13 Day Cape York Wilderness Adventure Guided Holiday with Outback Spirit 2027

Please check your required arrival time with the office before booking your flights.

Arrive in Cairns for an early afternoon start, where you’ll meet your friendly and professional touring crew. We then begin our journey north with a scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas. Enjoy a brief tour of this famous relaxed tropical village before checking in.

This morning, meandering north, we’ll visit the award-winning Mossman Gorge Centre in the Daintree National Park. Embark on the Dreamtime Gorge Walk, beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony. Guided by knowledgeable Indigenous custodians, you’ll discover the rich stories, culture, and connection to Country that make this experience truly unforgettable. At the end of the walk, enjoy traditional bush tea and damper. We then venture further into the Daintree, with an informative cruise on the Daintree River, before an exclusive guided tour at Cooper Creek Wilderness to learn more about the world’s oldest rainforest. Tonight, you’ll be staying at the Heritage Lodge and Spa in a cabin set in the quiet serenity of the Daintree forest.

Journey deeper into the Daintree as we venture to Cape Tribulation, the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage wonders meet: the ancient Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. After a serene beach stroll, get ready for an exhilarating drive along the legendary Bloomfield Track, a true outback adventure. There are numerous steep climbs through the rainforest and several creek crossings to navigate, so sit back and enjoy the scenery as your experienced tour driver does the hard work. Once we’re across the Bloomfield River, a visit to Bloomfield Falls will build your appetite for lunch at the Lion’s Den Hotel, one of Queensland’s oldest bush pubs. We arrive at Cooktown with time for an orientation town tour which includes the James Cook Museum, Cooktown Botanic Gardens and Grassy Hill lookout.

Setting out today, we travel the historic Battle Camp Road (subject to road conditions), stopping at the Old Laura Homestead before reaching the cultural heart of Laura. Here, an Indigenous guide leads us through ancient rock art sites, sharing cultural stories passed down through generations. We then continue into Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, pausing at Kalpowar for afternoon tea before arriving at the wildlife-rich Red Lily Lagoon. As the journey unfolds, watch the landscape transform into the vast savannah of Nifold Plain. Tonight, you’ll stay at Lotusbird Lodge in unique pole style cabins, complete with private verandah and ensuite. 

Take to the skies for a breathtaking helicopter flight over Rinyirru (Lakefield National Park), soaring above shimmering wetlands and sprawling floodplains. Afterwards, follow the Kennedy River to scenic Princess Charlotte Bay, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and habitat for the dugong. The afternoon is yours - relax at the lodge or join a guided walk through the billabong, where you might spot rare birdlife.

Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights

Departing Lotusbird Lodge, we make our way north along the Peninsula Development Road, passing through Coen before arriving at a bucket list stop Archer River Roadhouse for lunch, one of Australia’s northern most roadhouses. We then continue to Weipa, the economic hub of the Cape and often referred to as the ‘Barramundi capital of Queensland’ due to the abundance of marine life.

Start the day with a tranquil cruise along the Embley River, spotting diverse wildlife and learning about the region’s unique history. Back on land, we visit the Western Cape Cultural Centre before heading deeper into the remote north, passing Batavia Downs and following the historic Telegraph Track to our overnight stay at Moreton Telegraph Station the perfect place to bed down and absorb the wilderness of the Cape.

In the 1860s construction began on the Overland Telegraph Line. The northern section ran through very difficult rugged country and the telegraph survey expedition was only the fourth overland expedition ever made to Cape York. Work on the Cape York Peninsula section was completed in 1886, and Moreton Telegraph Station was completed in 1887.

The line served Australia well until the outbreak of war when better communications were required in the face of the threat to the northern coastline. After more than 100 years of service, Moreton eventually ceased communication operations in 1987 with the introduction of the modern era of telecommunications.

Today, join our guides for some interpretive walks around the station and along the Wenlock River, which contains the highest diversity of freshwater fish of all Australian rivers. Species include the Freshwater Sawfish, Spear tooth Shark and more common fish like the Sooty Grunter and Barramundi.

After lunch, there is time to catch up on some washing or simply relax and take in the beautiful surrounds followed by our second night at this historic site.

Our adventure continues along the rugged Telegraph Track, cutting through remote and wild terrain. Some sections of the track are impassable, so we take the northern and southern bypass roads. A highlight of the day is a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Fruit Bat Falls, a true oasis in the outback. After a picnic lunch, we cross the Jardine River by ferry, formally known as Deception River the largest river of the Cape. We arrive in the indigenous town of Bamaga late afternoon and check in to the award-winning Cape York Peninsula Lodge our home the next two nights.

Today we venture to the northernmost point on the Australian Mainland, a Cape traveller’s ultimate destination. The walking track commences at Pajinka and requires a good level of fitness, but is well worth the effort! Get your picture taken next to the iconic signpost and soak up the views of the Torres Strait as your guide fills you in on the history of the area.

This afternoon we visit Somerset, once the home of Frank Jardine and the official government residence on the Cape, protected by British Marines. After a BBQ lunch we return to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Tonight enjoy a performance by a local dance group at the resort. 

Please note: local dance group is subject to availability.

Step aboard for a relaxing cruise across Endeavour Strait with informative commentary about the Torres Strait Islands, as we make our way to Thursday Island, affectionately known as TI. Home to around 3,000 residents, the island serves as the main administrative centre of the Torres Strait. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour with a local expert. A short ferry ride carries us across to Friday Island, one of the more secluded islands and home to Kazu Pearls. Pearl farming started here in the 1860’s, where you’ll witness a fascinating demonstration before returning to Thursday Island for our overnight stay.

Note: For your convenience when taking the ferries to the islands, we suggest that you reduce your luggage to a small backpack. You will require a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, bathers, toiletries (no sharps), personal ID and Qantas Frequent Flyer card (if you have one). The rest of your luggage will return to Cairns on the coach.

This morning, we catch a ferry across to Horn Island and enjoy a tour of this once prominent WWII air base before visiting the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. We then board our flight back to Cairns, arriving in time for lunch. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner to farewell new friends and reflect upon our incredible adventure to the tip of Australia.

After breakfast enjoy a relaxing morning before your transfer to Cairns airport, or to your accommodation if staying on.