EARLY BIRD OFFER! 11-day Exploration of Cape York & Torres Strait (Cairns Return)

Day 1: Friday - Cairns (D)

Your adventure begins with a Welcome Dinner at our tour hotel. Please arrive at your accommodation by 2.00pm for check-in. Meet fellow travellers and hear all about the adventures ahead with a comprehensive tour orientation by your Savannah Guides Operator driver and host.

Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns

Day 2: Saturday - Cooktown (B, L, D)

We travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives to Mossman; nestled in the World Heritage-Listed Daintree Rainforest. We’ll board the Daintree River Ferry for a short cable crossing of the famous Daintree River. Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, an award-winning interpretive facility. Join a guided tour of the rainforest boardwalks. Visit the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in Wujal Wujal, a small coastal Aboriginal community on the banks of the Bloomfield River.Follow the Bloomfield Track on a spectacular scenic journey hugging the Daintree Coast.

2 nights River of Gold Motel, Cooktown

Day 3: Sunday - Cooktown(B, L, D)

Discover Cooktown’s colourful history today. Join our guide on a tour of the Cooktown Cemetery and hear the intriguing story of a fair skinned woman known as the “Normanby Woman” who was sighted living with Aborigines back in the 1800s. Visit James Cook Museum in the magnificent 19th Century Sisters of Mercy Convent for an insight into the grounding of the Endeavour and the most significant land based stay of Captain Cook’s east coast expedition. Wander the beautiful heritage listed Cooktown Botanic Gardens and see the Vera Scarth-Johnson collection of original regional botanical illustrations. Enjoy some free time to stroll downtown Cooktown and a late afternoon tour of Grassy Hill with 360-degree views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 4: Monday – Musgrave(B, L, D)

Travel to Lakeland and Laura via the mysterious Black Mountains, a special story place for the Kuku Yalanji people. World-class Aboriginal rock art and wonderful locally grown coffee are two big drawcards for these small towns.Best known are the Quinkan Country rock art, considered to be some of the most significant Aboriginal art sites in the world, where we will join an Indigenous guided tour of Split Rock and visit the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre. Travel along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the Hann River Roadhouse for a short break before continuing on to Musgrave Road House.

Overnight Musgrave Roadhouse

Day 5: Tuesday - Weipa(B, L, D)

We continue along the Peninsula Development Road to the old mining community of Coen.The town was originally created around a repeater station in the Overland Telegraph Line to the Tip of Cape York Peninsula. We’ll arrive in time for lunch at the Archer River Roadhouse.Located on the banks of the crystal clear Archer River, the Roadhouse is famous for the massive Archer Burger, best served with an icy cold drink under their shaded patio. Last top for the day is Weipa, the Barramundi capital of Queensland. Originally an Aboriginal mission, Weipa grew to become a township after the discovery of bauxite. Late afternoon relax at your accommodation with sweeping views of Albatross Bay.

2 nights Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa

Day 6: Wednesday - Weipa(B, L, D)

Learn about Weipa’s mining operations on a morning tour of the world’s largest bauxite mine, operated by Rio Tinto. Get up close and personal to the 190 tonne Belly Dumper Haul trucks while touring the working mine site and follow the rail and conveyor belt system as the bauxite makes its way to the loading dock. Join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a chance to spot local birdlife and crocodiles. Relax with drinks and nibbles as you learn about the incredible ecosystems and local culture. Witness a stunning sunset in one of the few places in Queensland where the sun sets over the ocean in the west.

Day 7: Thursday - Bamaga(B, L, D)

Follow sections of the Old Telegraph Track to Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wenlock River. Part of the historic Overland Telegraph Line, Moreton Telegraph Station was completed in 1887 and ceased operations in 1987 with the introduction of microwave telecommunications. Spot giant termite mounds as the country changes to the open plains of Heathlands Resources Reserve. Cool off in the lush Fruit Bat Falls with its crystal clear water (croc free), a perfect swimming spot and one of the most special places on the Cape. Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry to Bamaga, the closest settlement to the Tip of Australia.This evening you’ll be treated to a traditional cultural dance performance.

2 nights Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Bamaga

Day 8: Friday - Bamaga(B, L, D)

Experience the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas. We begin with a drive to Pajinka. The 45-60 minute walk over rocky headland to ‘The Tip’ of Cape York requires a good level of fitness. Take that ‘bucket-list’ photo as you stand at the Tip of Australia; then savour a picnic lunch on Sommerset Beach with breath-taking views to Albany Island. Visit the iconic Croc Tent then return to your accommodation for free time to relax.

Day 9: Saturday - Torres Strait Islands(B, L, D)

Cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island; just one of 274 islands which lie between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Discover Thursday Island’s hidden past, including Green Hill Fort, on a guided history tour. Join a special tour to Friday Island and the Kazu Pearl Farm. Learn about the cultivation, seeding and harvesting of the oyster followed by a delicious Japaneseseafood lunch and a visit to the Pearl Farm Shop.Return to Thursday Island with time to visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and local shops before travelling by ferry to Horn Island late afternoon.

Overnight Gateway Torres Strait Resort, Horn Island

Day 10: Sunday - Cairns(B, L, D)

Join local guides on a tour of the World War II sites. See gun emplacements, an underground command post and an aircraft wreck with an epic tale. Walk in the steps of traditional owners, the Kaurareg People, and learn their stories. Following the tour you will have time to wander the Torres Strait Heritage Museum and visit local markets. Enjoy an Asian buffet lunch on Horn Island before transferring to Horn Island Airport for your QantasLink flight to Cairns. Tonight we’ll celebrate the end of our adventure with a Farewell Dinner at the Coral Hedge Brasserie & Bar.

Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns

Day 11: Monday - Homeward bound (B)

Your Cape York and Torres Strait adventure concludes after breakfast at Rydges Esplanade.Own arrangements for your connecting flight or rail home.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

* Early Bird Discount - Valid on May and Sep 2020 departures only. Save $400 per person for bookings made and deposited before 31 Dec 2019.

• 29 May 2020*
• 18 September 2020*

• Twin share - $6599 per person*
• Solo Traveller - $7799*

Jun-Aug 2020 Rates:

• 26 June 2020
• 24 July 2020
• 21 August 2020

• Twin share - $6999 per person
• Single - $8199

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your seat now. We can also book your flights, additional accommodation and travel insurance.

During your tour, you will stay at the following properties:

• Rydges Esplanade, Cairns
• River of Gold Motel, Cooktown
• Musgrave Roadhouse
• Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa
• Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Bamaga
• Gateway Torres Strait Resort, Horn Island

Please note a medium level of fitness is required for this tour:

• Guests have no mobility concerns and they have declared any pre-existing injuries which may affect their participation. Please note tours include leisurely walks that can be in excess of 1.5km. Not suitable for guests needing wheelie walkers or wheelchairs.

Baggage Allowance:

• One small to medium sized suitcase per person (approx 60cm high x 40cm wide x 30cm depth) max weight 20kg. One piece of hand luggage/day pack may be carried onboard the coach. Due to limited space, the carriage of wheelie-walkers must be requested prior to travel.