cairns to cape york trip

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Road tripping to Cape York: The road trip to Australia's last great wilderness

At the tip of Australia lies one of our last great wildernesses, with croc-infested rivers, ancient rainforest and deserted beaches. Here's how to get there.

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Qld tropical island to be renamed in Taylor Swift’s honour

I went to Cairns after Cyclone Jasper, and loved it

This Great Barrier Reef tour was mesmerising

Sponsored by Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

It’s one of the country’s last great wildernesses: home to indigenous communities, croc-infested rivers, ancient rainforest, red dusty landscapes and deserted beaches.

And there’s a road right through it to the very top of Australia – here’s how you can reach Cape York in seven days from Cairns.

DAY ONE – 330KMS

While there’s an easy inland paved highway (Mulligan Highway) from Cairns to Cooktown, you’d miss out on some of the most spectacular scenery of the whole trip.

Take the coast road instead, beginning with one of the world’s most iconic coast highways – Captain Cook Highway – north from Cairns to Mossman (past Port Douglas). Keep heading north till you reach a car ferry crossing the Daintree River into Cape Tribulation. The road’s 4WD-only past Cape Tribulation – the Bloomfield Track crosses creeks and rivers right through the Daintree rainforest – with possible cassowary sightings on the way.

Stop at historic Lion’s Den Hotel  and the tiny Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal. Overnight in Cooktown.

DAY TWO – NO DRIVING

Take a day to explore Cooktown, the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef and one of Australia’s most historically significant townships. Captain Cook stayed here in 1770 for seven weeks to repair the Endeavour. 

Check out remnants of his ship and discover the town’s multicultural roots (it was a thriving port in the gold rush era) at James Cook Museum . Fishing along the Cooktown River bordering town is the stuff of legends, while there’s numerous cafes, restaurants and bars.

Watch sunset from Grassy Hill behind town, where Cook came to check for safe passage through the reef.

DAY THREE – 258 KMS

While many travellers opt to travel west towards Laura (131kms) – one of UNESCO’s Top 10 Rock Art Sites In The World – there’s an alternative. See Laura on the way back south. Drive 197 kilometres north from Cooktown instead to secluded Cape Melville National Park – a hidden gem of the region, only accessible by 4WD.

You’ll pass waterfalls and thick forest. Melville Range fringes the deserted sandy beaches of Bathurst Bay. There’s bush camps along the eastern side of the bay which must be pre-booked via the Queensland National Parks website and hiking trails throughout. Bring your own provisions; the serenity’s worth the effort.

DAY FOUR – 482 KMS

It’s a big day of driving – almost 500 kilometres, so get comfortable. Take the Peninsula Development Road and turn right to Coen, the second biggest town in the whole region.

The landscape changes drastically in the region - so you’ll never tire of the scenery. You’ll pass from lush palm forest to dry, red dust roads that look more Outback than Tropical North Queensland. 

Enjoy a dip in Coen River – it’s shallow, fresh-water and croc-free. Then crack a cold XXXX Gold over dinner at Coen’s rustic Exchange Hotel . Stay there overnight or camp three kilometres north of town at The Bend, a free bush campsite. 

DAY FIVE – 230 KMS

On today’s scenic drive you will even encounter sections of bitumen. Head North to the Archer River roadhouse for a hearty breakfast. After leaving Archer River, cross the Wenlock River to find Moreton Telegraph Station. Take a stroll and you might just spot an agile wallaby, a palm cockatoo or the magnificent riflebird.

Push on to Bramwell Station, a popular tourist spot that includes accommodation, a camping ground, bar and live entertainment. You’ll meet drivers with information on tomorrow’s road conditions, and maybe you’ll find some friends for the road.

DAY SIX – 238 KMS

This is the start of the Old Telegraph Track – one of the great 4WD adventures on Earth. You can avoid the tricky creek and river crossings by taking the Bypass Road – but at least drive the first few kilometres to see drivers take on the Palm Creek crossing.

Crossings require patience and skill, and a fully equipped 4WD, especially passing through Gunshot Creek with its sheer descent (take it slow!). 

Take a break at Fruit Bat Falls, where you can swim under croc-free cascades, or just north at Eliot or Twin Falls. Catch the vehicular ferry across the Jardine River, and call in at Seisia: the home of Australia’s best fishing jetty. Continue to Cape York Camping Punsand Bay .   

DAY SEVEN – 16 KMS

You’re only eight kilometres west of The Tip (as it’s affectionately known) but the road in takes 40 minutes through coastal forest. Savour the experience: you’re nearly there! 

Go close to low tide, you’ll have a 10 minute beach walk, not a 40 minute rock scramble. You’ll know when you’re on The Tip; there’s none of Australia left to stand on, and there’s a sign.

Spend time back at your camping ground in Punsand Bay. It’s the most northern address in Australia, it’s built on the beach, and the bar and pool with water views are the spot to reflect on your trip with other travellers. And watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, then rise over the Pacific.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef  inspires visitors to leave as custodians of the region. It is where you can experience the world’s oldest rainforest, the most diverse reef, the accessible outback, and the oldest living culture on Earth.

A luxury tropical island off the Queensland coast is set to renamed in honour of Taylor Swift.

Tropical North Queensland is heavily reliant on tourism and is rolling out the welcome mat again after December's cyclone.  

Indigenous reef tour sheds light on the cultural significance of this natural wonder. 

I visited Tropical North Queensland immediately after the floods and this is what I found

In the lead up to Christmas, Queensland’s tropical far north copped a battering from Cyclone Jasper and its ensuing floods. But after travelling around the region, I can confirm that a perfect paradise still awaits.

An epic self-drive adventure from Cairns to Cape York

The road is dry, dusty and often, rough as guts, but driving the Cape York Peninsula is one hell of a road trip. It’s about 1000km from Cairns to Cape York, which isn’t a big distance when we’re talking about a country the size of Australia. But this isn’t a one-way trip. The only place to go once you’ve hit the most northern point of mainland Australia is back again.

It’s not a well-known trip, but it is an epic journey. In a few days you’ll trade sparkling coastlines and tropical rainforest for rugged dirt roads that are only passable for a few months of the year. The distances between everything are great. And it’s really bloody bumpy.

The long days of driving and lack of comfort won’t be for everyone. But if you’ve got a penchant for adventure, here’s what you need to know.

How to do it

You can explore the area with a tour, although every group I saw had an average age of about 60, so that won’t appeal to everyone. You can also fly straight to Cape York (Horn Island or Bamaga) or take a ship from Cairns, but you’ll be missing a lot. The best way to see it is in a 4WD.

You’ll need to be as self-sufficient as possible – think camping, cooking and carrying everything you need to get by for a few weeks. If you plan your stops you could find enough places to eat along the way, but if something happens and you get caught between roadhouses, you’ll want to have supplies at hand.

Given the kind of roads you’ll travel on, make sure your vehicle is up to it and fully equipped for this kind of trip. If you’re considering using a hire vehicle check with your rental company as they may not allow/insure you on these kinds of roads.

From Cairns we headed north to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, over the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown, through Battle Camp Road into the Lakefield National Park, south to Laura and then followed the Peninsula Development Road, Northern Bypass Road and Bamaga Road to Cape York. On the return we headed back into the Lakefield National Park from Musgrave, drove back down to Laura, south to Mount Molloy, up to Port Douglas and then down the coast to Cairns.

But there are quite a few options. Good weather and a suitable vehicle meant we could tackle roads such as Bloomfield and Battle Camp, which are made treacherous by even a little bit of wet weather. If you’re not up for the Bloomfield Track you can head west from Cairns to Mareeba, and jump straight on the Peninsula Development Road, which you’ll follow half way up the Peninsula.

Alternatively, you can follow the Captain Cook Highway up the coast to Mossman, passing the northern beaches and Port Douglas, before heading southwest to Mount Molloy and joining the Peninsula Development Road. To head straight to Cape York you’ll stay on the Peninsula Development Road until the turn off for Weipa, where you’ll stay north on the Telegraph Road and later Bamaga Road.

If you’re up for some serious 4WD action there’s the Old Telegraph Track, which is what attracts a lot of off-road enthusiasts to the area. There’s a reason they sell T-shirts reading “I did the Old Telegraph Track” – it’s an achievement. This is an extreme track though and if you don’t know what I’m talking about then I think it’s safe to say it’s not for you. Beside, the normal road offers plenty of fun anyway.

Heading north, the road is sealed until Laura. If you travel from Cape Tribulation or Cooktown and go through the Lakefield National Park, you’ll hit gravel well before Laura.

There are some sealed sections after Laura, but they are few and far between. Works are under way to seal more of the Peninsula Developmental Road, so it’s improving every year, but sections of the road are mostly dirt and badly corrugated in a lot of places. There are also some shallow creek crossings. The roads around Bamage and Seisia are sealed, but the track to The Tip is mostly dirt and sand, as are a lot of the tracks to sites such as Somerset and Pusand Bay.

Most of the vehicles making the trip are 4WDs. I saw maybe two “regular” cars, but I don’t know if they would have been making the whole journey. Conditions are pretty tough so you’ll definitely want a vehicle that can handle it.

The stretch between Bamaga and Jardine River is notoriously bumpy, but we found the road a lot easier heading south, than north. There’s also some very sandy roads between Jardine River and Bramwell and you’ll need a vehicle with a fair degree of clearance to tackle those.

Of course, conditions will change week to week and year to year.

There isn’t a lot of flexibility on this front. Many of the roads on the Cape York Peninsula are inaccessible during the wet season, so that leaves you with the Dry Season (June to September) to explore the area by road. If you are travelling in early June, be aware that some roads may take a few weeks to reopen at the start of the season. You can check the current road status on the Cook Shire website and the Queensland Government’s  131940 Traffic and Travel Information site. This Facebook group is also helpful.

How long will it take?

I’ve read some suggestions to allow two weeks, but we took three. It depends how much driving you want to do each day and if you plan to take any side trips. There are several points where you can head out to places on the east and west coasts, so that will add to your trip.

We spent four days at Cape York itself, which gave us enough time to sightsee and relax before the journey back down. We also spent a few more days in the Port Douglas/Cairns region at the end of our trip.

Where to sleep

This trip is all about camping! There is some accommodation available along the route, but the majority of visitors travel with a tent, camper trailer or caravan. The more self-sufficient you can be, the better. There are a number of camp sites – some free, some not – and also campgrounds at many of the roadhouses.

There are a few free bush camp sites along the route. A couple that come to mind are The Bend, a few kilometres north of Coen, and Lukin River. The latest edition of the Camps guidebook has details of the official camp sites in the area. Once you reach Cape York there aren’t any official free camp sites.

Campgrounds

There are campgrounds at most of the towns, communities and roadhouses on the route, including Laura, Hann River, Musgrave, Coen, Archer River, Moreton Telegraph Station. Bramwell Station has a tourist park and there’s also a campground on the south side of the Jardine River Ferry. There will be a charge to camp at these spots.  The average is about $10 per person, per night, but the costs were a bit higher at Cape York and in Port Douglas and Cairns.

Here’s a few details of the official campgrounds we stayed at:

Riverview Van Park, Daintree Village  –   The campground is right on Daintree River (watch for the crocodiles). Amenities: toilets, showers, small outdoor camp kitchen with some appliances, media room with power outlets.

PK’s Jungle Village, Cape Tribulation  –  PK’s is a campground and backpackers in one and we definitely felt the backpacker vibe here, but proximity to Myall and Cape Tribulation beaches was great. Amenities: Toilets, showers, washing machines, meals, bar, internet access available at cost, supermarket next door.

Loyalty Beach, Cape York  –  The campground is on the waterfront, a few kilometres from Seisia. We had a site tucked up in the back corner and enjoyed the space and privacy. We had a drink at the bar and watched the sunset most nights. Amenities: Toilets, showers, washing machines, kiosk with some groceries, breakfast and evening meals, bar, small shop.

Bramwell Station  –  This place is getting a good reputation, mainly through word of mouth. It’s a working station, but also has a huge tourist park. Amenities: Toilets, showers, washing machines, evening meals, bar, nightly entertainment.

Musgrave Roadhouse –    Musgrave Roadhouse is a fuel stop, shop, restaurant, bar and camp ground all in one – just like many of the roadhouses on the route. Amenities: Toilets, showers, washing machines, meals, bar, small shop.

Quinkan Hotel Campground, Laura –  The pub has a campground out the back. It’s not a huge area so it would fill easily during busy periods. Amenities: Toilets, showers, washing machines, meals, bar.

Rifle Creek Rest Area, Mt Molloy –  This is a basic, unattended campground and rest area. Amenities: Toilets, showers, water, dump site.

Big 4 Glengarry Tourist Park, Craiglie (Port Douglas) –  Beautiful park filled with palm trees. About 8km from Port Douglas town centre. Cost:  $54 per night for a caravan, three adults, unpowered. Accommodation available. Amenities: Toilets, showers, washing machines, basic kitchen, limited free internet, pool, playground.

There are a number of campgrounds off the main route, particularly in the national parks. You’ll need a permit to camp within the national parks and they can be booked online .

Sneaky Free Camps

The other option, which isn’t widely publicised, is what my family call the Sneaky Free Camps. I can’t find a lot of information on just how acceptable this is, but we certainly weren’t the only ones doing it. Along the route you’ll spot several places off the side of the road that are just big enough to pitch a tent or park a van.

After leaving Cape Tribulation, we didn’t stay at one “official” camp ground until we got to Loyalty Beach at Cape York. We just found spots such as disused gravel pits to set up camp for the night.

I cannot stress the “leave no trace” attitude enough. When you leave your camp, wherever it may be, there should be hardly any sign you were ever there. I was pleased that when we drove away from a camp site, the only sign of our visit was some tyre tracks.

Cape Tribulation – This place is so beautiful and such a convenient base to explore the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef compared to the busier and more “touristy” spots down the coast. Even if you can’t take the Bloomfield Track, it’s worth coming here and then backtracking to Mossman.

Lakefield National Park – The road through the National Park from Musgrave to Laura was great to drive and a change from the scenery along the main road. We saw a lot more wildlife and wetlands. If you want to stay here and don’t have internet access to book a permit online, there’s a self-service booking kiosk at the ranger station.

The Tip – Of course I have to mention it. After all, getting here is the reason so many people make the trip up. Standing on the most northern point of Mainland Australia really is something. Get up before sunrise and beat the crowds. It’s worth it.

Fruit Bat Falls – By the end of this trip I was sick of being hot, dusty and unable to go into the water because of crocodiles. That may be why I loved Fruit Bat Falls so much. It’s a small waterfall on the Elliot River and just a 2.7km drive off the main road. The best part is you can swim here!

Mossman Gorge  – One of the oldest rainforests in the world, Mossman Gorge is a 15-minute drive from Port Douglas. There’s a small entry fee but it’s worth it to immerse yourself in this beautiful part of the Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Kayaking at Cape Tribulation – Cape Trib is the meeting point for two world heritage areas – The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – and one of the best ways to witness that crazy amount of natural beauty is from the water. We had our own kayak but there are tours, which you can read more about here .

Daintree River Cruise –   Crocodile Express runs river cruises from two locations: Daintree Village, which is the cruise I did , and from the Daintree River ferry crossing. We didn’t see any crocs, but being out on the river in the early morning was beautiful. The tours are $28 per person.

Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre, Laura – This interpretation centre is the best value in the Peninsula. It features extensive and high-quality displays, which are a good introduction to some of the places you’ll pass through on the trip north.

Quinkan Galleries Rock Art Tour, Laura – The rock art at The Quinkan Galleries is one of the best examples of Indigenous Rock Art in Australia. It’s estimated to be about 40,000 years old. The tours are expensive but if you can afford to splurge, it’s worth it. Book by contacting the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre .

Thursday Island – This is the most popular day trip from Cape York and although tours are offered, you could easily explore on your own. There are ferries to and from Seisia twice a day and the trip is worth it just to see some of the Torres Strait islands. A day trip to Thursday and Horn islands with Peddell’s Ferry costs $222.30 per adult (BYO lunch).

Horn Island World War II Tour, Horn Island –  If you’re a history buff then don’t just visit Thursday Island – book a two-island tour and pop over to Horn Island. An extraordinary amount of work has gone into building the museum here and preserving sites of significance from WWII.

Great Barrier Reef –  When you’re in this part of the world, you really can’t pass on a visit to the reef. I visited the reef with Silversonic from Port Douglas. The tour costs $239 plus a $6.50 environmental management charge. Their sister boat the Silverswift operates from Cairns. I’ve heard that Cape Tribulation is one of the best locations from which to visit the reef. The reef is closer, and receives less visitors. Unfortunately, the tours were booked out when I was there (damn school holidays!).

Communication

Telstra has the best coverage throughout the Cape York Peninsula, but in general phone reception is limited north of Port Douglas. Until Laura you’ll have service at most of the towns such as Mossman, Mount Molloy, Cooktown, Lakeland and Laura, but rarely any coverage on the roads between them. Then it’s only Coen and Weipa until you get to Cape York.

I was surprised at how much coverage we had while travelling around the top of Cape York. We had service at Bamaga, Seisia and Loyalty Beach and even a couple of bars at The Tip and Somerset. There’s also full coverage on Thursday and Horn islands.

There is a small telephone sign inside Lakefield National Park where there is mobile coverage for a couple of hundred metres and although I didn’t have service in the village at Cape Tribulation I picked up a couple of bars on the rocks at the north end of Myall Beach.

There are payphones at most the roadhouses. Some of the stores in Bamaga advertise free wifi and the Peddles Ferry to Thursday Island also has free wifi.

When looking at places on a map it’s difficult to know what to expect so here’s a little run down on what you’ll find along the main route to Cape York.

Laura – There’s a roadhouse and campground to the south and in the main street there’s a small shop with fuel, public toilets, and the Quinkan Hotel, which also has a campground.

Hann River – Roadhouse, fuel and campground.

Coen – The Exchange Hotel has meals and accommodation, there are two places with fuel and two small shops. The opening hours are a bit ad hoc. We went through when we were heading north and again on the way back down and ended up in Coen on a Saturday afternoon both times. On the way north one of the fuel places was out of diesel and the adjoining shop appeared to be closed. A week later the same shop was closed for lunch and the other shop up the road was closed as well. There are public toilets in the main street, a dump site on the road north and a campground.

Archer River – Roadhouse, fuel and campground.

Musgrave – Roadhouse, fuel, campground.

Moreton Telegraph Station – Campground, with a small shop.

Bramwell Junction – Roadhouse, fuel and a separate tourist park a few kilometres south (Bramwell Station). A shout out to the Bramwell Burger, which was amazing!

Bamaga – The biggest town at Cape York has most things you could want including a supermarket, stores, mechanic, Centrelink office, fuel, pub etc.

Seisia – Campground, service station, supermarket, butcher and fuel.

A couple of things to note:

On a very serious note, you’ll be travelling in the heart of croc country. Sometimes there will be warning signs near the water, often there won’t be. Either way, be very careful around the water and don’t enter it unless you are absolutely sure it’s free from crocs (like Fruit Bat Falls).

Basics such as bread and milk aren’t easy to find along the route. The Woolworths in Mossman is the last big supermarket, so stock up and take everything you need for the trip to Cape York. You’ll find a few non-perishable items at some of the stores and roadhouses, but the prices are heavily marked up, as you’d expect. Also check the best before dates. The supermarkets in Seisia and Bamaga get deliveries twice a week so stocks get a bit low in the days before the shipment.

Read more about travelling through cape york:

• A stunning detour through Lakefield National Park
• Queensland in my father’s footsteps
• Life along the Daintree River
• Looking back on my Outback Road Trip
• Driving the Bloomfield Track – Cape Tribulation to Cooktown
• Cape Tribulation: A Coastal Paradise
• Standing at The Tip

What no one tells you about the Great Barrier Reef

• The Great Barrier Reef – A natural wonder at risk
• The world’s oldest art galleries
• A wet day in the rainforest

The Red Highway

Disclaimer: This post has been compiled based on my own experience travelling in Cape York in 2014. While I have endeavoured to confirm all prices and information as of May 2017, they are subject to change. Travellers should check with the specific sites and companies for up-to-date prices and information. 

Pegs on the Line is a collection of stories about places, people and experiences around the world. It's written by Megan Dingwall, an Australian journalist with an insatiable curiosity. Available to answer questions such as is Tasmania a real place (yes) and do Tassie devils spin (no).

The hidden courtyards

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A stunning detour through Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park

would this trip be ok in a semi off road caravan like the Avan Cruisliner in June to September

No deffinatly not even if the grader has been through it is still to rough. I have just come back from there and left my jayco penguin at lakeland caravan park in storage and took a swag up there. You are crazy to take your van believe me

Not all vans will be up the trip. We had a off-road van when we made the trip – they’re built for the dirt tracks and handled it easily! But getting most everyday caravans up there will depend hugely on conditions and the state of the road.

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The Cape York Trip Planning Guide in 11 Easy Steps

Few road trips in Australia can compete with the adventure that is driving to Cape York. The journey through Queensland’s wild and remote northern peninsula is one of the great expeditions Australia’s wilderness has to offer.

Here in the vastness of the Cape, human impact is limited, and nature still rules. Its ruggedness and its remoteness make it a challenging place to navigate. If you are to succeed in driving Cape York, preparation is key. To that end, we have put together a Cape York trip planning guide to get you ready for the significant undertaking into the remote Cape York peninsula.

This step-by-step Cape York trip planning guide will help you with the surprisingly in-depth process of Cape York trip preparation. It includes not just the best things to do in Cape York, but all the information you will need to consider in your Cape York trip planning.

We have included details and resources on route planning, packing, supplies, accommodation, car care, and a range of other helpful tips. Following this Cape York trip planning guide will have you one hundred percent ready for your trip to Pajinka the northern tip of Australia.

Looking for a rugged vehicle to get you up to the Cape and back? Book now with DriveNow!

Step 1 | Get a Good Cape York Map

Before you begin planning your trip to the Cape, you need to find a good Cape York map.

Google Maps has forsaken the Cape and I mean forsaken. Unlike in other parts of the world where Google might occasionally direct you into the sea or label a cattle track as a ‘road’, here Google is often unable to even load a map and will just spin into oblivion.

Luckily there are a few other navigational tools available to assist in planning your trip.

Cape York HEMA App

This off-road navigation mapping app is the best Cape York map available. Built for those looking to get off the beaten path, it is the perfect navigational tool to have if you’re aiming for a wild 4WD adventure on the Cape. It has the best topographic maps of the area including all off-road trails and tracks. It uses GPS and can be used offline.

Go old school and grab a paper Cape York Peninsula map from one of the nearby information centers like the one in Cooktown. Even if you have the HEMA map, sitting around the paper map with the crew, plotting your course is one of the more enjoyable parts of Cape York trip planning.

If you don’t want to pony up the $100 for the Cape York HEMA map or an old-school paper map isn’t for you, MapsMe is the best free digital option. While we found driving times were a little off, the ability to download maps and use them offline was essential in the remote Cape where service is practically non-existent.

Step 2 | Understand the Distances in Cape York

Understanding the distances between locations along the drive from Cairns to Cape York is essential for planning your trip. While Google might tell you that the 1,000-kilometer journey should take 13.5 hours, it will likely take a lot longer. Driving time varies considerably with the condition of the roads, which in turn is dependent on the season, weather, and the number of travelers on the road.

Below is the average driving time between popular routes that will help with your Cape York trip planning. These times, however, are estimates and could vary immensely depending on the road conditions on any particular day of travel. Leave yourself enough time to extend these driving times should the weather turn, or should you have car trouble.

Step 3 | Decide on Things to Do at Cape York

Once you have an understanding of the distances and driving times, you need to decide what to do on Cape York. Cape York is brimming with different places to explore and things to do in this vast natural playground, from challenging 4wd tracks to remote beach camping to waterfalls and more.

Given the distances between the various attractions of Cape York, deciding the things to do in Cape York is an important step in your Cape York trip planning.

We have put together a list of the most popular things to do to get you started. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the things to do on the Cape, but rather suggestions from some of our favorite experiences.

1. Drive the Old Telegraph Track

Built to allow access to the telegraph lines connecting Cooktown and the Cape in the early 1800s, the Cape York Track or Old Telegraph Track was originally the only way to access the Tip. Today, this four-wheel drive track is the reason many make the pilgrimage here. One of Australia’s oldest, most famous 4WD tracks, it is an Australian bucket list item for many 4WD enthusiasts.

2. Visit the Northernmost Point in Australia

No trip to Cape York is complete without visiting Australia’s northernmost point. The northernmost point in Australia is approximately 45 minutes north of Bamaga. The return walk to the sign should take no more than an hour at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for the obligatory photo.

3. Hire a Boat to Enjoy Cape York Fishing

In our opinion, of all the things to do in Cape York, renting a boat to go fishing is one of the best. We hired a boat from Bully’s in New Mapoon. Showing up at the Seisa Pier with our singular small rod and reel resulted in belly laughter from Bully, and we quickly understood why. The unspoiled waters of the Cape are teeming with fish, and they’re not small.

We didn’t have to go far offshore to find flocks of sea birds diving into churning bait balls surrounded by leaping tuna. Closer in, near the mouth of the Jardine River, monster trevally were lurking below and giant turtles floated lazily by. Before long gangs of huge sharks began to circle the boat, waiting to grab our catch. It was some of the wildest fishing we have ever seen, especially so close to shore.

An experience on the waters of Cape York is truly remarkable. If you are looking for one amazing thing to do in Cape York, a boat trip to the mouth of the Jardine River is a must!

4. Take a Dip in the Cape York Waterfalls

Since swimming in the ocean is off the table on Cape York, heading to the fresh waterfalls in the area is a must for anyone driving to Cape York. Offering a respite from the heat and the ability to rid yourself of a bit of red dust, taking a trip to visit Fruit Bat Falls, Eliot Falls, and the hidden Sam Falls should be on everyone’s Cape York trip bucket list.

Often substituting as a shower for the day, a dip in one of these refreshing Cape York waterfalls is a highlight of the trip not to be missed.

5. Tackle the Archer Burger

Almost as famous as the Old Telegraph Track is the Archer Burger. Available at Archer Roadhouse, this ginormous burger comes with the lot. Besides the usual trimmings expect pineapple, beetroot, bacon, grilled onions, and a fried egg.

Whether you’re passing through at lunchtime, later in the day, or even early morning, no trip driving to Cape York is complete without stopping at Archer Roadhouse for this legendary meal.

6. Relax at Chili Beach

Chili Beach is known as the most scenic beach in Cape York. Famous for its windswept palms and white sand beaches, it is no wonder this Insta-worthy beach is a popular stop on the drive from Cairns to Cape York.

The beach itself reminded us of our time at El Cuyo in Mexico with a strong offshore wind that is present year-round. Make sure to book a camping spot in the national park that is protected from the persistent gales to ensure you make the most of your time at Chili Beach.

Also, if you are a keen bird watcher, the elusive and beautiful Palm Cockatoo (Palmie for short) can be found here with its dark black coloring and striking red crest.

7. Fish for Barramundi in Weipa

The western side of the Cape is often overlooked in Cape York trip planning. But those with a little extra time up their sleeve should head over to Weipa for some amazing Cape York fishing. Weipa is regarded as one of the premier on-shore fishing spots to land a barramundi.

8. Feast on a Chicken Burger from Bramwell Junction

Throwing its hat in the ring for the Cape’s best roadhouse burger is Bramwell Junction with its massive chicken burger. Fried chicken topped with lettuce, tomato, and pineapple and smothered in delicious, tangy, spicy mayo, you can’t go wrong with this staple driving to Cape York.

9. Grab a Beer from Queensland’s Northernmost Pub

No holiday in Australia is complete without a trip to the pub. The pub in Bamaga holds the title of Australia’s northernmost pub and is the only place at the Tip where you can grab grog to go. Beware, this remote pub isn’t cheap.

10. Check Out the War Relics

If you are interested in World War II history, don’t miss out on the war relics throughout the Cape. Almost all of the Cape was used during WWII in preparation for the potential invasion of Australia by the Japanese. Home to several air facilities and major bases, the Cape played a critical role in Australia’s WWII involvement. Discover all of the WWII relics from crashed planes to airfields to fuel fields. A visit to these relics is definitely one of the most fascinating things to do in Cape York.

• Green Hill Fort | Thursday Island
• WWII Artillary Aircraft | Horn Island
• DC-3 Wreck Site | Bamaga
• WWII Fuel Dump | Bamaga
• Bristol Beaufort Bomber Wreck | Bamaga
• Curtiss P-40E Warhawk Wreck | Bamaga

11. Discover Nature

One of the things you will notice in Cape York is the incredible abundance and diversity of nature. With minimal human impact, nature still rules here on the Cape. And the wildlife here is remarkable if you only take a few minutes to sit down and observe it.

While on the drive to the Cape, we discovered so much wildlife around us. From hawks feeding their young from the fish they caught in the creek in front of our camp to bower birds building ornate nests to impress potential suitors. You might see sharks breaching, crocodiles bathing, scorpions lurking or snakes warming. The nature that surrounds you on the Cape never fails to impress.

One of the top things to do at Cape York is to really be aware of your surroundings and discover the nature that abounds. Trust us, it may turn out to be one of the highlights of your drive from Cairns to Cape York.

12. Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Crocs

Everyone’s Cape York trip planning should include saltwater crocs! The saltwater crocodile is recognised as the animal most likely to eat a human so it is no wonder that these dangerous animals hold a grim fascination for people. Growing as large as 6 meters, spotting a croc on your drive from Cairns to Cape York is sure to make your trip a memorable one.

Pro-tip: Known croc spots are at Loyalty Beach near the top of Cape York and at Captain Billy’s Landing on the eastern coast.

Pro- tip : Don’t ever feed or interact with crocodiles. It might be a bit of fun for you, but it won’t be for the child who gets attacked because that croc becomes complacent around humans.

Step 4 | Plan Your Cape York Trip Route

With your map in hand, an understanding of the distances, and an idea of the things you would like to see and do driving to Cape York, the next step in Cape York trip planning is to plot your course.

The distances here are vast, the destinations remote, fuel stations and campsites are few and far between. Knowing exactly where you are going, how long it will take you to get there, and how much fuel you will need is a critical step in Cape York trip planning.

Check out our FAQ on everything to know before you go to the Cape for information on where fuel stations are located.

A great resource to use along the way to help plan your route is WikiCamps . This app shows campsites, points of interest, day-use areas, water facilities, and even dump locations. There is plenty of free Cape York camping to be had and WikiCamps is the best app to locate these amazing spots.

It is also wise to map out an alternate plan in case things, well, don’t go to plan. Get familiar with key locations, where people are located, and where fuel is available. It might come in handy if you have an emergency. Build a couple of days’ contingency into your route planning in case you have a breakdown or just really love a spot and want to stay an extra day or two!

Step 5 | Cape York Trip Planning for Meals

As with every camping trip, planning your meals is an important part of preparation. But, when it comes to a Cape York trip, planning for meals is even more important due to the limited availability of supplies on the Cape.

Supermarkets can only be found in Cooktown, Weipa (if you go), and Bamaga/Umagico near the tip of Cape York. The supermarkets were generally well stocked and prices while a little more expensive than home didn’t seem too exorbitant. In between the supermarkets, you will find a small number of roadhouses and general stores with quite limited options and high prices. Planning your meals in advance and ensuring you have everything you need is key to enjoying your Cape York dining experience without breaking the bank. Part of your Cape York trip planning should involve meal planning. What you need, and where and when you will be able to stop at supermarkets while driving from Cairns to Cape York.

We planned all our meals for our three weeks on the Cape and stocked up on enough canned and dry ingredients in Cairns for the entire trip. We packed fresh fruit, veg, and dairy for the first week and then restocked as needed from the general stores and supermarkets we passed.

Step 6 | Know the Alcohol Restrictions in Cape York

An important part of your Cape York trip planning is knowing about the alcohol restrictions. Dry communities exist where full alcohol bans or alcohol limits may be in place. Be aware of the areas that enforce alcohol limits per vehicle and where exemptions exist for bonafide travelers (i.e., you).

It is inevitable that you will pass through one if not two of the dry communities on your trip to the tip of Cape York.

For more information on the alcohol restrictions in Cape York check out our Everything You Need to Know Before You Go FAQ on Cape York !

Step 7 | Book Your National Park Accommodation in Advance

While there is free camping in Cape York, to truly experience all Cape York has to offer, you will want to visit some of the national parks. Spaces in the national parks, however, are limited and fill up fast, especially during school holidays. Make sure you book in advance to secure a spot as part of your Cape York trip planning!

The most popular national park camping destinations are Chili Beach and Captain Billy’s Landing.

Step 8 | Decide What to Pack for Cape York

One crucial step in your Cape York trip planning is deciding what to pack. And, deciding what to pack for Cape York can be a challenge. Being so remote, you will need to bring more items and supplies with you than you would for a normal camping trip. From spare parts to recovery equipment to extra supplies, making sure you have everything you need may seem overwhelming.

Luckily for you, we have put together a helpful Cape York trip checkli st of everything that we took with us (and a few things we forgot but wish we had)! The Cape York trip checklist includes everything from recovery equipment to medical supplies to camping equipment and more. You don’t want to be without something on the Cape because running to the nearby Woolies or Big W won’t be an option.

Step 9 | Brush Up on Safety Tips Before Driving to Cape York

The drive to Cape York cuts through some of the most remote, wild, and rugged land in all of Australia. Brushing up on a few safety tips is always a good idea before heading on any Australian road trip, but it takes on special significance here. Make sure your Cape York trip planning includes brushing up on a safety strategy.

Here are our top tips for staying safe to help you with your Cape York trip preparation.

Drive with Your Headlights on

They may seem redundant on a bright sunny day, but head into a dust cloud kicked up by traffic moving in the other direction and they’ll be the only thing other drivers see.

Lower Off-Road Tyre Air Pressure on Roads with Extreme Corrugation

It makes for a (slightly) less bumpy ride.

If you have off-road tyres, letting the pressure down can help smooth the ride over the rough corrugation of the PDR.

If you have road tyres, without tread on the wall of the tyres DO NOT let your tyres down. By doing so you will put the weak tyre wall on the ground where you risk it shredding on a stone or stick. The ride may be bumpy, but not as bumpy as the drive home without any tyres at all!

Take It Slow

The majority of roads on the trip to the tip of Cape York are unsealed and quality can vary dramatically from one kilometre to the next. Violent corrugation, gaping potholes, and sharp turns can jump out at any moment, so don’t get tempted to drive flat-strapped.

Be Croc-Wise

Aside from your run-of-the-mill snakes, spiders, scorpions, and marine stingers, it’s croc country up here so learn how to be croc-wise before you arrive. As part of your Cape York trip planning, brush up on the available advice to ensure you know what to do in case a croc is spotted while driving to Cape York.

Step 10 | Give Your Vehicle a Tune-Up

Often overlooked by some in their Cape York trip planning, making sure your vehicle is fighting fit is an important step. There would be nothing worse than beginning this epic 4WD adventure by getting stranded on the side of the road.

We recommend stopping by your local mechanic to ensure your 4WD vehicle and all its parts are in top condition before setting out on this adventure.

That being said getting a routine inspection before you set out won’t totally eliminate your chances of breaking down or having a bit of trouble. These roads are some of the toughest in the country, so planning for, and being prepared to run into at least a little bit of trouble out here is sensible.

Check out our Cape York trip checklist for a full list of spare parts and tools we suggest taking on your Cape York adventure.

Getting your vehicle in quality shape before driving to Cape York should be included on anyone’s Cape York trip planning list.

Step 11 | Come Prepared with Entertainment

You may be looking at this last step and thinking that the whole point of an epic outdoor adventure like Cape York is to get away from it all. And while that is certainly true you will spend a LOT of time in the vehicle driving to Cape York. And with little to no cell signal pulling up your favorite playlist in Spotify will be difficult.

Our last step in our Cape York trip planning guide is to make sure you take the time to download road trip playlists, podcasts, or even movies for the young ones to keep everyone occupied on the drive to Cape York.

Trust us, you will need these on parts of the drive as the drive isn’t all as exciting as the famous Old Telegraph Track!

I hope that after reading this article you feel more ready to tackle your own Cape York trip planning and preparation. Let us know in the comments below if you found this step-by-step Cape York trip planning guide useful or if we missed something!

If you are looking for more information to prepare for a Cape York trip, take a look at our complete list of FAQ’s for Cape York and our comprehensive Cape York trip checklist .

Out of a love of travel we met in a hostel in Estonia, one snowy Christmas night. Eighteen months later, we quit our day jobs in search of a more nomadic life style together.

Five years later, we are still traveling. Between us we have explored more than 80 countries, undertaken countless #vanlife adventures in more than 12 countries on 4 different continents. Most recently we have been learning to sail on our little boat whisper in the Mediterranean, falling in love with sailing and the live aboard lifestyle. While we travel and work work remotely as digital nomads.

Through this website and our vlog we hope to share some of the things we learn about the off-the-beaten path destinations we visit, about van life, sail life and working remotely from the road.

We are the Vanabonds, these are our tales.

Eddie & Kelli

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• Cape York Peninsula
• Hope Vale and Elim Beach
• Lakeland and Laura
• Rainforest Coast
• Getting Here
• Black Mountain Picnic
• Weipa Fishing Classic
• Cooktown Discovery Festival
• Laura Races and Rodeo
• Cook Shire Public Holiday
• Black Mountain Unplugged BMUP
• Cardiac Challenge
• Wallaby Creek Festival
• Conquer the Corrugations
• Bloomfield Cultural Bazaar

Suggested Cape York Self-Drive Itinerary

Pascoe River

Many travellers start their Tropical Far North Queensland and Cape York adventure from Cairns. There are 2 routes north from Cairns.

The Coastal route via Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Rainforest and the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown requires 4WD and is incredibly scenic. This is the only place in Australia where you can experience the splendour of tropical rainforest while being just a stone’s throw from the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

See the Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail and Great Tropical Drive Daintree Trail for further information.

The Inland route via the fully sealed Mulligan Highway gives the option of turning off at Lakeland towards Laura or continuing to Cooktown from where you can take the 4WD Battlecamp Road on to Laura.

Cairns – Laura and Quinkan Country

Drive from Cairns through World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest out to Mareeba then join the sealed Mulligan Highway north through rolling savannah to Quinkan Country and the 30,000-year-old rock art galleries at the Split Rock sandstone escarpment. Tours to other incredible rock art sites such as the Giant Horse and Mushroom Rock galleries can be booked through the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre. 

Camp either at Laura or in nearby Lakefield National Park, or alternatively split the journey at Lakeland where there is a caravan park where you can store your caravan.

It is approx 310 km from Cairns-Laura and approx 330 km Cairns-Cooktown on the Mulligan Highway route.

Laura-Lakefield – Musgrave Station

Explore Queensland’s second largest National Park Lakefield with it’s rivers, lagoons and swamps is a wildlife refuge and home to several threatened species. There is prolific birdlife, and both estuarine and saltwater crocodiles, with plenty of barramundi in the rivers. Recreational fishing is permitted at all camping areas with barramundi and catfish the most common species caught. Permits for camping must be pre booked through Queensland National Parks . 4WD is essential and campers need to be fully self sufficient. There are several scenic campsites in the Park.

From the Kalpower Crossing in Lakefield N.P. you can continue for a real adventure out to Cape Melville N.P. and great fishing spots at Bathurst Heads. This is extremely remote so you will need to be fully self sufficient.

Drive on from Lakefield to Musgrave’s historic telegraph station .

Alternatively you can continue on the Peninsula Development Road up to Musgrave, approx 140km. Stop in at the Hann River Roadhouse for refreshments, 76 km past Laura.

Musgrave Station to Coen

 The PDR continues for around 100km to the Cape outpost of Coen . There are campsites and basic accommodation in Coen as well as a post office, general store, mechanical services and petrol station. The beautifully restored Heritage House provides a glimpse back to the days gone by and an exhibition of old mining equipment is on display next door to the Heritage House.

An option on this stretch of road is to turn off towards Port Stewart and there are some lovely camping spots along the Stewart River.

 Coen – Bramwell Junction

 Visit the Cape York Information Centre and Quarantine Inspection Station 20-km north of the township to find out more about this area.

Friendly staff here can offer advice on places to visit and road conditions.

About 5km past the Quarantine Station is the turn off for Mungkan Kandju N.P. which is a noted bird watching area. There are several campsites in the Park and access is 4WD only.

66km further along the Peninsula Development Road from Coen, meals, camping and accommodation are available at Archer River Roadhouse as well as facilities for minor mechanical repairs.

The PDR continues all the way up to Bramwell Junction but it is worth taking the turn offs to fully appreciate Cape York Peninsula. At the Wenlock River on the PDR, Moreton Telegraph station is a popular campsite.

Lockhart River and Portland Roads Route

About 35 km north of the Archer River is the turn off to Lockhart River, Portland Roads and Iron Range N.P.

The first river crossing is at the Wenlock River and just past this there is a track which leads to the old Batavia goldfields where you can still see some of the old mining equipment.

The next river crossing is at the Pascoe River – this is a longer stretch with a sandy bed. The track then leads towards Iron Range N.P. with some spectacular scenery and Australia’s largest area of lowland rainforest. The campsites at Chilli Beach are very popular and there is great bird watching with 15 endemic species, and some interesting walking trails in the Park.

Lockhart River is an Aboriginal community famous for the incredible array of artistic talent produced by the Lockhart River Art Gang. A visit to the Arts Centre is a great experience. There is also a supermarket and fuel in the town.

Portland Roads is a beautiful little fishing community with a couple of beach shacks for rent and a fantastic restaurant .

Weipa and Merluna Route

The turn off to Weipa is around 50km north of Archer River. The family operated Merluna cattle station is located off the Weipa road and also offers accommodation and camping. From Merluna you can drive to the bauxite mining town of Weipa, with modern facilities and fantastic fishing. This is a good place to stock up on supplies or enjoy the world class fishing. From Weipa you can drive east through Batavia Downs Cattle Station to Moreton Telegraph Station, on the Wenlock River or continue from Merluna on the Telegraph Road up to Bramwell Station or Jardine National Park .

PDR Bypass Roads

From Bramwell Junction you can either take the challenging Old Telegraph Line 4WD route or the PDR Bypass roads which are maintained to a good standard. The Bypass roads are around 260 km from Bramwell Junction to the Jardine ferry which can take up to 5 hours.

Interesting side trips from the Southern Bypass road include the turn off to Captain Billy Landing where there is a campsite.

The Old Telegraph Line

The Old Telegraph Line really starts after Bramwell Junction and continues up to the Jardine River. It is important to have a properly equipped 4WD for this adventurous route but most travellers to the Cape will take the OTL north then return by the bypass roads.

Driving north you will need to negotiate several creek crossings, some of which have challenging entry and exit points.

Palm Creek is the first crossing, then you face the Ducie River, South Alice Creek and North Alice Creek. After around 30 km from Bramwell Junction you come to the Dulhunty River which is a popular spot to camp.

Next is Bertie Creek and after this there is the option of the Gunshot bypass or continue on the OTL to Cholmondely Creek. The infamous Gunshot Creek is the next crossing – this is probably the most challenging crossing on the OTL. Then you continue to Cockatoo Creek, another challenging crossing, and the final creek crossing is the bridge over Sailor Creek.

The section from Bramwell Junction to the intersection with the Northern Bypass Road is approx 80 km which can take up to 5 hours depending on conditions.

At this junction there is a track to Heathlands Reserve and the lovely Fruit Bat Falls which offers a refreshing swim stop on the way to the campground at Eliot Falls and Twin Falls.

The OTL continues from Eliot Falls through the rough Canal Creek, then you face crossings at Sam Creek, Mistake Creek, the aptly named Cannibal Creek, the rickety old bridge over Cypress Creek, Logan Creek and Nolan’s Brook before emerging at the Jardine River. A track then leads back to the Northern Bypass road and the Jardine River ferry.

The section from Eliot Falls to the Jardine River is approx 40 km and can take up to 4 hours depending on conditions.

Jardine River - Bamaga/Seisia/Tip of Cape York

Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry and head to the northernmost Tip of Australia .

Ferry tickets can be purchased online here . The ferry operates from 08.00-12.00 and then from 13.00 - 17.00, daily in the dry season.

Contact the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for further information - phone 07 4090 4100. 

The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga.

There are several camping and accommodation options in Bamaga, Seisia, Loyalty Beach and Punsand Bay with guided tours, hire cars and fishing available within the area. As well as the great fishing there are several WW2 sites, pioneer mining sites and old telegraph memorabilia to visit. Long stretches of deserted beach and the Lockerbie Scrub Rainforest Trail provide good walking options. The historic Somerset beach is another popular site to visit.

The Tip of mainland Australia is 32km from Bamaga and 7km north of Lockerbie – the must see destination for all visitors to Cape York Peninsula.

Having made it to The Tip spend a few days to enjoy the whole area and why not extend your trip to the Torres Straight Islands. Thursday Island is just 30 km from Cape York Peninsula and easily accessible by ferry from Seisia.

Natures Powerhouse

Walker st, cooktown, call us at 07 4069 6004.

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Cape York Frontier

7 day guided holiday | cairns return, travel period.

• 01 May 2024 – 30 Sep 2024

Australia is blessed with unpeopled wilderness areas and quirky towns. You’ll find both in spades on the Cape York Peninsula. Arriving at the tip of country on this Far North Queensland tour, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, far away from the rigmarole of daily life. And this is just the start of your Queensland short break adventure; expect waterfalls, rainforest, wetlands and outback cattle stations.   

*Please note, this tour is operated by a third-party*

Current season sold out CODE: QCY

7 Day Guided Holiday | Cairns Return | Travel Period: 1 May 2024 – 30 Sep 2024

Trip Details

Accommodation, what's included.

• • Specialist highly experienced Travel Director/Driver • Basic hotels  National Park entrance fees
• • 5 Lunches
• • 6 Dinners
• • 6 Full Breakfasts

Flight Information

• Day Prior – flights to arrive anytime into Cairns Airport Day 7 – We recommend that guests fly out the day after the tour returns to Cairns, as it may be delayed getting back into Cairns. Flights to and from your holiday are not included in the price.

What to Bring

• • Camera
• • Comfortable walking shoes
• • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
• • Water bottle
• • Warm layers in cooler months

Fitness Requirements

Heritage Tours - High level of fitness required

If you have any mobility issues or over 80 years of age, it is a requirement to complete the “Fit to Travel & Mobility Questionnaire” and return these to Heritage Tours. A doctor’s clearance may be required before booking can be confirmed.

Itinerary Generating PDF... Print Itinerary

Cape york frontier (travel period: 01 may 2024 – 30 sep 2024).

Day 1 Cairns - Cooktown

Moments after departing Cairns you're amid the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. Cross the Daintree River and you’re on your way to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. You’re not here to dive in – your journey takes you off-road along the 4WD Bloomfield Track. Legends (and myths) await at Black Mountain, sometimes dubbed the Bermuda Triangle of Australia.

Outback Pioneer Hotel (Budget), Desert Gardens Hotel (Standard) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (Superior), Ayers Rock Resort. (from day 1 to 3) View and select

Scenic helicopeter tour name View and select options

Day 2 Cooktown - Musgrave

Today you're in Quinkan Country, home to one of Australia best-preserved rock-art sites. Nearby, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park is big in more ways than one, from its enormous waterlily-covered billabongs to its unfathomable number of birds.

Day 3 Musgrave - Weipa

The historic gold town of Coen may be small in size, but it’s got plenty of country swagger. Bauxite mining was the reason the tiny town of Weipa was formed. Today, visitors arrive for blazing sunsets over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Day 4 Weipa - Bramwell

How do you want to spend your pre-lunch hours? Perhaps on an optional Weipa Wildlife & Eco Cruise, revealing First Nations culture and wildlife. Or dig deep on a bauxite mine tour. How these rocks are pulled from the ground is head-scratching. As is the size of Bramwell Station, Australia’s northernmost cattle station and your base for the night.

Day 5 Bramwell - Seisia

Your early start today is worth it when you arrive at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Dive in, splash about, cool off, unwind. There’s not much between you and Cape York; cross the Jardine River and you’re there. Seisia is the departure point for ferries to Thursday Island and fishing charters. It’s also the gateway to tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 6 Cape York - Somerset

Not many people can say they’ve stood at the very top of mainland Australia at Somerset, the first European settlement on the Cape York Peninsula. Lunch is served on palm fringed Anchorage Beach overlooking the Albany Passage.

Day 7 Seisia - Thursday Island - Cairns

Rich in Aboriginal culture, history and natural beauty, Thursday Island is the capital of the Torres Strait Islands. Time might stand still here, but you won’t – you’re on a guided tour before heading to Horn Island to board your aircraft, flying over the Great Barrier Reef back to Cairns. Wait, how did this week pass so quickly?

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.

7 Day Guided Holiday

Cairns Return

Flexible Holidays

If you can’t get enough of wildlife, sign up for an Eco Cruise from Weipa, the largest town on the Cape York Peninsula.

Iconic Sites

At the very tip of Australia, Cape York is the largest unspoilt wilderness area in the country. Few people get to see this magical part of the world.

Sustainable Travel

Sleep soundly knowing your national park fees are helping protect fragile and untouched pockets of wilderness.

Natural Wonders

Visiting Quinkan Country, sacred Aboriginal land, is a spiritual experience. The rock art here dates back tens of thousands of years, revealing Dreamtime stories.

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort. The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

Day 1 - Sovereign Resort Hotel

128 Charlotte St Cooktown QLD 4895

The Sovereign Resort Hotel is a beautiful situated in the heart of Cooktown, close to all historic sights, shops, wharf and museum. The Sovereign Resort Hotel boasts a beautiful free form swimming pool set amidst award winning landscaped tropical gardens.

• Air-conditioning
• Iron / Ironing Board
• Mini-bar (surcharge)
• Tea & Coffee Facilities
• In-house movies

Day 2 - Musgrave Roadhouse

Musgrave, Peninsula Developmental Rd, Yarraden, QLD 4871

The Musgrave Roadhouse is located 136 kilometres north of Laura, and is halfway between Cairns and Weipa, providing an ideal resting place for travellers heading north to the Cape York Peninsula.

• Hot showers
• Toilet facilities
• Barbecue facilities

Day 3 - Albatross Bay Resort

10 Duyfken Crs, Weipa, QLD 4874

The Albatross Bay Resort is the premier accommodation option when visiting Weipa and Far North Queensland.

• Refrigerator

Day 4 - Bramwell Cattle Station

100 Bamaga Road Bramwell 4892

Basic accommodation with rooms featuring ensuite bathrooms. Bramwell station offers a welcoming frop for all Cape York visitors, and since 1983 has actively catered for coach tours and individual travellers. Bramwell is also a working cattle station.

• Live entertainment (on occaison)
• Shower and toilet facilities

Day 5 - Seisia Holiday Village

6 Koraba Rd, Seisia, QLD 4876

Seisia Holiday Park is the ideal spot to relax after your overland journey through the Cape, as well as a great place to base yourself for exploring the Tip of Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands.

• Air Conditioning
• Kitchen Facilities

Overall Trip Rating

Cape york frontier – cairns to cape york, available dates and prices.

Prices are per person in . Child prices are available on request. Trip details, itineraries, prices and departure date status may be subject to change.

Your Trip summary

* Conditions Apply

Trip Summary Change

Cairns, Queensland(AU)

Twin share room

   - or -   

Single room

Prices are per person in . Deposit may be required at time of checkout.

Secure your trip with a deposit

Departure Dates

Definite Departures highlighted in red.

For prices, additional departure dates, flight Information, latest deals and year-round offers including past guest offers, grooup booking discounts for 9+ guests and multi-trip savings, visit aatkings.com/QCY or contact your local travel agent.

A limited number of single rooms are also available.

• 6 Full Breakfasts B
• 5 Lunches L
• 6 Dinners D

1 Cairns - Cooktown

Moments after departing Cairns you're amid the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. Cross the Daintree River and you’re on your way to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. You’re not here to dive in – your journey takes you off-road along the 4WD Bloomfield Track. Legends (and myths) await at Black Mountain, sometimes dubbed the Bermuda Triangle of Australia. Hotel: Sovereign Resort Hotel. L D

2 Cooktown - Musgrave

Today you're in Quinkan Country, home to one of Australia best-preserved rock-art sites. Nearby, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park is big in more ways than one, from its enormous waterlily-covered billabongs to its unfathomable number of birds. Hotel: Musgrave Roadhouse. B L D

3 Musgrave - Weipa

The historic gold town of Coen may be small in size, but it’s got plenty of country swagger. Bauxite mining was the reason the tiny town of Weipa was formed. Today, visitors arrive for blazing sunsets over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Hotel: Albatross Bay Resort. B L D

4 Weipa - Bramwell

How do you want to spend your pre-lunch hours? Perhaps on an optional Weipa Wildlife & Eco Cruise, revealing First Nations culture and wildlife. Or dig deep on a bauxite mine tour. How these rocks are pulled from the ground is head-scratching. As is the size of Bramwell Station, Australia’s northernmost cattle station and your base for the night. Hotel: Bramwell Cattle Station. B D

5 Bramwell - Seisia

Your early start today is worth it when you arrive at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Dive in, splash about, cool off, unwind. There’s not much between you and Cape York; cross the Jardine River and you’re there. Seisia is the departure point for ferries to Thursday Island and fishing charters. It’s also the gateway to tomorrow’s adventures. Hotel: Seisia Holiday Village. B L D

6 Cape York - Somerset

Not many people can say they’ve stood at the very top of mainland Australia at Somerset, the first European settlement on the Cape York Peninsula. Lunch is served on palm fringed Anchorage Beach overlooking the Albany Passage. Hotel: Seisia Holiday Village. B L D

7 Seisia - Thursday Island - Cairns

Rich in Aboriginal culture, history and natural beauty, Thursday Island is the capital of the Torres Strait Islands. Time might stand still here, but you won’t – you’re on a guided tour before heading to Horn Island to board your aircraft, flying over the Great Barrier Reef back to Cairns. Wait, how did this week pass so quickly? B

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Cape York Scenic Flight Day Tour | Cairns to The Tip | DA

Tour Code: 191

Departing: Cairns

Tour Highlights

• When in Cairns you simply must book a Cape York scenic flight to reach the tip of Australia for that bucket list photo on the beach with your family and friends.
• As you depart Cairns and make your way along the coastline of the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland towards Cape York in your aircraft ensure you have your camera at the ready
• Journey to Frangipani Beach, the most northern beach in mainland Australia. Discover the white sandy coastlines and dense rainforests of the region on a Guided 4WD Tour to the tip of Cape York
• Have your camera ready as you reach Frangipani Beach by 4WD, the most northern beach point of Australia. The northen most point tip lookout overlooking the rolling coastline and golden sands provide a perfect backdrop for a bucket list selfie
• With large viewing windows, your scenic fixed wing flight from Cairns to Cape York over the Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef will offer plenty of selfie opportunities  

Description & Tour Inclusions

Included in price.

• Return airfares to "The Tip of Australia" from Cairns
• Local guide and 4x4 tour to "The Tip of Australia"
• Morning & Afternoon Teas, Picnic Lunch at Frangipani Beach & soft drinks
• Taxes & landing fees
• Free parking at our Cairns Terminal

If you have ever wanted to stand on the very Tip of Australia at Cape York then this is the day tour for you. With departures from Cairns (and Cooktown) you take a low level scenic flight that covers approximately 1100 kilometres of rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and Cape York

What to Expect

Take off on a breathtaking air tour from Cairns to the iconic tip of Cape York , known as one of Australia's ultimate adventure destinations. This scenic flight offers a unique aerial perspective of the diverse landscapes of Far North Queensland, combining the thrill of a scenic flight with an adventurous 4WD excursion to the northernmost point of the Australian continent.

Features and Highlights

Scenic flight experience.

• Extensive Route: Covering approximately 1,100 kilometres, this is one of the world's longest scenic flights, offering unparalleled views of the Great Barrier Reef , rainforests, and the rugged outback.
• Aircraft Comforts: Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned aircraft equipped to provide spectacular low-level views over remote and inaccessible parts of Cape York.
• Photographic Opportunities: Capture the beauty of Cape York's landscapes and have your photo taken at the iconic 'Tip of Australia'.
• Places to See: Jardine River, Endeavour River, Forbes Islands, Cooktown, Cape Grenville, Cape Melville, Lakefield National Park, the Iron Range, Cape Flattery, Daintree Rainforests and more.

Detailed Itinerary

• Departure and Return Times: Flights depart from the General Aviation section at Cairns Airport around 7:45 AM, returning approximately at 5:30 PM, running from March to November.
• Check-in: Arrive for your flight briefing by 7:00 AM to prepare for your day's Cape York tour.
• Remote Exploration: After landing in Cape York, switch to a four-wheel drive to reach Australia’s most northerly beach. A 1.6-kilometer walk along Frangipani Beach leads to the very Tip of Australia, providing a unique wilderness experience.
• Physical Requirements: This tour requires a moderate level of fitness due to the 1.6-kilometer walk on uneven terrain. Participants should be comfortable walking unaided and navigating narrow aircraft stairs. This walk is rated a 7 out of 10 in terms of difficulty.

Cultural and Ecological Insights

• Local Interaction: The air tour offers a chance to meet with the resilient locals of Cape York, known for their warmth and hospitality in one of Australia’s most remote regions.
• Environmental Significance: Experience firsthand the pristine natural environments that Sir David Attenborough highlighted for having some of the cleanest waters globally, due to minimal human impact.

Safety and Accessibility

• Participant Requirements: Guests need to be physically capable of handling uneven surfaces and managing entry and exit from the aircraft independently. The walk to the Tip of Cape York is rated moderate in difficulty.

Join us for a Cape York Air Tour from Cairns and discover the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant ecosystems of this remote part of Australia. This tour is not just a scenic flight but a comprehensive exploration of one of the last true wilderness areas on earth.

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Cape York Air Tours From Cairns

• Cape York breeds tough locals and a particular type of person lives in this remote outback unspoilt type of destination for a reason.They are warm friendly and keen for a yarn with visitors and they are tough so tough that they can withstand the dry season and the green season and it does not seem to bother them. They are free to live the way they like without society judging them and they can go hunting and fishing for their own survival without having to worry too much about local laws as there are no major shopping centres or grocery stores to provide packaged foods daily in this part of Australia. Everything comes into Cape York either by aircraft or by ship. Cape York is about 208,000 square kilometres and it is one of the only real wildernesses left in the world today.
• Sir David Attenborough said this area also has the cleanest body of water in the world due to the lack of agricultural farming, industrial industries and lack of land clearing and degradation. Everything is in balance in Cape York and that goes with the population and number of people that rely on its natural resources. Cape York consists of low lying wetlands with amazing birdlife that migrate here annually and high rainforest clad mountainous regions which are home to pre-historic and rare wildlife. There are rivers which still hold gold and huge waterfalls, deserted white sandy beaches and low lying savannah country. Flying to Cape York for a day you will see it all and more so come along and join us on the trip of a lifetime from Cairns we would just love to show you our Australia.

See more  Cape York tours  and the Lizard Island day tour .

Tour Details

Tour languages offered.

Departs From

Departure time.

Cairns Departure Time 7:45am (approx.) - Check in 7.00am (approx.) - Returns 5.30pm (approx.)

Departure Instructions

A safety briefing will be conducted before flight departure

Destinations

• Cape York Peninsula
• The Jardine River
• Endeavour River
• Wenlock River
• Daintree River
• Forbes Islands
• Cape Flattery
• Cape Melville
• Cape Grenville
• Cape Tribulation
• Black Mountain
• Lakefield National Parks
• Torres Straits

Months of Operation

April - November

Days of Operation

Flight time Cairns to Cape York: 2 hours and 25 minutes

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

This Cape York flight requires a minimum number of passengers to operate

Weight: Up to 115 Kg / 254 Lb

Additional Information

Please note a certain level of fitness is required on this tour.

• The walk to the top of Australia can be trying at best for some people. If the tide is out the walk is easier as 90 percent of the walk is along the beach. If the tide is in guests must walk along a rocky undulating uneven track for approximately 1.6 kms which can be steep in places
• All passengers need to be able to walk unaided over rocky terrain and get in and out of an aeroplane using a narrow stairs/ladder unaided.

The 1.6 kilometre hike is rated a 7 out of 10 in terms of difficulty.

• You must inform us if you have medical issues affecting your ability to walk unaided over rough terrain and short steep rocky obstacles which are extremely slippery when wet. There are no handrails. The walk to the top from the bus / carpark takes approximately 30 minutes each way.
• In the event guests feel they do not want to conduct the walk over the rocks they are welcome to stroll along Frangipani Beach or wander through the rainforest; Frangipani Beach is beatiful and many kms long and is the Northern Most Beach on the Australian mainland.
• Guests should not book onwards flights out of Cairns because of the possible delays we may experience.
• It is not uncommon to encounter flooded streams, tress across the roads, roads washed out... etc. Guests should not book connecting flights from Cairns on the evening of the day they intend to conduct the tour.
• In the event of an injury, please note medical help can be hours away.

What to Bring

• Comfortable Clothing and walking shoes, Hat, sun protection, camera and a bottle of water
• Come dressed in light clothing, shoes for walking up to 3.2 kms (runners or sandals), water, sun cream, hat and camera to capture th amazing views.
• Water: when organissing your water please remember you will be walking for approximately 3.2 kms return to the top and back to the bus you will travelling over 2000 kms in buses and planes. Water can be purchased at one outlet on Cape York. Water is also sold at our terminal. We recommend you bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person.

Child Policy

• Children aged 2 years old and up, must be accommodated on a seat with a standard seat belt.
• Infants aged up to 2 years old travel free of charge. Infant must sit on parents lap and be secured by a suitably approved harness, which is provided by the operator.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our   terms and conditions  for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

• All Passengers have a window seat in the aircraft.
• Cancellations must be advised at least 14 days prior to flight to receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made between 48 hours and 14 days prior to flight will incur a 10% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made within 48 hours of flight will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Important information:

All passengers need to be able to walk unaided over rocky terrain and get in and out of an aeroplane using a narrow stairs/ladder unaided.  

au $1,899.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au $1,899.00 Family: au $7,596.00

Choose Your Option

15 yrs & over

Ages of Children

(discounts may apply), 1300 761 612, +61 427 074 745, you may also like.

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Office Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm AEST

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Last Chance to Save $200 per person on 15 Day Cape York Tour and 15 Day Cape York + Savannah Wetlands Tour

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Cape York – Torres Strait Islands Cruises

Discover the beauty of the Torres Strait Islands and the remote coastlines of Cape York on an unforgettable small ship cruise adventure tour. Explore the mystical islands, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife of this remote region with our experienced guides. Book your tour now and experience a journey like no other!

Cape York By Sea – Small Ship Adventuring

There are options for travelling to Cape York via the sea. Join small ship adventuring where you can sail to ‘the Tip’ and explore the mystical Torres Strait Islands and the remote coastlines to the tip of Cape York.

With a maximum of 72 guests that take in small islands and reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef, coastal walks along Cape York, and the magic and mystery of our rarely seen Torres Strait Islands.

Or complete the journey and include Darwin, Arnhem Land, or Broome. Circumnavigate Australia or venture across to New Zealand. You can even explore international destinations with this cruise ship.

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Cape York Sea & 4WD Tours From Cairns – Not Currently Available

On your Cape York Tour, you will set foot on Australia’s most northerly point, Cape York. One leg of your trip will be 4WD touring, the other is on the Cargo Boat – M.V. Trinity Bay.

The sea voyage to or from Cape York is a unique experience. You will join a maximum of 38 passengers on a working Cargo Boat – M.V. Trinity Bay. The vessel only has 16 cabins (so book early to avoid mission out) and is a freight-carrying cargo ship that you will get to see firsthand the loading and unloading of fuel, building equipment, supplies, and food at the remote ports of Horn and Thursday Islands.

You will experience travelling the outback tracks of Cape York Peninsula in a 16-22 seat purpose-built 4WD safari vehicle being driven by a professional guide delivering a unique educational experience, eating delicious meals, and viewing breath-taking scenery.

The 10 to 14-day 4WD Drive/Sea Cape York Tours offer travelers three different holidays in one. There are strict medical requirements to be able to travel on the M.V. Trinity Bay, please review the requirements.

Cape York Cruise & 4WD Drive Tours

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CAPE YORK DAY TOUR

SEE CAPE YORK, BOTH BY AIR AND 4WD

THE CAPE YORK TOUR DEPARTS FROM COOKTOWN OR CAIRNS

$1,899 p.p. out of Cairns

$1,699 p.p. out of Cooktown

Note : Body weight limit 115 kg per passenger. 

• Cape York Day Tour
• Lizard Island Day Tour
• Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights
• Charter Flights
• Maintenance

CAPE YORK TRIP ITINERARY – 10 DAYS TO THE TIP!!

Ten days from Cooktown to Cape York and back via Weipa and the Old Telegraph Track (OTT). A total of 2022km travelled and an EPIC TRIP!

CHEERS – JUSTIN & BEC

When we first hit the road getting to the tip was on our bucket list! It’s one of those locations that’s tarred with adventure! We’d heard all the stories of recoveries, breakdowns, fishing and campfire tales and we were pumped to create our own…. Now, your timing to get up to the Cape is imperative as it can only be done in the dry season from around April-November (depending on the rain). For us, we didn’t want to go in school holidays as it gets very busy and we hate crowded campsites so we hit Cooktown in early September to prepare for the tip.

$$ Firstly, I’ll start off with our budget stats for the trip. $$

Diesel – $542.57 and the most expensive at Jardine River Ferry @ $2 per Litre.

Food –  $350 along the way and we also cleared out our van before we left (about $150 worth of food). The supermarket at Bamaga is fantastic and has everything you’ll need. Groceries are expensive in this area of Australia and we also purchased our drinking water too.

Accomodation – $172 Elim Beach $20p/n – Weipa Caravan Park $35p/n x2 – Punsand Bay Campground $44p/n x2 – Moreton Telegraph Station $20p/n

Alcohol – $180 You definitely need a beer or ten every afternoon at the Cape. The Tavern at Bamaga has some good specials. But do remember there are restrictions on how much grog you can carry up this way.

OUR 4WD SET UP AND CAMPING GEAR

OZtrail Fast Frame 450 Tourer – OZtrail Toilet – 12V Shower – Gas Stove – Sleeping Bags – Camp Chairs – Air Mattresses – Duffle Bags

You can read all about our MAZDA BT50 and how it’s kitted out for touring below……….

TRAVEL AUSTRALIA BUDGET SPREADSHEET

OUR MAZDA BT-50 & SETUP

This is our Rig and how we have set it up!

OUR CAMP ITINERARY -10 NIGHTS

Cook town – elim beach – weipa – bertie creek – logans creek – roonga point – punsand bay – morton telegraph station – cooktown.

COOKTOWN We love this little town. Lots to see and do around the area and it’s the start of your adventure to Cape York. We parked up at the Cooktown Holiday Park. It’s a beautiful park with plenty of shade, large grassy sites and a resort style pool to cool off in.

A small but busy town that is a hub for travellers heading north and south. Cooktown is a great place to not only stock up for your adventures but it also has a lot to see! After parking our van at the BIG4 Cooktown Holiday Park we decided to lay low for a day and do a ton of washing. The amenities are fantastic, staff are beyond friendly and the park itself is a winner!

If your after some Top Notch Seafood while you’re here,  there is a great bloke in town who runs Nicko’s seafood! He does a seafood run every avo through the caravan park so look out for him and make sure you grab some prawns, they are Delicious!! Hit him up when your buying some prawns about leaving your caravan somewhere while you head to the tip!!

Only 30km away you will find, “The Lions Den Hotel”. One of North Queenslands most Iconic Pubs. It provided us a tasty beer while the kids played in the playground. What a pub this is! With it’s quirky memorabilia, a swimming hole out the back and wood fired pizzas to die for, it’s a Mecca for tourists!  It’s a must stop while in the area. With its history and licenced bar what’s not to love.

After a couple of nights preparing for our trip we put our van into storage & stock up on some last minute groceries and we’re ready to hit the road.

We’d highly recommend stopping at Elim Beach on your way up to the Tip. An absolutely magic spot & make sure you check out the coloured sands while your there.  The next day we do a big drive to Weipa, via the battlecamp road. Which was pretty much just a well maintained gravel road, but a great shortcut instead of driving back through Cooktown and Laura.

The road up to Weipa was excellent. It had just been graded and over half of it was bitumen. This place actually surprised us! A little tight knit township with just about everything you could need. Driving into the Weipa caravan park we didn’t expect grass. But you drive through the gates and it was as green as ever, so we found a spot to set our tent up with an ocean view. There is a cafe on site that do a mean pizza, a fantastic pool and a great atmosphere. It was a beaut place to relax so we decided to stay 2 nights. It’s also where you will find the last big shopping centre as you head north. There is a Woolworths, tackle shops, medical centre etc… There is places to pick up a few things as you head further north, but your better off stocking up while your in Weipa.

THE OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK

Woohooo, after leaving Weipa we are stoked to finally hit the Old Telegraph Track. We make a quick pit stop for some fuel and pics at the Bramwell Roadhouse and we’re off!!

The start of the track is pretty tame with just a single vehicle track cutting through the bush with a few washouts and rocky sections along the way. Once you hit Palm Creek, this is where the track really starts to get a bit gnarly. A steep entry and exit into the creek make things a bit tricky. If your towing a trailer, you will need to head to the right to find the chicken track or you will be winching up the exit!!l

FRUITBAT FALLS Our next pit stop was Fruit Bat Falls and an iconic part of the OTT.  The falls are located where the the OTT crosses the PDR(Peninsula Development Road) .A beautiful waterfall that cascades over a ledge into a shallow pool perfect for swimming. We were quick to jump in and have a slash around. The kids loved playing under the waterfall and it really was magic! It wasn’t crowded either so we had plenty of room to enjoy the beautiful refreshing water on a stinking hot day!

As you continue on the northern section of the Tele Track you will soon come across Elliot Falls. Another picturesque waterfall and pool that we admired.There is also a great National Park campsite here if you book ahead. 

LOGANS CREEK

Our next stop was Logans Creek crossing, where you can sit and watch others attempt the water crossing before you of it yourself. We had a big day and decided to pull up and camp here for the night before finishing the track the next day.  

ROONGA POINT What an epic spot this one was and we had it all to ourselves. Beautiful blue waters and great fishing. I managed to catch a few fish and we watched a stunning sunset. Roonga Point is in-between the Croc Tent and Punsand Bay Campground. When you stop in at the Croc Tent for a look, ask them for a mudmap with the campgrounds and tracks on it. It will only cost you a few dollars and well worth it. 

An epic beach camp near the tip of Cape York. Easy to get to, great fishing and it’s a free camp!! So Good!

BAMAGA A great place to stock up, refuel, grab some more beers and do some grocery shopping. Be prepared to pay for expensive fuel here as well as all other items, which is fair enough in this remote part of Oz. The caravan park here is a great place to pull up and fishing off the jetty is a must.

PUNSAND BAY We were pretty excited to stop in here, get some washing done and have a swim in the (bore water) pool. We snagged a site right on the beach and had some amazing views. The restaurant do a fantastic meal and some of the best wood fired pizza’s we’ve had! We were even able to enjoy a few beers while the kids played with other families.

Punsand Bay Campground cost $44 per night and we stayed two as we did our trip to ‘The Tip’ from here.

THE TIP OF AUSTRALIA – PAJINKA

We made it to The Tip and it was a good feeling. Although it’s not  an overly difficult trek, it’s still a lot of km’s and a lot of corrugations to get there. We parked up at the bottom and as it was high tide we had to walk over some rocky outcrop to get to the tip. If you can get there on low tide, heading around the headland on the sand is a bit of a shortcut and it’s magnificent. The walk in was about 15 minutes and the kids all managed well. 

THE WAY BACK Now once you have reached the TIP, the adventure isn’t over just yet!! There is still some great campsites to visit before you head back down.  Here’s a few things to check out before you head back down. SOMERSET BEACH – A great free camp 5 BEACHES DRIVE – A scenic coastal loop that takes you past 5 beaches and back to the PDR.  THE FRENCHMANS TRACK- Another challenging 4wd track that takes you to the east coast & Chiili Beach .  CHILLI BEACH – An amazing campground where rainforest meets the snow white sands of Chilli beach. We didn’t make it there as the winds were howling 70-80km an hour, not ideal for setting up a tent. 

MORETON TELEGRAPH STATION Our last stop on our Cape York trek & this was such a welcoming visit. After all the red dirt we were very excited to pull into a lush green campground. We set up in a camp nestled amongst the bush and it was the perfect way to end out Cape York travels. Our final night here before heading back to Cooktown to pick up our van and continue down the East Coast.

FAVOURITE CAMPS –

BERTIE CREEK ON THE OTT AND ROONGA POINT BEACH CAMP JUST NEAR PUNSAND BAY. 

HOT TIPS!!!

1. DON’T GET TO THE JARDINE RIVER FERRY AT LUNCHTIME. 

2. DO THE WALK TO THE TIP AT LOW TIDE SO YOU CAN WALK AROUND THE BEACH. 

3. TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE SAFE

4. TRY AND DO IT WHEN IT’S NOT BUSY. WE HAD A DREAM RUN UP HERE WITH THE TRACKS MAINLY TO OURSELVES – WE RECKON IT WOULD NOT BE AS ENJOYABLE WHEN THERE IS HEAPS OF TRAFFIC. 

WHAT A BLOODY GREAT TRIP!! WE  LOVED GETTING OUT OF THE VAN AND TACKLING THE ADVENTURE OF THE OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK AND CAPE YORK.

A MASSIVE THANKS TO OZTRAIL FOR TEAMING UP WITH US, THE GEAR PERFORMED OUTSTANDING AND MADE LIFE EASY ON THE TRACKS. 

DEFINITELY PUT THIS TRIP ON YOUR HITLIST! IT’S ONE YOU WILL REMEMBER FOR EVER.

CHEERS CAPE YORK!!

TRIP WRAP UP!!

WE HAVE SOME GREAT PARTNERS ON BOARD WITH OUR TRAVELS.

Huge thanks to these guys for the support. cheers.

The Ultimate Lap Of Australia Itinerary (eBook)

Travel Australia Cost Calculation/Budget Spreadsheet

The Essential Guide to Road Tripping Australia eBook

Central Australia Itinerary

15% OFF NAVIGATOR GEAR

BIG LAP BUDGET

Learn how much it will cost you to Travel Oz like us!

FUNDING OUR TRIP

How we funded our trip and tips for you to do the same

OFF-GRID BATTERY SET-UP

THE ULTIMATE IN FREE CAMPING POWER

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• Cargo ship your way to Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands

Kimberley Roberts

We’ve rounded up the top reasons why you need to get your ship together and get on the MV Trinity Bay to Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands.

Forget flying or 4WD’ing. If you want to visit the tip of Cape York and the neighbouring Torres Strait Islands , the only way to do it is by jumping on board the MV Trinity Bay and cruising up 1000 km of coast amidst cargo shipments and supplies destined to the northern communities.

Sure, this may sound a bit, um, industrial. But fear not! The MV Trinity Bay is fully equipped with passenger cabins, a dining lounge (and THE best buffet – more on that later), an outside deck and a media room. All creature comforts are met to ensure your only worry is where to best position yourself for that epic #boatselfie. Here are just some of the reasons to take the coastline route to the tip of Australia.

You'll visit some amazing places

They say it’s all about the journey, not the destination. In this case, it’s just as much about the destination. After 40 hours at sea, you’ll sail through the Torres Strait and disembark on Horn Island. The next few days will be spent on land exploring the stunning beauty and rich history of Horn and Thursday Islands , learning about pearl farming on Roko Island and getting that highly coveted photo at the northernmost point on the Australian continent. If it’s in the budget, treat yourself to a helicopter flight over the tip for uninterrupted views of pristine blue waters, hidden reefs, untouched islands and remote beaches.

You'll make new friends

The proximity to other passengers and the fact that you will be on the boat for a healthy chunk of time means that you will inevitably forge friend-ships (pun unashamedly intended) with your fellow cargo cruisers. With a relaxed vibe throughout the trip and the loveliest of crews, spirits are running high and it’s nearly impossible not to strike up a convo with the other shippers and learn a little more about each other.

Your taste buds will thank you

With industrial cargo shipping comes industrial cafeteria food, right? Oh so wrong! Chef Jason is here to dispel that misconception and ensure your stomach is brimming with gourmet food the whole journey through. You may not see him much, because he will be toiling away in the kitchen from morning to night, preparing seafood dishes, casserole feasts, salads, fresh fruit and veg, and homemade cakes and pastries for passengers to gorge on all day. With the unescapable urge to go back for seconds and thirds, it’s no surprise the ship has been dubbed the ‘5-kilo cruise’. What the crew unload in cargo, passengers will be packing on in exceptional cuisine.

You'll learn a thing or two

We don’t often stop to wonder who services the northernmost communities of Australia and how supplies are delivered up to the Cape. From goldfish to portable homes, there is (almost) nothing Sea Swift will not transport, and the journey aboard the MV Trinity Bay provides fascinating and first-hand insight into the freighting business in Tropical North Queensland. With a behind-the-scenes bridge tour and countless books detailing the vast history of the region, you’re bound to end the trip with a few new nuggets of knowledge.

You'll be completely disconnected

Does the thought of being completely free from your mobile sound like a dream but also scare you a little? The MV Trinity Bay offers the perfect digital detox, with only around 24 hours of reception blackout. That’s just enough to get into that new book you’ve been meaning to open or to enjoy the views of the north-eastern coast, but not too long that you’ll go into full-on Instagram withdrawals. Speaking of, the absence of Wi-Fi bars may be the ideal opportunity to nail that epic sunset and/or sunrise shot that you can chuck on social as soon as the 4G is back up!

You'll be part of an exclusive crowd

The tip of Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands are already high on many people’s proverbial bucket lists, but how many can say they’ve reached that area by cargo ship? With one trip per week accommodating a maximum of 36 passengers, only a select few passengers get to experience this unique adventure every year, and you’ll be one of them!

The essentials:

• The MV Trinity Bay departs every Tuesday from Cairns, stops on Horn and Thursday Islands on Thursdays, moors at Seisia on Fridays and departs back to Cairns that same evening for a return into the big smoke on Sundays.
• There are a few ways to experience the MV Trinity Bay journey – opt for a return trip aboard the ship, or cruise one way and drive or fly the other. Flights are at your own arrangements and are available on select days through Qantas (ex. Horn Island), Skytrans and REX Airlines (ex. Bamaga). Vehicle transport must be arranged with SeaSwift prior to departure and will incur extra charges.
• Prices vary depending on the time of year and level of accommodation. In low season (November-April), a 5-night round-trip for one person in ensuite facilities will set you back just over AUD $1,500.
• Find all the deets  here .

Miles of isles

Discover the stunning islands of Tropical North Queensland.

8 Island Campsites on the Great Barrier Reef

Unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe by camping on the Great Barrier Reef! Have you ever dreamed of escaping from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives? Where life is simple, revolving around the rising sun and falling tide? Yep, so have we! Here’s Eight island campsites where you can unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe.

5 Unmissable sights in the Torres Strait Islands

Between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, there’s a fascinating world of unforgettable adventures to be had. Journey to this culturally unique part of Australia and you’ll find vibrant Indigenous communities celebrating their strong connection to land and sea.

Everything you need to know about Fitzroy Island

If you want proof not all Great Barrier Reef islands are born equal, pay a visit to the supermodel of the island world, Fitzroy Island.

Lizard Island – The northern-most resort on the Great Barrier Reef

Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters that will make you question whether you’re in a dream, discover the true meaning of tropical oasis at the exclusive and ultra-luxurious, Lizard Island.

Stop what you’re doing, there’s a group of islands you’ve never heard about: Frankland Islands

Looking for an eco-certified river, reef and rainforest adventure in Tropical North Queensland? Think Frankland Islands.

Fitzroy Island : A Tropical Utopia Awaits

Travel writer Lee Mylne has visited Queensland’s precious Great Barrier Reef multiple times. On a visit to Fitzroy Island she reflects on the joy her young grandson Ollie would take in this natural wonder.

Fancy a roadtrip to The Tip?

Drive your way to the most northern part of the Australian Continent.

Privacy Overview

Accessibility, accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
• May 27, 2024

Compliance status

We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.

Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
• Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).

Notes, comments, and feedback

Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to

Opportunity’s Exploration of “Cape York”

NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity drove onto the "Cape York" segment of the rim of Endeavour Crater in August 2011 and departed Cape York in May 2013. The inset map at upper left shows the full path taken by the rover at Cape York and the location of the "Matijevic Hill" area, which is magnified in the main map. The location of a rock target called "Esperance" is indicated in the main map. Opportunity found evidence of clay-mineral composition at Esperance, indicating a history of alteration by water that was not strongly acidic.

North is to the top in both maps. The scale bar in the main map is 10 meters (33 feet). The scale bar in the inset is ten times longer. The base imagery for the maps is from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Opportunity's route enters the inset map from the left (west) and leaves at the bottom (south).

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