Cape York Wilderness Adventure 2026

Name: Cape York Wilderness Adventure
Start: 2026-05-12
End: 2026-05-24
Location: Cape York Wilderness Adventure

STAY

Fully Accommodated Tour Luxury Camps & Lodges

TOUR FARE

From $11,995 pp twin share

DURATION

13 Days Cairns to Cairns

The Time is Now

Save up to $1,500 per person*

Overview
Highlights
Gallery
Inclusions
Itinerary
Pricing & Availability

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Tour Highlights

Stand at Pajinka, the northernmost tip of the Australian mainland, and take in the vast, wild beauty of Cape York from its most iconic viewpoint
Journey along the legendary Bloomfield Track, stopping at the base of Bloomfield Falls before enjoying lunch at the historic Lion’s Den Hotel
Visit the award-winning Mossman Gorge Centre in the Daintree National Park and experience the Dreamtime Gorge Walk with a local guide
Spend two nights at tranquil Lotusbird Lodge, surrounded by pristine wetlands and abundant birdlife
Soar above the spectacular Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park by helicopter. Also visit Red Lily Lagoon, Nifold Plain & the Normanby River by land tour
Explore the Torres Strait Islands, visiting Thursday, Horn and Friday Islands to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s culture, history and island life
Swim in the crystal-clear pools of Fruit Bat Falls, a hidden gem nestled within the Cape’s rugged terrain
Experience the power of local Indigenous culture with a traditional dance performance that brings Country, community and storytelling to life

Tour Map

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Long Video 18:52

Short Video 01:47

Video & Image Gallery

Outstanding Value Inclusions

Small Group Size - 20
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included. Complimentary beverages from a selected list included at lunch and dinner (when dining at licensed venues only).
12 nights of hotel and lodge accommodation
All entry fees into National Parks and all cruise fees
One-way airfare from Horn Island to Cairns with QANTAS
Travel aboard a 5-star 4WD Mercedes Benz Coach
Services of a professional 2-person crew consisting of a Tour Driver and Tour Director
Outback Spirit Explorer Pack (for first-time travellers only)

Moments of Magic

Itinerary & Accommodation Snapshot

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Day

Itinerary

Accommodation

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Cairns – Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

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Arrive in Cairns and meet your friendly and professional touring crew. We then begin our journey north with a scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas. Enjoy a brief tour of this famous tropical village before checking into the premier accommodation choice in Port Douglas - the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort for our overnight stay.

This evening enjoy a delicious welcome dinner together at the resort. Meals: D

Stay: 1 night Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

*Please ensure to have lunch prior to collection.

Port Douglas – Mossman Gorge – Daintree National Park

Heritage Lodge and Spa

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This morning, meandering north, we’ll visit the award-winning Mossman Gorge Centre in the Daintree National Park. Embark on the Dreamtime Gorge Walk, beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony. Guided by knowledgeable Indigenous custodians, you’ll discover the rich stories, culture and connection to country that make this experience truly unforgettable. At the end of the walk enjoy traditional bush tea and damper.

We then venture further into the Daintree with an informative cruise on the Daintree River before an exclusive guided tour at Cooper Creek Wilderness to learn more about the world’s oldest rainforest. Situated directly below Thornton Peak, the epicentre of refugial significance in the Daintree, Cooper Creek is home to pristine old growth rainforest and extraordinary fan palm galleries. Here we'll take a guided tour along the forest floor with expert local guides; an exclusive experience that's far removed from other mass tourism offerings in the area.

Later this afternoon we arrive at the Heritage Lodge and Spa for our overnight stay. Meals: B.L.D

Stay: 1 night Heritage Lodge and Spa

Cape Tribulation – Bloomfield Track – Cooktown

Sovereign Resort

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Journey deeper into the Daintree as we venture to Cape Tribulation, the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage wonders meet: the ancient Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. After a serene beach stroll, get ready for an exhilarating drive along the legendary Bloomfield Track, a true outback adventure. There are numerous steep climbs through the rainforest and several creek crossings to navigate, so sit back and enjoy the scenery as your experienced tour driver does the hard work.

Once across the Bloomfield River a visit to the Bloomfield Falls will build your appetite for lunch at the Lion’s Den Hotel, one of Queensland’s oldest bush pubs. We then depart for Cooktown for a two night stay at the Sovereign Resort Hotel. Upon our arrival we'll enjoy a town tour including the James Cook Museum, Cooktown Botanic Gardens and the Grassy Hill lookout, followed by dinner at the hotel. Meals: B.L.D

Stay: 2 nights Sovereign Resort Hotel

Exploring Cooktown

Sovereign Resort

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With a small population of around 3,000 people located at the mouth of the Endeavour River where it enters the Coral Sea, Cooktown is rich in aboriginal and European history. The rugged Mount Cook forms a backdrop to the town at 1,450ft and is now part of Mount Cook National Park.

After a leisurely breakfast we take in an orientation tour of Cooktown, which includes the Cooktown Museum and Botanic Gardens. After lunch you are free to explore the many monuments and tributes dotted along the foreshore before dinner at the hotel. Meals: B.L.D

Laura – Lotusbird Lodge

Lotusbird Lodge

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Setting out today, we travel the historic Battle Camp Road (subject to road conditions) and visit the Old Laura Homestead before reaching the cultural hear of Laura. Here, an Indigenous guide leads us through ancient rock art sites, sharing cultural stories passed down through generations. We then continue into Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, pausing at Kalpowar for afternoon tea before arriving at the wildlife-rich Red Lily Lagoon, home to a vast array of flora and fauna.

As the journey unfolds, watch the landscape transform into the bast savannah of the Nifold Plain. We then continue through to Lotus Bird Lodge for an exclusive two night stay, beautifully located on the edge of a tranquil billabong. Meals: B.L.D

Stay: 2 nights Lotus Bird Lodge

Rinyirru (Lakefield) from the air

Lotusbird Lodge

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Take to the skies for a breathtaking helicopter flight over Rinyirru’s shimmering wetlands and sprawling floodplains. Afterwards, follow the Kennedy River to Princess Charlotte Bay, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and habitat for the dugong.

The afternoon is yours – relax at the lodge or join a guided walk through the billabong, where you might spot rare birdlife. Meals: B.L.D

Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights

Lotusbird Lodge – Weipa

Albatross Bay Resort

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Departing Lotusbird Lodge, we make our way north along the Peninsula Development Road, passing through Coen before arriving at a bucket list stop for lunch, the Archer River Roadhouse, one of Australia’s northernmost roadhouses. We then continue to Weipa, the economic hub of the Cape and often referred to as the ‘Barramundi capital of Queensland’ due to the abundance of marine life, arriving mid-afternoon to check in to the Albatross Bay Resort. Meals: B.L.D

Stay: 2 nights Albatross Bay Resort Weipa

Explore Weipa

Albatross Bay Resort

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Start the day at Weipa Mine with a 2-hour tour exploring the largest producing Bauxite Mine in the world before joining Western Cape Eco Tours for a cruise on the Embley River. Explore diverse wildlife habitat, learn about local culture and keep an eye out for some big saltwater crocodiles!

Afterwards, we’ll visit the Western Cape Cultural Centre which showcases the history of Weipa and its surrounding communities. The centre enjoys an enviable location overlooking the bay, so it’s also a great place for a picnic lunch. This afternoon you can relax at the hotel followed by dinner overlooking the water. Meals: B.L.D

Telegraph Track – Heathlands – Fruit Bat Falls – Bamaga

Cape York Peninsula Lodge

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Our adventure continues along the rugged Telegraph Track, cutting through remote and wild terrain. However, as some sections of the track are impassable, we'll mainly be travelling on the northern and southern bypass roads on our journey north.

This morning enjoy a visit to Fruit Bat Falls for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water of Eliot Creek, followed by a picnic lunch. After a picnic lunch, we cross the Jardine River by vehicular ferry, formally known as Deception River, the largest river of the Cape. We arrive in the indigenous town of Bamaga late afternoon, where we check in to the Cape York Peninsula Lodge for the next two nights. Meals: B.L.D

Stay: 2 nights Cape York Peninsula Lodge

Bamaga - The Tip of Cape York

Cape York Peninsula Lodge

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Today we venture to the northernmost point on the Australian Mainland, a Cape traveller’s ultimate destination. The walking track commences at Pajinka and requires a good level of fitness but is well worth the effort! Get your picture taken next to the iconic signpost and soak up the views of the Torres Strait as your guide fills you in on the history of the area.

This afternoon we visit Somerset, once the home of Frank Jardine and the official government residence on the Cape, protected by British Marines. After a BBQ lunch we return to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Tonight enjoy a performance by a local dance group at the resort. (subject to availability) Meals: B.L.D

Endeavour Strait – Thursday Island – Kazu Pearls Friday Island

Jardine Motel, Thursday Island

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This morning we head to Seisia and board the ferry for our cruise across Endeavour Strait. Enjoy informative commentary about the Torres Strait Islands from the captain as we make our way to Thursday Island, situated 35km northwest of the tip of Cape York. The Island has a population of approximately 3,000 people and is the main administrative centre of the Torres Strait.

Upon our arrival on Thursday Island we'll enjoy a tour with a local expert before some free time. We then take the short ferry trip across to Friday Island, home to Kazu Pearls. Here we enjoy a pearl demonstration and a visit to the pearl farm shop where we will have the opportunity to purchase some of their exquisite pearl jewellery. Meals: B.L.D

Stay: 1 night Jardine Motel

Note: For your convenience when taking the ferries to the islands, we suggest that you reduce your luggage to a small backpack. You will require a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, bathers, toiletries (no sharps), personal ID. The rest of your luggage will return to Cairns on the coach.

Horn Island – Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina

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This morning we catch a ferry across to Horn Island and enjoy a tour of this once prominent WWII air base before visiting the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. We then board our QANTAS flight back to Cairns, arriving in time for lunch.

For our final evening together, we'll check into the Shangri-La The Marina. Enjoy luxurious rooms in this perfectly positioned hotel along the Esplanade. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at the hotel and reflect upon our incredible adventure to the tip of Australia. Meals: B.L.D

Stay: 1 night Shangri-La The Marina.

Cairns

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After breakfast enjoy the morning at your leisure. You will then be transferred according to the details specified below. Meals: B

Walks on Tour

	Distance	Time	Level	Terrain
Bloomfield Falls	1km	30 min	Easy	Rough stony creek bed, unstable rocks
Lotus Bird Lodge	2km	1.5 hr	Easy	Mostly flat bush path
Mossman Gorge	2km	1 hr	Medium	Mostly flat, some uneven ground & rock steps
Cooper Creek	2km	2.5 hrs	Medium	Dirt track. Flat some uneven ground & roots
Split Rock Laura	1.5km	45 min	Medium	Steep climb, uneven rock steps with handrails
Fruit Bat Falls	400m	20 min	Medium	Boardwalk. Rocky bottom, slippery river rocks
Friday Island		10 min	Medium	Moving ferry pontoon. Steep, no handrails
Quinkan rock art - Laura	2km	1 hr	Difficult	Very steep up/down rocky steps. Exposed
Cape York Tip	2km	1.5 hr	Difficult	Rocky, uneven. Extreme slopes at times

*Note: Distances and times provided are an indication only.

Unrivalled Touring Experience

Small Group Adventure

Personal connections matter, which is why we keep group sizes small by design. Most tours cap at 22 guests, giving you the intimacy of boutique travel with the expertise and safety of a premium operator.

Expert Drivers & Guides

Outback Spirit’s guides and drivers are truly a cut above. Chosen for their experience and passion, they’ll share their detailed knowledge of the region and ensure your trip is safe, memorable and above all - the adventure of a lifetime.

Mercedes-Benz 4WD Coaches

With Outback Spirit, you’re guaranteed to travel in 5-star comfort aboard our all-terrain 4WD Mercedes-Benz coaches. These vehicles feature an excellent ride, quiet interior, reclining coach seats, ample legroom, Starlink Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, restroom & television.