The Cape York “Compact” is a 5 day fly/drive camping safari that explores one of Australia’s last great wilderness regions – a land of history and ancient culture, crystal clear spring-fed creeks, huge termite mounds, and a vast and amazing variety of natural landscapes in just 5 days. Perfect if you are time poor.
Highlights
- Great Barrier Reef flight to/from Cairns
- Thursday Island
- The Top of Australia – CAPE YORK!
- Lockerbie Scrub
- Twin Falls
- Wenlock River & Moreton Telegraph Station
- Musgrave, Coen & Archer River
- Guided Tour of “Quinkan” Aboriginal Rock Art
- Outback Landscapes
Departs from Cairns
Inclusions:
- Meals as coded
- Camping equipment except sleeping bags
- All National Park and Aboriginal Site fees
- Flight between Cairns and Horn Island (Cape York)
Exclusions:
- All soft and alcohol drinks
- Optional tours
- Items of a personal nature
- Transfers to Cairns Airport
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 (D) – Today you make your own way to Cairns Qantas Domestic Airport. Your adventure begins when you board your aircraft to fly over the Great Barrier Reef to Horn Island. Transfer by ferry to Thursday Island, commercial and administration hub of the Torres Strait Islands. Free time to explore the island (you may wish to take a guided bus tour at your own expense and arrangements). After lunch (own expense) transfer by ferry to the northern-most settlements of mainland Australia to be met by your Wilderness Challenge Guide. We overnight at our beachfront campsite on the tropical shores of Torres Strait.
Day 2 (BLD) – This morning enjoy a fascinating visit to the beautiful “Lockerbie Scrub”, an isolated pocket of monsoon rainforest before an emotional walk to the very top of Australia – CAPE YORK. After a fitting celebration we head south across the mighty Jardine River and travel through Cape York’s wilderness. This afternoon you’ll be enchanted by the magic of Twin Falls – swimming here, in pristine spring-fed pools landscaped by nature, will be a life long memory. We camp here tonight in the company of millions of stars.
Day 3 (BL) – 4WD adventure and fun on Cape York’s rugged Telegraph Track this morning. Cross rivers and creeks, see prehistoric palms, giant termite mounds and carnivorous plants. This afternoon we cross the Wenlock River at historic Moreton Telegraph Office before travelling on to our overnight camp at the Archer River Roadhouse. Dinner is at your own expense this evening.
Day 4 (BLD) – South to Coen then on to the historic telegraph station of Musgrave. Travel on into Lakefield National Park, Queensland’s second largest at 537,000 hectares (1.25 million acres) and a great wildlife spotting opportunity. Enjoy the peace of this remote outback location. In the evening relax around the campfire. We camp in the National Park tonight.
Day 5 (B) – Rise to the morning chorus of the many bird species in Lakefield. We travel on to “Quinkan Country” near Laura, an outback landscape of termite mounds and cattle stations. Here we climb (suitable footwear and reasonable fitness required) the sandstone escarpment at Split Rock to view ancient Aboriginal rock art, dated in excess of 13,000 years old, depicting traditional activities and culture. Now we head east via the Palmer River, site of one of Australia’s greatest gold rushes. Lunch (own expense) along the way. Now over the Great Dividing Range to the coastal plain and Port Douglas or Cairns completing your fascinating adventure of discovery and fun in Australia’s far north.
Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Pick-up and Drop-off Details
- Departs: Flight times to be confirmed. Guests are to make their own way to the airport
- Returns: Hotels in Port Douglas / Beaches / Cairns from approximately 5:00pm
