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Accommodated Cape York tours provide the opportunity to explore and enjoy the remote wilderness area that is Cape York Peninsula, without the need for a camper, tent or trailer. Some people wonder if this means there is a compromise on the itinerary and activities, and we’re here to tell you, that is not so! Our accommodated Cape York tours are fly/drive or drive/fly, with the same itinerary operating in a loop and/or reverse. You’ll criss-cross Queensland’s northern reaches, taking you to and from Australia’s most northern tip and beyond. Your ride is a late model 4WD – a comfortable, capable and air-conditioned vehicle, equipped to meet the challenges of the rugged terrain. Your guide is knowledgeable about the diverse tapestry of landscapes you visit, as well as the early pioneering and wartime history, and rich Indigenous culture. We’ve taken care of all the details, the planning and reservations, and are excited to explore this iconic part of our country with you, on one of our accommodated Cape York tours.
It’s just you and five others on our accommodated Cape York tours, which means you are getting a really personalised experience. You’ll traverse terrain that varies from lush tropical rainforests, to grasslands, wetlands, rivers, beaches, long red roads and savannah plains, dotted with termite mounds. An ancient landscape with exceptional natural and cultural values, which you’ll learn all about on our accommodated Cape York tours. When do they operate? Between May and October, with departures to and from Cairns. If you’re looking for adventure and want to tick ‘The Tip’ off your bucket-list, we’re here to make that happen, in comfort and style.
Book TourAt Discovery Tours, our dedicated team love taking guests across Cape York on adventurous tours of discovery. We look forward to sharing this amazing piece of Australia, with you.
Cairns is the gateway to most Cape York tours, thanks to its international and domestic airport, as well as road and rail connections with the rest of the country. When you book one of our accommodated Cape York tours, the ‘leg’ of the journey between Cairns and Cooktown, taking in the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, is either the beginning or end of your adventure. This is because our itinerary operates in two directions: drive from Cairns to Cape York and fly back, or fly from Cairns to Cape York and drive back.
It’s a particularly scenic section of country and coastline, characterised by the rainforest and reef. Highlights include a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River, where you might see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat, boardwalks in the Daintree Rainforest, a visit to Cape Tribulation – where the reef meets the rainforest.
After a leisurely breakfast we begin our journey towards Cooktown. Engaging 4WD, we travel along the Bloomfield Track (weather permitting) enjoying many scenic spots including Bloomfield Falls and Cedar Bay National Park. We stop at the World-Famous Lions Den Hotel – another classic Aussie Icon. We visit the mysterious Black Mountain before arriving in the historic township of Cooktown for an informative afternoon visit to the Cooktown Museum (formerly named James Cook Museum).
We start our day with a visit to Grassy Hill Lookout, Botanical Gardens & Nature’s Powerhouse – this is truly an amazing place. From Cooktown we head west to Battle Camp and onwards into Lakefield National Park. After visiting the Old Laura Homestead, we travel through many fascinating river valleys and numerous giant termite mounds before arriving at our overnight accommodation in Coen. Dinner at the Exchange Hotel.
Today we continue our adventure to one of Australia’s most remote areas as we head east exploring the Sir William Thompson Range and then crossing the Pascoe River, we head to into The Iron Range National Park. As we enter the National Park, we see the spectacular Mount Tozer at the peak of the table range, before descending to Lockhart River a unique aboriginal community situated on the ocean at Lloyd Bay. Exploring the many wonders of the Iron Range National Park whilst enjoying the dense tropical rainforest being the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Australia. We arrive at Lockhart River for our overnight stay.
Today we have the opportunity to explore Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park. Kutini means cassowary and Payamu means rainbow serpent. These are important stories for the Kuuku Ya’u (Kanthanampu and Kungkay) people, the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this coastal park of international significance. A day full of spectacular views and biodiversity from the beaches and headlands to the heath-covered Tozer Range. A unique collection of mammals, frogs, lizards and snakes are found only at Kutini-Payamu along with numerous species linking to New Guinea. Return to the Greenhoose surrounded by a tranquil rainforest environment for dinner and overnight.
Leaving the east coast behind, we head inland to the north through the National Park and onwards to more savannah country of the Cape. In the afternoon we continue towards the West Coast and the famous mining town of Weipa located in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Weipa is the largest town on the Cape York Peninsula with a population of about 3000 people. Its main industries are mining and cattle exports. Arriving late afternoon, we then depart the port of Weipa on a Sunset Eco Cruise through the tranquil waters of the Embley River into the golden glow of a sunset over the water, whilst enjoying a cold drink and canapes, your friendly guide will spot crocodiles and birds along the way. The Weipa Motel Resort your stay for the night offers warm hospitality and friendly service with modern comfort and style.
Departing Weipa early we head through one of the largest cattle stations on the Cape – Batavia Downs. We visit the Morton Telegraph Station; this important link in communication to the far north and the cape operated till 1960. We now begin what will be one of the highlights of our tour – it’s now time to join one of the original Telegraph Tracks (conditions permitting) Travelling further north to visit Elliot Falls and fruit bat Falls Joining the Bamaga Development Road we arrive at the Cape’s most famous river, the Jardine crossing the crocodile infested stream by ferry, then onwards to the top of Australia where we stay for the next two nights
Today we visit the remains of Somerset, which was established by the Jardine Family as the Government outpost and Cattle Station. Spend some time at some secluded beaches, where we have previously sighted dugongs and sea turtles. This is a particularly scenic part of the Cape. We then head for Australia’s most northerly point, Cape York. The 30-minute walk to the point has lots of great views, also once we arrive it’s time to grab a drink and enjoy the afternoon over the Torres Strait
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For our last day, we take a boat cruise across the Torres Strait to Thursday Island and enjoy a guided tour around this small island that is part of Torres Strait culture and history. The island is situated between Cape York and Australia’s nearest neighbour New Guinea. We then take a short ferry ride to Horn Island, where you will also enjoy a short tour of the Island before being transferred to the Horn Island Airport for your flight back to Cairns, arriving at approximately 5.00pm. Transfer back to your Cairns CBD accommodation.
Book Tour© Discovery Tours 2025 / Articles / Some Photo(s) courtesy of Tourism Tropical North Queensland
