We meet in Cairns and after introductions, we begin our 18 day adventure! Heading up the twisting Kuranda Range we travel through the Tablelands and enjoy the spectacular views. We stop at the fantastic Cape York Gateway for lunch.
Travelling into Quinkan country we enjoy a tour of some Aboriginal rock art. The collection of rock art galleries in the area are listed by UNESCO as being among the top 10 rock art sites in the world!
Our first camp is on a working cattle station. We are provided with a hearty meal as we get to know each other over our welcome dinner!
Today our journey is entirely on the PDR. A patchwork of bitumen and dirt sections, we keep our fingers crossed the grader has been along recently! Contrary to popular belief, the PDR goes to Weipa on the west coast and it’s actually the Telegraph Road and Bamaga Road that will take us to The Tip in days to come.
We call in to Musgrave Roadhouse taking a look at the pioneer graves and historic telegraph post. We continue on to a beautiful lunch spot on the Stewart River.
Our final leg for the day takes us to the Archer River Roadhouse where we camp up and go for a paddle in the river, or feast on their famous burgers!
This morning we continue north and take in a lookout view, before turning towards the west coast mining town of Weipa.
We arrive by lunchtime and set-up camp by the beach for the next two nights.
This afternoon we have a bus tour of Weipa and the Rio Tinto mine. You will learn all about the bauxite mining operations and history of the area with our knowledgeable guide.
Today you have a free day in Weipa.
A fisherman's paradise, you could throw a line in at the jetty or book yourself on a charter?
Maybe you want to explore more of the local area or take a drive up the coast to the community of Mapoon?
You could book yourself on a wildlife or sunset cruise.
How about bird or croc spotting?
Of course you could choose to spend the day at camp, relax, and take in the beatiful views over the bay!
Don't forget to watch the sunset from your campsite.
After our briefing we get back on the road and make our way to Bramwell Junction. Always an exciting stopover, this is where the Old Telegraph Track starts!
We set up camp then spend the afternoon exploring the area around the first major crossing on the Tele' Track - Palm Creek. If we're lucky, we'll see some cars go through, or maybe you fancy giving it a shot yourself?
Heading north on the Bamaga Road, our destination is Apudthama National Park.
After unhitching our trailers, we go for a drive on the northern section of the Tele' Track and into Eliot and Twin Falls. Here we find some of the best swimming on The Cape!
We pick up our trailers and head for the Jardine River ferry, crossing into the Northern Peninsula Area.
Arriving in Seisia, we set up camp for the next four nights overlooking the Endeavour Strait.
This morning we explore the local area.
We drive to Mutee Head and gain an understanding of the Aboriginal and Islander communities in the NPA.
There is plenty of WWII history in the area and we seek out radar installations, gunning placements, fuel dumps and a couple of plane wrecks.
In the afternoon you have some free time to relax.
Taking some of the lesser used tracks, we head to Pajinka. First stop is the Croc Tent to pick up some souvenirs.
We aim for the coast and drive the beautiful Five Beaches Loop before heading off to Somerset to explore the ruins of the Jardine family home.
The last push north sees us parking up at Frangipani Bay. It's a short walk across the headland before we finally make it to The Tip!
Tonight, we are provided a sunset dinner on the beach, and celebrate having made it to the Northernmost Point on mainland Australia!
Today you have a free day in Seisia!
You could take a fishing charter to catch those big pelagics. Or how about a trip to Thursday Island?
There’s also plenty more to explore in the NPA, and of course you could just take in the sea views whilst relaxing at camp.
Beginning our journey south, we cross the Jardine River and drive to Fruitbat Falls. This is one of our favourite swimming holes, where we have a refreshing dip and time for lunch.
Back onto the bypass road we head to Moreton Telegraph Station where we camp for the night, next to the Wenlock River.
You have a chance to explore the property, taking a walk along the river searching for Palm Cockatoos, Antilopine Wallaroos and the Common Spotted Cuscus. Or you could try your luck fishing at the Barra Hole!
Departing Moreton, we set off towards the Batavia Goldfields, and explore the former mining town.
Moving on, we enter Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, one of the largest remaining areas of lowland rainforest to be found in Australia.
We set up our camp in the middle of the rainforest before heading out in the afternoon to the nearby community of Lockhart River. We explore the Iron Range Airfield, a former WWII bomber base, and the granite boulders of Quintel Beach.
Today we take it slow!
Driving out to the coast, we have a look around the picturesque community of Portland Roads before taking a short drive to the beautiful Chili Beach.
You are free to spend the rest of the day at the beach or you can head back to camp and explore the rainforest. The choice is yours!
Hitched up and back on the road, we head inland. We make some scenic stops along the way before breaking for refreshment at the Archer River Roadhouse.
Our final leg takes us to Coen. We set up camp
in town which gives us the opportunity to explore the Heritage House, and maybe sink a cold one in the Exchange Hotel!
Departing Coen we head over the Bamboo range and on towards Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park.
We see the impressive termite mounds of the Nifold Plain, cross numerous rivers and creeks, check out some beautiful lily lagoons, and explore an old homestead.
We will camp, for the next two nights, at Kalpower Crossing on the banks of the Normanby River!
Today you have a free day in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park.
This is a chance to soak up your surroundings.
You could do some birdwatching, search for a croc in some local lagoons, take the scenic forest walk, or just kick back and relax.
After a hard days rest we'll get the fire going once more and all catch up for a yarn!
After packing up camp we continue through Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park spotting the abundant wildlife as we go. We explore Old Laura Homestead which is a superb example of early pastoral property in this area.
Exiting the park we travel through the Battle Camp Range before stopping at Isabella Falls for a refreshing dip.
We make it to Cooktown, setup camp and you have the afternoon free to explore this historic town. We head out to a high point to watch a glorious sunset over the Endeavour Valley.
This morning we start with a walk through the railway park, to Restitution Rocks and along the front. You might like to grab a coffee before we take a look around the incredibly informative James Cook Museum. After lunch, we drive on to Black Mountain and marvel at its unique building blocks.
A short drive takes us to our final camp at the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel. We camp near the creek so you can go for a dip or take a look at the pub and museum. This evening we are provided with our farewell meal and we reminisce on the adventure we’ve been on.
Our last day sees us driving along the Great Dividing Range and past the historic Palmer Goldfield. We stop in at the Palmer River Roadhouse for morning tea and a chance to look around their goldfield museum.
Lunch is at Mt Molloy, another town with significant links to the FNQ gold rush, before we head down the Rex Range.
We absorb the spectacular coastal scenery as we take the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cairns. Arriving at the northern beaches, we say goodbye to our newly made friends.
Please contact us if you have any questions and we'll be able to help!