Chilli Beach

Sunset at Cape York

Stones crossing near Weipa

Log bridge Cape York

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Tour Dates
20th July-7th Aug 2009

 

 

CAPE YORK


Every Australian should visit Cape York to experience that very special feeling as you stand on the tip of this great country. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers like Kennedy and the Jardines. This region is just so rich in history, you will need some time after the trip to let it sink in. The countryside, as we make our way up north will at first seem strange and foreign. That's because it is so diverse as it changes from the lush rainforest of the Daintree to open heathlands further north. The landscape continues to amaze until you stand on the tip of Australia with the Islands of the Torres straight in view and Papua New Guinea just over the horizon. Cape York is also a four wheel drivers paradise with challenges such as the old Morton Telegragh line & the Frenchman's track. Swim beneath crystal clear water falls, go fishing for barra from Weipa and visit the infamous Palmer River Goldfields.

Commencing just north of Cairns we travel via the Bloomfield track through the world heritage listed Daintree rain forest. (truely the jewel in the Cape York crown) This first section takes us to Cooktown & beyond with plenty to see & do. We visit historic hotels, spectacular waterfalls as well as the mysterious black mountain. Plenty of time to explore the history of Cooktown before the best cultural experience in the country, guided by a traditional elder with extaordinary passion & knowledge of the area. We are honored to be able to camp on part of this traditional land. On to Weipa, a modern mining town with all the facilities, where you may like to take an optional fishing trip, a bauxite mining tour or a day of R&R. The route to Weipa is via the infamous battle camp (scene of the bloody clashes between aboriginals and miners during the 1800's) We also visit old Laura & Musgrave. Many photo opportunities of beautiful lily covered lagoons and pretty water crossings as we travel through Lakefield National Park. Perhaps we will have a sighting of our first crocodile through here.

From Weipa back across to the centre of the cape through Batavia to tackle the overland telegragh track. Today reminders of the hardships faced by those who worked on this line can be seen. The track along the line provides us with a challenge that continues for 2 days with numerous water crossings & amp; plenty of opportunities to try out you 4WD skills. The best part of group travel over sections like this is the teamwork that develops& immense satisfaction of a challenge met. After the telegragh line we all deserve a well earned break at the top. Of course our highlight of our visit to the top is standing on the actual tip. Side trips can be taken at an additional expense to Thursday & Horn Islands or perhaps a fishing expedition. On our way south we camp at some beautiful sections of the coastline. Vrilya point, Captain Billy landing, Portland roads to name a few. The beauty of sunsets over the Gulf of Carpentaria truely are a photographers paradise.

Travelling down the spine of the cape we turn off at Laura and traverse the Maytown track, An original Cobb & Co road. Only 40 klms long and slow 4 wheel driving,it will take us all day. The pick marks can still be seen through the solid rock where sections of this road were hacked out by Chinese workers. Other places of interest are the Chinese cemeteries and the Maytown site where the original kerb and guttering is still intact. A working gold stamping battery is a highlight to finish it all off. Tour begins and finishes at Cairns. The Cape York Experience has everything: Great four wheel driving - Magnificent sunsets & sunrises - Beautiful pristine areas Personal challenges - Fishing - Historical interest - Tropical Islands

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Self catered Cost $2660 for two persons
Includes 2 x evening meals at places of interest
Catered Cost $3510 for two persons
Tour starts at Mossman and finishes at Dimbula
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