We show you the real Australia – the lifestyle, the beauty and the characters who make it up! From cattle stations and mining towns to waterfalls and gorges, you will fall in love with everything this sunburnt country has to offer.
2024 Dates - 31 May, 10/14 June, 12/22/26 July, 5/9/19 August, 2/6/20 September, 4 October.
DAY 1 - Cairns to Thursday Island & Cape York
Transfer from selected Cairns accommodation to Cairns airport for your flight to Horn Island. Transfer by ferry to Thursday Island and on arrival, you will be taken on an informative guided bus tour of the island and its picturesque Harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet.
This afternoon board your ferry to the mainland, where you will be met by your guide, who will take you to Seisia. Seisia is ideally located for our next few days, being in walking distance from the Seisia Wharf, a famous fishing spot. Our accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park are cottages with ensuite facilities. (Dinner)
DAY 2 - Cape York & Somerset
An unforgettable day! Stand at the very top of mainland Australia. We then visit Somerset (road conditions permitted), once the home of the legendary Jardine family and government outpost established in 1864. We have lunch on the palm fringed Anchorage Beach, which overlooks the Albany Passage. A walk on the beach will complete your day before returning to Seisia. Our accommodation at Seisia Holiday Park are cottages with ensuite facilities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3 - Cape York, Fruit Bat Falls, Bramwell Station
Southward bound, we cross the mighty Jardine River, stopping at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim and enjoy this unique area with its picturesque waterfall. Travelling along part of the Old Telegraph Track, before we make our way to a ‘true blue’ Aussie Cattle Station, Bramwell Station – ensuite facilities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4 - Bramwell Station to Weipa
A southerly run through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to cross the Wenlock River. We head for the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and our overnight stop at Weipa, with its view over Albatross Bay. This afternoon there will be the opportunity of a Wildlife Eco River Cruise (own expense). Your accommodation tonight has ensuite facilities.(Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - Weipa to Musgrave
We continue south, stopping off at the picturesque Archer River, then on to the historic frontier gold town of Coen. The afternoon finds us arriving at our overnight accommodation at the Old Musgrave Telegraph Station – ensuite facilities.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6 - Musgrave, Lakefield NP to Cooktown
After an early start, we head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay where we explore Lakefield National Park (road conditions permitted), a haven for the many birds and animals native to this area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles. Travelling on, we visit Split Rock, Aboriginal Rock Art, before arriving in the old gold port of Cooktown, where we visit Captain Cooks Landing, before settling in to our accommodation in Cooktown – ensuite facilities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7 - Cooktown, Cape Tribulation, Cairns
An early morning departure as you cruise through island studded straits to explore our northern community, Thursday Island. Here you will be taken on an informative guided bus tour of the island and its picturesque Harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet. Then board your plane at Horn Island for your flight back to Cairns. Arriving late afternoon in Cairns your tour finishes with a drop off to selected Cairns hotel accommodation or caravan parks. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Optional Extra Day
For those interested in WWII history, you will have the option to stay an extra day at Horn Island. Dinner included on day 7. This day includes a tour of Horn Island, entry to the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. You will stay the night at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort at Horn Island.
Late afternoon you board your plane at Horn Island for your flight back to Cairns. (Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch)