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Day 1. Cairns to Thursday Island and Cape York Tip of Australia
The first day of the Cape York Tip of Australia 4WD tour begins with a flight from Cairns to Cape York. The day’s activities include a ferry ride from Horn Island Airport to Thursday Island, where you will embark on a Thursday Island Scenic Tour. This award-winning tour brings the island’s history to life, with the help of indigenous guides who share their passion for the island through storytelling. You will visit the Green Hill Fort Lookout, where they can take in panoramic views of the island and learn about its maritime, pearling and military history at the on-site museum. The tour also includes a visit to the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial at the T.I. cemetery, where you will learn about the impact of the pearling industry in Torres Strait. Another important stop is the monument commemorating Bernard Namok Senior, the designer of the Torres Strait Island Flag. The tour’s comprehensive commentary will also include important aspects of the maritime, cultural, and military history that has shaped the region. Now it’s time to leave Thursday Island and travel on the ferry to mainland Australia. From there you will finally arrive at the iconic signpost at the tip of Australia’s Cape York. Where you can spend some time on the beautiful Frangipani Beach.
For accommodation, you will be staying in Bamaga. This location offers the ultimate base for any Cape York adventurer. You can relax and unwind while taking in the beautiful views of the golden sand beach and turquoise waters of the Arafura Sea, Torres Strait Islands, and the northern tip of Australia. The on-site restaurant and bar also offer a great spot to enjoy a meal and a drink while overlooking the stunning surroundings.
Accommodation: Cabin, located at the Tip of Australia, at Cape York
Meals: Lunch at Thursday Island, and Dinner at Cape York
Day 2. Cape York Tip of Australia to Bramwell Station via Old Telegraph Track
The second day of the Cape York Tip of Australia 4WD tour starts with you traveling from Bamaga to Bramwell Station. We travel south, crossing the Jardine River. The Jardine River, formally known as Deception River, is the largest river of the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia. The traditional owners of the area are the Unjadi and Ankamuti peoples, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The Jardine River Ferry is possibly the most expensive ferry journey on earth, as it covers a distance of less than 100 meters from bank to bank. Then we follow the Peninsula Development Road and visit Fruit Bat Falls. Known as one of the most bucket list-worthy waterfalls to visit in all of Australia and one of the best places to swim along the Old Telegraph Track. The Old Telegraph Track was the original path for the Overland Telegraph Line and was the only means of communication for those living on Cape York. It used to be the only route to the Tip of Australia until the northern and southern bypass roads opened in 1986.
For accommodation, guests will be staying at Bramwell Station Cape York. Guests can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and take in the rich history of the area. In summary, day 2 of the Cape York Tip of Australia 4WD tour offers guests the opportunity to cross the Jardine River ferry, refresh and relax at Fruit Bat Falls. The day ends with guests staying at Bramwell Station, a piece of Cape York European history that offers comfortable accommodation and a chance to learn about Cape Yorks past.
Accommodation: Bramwell Station
Meals: Breakfast at Cape York, lunch catered by Far North Escapes and dinner at Bramwell Station.
Day 3. Bramwell Station to Lakefield via Peninsula Development Rd
Begin your journey early in the morning, fully equipped with all the necessary gear and provisions for a long day on the road. The first leg of the journey takes you through the rugged and challenging terrain of the outback, where you’ll encounter rocky hills, shrubbery, and the occasional wildlife like kangaroos and emus. Take your time and savor the unique beauty of this landscape as you head south crossing the infamous Archer River towards Coen. As you reach the small town of Coen around midday, take a quick break to rest and refuel. Coen is a great place to grab a quick snack or drink, and to catch up on any messages or emails with a Telstra connection.
As you continue your journey south, take your time to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the desert terrain, which make the journey all the more rewarding. The roads will get rougher as you make your way through the challenging terrain, but don’t let that deter you from the adventure! As the sun starts to set, you’ll reach the final stretch of your journey from Bramwell Station to Musgrave River Roadhouse. Musgrave River Telegraph Station is a historic site located near Musgrave River Roadhouse, in the remote outback region of Northern Australia. The site was originally established in 1887 as a telegraph station, which served as a vital communication link between the northern and southern regions of the country. The station played a significant role in the development of Northern Australia, facilitating the growth of industries such as mining and agriculture. Today, the Musgrave River Telegraph Station serves as a historical landmark, showcasing the pioneering spirit and resilience of the early settlers who braved the harsh conditions of the Australian outback.
Accommodation: Musgrave Telegraph Station (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Buffet at Bramwell Station, Lunch and Dinner catered by Far North Escapes
Day 4. Lakefield to Daintree Rainforest via Bloomfield Track
The fourth day of the Cape York Tip of Australia 4WD tour, we will embark on a thrilling journey from the wild savannahs of Lakefield National Park to the lush depths of the Daintree Rainforest via the legendary Bloomfield Track. This off-road adventure takes us through remote outback landscapes, crocodile-inhabited rivers, ancient Aboriginal lands, and steep jungle-clad mountains. Along the way, we will stop in the historic city of Cooktown and breathtaking coastal views. You will spend the night in the Daintree National Park.
Accommodation: Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, Cape Tribulation.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch will be catered for by Far North Escapes and dinner at The Cassowary Restaurant, Cape Tribulation
Day 5. Daintree National Park to Cairns
Cooktown and Cairns are two iconic destinations in Far North Queensland that offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers. This last day of the Cape York tour from Daintree to Cairns will take you on a journey through the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of the region. The Daintree is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including many species that are found nowhere else on earth. You’ll have the chance to see some of the most magnificent trees, exotic birds, and other wildlife that call this forest home.
Finally, you’ll return to Cairns via the Great Barrier Reef Drive, a scenic route that takes you along one of the most breathtaking routes in the world, with stunning views of the coral reefs and turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The drive is a fitting end to a tour that has showcased the incredible beauty and diversity of Far North Queensland.
In conclusion, this tour from Cape Tribulation to Cairns is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of Far North Queensland. Concluding out 5 day Cape York adventure, we will say our goodbyes and drop you off at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast at Cassowary Restaurant, Cape Tribulation.
Please note: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, unexpected circumstances or Tour Guides decision based on what is best for the group and preferences. This itinerary is ONLY a guide. Our itineraries are flexible, at Far North Escapes we modify our itineraries based on our guests needs and requirements. We believe in accommodating all our guest’s needs and creating a remarkable Far North Queensland Adventure.
Please take a moment to review the information below and make yourself familiar with our FAQs.
When is the final payment due?
The final payment for your tour is due 60 days from the final departure day. We kindly request that you complete the payment by this date to secure your reservation. Should you have any questions or require assistance with the payment process, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team.
Does Far North Escapes organise post-tour transfers?
Please note that Far North Escapes does not provide transportation arrangements for guests upon arrival in Cairns following the conclusion of the tour. We advise our customers to make their own provisions for subsequent transportation needs. We understand that this may require some additional planning on your part, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter. If you need any assistance or recommendations regarding transportation options, feel free to reach out to us, and we will be glad to assist you.
What are the Top places to store your Caravan before a Cape York Tour?
We have taken the liberty to write a blog with our recommendations. You can find all the information you need by clicking on the following link.
What is our cancellation policy?
GUEST CANCELLATIONS If you cancel your booking with us, you must notify us in writing or by email to bookings@farnorthescapes.com and pay a cancellation fee in the amount set out below. If payment is not received by the due date notified, Far North Escapes reserves the right to cancel the booking. Far North Escapes recommends Travel Insurance to help you in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may result in you being unable to travel in order to recover the operator’s cancellation policy penalties.
•25% cancellation fee 60 days or more prior to departure
•50% cancellation fee 59 – 30 days prior to departure
•100% cancellation fee 29 days prior to departure
When should we receive our pre-travel documents?
You will receive your pre-travel document approximately 30 days prior to your departure date. This comprehensive document will be your go-to resource, providing essential information such as pick-up details, a detailed packing list, luggage restrictions, and a meticulously crafted itinerary.
We can’t wait to welcome you on board and embark on this exciting adventure together. Get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Cape York!
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Our guide was Jason, and he is, quite simply, exceptional. His passion for the Daintree — for its conservation, its flora, its fauna, and all the extraordinary little creatures that call it home — is completely infectious. You can tell immediately that this isn't just a job for him. He was bursting with knowledge and enthusiasm, sharing fascinating detail about plants and animals that we would have walked straight past without ever noticing.
One of the highlights of the evening was the UV light Jason brought along. Seeing plants and critters illuminated in ultraviolet was truly amazing!
The only thing we regret is not having more time for our stay in the Daintree. If our stay had been longer, a daytime walk with Jason would have been at the top of the list.
Highly, highly recommended.
Jason the guide rocked up barefoot and I could feel how enthusiastic and passionate he is about the rainforest - awesome!
We unfortunately didn't see any bigger or exotic animals, but lots of little critters and had some UV light action going on. ;)
I would do it again next time I'm up there.
Our guide was incredibly passionate about the rainforest and very talented at spotting animals in the middle of the pouring rain at night. He was so in touch with the place that he gave the entire walk barefoot. He highlighted the main thing he wanted us to take away is that we’re losing our rainforest and that’s an absolute shame. I’d recommend this tour to everyone.
We would never have explored it that way on our own, so it was fantastic to have a guide and learn more about the wildlife and the forest. It was also very special to see the plants and insects under UV light. Beautiful!
We are so glad we did this tour! Our guide, Jason, was amazing! We didn't stay another night, otherwise we would definitely have gone again. With a guide like Jason every walk will be amazing!
I have never met a guide who treats his place with such passion, love and gentleness. He showed us plants that change colour, trees and mushrooms glowing in the dark, insects and animals that seemed to appear from another world. The entire walk felt magical.
Kane walked barefoot the whole time, and it added something I didn’t expect. It made the forest feel alive and safe. It made our group feel protected, as if we were following someone who truly belongs to this land.
I enjoyed every minute. At moments it felt like stepping into Avatar, as if I had suddenly found myself on another planet. At other times it was like walking through Ray Bradbury’s “A Sound of Thunder”, and I could almost feel myself travelling a hundred million years into the past.
Thank you, Kane. This night will stay with me for a long time.
Inessa
I would highly recommend all visitors to the Daintree to go for a night tour!
Feel it, do not read it!
If you’re coming at Cape Trib, do not even miss this tour, it’s a must-do !
Our guide tried hard and got a second star, she was very enthusiastic and helpful and good at making spiders and crickets sound interesting.
Three young kids under 10 from one family didn’t make the experience any better the youngest got very tired about 1/2 way through.
If you like looking at spiders and crickets and the odd bit of glowing fungi then this is the trip for you.
Did manage to glimpse the eyes of a small croc near the end but all in all a very disappointing noisy boardwalk night walk.
Not worth the $110 per couple
I can just tell you that by the end of it, I was comfortable walking in the forest in the dark (right, it was full moon) and just feeling and observing the wonders of this forest. Thank you Kane!
Thanks Far North Escapes AMAZING!!
Jan & Mike
Although we didn’t see many larger animals, we were very intrigued by all the smaller insects and fungi! Definitely recommend this tour, would love to do it again after some rain.
Despite the fact the area had only recently opened up to the public after Cyclone Jasper devastated the area, the group got to see a whole host of fungi, plants, insects, and even mammals. Each that we saw was met with engaging facts and exploration of the symbiosis of the rainforest.
A well crafted story from start to finish. Thoroughly recommend! (Bring a better than a phone camera if you want to photograph the coolest stuff)
We ran across them while looking for a tour through the Daintree Rainforest, but we also wanted a tour up through the middle of the country and were unable to find any offerings. So, after booking a 3-day Daintree tour, we asked if they had any suggestions for the outback tour we wanted. Instead of a recommendation, they created a custom tour for us.
Both of these tours greatly exceeded our expectations.
Had we done our own outback tour, we’d have missed the wine country north of Adelaide, the incredible Brachina Gorge with it’s hundreds of millions of years of geologic history, a tour of the opal mines of Coober Pedy, the iconic Uluru and it’s nearby (and arguably better) Kata Tjuṯa, and the awesome Kings Canyon.
Similarly, I doubt most Daintree tours would have exposed us to its unexpected treasures, from its intertwined symbiotic plant/animal relationships and ecologic ties to the adjacent Great Barrier Reef, to quiet forest trails, beaches, and waterholes. And the night tour’s spiders, opossums, walking sticks, sporing fungi and bioluminescent flora were out of this world!
By the time we were done, our heads crammed with experiences and information we never expected, the owner and staff, especially Mark, Kane, and Jackie, felt more like friends than tour guides.



















