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Cairns to Cape York 9 Day Tour

$7,550 / Person

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Product note
Secure your spot with a 10% deposit.
Book Now Link
https://booknow.operatorhub.travel/?token=eaadf676a008f52216ecada10cb5b3f1&category=cairns-to-cape-york-9-day-tour
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Price From
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Tour Info

Multi-day Priority
1
Ages
18 years+
Trip Code
CYDF9, CYFD9
Card Badge Label
Secure your spot with a 10% deposit
Card Badge Color
6292A0
Trip Styles
Multi day Tours
Duration
9 days
Physicality
5/10
Group size
2-6
Destinations
Cairns and Far North Queensland

About This Tour

Join a small group of like-minded guests for the journey of a lifetime in North Queensland. Jump on board our comfortable late model 4WD and travel to the Tip of Australia. If you want to see Cape York in a bit of style with a small group of no more than six people, then this is the tour for you. With many value-added inclusions and a knowledgeable local guide to show you the sights, you’ll find this tour is very good value for money. On this personal 9 Day Cape York Safari, you can ask the guide to see what you are interested in most, to a larger extent than on bigger tours. This tour operates as both a Drive/Fly & Fly/Drive. A showcase of history, culture and our pioneering past.

Highlights

  • Daintree Rainforest
  • Daintree River Cruise
  • Cape Tribulation
  • Bloomfield Track
  • Cooktown
  • James Cook Museum
  • Old Laura Homestead
  • Iron Range National Park
  • Lockhart River
  • Weipa
  • Western Cape Cultural Centre
  • Batavia Downs
  • Morton Telegraph Station
  • The Tip of Australia
  • Crossing between Cape & Thursday Island
  • Flight between Horn Island & Cairns
  • This tour operates as both a Drive/Fly & Fly/Drive and the itinerary and inclusions for both options are the same, the tour is just conducted in reverse.
  • Please note: This tour is not suitable for infants.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 4.8 on Tripadvisor (1,109 Reviews)

Itinerary

Cape York Tour: Drive/Fly
Day 1: Cairns to Cape Tribulation
Leaving Cairns we head north along Queensland’s Great Ocean Road towards Mossman Gorge, where we refresh with local tea, coffee or a cold drink, before exploring this gorgeous gorge and rainforest paradise. The cool, clear waters of Mossman River tumbles through and over giant granite boulders. We’ll take a guided walk and you have the opportunity for a swim, should you wish to do so. We then enjoy a quality restaurant lunch, with a choice of meals available, before stepping aboard a boat to take a 1-hour cruise on the Daintree River. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles and other local wildlife. We then cross the Daintree River and make our way toward Cape Tribulation giving you an opportunity to explore coastal headlands and long sandy beaches; we journey through the World Heritage Rainforest.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Cape Tribulation
Day 2: Daintree Rainforest to Cooktown
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).
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Cooktown
Day 3: Cooktown to Coen
We start our day with a visit to Grassy Hill Lookout, taking in the spectacular panoramic views of Cooktown and its surrounds. From Cooktown, we head west to Battle Camp and onwards into Lakefield National Park. After visiting the Old Laura Homestead, we journey through fascinating river valleys and past towering termite mounds before arriving at our overnight accommodation in Coen. We enjoy dinner before settling in for our overnight stay in Coen.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Coen
Day 4: Coen to Lockhart River
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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lockhart River
Day 5: Lockhart River
Today we have the opportunity to explore Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL). 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. We return to our accommodation in Lockhart River for dinner and another overnight stay.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lockhart River
Day 6: Lockhart River to Weipa
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. After enjoying the sunset cruise, we return to Weipa for our overnight stay.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Weipa
Day 7: Weipa to Cape York
Departing Weipa early, we travel through Batavia Downs, one of the largest cattle stations on the Cape. We visit the Morton Telegraph Station, an important communication link to the Far North and Cape York that operated until 1960. We then begin what promises to be one of the highlights of our tour – travelling along one of the original Telegraph Tracks (conditions permitting). Continuing north, we visit Fruit Bat Falls before joining the Bamaga Development Road and arriving at the Cape’s most famous river, the Jardine River. We cross the crocodile-inhabited river by ferry before continuing onwards to the tip of Australia, where we stay for the next two nights.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Seisia
Day 8: Cape York & The Tip
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 45 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Seisia
Day 9: Cape York to Thursday Island & Cairns
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 Papua 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 5:30pm. Transfer back to your Cairns CBD accommodation.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Flight: From Horn Island to Cairns
Cape York Tour: Fly/Drive
Day 1: Fly from Cairns to Cape York (Horn Island)
Your tour commences from Cairns Airport or if required a shuttle bus will take you to the airport from the Cairns CBD. Following your arrival at Horn Island Airport you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the marina. We then jump on board the transfer boat and head to Thursday Island, where we have time to explore this small island that is part of Torres Strait culture and history. Thursday Island is situated between Cape York and Australia’s nearest neighbour New Guinea. We then transfer by ferry to Seisia on the Mainland and make our way to our accommodation; this will be our home for the next two nights.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  • Flight: From Cairns to Horn Island
  • Accommodation: Seisia
Day 2: Cape York & The Tip
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 45 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Seisia
Day 3: Cape York to Weipa
Leaving the Cape behind us, we travel south across the Great Dividing Range through Jardine National Park, bordered by the stunning Coral Sea to the east. Arriving at the Jardine River, we board the ferry for our crossing before continuing to Fruit Bat Falls, where we enjoy the boardwalk and beautiful natural surroundings. We then make our way towards the west coast and the famous mining town of Weipa, located on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Weipa is the largest town on the Cape York Peninsula, with a population of approximately 3,000 people. Its main industries are mining and cattle exports. Arriving in the late afternoon, we embark on a Sunset Eco Cruise along the tranquil waters of the Embley River. Enjoy a cold drink and canapés as the sun sets over the water, while your friendly guide points out crocodiles and birdlife along the way. After enjoying the sunset cruise, we return to Weipa for our overnight stay.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Weipa
Day 4: Weipa to Lockhart River
Today we continue our adventure to one of Australia’s most remote area’s we head east exploring the Sir William Thompson Range and then crossing the Pascoe River, we head to 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 down to Lockhart River a unique aboriginal community situated on the ocean at Lloyd Bay. Heading onwards further north – 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lockhart River
Day 5: Lockhart River
Today we have the opportunity to explore Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL). 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. We return to our accommodation in Lockhart River for dinner and another overnight stay.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lockhart River
Day 6: Lockhart River to Coen
Travelling along part of the southern leg of the old Telegraph Track we come to the Archer River, one of the Cape’s well-known obstacles and river crossing. We enjoy dinner before settling in for our overnight stay in Coen.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Coen
Day 7: Coen to Cooktown
After an early start from Coen, we head into Lakefield National Park including visits to Red and White Lilly Lagoons – these are truly spectacular parts of the National Park. We will also travel through the many river valleys and numerous giant termite mounds and arrive at the Old Laura Homestead. From the homestead we take a short drive to “welcome waterhole” wetlands from here we travel the Battle Camp Track to Cooktown. We then check in to our accommodation for our overnight stay before heading to dinner.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Cooktown
Day 8: Cooktown to Cape Tribulation
The day begins visiting the Cooktown Museum (formerly named James Cook Museum), Botanical Gardens & Nature’s Powerhouse – this is truly a unique and amazing place. Leaving Cooktown, we engage 4WD and make our way along the Bloomfield Track enjoying many scenic spots including the mysterious Black Mountain, Bloomfield Falls and Cedar Bay National Park, stopping to enjoy lunch at the Famous Lion Dens Hotel – another classic Aussie Icon. Heading onward to Cape Tribulation, we give you an opportunity to explore coastal headlands and long sandy beaches journeying through the World Heritage Rainforest. We arrive at our overnight accommodation in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest before our final evening meal together.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Cape Tribulation
Day 9: Cape Tribulation to Cairns
After a leisurely start to our final day, we continue our journey through the Daintree Rainforest. A visit to this area would not be complete without a walk in the Rainforest. We then join onto a Daintree River Cruise for an hour of exploring the wilderness where crocodiles and other wildlife are often found. Following the river cruise, we make our way to the Daintree Teahouse for lunch. We complete our Cape York to Cairns experience with a scenic drive along the beautiful Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cairns City completing a truly memorable time touring the Cape York Region. Return to Cairns at approximately 5pm.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gallery

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Inclusions

  • Knowledgeable and experienced tour guide
  • Pick up from your accommodation in Cairns
  • Fresh, healthy meals (8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners and snacks)
  • Accommodation is provided in a mixture of private single, twin or double rooms. Please note that not all properties offer ensuite facilities. Of the 8 nights, 3 nights have shared bathroom facilities only, while 2 nights offer a mixture of ensuite and shared bathroom facilities.
  • Small group offering unrivalled, friendly and personalised service
  • Modern 4WD vehicle
  • All National Park entry fees
  • Attractions as stated in the itinerary
  • All ferries and barges
  • Cruise to Thursday Island and take a short tour of the island
  • Cruise to Horn Island and take a short tour of the Island
  • Flight with QANTAS

Tour Map

FAQ

Do you offer pick ups from hotels and caravan parks for your Cape York tour?
Yes, we offer complimentary pick up from all Cairns City/CBD Hotels & Caravans Parks.
What is the vehicle make for the Cape York Tour?
We travel in late model Toyota Landcruiser’s. (Two groups/vehicles may operate together on some departures.)
What sort of concession cards can we use?
Our Concession Rate is applicable for Senior & Pension Card Holders.
What fitness level is required?
Our Cape York tour is suitable for anyone with a basic to moderate level of fitness. The itinerary includes short, manageable walks to waterfalls, lookouts and cultural sites, but no long or strenuous hikes. As Cape York is a remote and rugged region, much of the journey takes place on unsealed 4WD tracks, which can be corrugated and bumpy at times. Travellers should feel comfortable spending extended periods outdoors in a tropical climate. Conditions can be hot and humid, particularly in the northern regions, so the ability to manage the heat, stay hydrated, and move confidently over uneven natural terrain is important. While the pace is relaxed and fully guided, a sense of adventure and resilience in warm, remote conditions will ensure you enjoy the experience to the fullest
What is the minimum age to join this tour?
Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 4, unless on a Private Charter.
Medical Requirements
Please advise any medical conditions on your Passenger Information Form prior to travel. Due to the remote nature of the tour, unadvised requests may not be possible to accommodate. Bring all required medications for the duration of the trip. If refrigeration is required, please note this in advance so arrangements can be made.
What time do you normally start and finish the tour?
  • DRIVE/FLY: Pickups start from 7 am in Cairns CBD / You will return to Cairns Airport by 5:30 pm. A complimentary return transfer from the airport to your accommodation is also included.
  • FLY/DRIVE: Airport transfers start from 6 am in Cairns CBD / Return to Cairns by approximately 5pm.
What should I bring with me?
Luggage is restricted to One Soft Bag per passenger (no suitcases), weighing no more than 10kgs + One Small Backpack/Day Pack
  • Small Overnight Style Soft Bag (No Hard cases or Suitcases)
  • Swimmers & towel, if you wish to swim anywhere during our trip. Accommodation has pools.
  • Lightweight clothing (shorts & t-shirts are fine).
  • Jacket for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Hat, sunscreen & insect repellent.
  • Water & water bottle.
  • Your camera.
  • Cash / cards for purchase of beverages and souvenirs.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, we cater for most dietary requirements if you notify us when you complete your online check-in.
What type of accommodation is included?
Classic outback-style hotels and cabins.
What is your cancellation policy?
Click here to view the booking terms & conditions.

Reviews

Reviews
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Reviews

Overall Rating 4.8 (1332): Google 4.8 (196), Tripadvisor 4.8 (1136)

  1. ShazBenn1 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great places to visit

    The itinerary and our driver were great. We visited some beautiful places and learned a lot along the way. We really enjoyed morning tea, lunch, and some local ice cream. The option to swim in Mossman Gorge, or relax and take photos from the lookout, was the best part of the trip.

  2. Jade M ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    GREAT DAY BLOODY AWESOME.

    Love the communication with our guide Caston.awesome driving skills reminds me off my own driving and doesn't muck around👌everything on this tour was a lifetime experience and loved everything throughout the day.

  3. Mary M ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day

    Enjoyed the day. Carsten was an excellent guide.

  4. Graham P ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Ecology at its best

    Had a great day with our guide Mario. He was knowlegable and informative throughout, taking every effort to ensure we all had a good time. His instructions for different drops and collections during the day were clear and concise to ensure the day went smoothly. The food stops included morning tea, a full lunch, and a visit to a fruit farm for quality ice cream! Mario kept us informed during the journey pointing out landmarks, plant species, and local and geological history. All in all an easy and enjoyable day leaving us all well educated on the oldest rainforest in the world.

  5. paul walker ★★★★★
    on Google

    A very nice tour, beautiful places and nature. A guide very knowledgeable and kind

  6. pan1k1962 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day to Cape Tribulation

    Excellent day out Great way to get an experience of the beaches and rainforest Our guide Ron was highly knowledgeable and informative

  7. Emma B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great tour for all ages!

    Fantastic experience, our guide had great knowledge and provided facts, insights and jokes that kept us enlightened throughout the day. The jungle walk, the river boat cruise and the swim were the highlights!

  8. John Michael K ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree and Cape Tribulation

    Wonderful well rounded experience. Our guide Steve was knowledgeable and entertaining.

  9. Robyn H ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree

    Lovely day, for guide Steve was great, very knowledgeable, funny, attentive to his passengers needs. The day was long however we certainly covered alot of ground and sights.

  10. Greg Knight ★★★★★
    on Google

    Our trip was a great experience. Our guide Darren was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a great day

  11. Dawn S ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Cairns trip

    Steve was great! Very knowledgeable and just the right amount of energy. We appreciated his professionalism, keeping the tour on track.

  12. Anna ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Consigliato

    Massima puntualità nel prelievo e per gli spostamenti. La nostra guida è stata impeccabile. Peccato solo aver pagato così tanto ed non aver visto nemmeno un coccodrillo.

  13. angela Urquhart ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great tour, would highly recommend any tour with Carsten. He was amazing.

  14. Andries Kraaijeveld ★★★★★
    on Google

    Wij hebben de Daintree and Cape Tribulation premium tour gedaan. Alles top georganiseerd. De spots die we bezochten waren supermooi, lunch was top, krokodillen cruise was ontzettend gaaf. Je zit in totaal wel wat veel in de bus, maar dat is onvermijdelijk om de verschillende spots te kunnen zien. Maar de verschillende etappes zijn ook weer niet enorm lang en je rijdt bovendien door een mooi en afwisselend landschap. Het is dus heel goed te doen. Tot slot: de gids was ontzettend sympathiek en enthousiast.

  15. Eloise Grainger ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great guides, vehicles and day out. Day trips are ideal to see a highlight reel of all notable sites.

  16. Ryan Y ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    A day trip to Daintree Rainforest

    Had a wonderful day with Carsten! The trip was very well organized, and what made it even more enjoyable was our guide and driver, who was incredibly fun, friendly, and entertaining. There was never a dull moment throughout the journey. Thank you, Carsten, for such a memorable and enjoyable experience!

  17. Ryan F. ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great tour!

    From beginning to end, the tour was great. But the star of the show was Carsten. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, funny, and engaging. We felt lucky that he was guiding us!

  18. Rebecca S ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Excellent Day Tour

    The day was exceptional. From the drive along the coast to the drive through the rainforest. We enjoyed all the scenic stops for picture taking. Karsten our guide did a great job sharing information about all the sights. We enjoyed the riverboat ride and were able to see several large crocodiles. Lunch was great. We tried the barramundi and kangaroo loin. Both dishes were very good as well as the tropical fruit served with our meals. I would highly recommend this day tour.

  19. Es B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Highly recommended

    Our guide Stev was absolutely fantastic. He went above and beyond. The trip was more than what we expected. Thank you!

  20. Trevor B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree tour

    The tour was fantastic. Steve was an amazing tour guide, and he really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great tour. His knowledge of the area is truly impressive, and I had a very enjoyable trip. Thank you Steve!

  21. amore62 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    A truly PREMIUM full day tour, it fulfills everything agreed upon.

    My guide-driver was Pierre. Passionate about the jungle, he gave us a lot of information about animals and birds of the oldest jungle on the planet. He was efficient, fast, and safe in his responses. Punctual pickup at my hotel, and everything went according to what was agreed. At lunch there were several options to choose from, fish, chicken, kangaroo, vegetarian. The tour lasted 11:45 hours, just as it is pre-established in the conditions. Highly recommended. The weather, which does not depend on the agency, was rainy at times, but that is nature. Thank you Pierre.

  22. Doris Bohndorf ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great tours and guides!! I did a few of their tours in Cairns. Totally impressed with their knowledge and organisation of the tours.

  23. Anna Januszko ★★★★★
    on Google

    Tour guide Sean was great, favourite part of the drive were his dad jokes at red lights. Lunch at the Daintree Cafe was beautiful, it was a highlight of the experience to taste the local fruit.

  24. burningblue2018 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day out

    Excellent day out, Ron was excellent. Wholly recommend.

$7,550 / Person
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