An exciting journey to the northernmost tip of mainland Australia!. Discover lush rainforests & beautiful scenic coastal roads. Historic towns, outback trails, unique wildlife and some truly magnificent sunsets!
Join a great group of like-minded over-60s on an adventure north to the very tip of Queensland! Commencing and ending in Cairns, this roundtrip will show you the staggering variety of Tropical and Outback North Queensland. This itinerary includes the mining town of Weipa, a stay at a true blue Aussie cattle station, historic Cooktown (where Captain James Cook landed the Endeavour), and the prehistoric landscapes of Cape York - full of gigantic termite mounds, crystal clear creeks and unique plant life.
Highlights
Fly from Cairns to Horn Island, with the flight included.
Explore the fascinating: Thursday Island.
Stand at the northernmost point of mainland Australia.
Enjoy a refreshing swim and picnic lunch at the stunning Fruit Bat Falls.
Discover the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of Lakefield National Park.
Experience authentic outback hospitality with a stay at Musgrave Telegraph Station.
Travel the iconic Bloomfield Track, one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives.
Visit historic Cooktown, where Captain James Cook repaired the Endeavour.
Explore Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
Wander through the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, the world's oldest tropical rainforest.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Arrive in Cairns
Arrive in Cairns at your convenience and check in to the Shangri La Hotel Cairns (check-in from 2pm). In the evening, join fellow Travel at 60 community travellers for a warm welcome dinner with a glass of wine, providing the perfect opportunity to meet new friends who share your passion for travel and exploration.
Shangri La Hotel CairnsD
2
Cairns to Horn Island, Thursday Island
After an early morning pick-up, transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Horn Island. Ferry to Thursday Island and enjoy an informative guided bus tour of the island and its picturesque harbour, once home to the romantic pearl lugger fleet. This afternoon board your ferry to the mainland, where you will be met by your guide and taken to your accommodation.
Cape York Peninsula LodgeBD
3
Cape York, Somerset
Experience an unforgettable day as you stand at the very top of mainland Australia. Visit Somerset (subject to road conditions), once home to the legendary Jardine family and government outpost established in 1864. Enjoy lunch on Anchorage Beach, nestled amidst palm-fringed surroundings overlooking the Albany Passage. Complete your day with a leisurely walk on the beach before returning to accommodation.
Cape York Peninsula LodgeBLD
4
Cape York, Fruit Bat Falls, Bramwell Station
Southward bound, cross the mighty Jardine River, stopping at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch. Relax, swim and enjoy this unique area with its picturesque waterfall. Travel along part of the Old Telegraph Track before arriving at Bramwell Station, a former 'true blue' Aussie Cattle Station.
Bramwell StationBLD
5
Bramwell Station, Weipa
A southerly run through the wilderness with all its varied landscapes to cross the Wenlock River. Head for the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and overnight stop at Weipa, with its view over Albatross Bay. This afternoon there is the opportunity of an optional Wildlife Eco River Cruise (own expense), which showcases the area's natural beauty, local culture, history, and abundant wildlife.
The Heritage Resort, WeipaBD
6
Weipa, Archer River, Musgrave Telegraph Station
Continue south, stopping off at the picturesque Archer River, then on to the historic frontier gold town of Coen. The afternoon finds you arriving at the Old Musgrave Telegraph Station.
Old Musgrave Telegraph StationBLD
7
Musgrave, Lakefield National Park, Cooktown
After an early start, head east towards Princess Charlotte Bay and explore Lakefield National Park (road conditions permitted), a haven for the many birds and animals native to this area. Lagoons, billabongs, and wide river lakes are home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles. Pass the mysterious Black Mountain and the historic Lions Den Hotel, travelling on to the old gold port of Cooktown, where you visit Captain Cook's Landing before settling into accommodation.
The final exciting day has arrived. Traverse the jungle-shrouded Bloomfield Track (road conditions permitted) and see where the 'rainforest meets the reef' at Cape Tribulation. Travel through the splendour of a World Heritage listed rainforest. A scenic drive along the Marlin Coast brings you to Cairns in the late afternoon.
Shangri La Hotel CairnsBL
9
Depart Cairns
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the hotel and bidding farewell to your fellow travellers.
B
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Travel by purpose-built air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
Experienced Tour Leader
Small group experience with maximum 24 guests
Flight between Horn Island & Cairns
8 nights accommodation
8 breakfasts + 5 Lunches + 7 dinners
Not included
Travel Insurance
Airfares
Meals not included in itinerary
Drinks
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
On this tour you will enjoy 8 nights accommodation:
Shangri La Hotel Cairns
Cape York Peninsula Lodge
Bramwell Cattle Station
The Heritage Resort, Weipa
Old Musgrave Telegraph Station
Sovereign Hotel, Cooktown
*Please note that as you will be travelling through remote parts of North Queensland, some accommodation will be of a basic standard. Most will have private ensuite facilities. Accommodation is subject to change by operator.
Sovereign Resort Cooktown
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
To/From Cairns Flight Information
Please ensure when booking flights you arrive and depart as per the below:
Day 1 – Flights to arrive anytime into Cairns Airport
Day 9 - Flights to depart anytime tour ends after breakfast
Airport transfers at own expense
Flight Information - Horn Island to Cairns (or vice versa)
QANTASLINK aircraft is a 50-70 seater Dash 8 with inflight facilities. Cruise speed is approximately 520 km / hr and cruising at 25,000 feet. Approximate travel time is 2 hours.
Light refreshments are provided. Special dietary requirements are not catered for.
Please be aware that the airline has a ONE PIECE CHECKED-IN and ONE PIECE HAND LUGGAGE policy per person.
Don’t forget your photo I.D. for check in.
Tour Vehicle Information:
There are 4 steps to navigate to enter the vehicle with a handrail to assist.
Passengers can bring a walking stick to assist with the walks, however, the tour is not suitable for passengers who depend on a walker.
Water is available in the vehicles at all times. An esky is provided for the passengers’ drinks. Any soft drinks, alcohol, fruit juices etc. are at your own expense.
Accommodation Information:
Musgrave Station has basic rooms with an ensuite.
Bramwell Station has 12 rooms with ensuite bathroom + 2 very basic rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
Other Information:
All breakfasts and dinners are served in accommodation venue restaurants - breakfast: 3 x continental and 3 x cooked while on tour. dinner: 2 course meal consisting of main, dessert, tea or coffee.
Lunch: salads and sandwiches will be made and served at a suitable stop each day.
Laundry is available along the way at Cooktown, Weipa, and Seisia. The washing machines and dryers take $ 1 coins. Bring along some washing powder.
Mobile phone coverage can be available along the way at some points if you have Telstra Next G coverage (available at Cooktown, Coen, Weipa, limited at Seisia and Thursday Island); however you are not able to access this all the time.
There is no Wi-Fi available on tour.
As per Government Regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for “smoking breaks” en route.
Fitness Requirements:
Moderate level of fitness as walks to locations may be on uneven ground
Unsuitable for wheelchairs or "wheelie walkers"
Fruit Bat Falls swimming: distance approx. 400m via boardwalk. Entrance to the water is a little difficult with rocky bottom and slippery river rocks.
Cape York Tip Walk: distanceapprox. 2km return trip. The walk is fairly difficult with rocky, uneven surfaces and steep at times. Passengers may choose to sit it out (wait on the beach, chairs supplied).
Supplier Fitness Form to be completed and return prior to travel.
Clothing & What to Bring:
Note: Due to workplace health and safety regulations, luggage cannot exceed 10kg per person.
Luggage: 1 small soft travel bag or soft suitcase per person (maximum size: 30 x 30 x 70cm, preferably without wheels, not exceeding 10kg)
Cabin baggage: 1 small daypack per person
Comfortable, light walking shoes (one pair sandals, one pair runners)
Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
Warm layers in cooler months
Swimmers & towel (if swimming)
Toiletries (insect repellent)
Torch
Small personal water bottle
Ready to lock in?
Book this package
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.
Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.
A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.
Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.
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