
Accommodation
Day 1: Cockatoo Hill Retreat
The Daintree Rainforest’s most beautiful boutique retreat, Cockatoo Hill Retreat is an eco-friendly paradise perched between Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas. Four exclusive tree-lodges offer spacious, ensuited bedrooms with stunning views sweeping across the rainforest to the horizon of the Coral Sea, while the central lodge offers daily breakfast, an infinity pool, bar and reading area.
After breakfast and a morning stroll through a unique mangrove system, you’ll walk the famous Kulki/Cape Tribulation Beach where two World-Heritage areas collide. From there, you’ll traverse the scenic 4WD Bloomfield Track, arriving at a unique beachfront location only accessible to your guides, and spend time with an Aboriginal Elder on his Traditional Lands. He will provide unparalleled insight into country and culture as you walk, culminating with the breathtaking sight of Wujal Wujal/Bloomfield Falls.
After a picnic lunch, you’ll discover more local culture admiring artwork at Bana Yirriji Art and Culture Centre and visiting the historic Lion’s Den Hotel dating from 1876. Settle into your accommodation in Cooktown before enjoying a meal at the locally famous Jackey Jackey Thai Restaurant.
Accommodation:
Days 2-3: Sovereign Resort – Cooktown
A tropical paradise in the heart of Cooktown, Sovereign Resort offers simple and modern comforts. With the on-site Balcony Restaurant overlooking the Endeavour River and an ongoing range of after-dinner entertainment, it is the perfect place sit back with a drink, relax and watch the sunset after a day of exploring around historic Cooktown.
Following a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation, your day is open to explore coastal Cooktown and its surrounds. You’ll discover this charming portside town, including its colourful and rich Aboriginal culture and colonial history, including a visit to the historic James Cook Museum to learn how the town got its name.
After lunch, your guide will drive you to a nearby secluded waterfall for a refreshing swim, teamed with a visit to Keatings Lagoon Conservation Area, a wetland area rich with birdlife. Before returning to your accommodation for dinner, you’ll admire the sunset over the Endeavour River at the Grassy Hill lookout, before freshening up for a delicious three course meal at the Sovereign Resort (own expense).
Accommodation:
Days 2-3: Sovereign Resort – Cooktown
A tropical paradise in the heart of Cooktown, Sovereign Resort offers simple and modern comforts. With the on-site Balcony Restaurant overlooking the Endeavour River and an ongoing range of after-dinner entertainment, it is the perfect place sit back with a drink, relax and watch the sunset after a day of exploring around historic Cooktown.
After bidding adieu to Cooktown, you’ll enjoy morning tea at the local hidden gem Isabella Falls before traversing the Battle Camp Range and heading deeper into the Rinyirru/Lakefield National Park. You’ll visit a special site to discover Quinkan Aboriginal Rock Art, led and interpreted by a Traditional Custodian.
In this National Park you’ll discover the rich Aboriginal and colonial history, abundant wetland areas, beautifully-restored cattle stations, amazing bird and wildlife spotting opportunities, and more. Uncover the history of the historic Old Laura Homestead and Breeza Station, and stop for lunch at the well-appointed and popular Kalpowar Crossing camp area before continuing to the heritage Musgrave Telegraph Station for your night’s accommodation.
Accommodation:
Day 4: Musgrave Telegraph Station
A Heritage-listed former telegraph station from 1887 turned roadhouse on the enormous Peninsula Developmental Road, this accommodation is owned and operated by one of the early pioneering families of the region. Now offering accommodation with rustic hospitality, hearty grub and plenty of history, this stay meets at the convergence of several major roads before you head further north up the Cape.
Today you’ll traverse a small stretch of the enormous Peninsula Developmental Road, and travel north to the historic mining town of Coen. A brief stop at the Archer River Roadhouse will reveal some local history. From there you’ll head deeper into the remote, with a quick spot for lunch on the banks of the Pascoe River, before crossing into the Iron Range National Park via the breathtaking Tozers Gap.
This stunning region has abundant rare fauna and flora, such as Palm Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots, Green Pythons, and the elusive Cuscus. Join your guide for a night walk to spot some of these nocturnal species after enjoying a fully-catered dinner at your accommodation hidden within the lush landscape.
Accommodation:
Day 5: Unique Bush Style Cabins in Iron Range (Greenhoose)
Nestled in the heart of the Iron Range Rainforest, this collection of wonderful cabins is hidden in the lush landscape. Owned and operated by a local family, this comfortable, ensuited accommodation comes with an onsite chef to cater for meals, and its unique position makes it the perfect spot to embark on rainforest and wildlife walks directly out of your front door.
Today’s adventure will take you to the coast of the Iron Range, including visits to the significant historical sites in the area. You’ll enjoy stunning ocean vistas at Chilli Beach, discover sites from the 1930s Gold Rush era, and the Iron Range USAAF/RAAF Airbase which played an important reconnaissance role during WWII.
Enjoy a coastal lunch at the famous Portland Roads Locals Café, offering delicious home-cooked meals with freshly-caught seafood. After, you’ll move back through the Batavia Goldfields to rejoin the Peninsula Developmental Road and advance north to Australia’s most northern cattle station, Bramwell Station. Here, you’ll enjoy an informative talk about the cattle property’s beginnings, enjoy a home-cooked dinner, and settle in for an evening of live entertainment.
Accommodation:
Day 6: Bramwell Station
Australia’s most northern cattle station, Bramwell Station is famous for its location as the beginning of the notorious Old Telegraph Line track. Today, this destination offers accommodation units, a pictorial museum of the station’s characters and history in what used to be the original bar, live entertainment, a fresh food buffet, and an open-air spacious bar area serving cold beer and hearty meals close to the original homestead and cattle yards.
Departing Bramwell Station after breakfast, you’ll visit the beginning of the notorious 4WD ‘Old Tele Track’—the remains of the original telegraph track from the 1880s connecting Cairns to Thursday Island. After this, you’ll head north to the popular Fruit Bat Falls for lunch and a dip in crocodile-free, immaculate waters.
Continue your 4WD explorations to the Jardine River National Park, home to the largest river on the Cape York Peninsula known for its crocodile population. You’ll safely traverse the waters via ferry, and continue onwards to your destination on the coast: Seisia, Australia’s most northerly community and hub for remote marine adventures. Here you’ll settle into your charming beachside cabin accommodation.
Accommodation:
Days 7-9: Beachside Cabins
Offering comfortable cabins directly on the beach, this destination offers stunning views of Red Island to the West and the Torres Strait Islands to the North West across a panorama of pristine sands, and blue seas. A central hub for exploring the tip of the Cape and the Torres Strait Islands, these cabins are the perfect place to kick back, relax, and soak up the slow, syrupy ambience of the Cape.
Today you’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation and taken to the famous Croc Tent—part souvenir shop, part local information hub. From there, you’ll pass in quick succession through dry savannah, dense rainforest, and deserted beaches to arrive at Australia’s most northern point, aptly named The Tip. From here, soak up the spectacular views of the Torres Strait and surrounding beaches.
Settle in for a picnic lunch on the isolated Somerset Beach, and enjoy a visit to the historic grave of Frank Jardine, one of the pioneers of the region and namesake for the National Park. You’ll enjoy dinner and a famous beach sunset on Loyalty Beach before taking the small trek back to your beachfront cabin.
Accommodation:
Days 7-9: Beachside Cabins
Offering comfortable cabins directly on the beach, this destination offers stunning views of Red Island to the West and the Torres Strait Islands to the North West across a panorama of pristine sands, and blue seas. A central hub for exploring the tip of the Cape and the Torres Strait Islands, these cabins are the perfect place to kick back, relax, and soak up the slow, syrupy ambience of the Cape.
Morning light will escort you to Australia’s remote Torres Strait islands. You’ll explore the Thursday and Horn Islands with guided tours, exploring their unique culture and history including the role the Torres Strait played during World War II. You’ll further discover the history of the early Pearling Luggers of the region and their resulting impact, and be awed by the spectacular views, turquoise waters, and tropical ambience.
Following this comprehensive overview of the islands, you’ll transfer back to mainland Australia to enjoy a delicious à la carte dinner at the Indigenous, community-owned Cape York Peninsula Lodge, before returning back to your accommodation to relax.
Accommodation:
Days 7-9: Beachside Cabins
Offering comfortable cabins directly on the beach, this destination offers stunning views of Red Island to the West and the Torres Strait Islands to the North West across a panorama of pristine sands, and blue seas. A central hub for exploring the tip of the Cape and the Torres Strait Islands, these cabins are the perfect place to kick back, relax, and soak up the slow, syrupy ambience of the Cape.
Today, you’ll visit one of the very few inhabited islands which form the Torres Strait – Roko Island. This truly unique destination consists of two permanent residents and three dogs, and is one of the few islands accessible to visitors.
Initially set up as the premier pearl producer from the birth place of the cultured pearl, Roko Island has since developed its own unique lifestyle. Through a range of guided tours, you’ll learn more about how Roko Island operates, and enjoy a stunning home-cooked meal of organic, home-grown vegetables and freshly-caught seafood before settling into your comfortable glamping tent, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding seas.
Accommodation:
Day 10: Roko Island
Nestled away on one of the few inhabited islands of the Torres Strait, your stay here will be in a permanent glamping tent surrounded by tropical trees of vibrant green and red. Permanent beds and island décor will greet you, while striking stone amenities will make your stay comfortable, including modern toilets and showers, a campfire pit, and warm-hearted hosting by Roko Island’s resident family.
For your final day before departure, take the opportunity to experience Roko Island lifestyle and enjoy a half-day fishing trip through the surrounding ocean areas. You’ll cruise between the islands of the Torres Strait and enjoy bluewater fishing, chasing a variety of exciting tropical fish species including coral trout, grass sweetlip, red emperor, giant trevally, mackerel, and more.
After enjoying a home-cooked island lunch, you’ll transfer back to the mainland to the Bamaga airstrip for a return flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed back by a local tour guide, who will transfer you back to your Cairns accommodation to either continue your journey elsewhere, or head home to bask in your new memories.
