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Solos Mix

CAPE YORK AND TORRES STRAIT ADVENTURE

Discover the stunning Cape York region. Share your discovery of the natural and cultural beauties of Far North Queensland on this 4WD fully supported small group tour.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Cairns and then next set off for this unique journey up to the Cape. If you’re look for something with a difference, this is it! Enjoy enlightenment and education about the far north east corner of Australia.

From Cairns, travel to Cooktown, along the way visiting the World Heritage-Listed Daintree Rainforest. With two nights in Cooktown there’s time to discover the colour colourful history before we continue our adventure north reaching Musgrave and seeing world-class Aboriginal rock art just one of the many  big drawcards of this region.  Weipa, the Barramundi capital of Queensland and from here we join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a chance to spot local birdlife and crocodiles.

Bamaga, the closest settlement to the Tip of Australia is our final state before experiencing the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas.  Making it to the top, cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island and join a special tour to Friday Island and then travelling by ferry to Horn Island. Included in your adventure is a flight from Horn Island back to Cairns where you can reminisce over a final farewell group dinner.

Join a local operator that has over thirty years of experience showcasing the Outback and remote areas of Queensland.

 

PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Ages:
    best suited 45 years+
  • Duration:
    11 Days
  • Status:
    Sold out
  • Region:
    Oceania
  • Destinations:
    Australia
  • Travel Style:
    Discovery
  • Accommodation:
    Hotels
  • Prices from:
    AUD8449
  • Transport:
    4WD vehicle
  • Pace:
    3
  • Max Group Size:
    28
REVIEWS

'I would highly recommend a holiday with Encounter Travel. My trip was well organised and the co-ordinator was fun and helpful and full of energy. I met some great people of all walks of life. There is a good mix of organised activities and free time. I had a blast.'

 Linda, Victoria

'Thank you for your organisation of a great holiday. As a first time traveller with Encounter, I didn't know what to expect. The Red Centre is indescribably beautiful and should be on every Australians' bucket list. We saw every sensational attraction in just the right order - each new experience was more incredible than the last. Thank you for recruiting such a great group of people for my travelling companions. The hotels were clean and very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be transported across such an amazing landscape so comfortably. I learnt so much about our wonderful country and wished I had done such a trip years earlier.'

 Sarah, 52 years, Sydney, Australia
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INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • 10 breakfasts
  • 9 lunches
  • 10 dinners 

SIGHTSEEING & GUIDES

  • Tour driver-guide 

TRAVEL

  • Luxury 4WD coach from Cairns
  • Ferry transfers between Cape York, Thursday Island and Horn Island
  • One way economy flight Horn Island to Cairns 

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Not more than 28 travellers

# Arrival & departure airport transfer are by your own arrangement

Not included: 

  • Airfares to/from Cairns (unless requested)
  • Airport transfers unless specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Any tips or porterage at airports, hotels, drivers & local staff
  • Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
  • Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications

 

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Departure Dates for this tour

Departure
Status
Price from
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25 MAY - 4 JUN 2021
Sold out
AUD8449
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 ** SOLD OUT **

Prices per person (in AUD)

OWN ROOM

STANDARD Package per person

AUD $8449

PRE TOUR: Rydges Esplanade Cairns with breakfast

AUD $225

POST TOUR: Rydges Esplanade Cairns with breakfast

AUD $225

 

SHARE & SAVE

If you are happy to share with a roommate of the same gender, save $1250 on taking a room to yourself (subject to roommate availability).


Trip Code: capeyork21-5
14 - 24 SEP 21
Sold out
AUD8199 @ early bird with own room
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Trip Code: capeyork21-9

Itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Daintree Rainforest and Daintree Discovery Centre
  • Bana Yirriji Art & Cultural Centre
  • Bloomfield Track and Daintree Coast
  • James Cook Museum
  • Cooktown Botanic Gardens
  • Guided tour of Split Rock, Quinkan Centre
  • Weipa Bauxite Mine Tour
  • Gulf Eco Cruise
  • Moreton Telegraph Station
  • Fruit Bat Falls (swimming opportunity)
  • Cape York Walk to 'The Tip'
  • Endeavour Strait Cruising
  • Kazu Pearl Farm Tour
  • Horn and Thursday Island Touring
  • Torres Strait Cultural Heritage Experiences

 

PRE OR POST TOUR STAY
Why not add an extra night/s in Cairns before or after your tour commences? Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.

Day 1   TUESDAY

CAIRNS

Your adventure begins with a welcome dinner at our tour hotel. Please check-in after 2.00pm. Meet fellow travellers and hear all about the adventures ahead with a comprehensive tour orientation by your Savannah Guides driver-host. 

Day  2  WEDNESDAY

COOKTOWN

We travel north along one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives to Mossman; nestled in the World Heritage -Listed Dain tree Rainforest. We will board the Dain tree river ferry for a short cable crossing of the famous Daintree River. Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, an award-winning interpretive facility. Join a guided tour of the rainforest boardwalks. Follow the Bloomfield Track on a spectacular scenic journey hugging the Dain tree Coast. Visit the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in Wujal Wujal, a small coastal Aboriginal community on the banks of the Bloomfield River. 

Day 3   THURSDAY

COOKTOWN

Discover Cooktown's colourful history today. Join our guide on a tour of the Cooktown Cemetery and hear the intriguing story of a fair skinned woman known as the "Norman by Woman" who was sighted living with Aborigines back in the 1800s. Visit James Cook Museum in the magnificent 19th Century Sisters of Mercy Convent. Gain an insight into the grounding of the Endeavour and the most significant land based stay of Captain Cook's east coast expedition. Wander the beautiful heritage-listed Cooktown Botanic Gardens and see the Vera Scarth -John son collection of original regional botanical illustrations. Enjoy some free time to stroll downtown Cooktown and a late afternoon tour of Grassy Hill with 360-degree views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef. 

Day 4   FRIDAY

MUSGRAVE 

Travel to Lakeland and Laura via the mysterious Black Mountains, a special story place for the Kuku Yalanji people. World-class Aboriginal rock art and wonderful locally grown coffee are two big drawcards for these small towns. Best known are the Quinkan Rock Art Galleries, considered to be some of the most significant Aboriginal art sites in the world. We'll join a guided tour of the Split Rock Galleries. Travel along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the Hann River Roadhouse for a short break before continuing onto Musgrave Roadhouse.


Day 5   SATURDAY

WEIPA

We continue along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the old mining community of Coen. The town was originally created around a repeater station in the Overland Telegraph Line to the tip of Cape York Peninsula. We'll arrive in time for lunch at the Archer River Roadhouse. Located on the banks of the crystal clear Archer River, the Roadhouse is famous for the massive Archer Burger, best served with an icy cold drink under their shaded patio. Last stop for the day is Weipa, the Barramundi capital of Queensland. Originally an Aboriginal mission, Weipa grew to become a township after the discovery of bauxite. Late afternoon relax at your accommodation with sweeping views of Albatross Bay.

Day 6   SUNDAY

WEIPA

Learn about Weipa's mining operations on a morning tour of the world's largest bauxite mine, operated by Rio Tinto. Get up close and personal to the 190 tonne Belly Dumper Haul trucks while touring the working mine site and follow the rail and conveyor belt system as the bauxite makes its way to the loading dock. Join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a chance to  spot local bird life and crocodiles. Relax with drinks and nibbles as you learn about the incredible ecosystems and local culture. Witness a stunning sunset in one of the few places in Queensland where the sun sets over the ocean in the west. 

Day 7   MONDAY

BAMAGA

Follow the Old Telegraph Track to Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wen lock River. Part of the historic Overland Telegraph Line, Moreton Telegraph Station was completed in 1887 and ceased operations in 1987 with the introduction of microwave telecommunications. Spot giant termite mounds as the country changes to the open plains of Heathlands Resources Reserve. Cool off in the lush Fruit Bat Falls with its crystal clear water (croc free), a perfect swimming spot and one of the most special places on the Cape. Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry to Bamaga, the closest settlement to the tip of Australia. This evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner overlooking tropical gardens.

 

Day 8 I TUESDAY

BAMAGA

Experience the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia's last great wilderness areas. We begin with a  drive to Pajinka. The 45-60 minute walk over rocky headland to 'The Tip' of Cape York requires a good level of fitness. Take that 'bucket-list' photo as you stand at the Tip of Australia; then savour a picnic lunch on Somerset Beach with breathtaking views to Albany Island. Visit the iconic Croc Tent then enjoy some free time back at your accommodation.

Day 9 I WEDNESDAY

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS

Cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island; just one of 274 islands which lie between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Discover Thursday Island' s hidden past, including Green Hill Fort, on a guided history tour. Join a special tour to Friday Island and the Kazu Pearl Farm. Tuck into a delicious Japanese seafood lunch followed by a demonstration on the cultivation, seeding and harvesting of the pearl. Time also to visit the Pearl Farm Shop. Return to Thursday Island before travelling by ferry to Horn Island late afternoon. 

Day 10 THURSDAY 

CAIRNS

Join local guides on a tour of the World War II sites. See gun emplacements, an underground command post and an aircraft wreck with an epic tale. Walk in the steps of  traditional owners, the Kaur a reg People, and learn their stories. Following the tour you will have time to wander the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. Enjoy an Asian buffet lunch on Horn Island before transferring to Horn Island Airport for your Qantas Link flight to Cairns. Tonight we celebrate the end of our adventure with a Farewell Dinner at the Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant & Bar.z
 

Day 11 FRIDAY

CAIRNS

Your Cape York and Torres Strait adventure concludes after breakfast at Rydges Esplanade Resort. Own arrangements for your connecting flight or rail home. Alternatively, you may like to extend your stay in Cairns with one of our Post Tour packages, then enjoy some free time back at your accommodation.

Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel.  Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.

 

Solos Mix
This tour is operated by Outback Aussie Tours. We’ve hand-picked this tour as it is a good choice for solo travellers. 

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ACCOMMODATION

HOTELS

Destination

Hotel Name

Nights of Stay

Cairns

Rydges Esplanade

1

Cooktown

River of Gold Motel

2

Musgrave

Musgrave Roadhouse

2

Weipa

Albatross Bay Resort

2

Bamaga

Cape York Peninsula Lodge

2

Horn Island, Torres Strait Islands

Gateway Torres Strait Resort

1

Cairns

Rydges Esplanade

1


Hotels may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided.

RYDES ESPLANADE, CAIRNS
Rydges Esplanade Cairns Resort is set within lush tropical surrounds. Conveniently located on The Esplanade, the resort offers sweeping views over the Coral Sea and Mountains with easy connections to Cairns city.

Features: 3 swimming pools, Free Wifi, Tennis courts, Health & fitness centre, Spa & Sauna, CHB restaurant & spa

RIVER OF  GOLD MOTEL,COOKTOWN
Cooktown offers visitors an exciting, natural and historical destination. From pristine beaches and walking trails to a great day’s fishing. The towns’ rich history also provides the visitor with numerous historical buildings, museum and fascinating historical sites to visit. Conveniently located in the heart of Cooktown (Hope Street), the River of Gold Motel is within easy walking distance of all town facilities.

Features: Free WiFi and Foxtel, Self-service laundry facilities, Restaurant / Bar, Room Service, Cooked or Continent breakfast, Air conditioning, Ceiling fans, Outdoor tables and chairs, Swimming pool, Non-smoking room 

CAPE YORK PENINSULA LODGE
Welcome to Cape York Peninsula Lodge, forming part of Australia’s “Melanesian South Pacific” paradise. Cape York Peninsula Lodge offers comfortable lodge accommodation being the premier accommodation and hospitality property at the top of Cape York. If you like adventure, fishing, boating, island hopping, 4WD adventure and the outdoor life, then this is the place for you!

Features: Paid Wifi, Bar, Restaurant, Swimming pool, Terrace, Garden, Daily housekeeping, Air conditioning


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GETTING THERE

Starts In:
Ends In:

Arrive to: Cairns                     
Depart from: Cairns  

If joining from outside Australia you must hold a valid passport with a minimum of six 6 months validity from your return date to your home country (exceptions for some countries). Ensure you have at least two blank pages in your passport. See 'VISA' information in our MORE INFORMATION section below.

HOTEL CHECK IN /CHECK OUT TIMES
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. Early check in or late check out can be requested but without payment cannot be guaranteed.

ABOUT AIRFARES
On request we provide an airfare quote.  If joining the tour from outside Australia it is usually most economical if you make your own flight arrangements or use the service of a travel agent located within your country of residence to arrange your flight to Australia.

TRANSFERS
Airport Transfers to/from Cairns are by your own arrangement

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DETAILS

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience

FELLOW TRAVELLERS 
You will enjoy this group experience with a maximum of 28 travellers. This is a Solos Mix tour.

SOLOS MIX
We’ve hand-picked this tour as a good option for solo travellers. There’s a mix of travellers, single travellers and couples travelling together – this is our SOLOS MIX offer.  From our ‘know-how’ these are trips popular with solo travellers.  We only select small group tours for our Solos Mix selection. There’s a good likelihood of more than a few solo travellers joining the tour.

For all ‘Solos Mix’ international tours receive our exclusive SOLO TRAVELLER SAVING (STS), when you book the tour with us, with your own room

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MORE INFORMATION

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TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'I would highly recommend a holiday with Encounter Travel. My trip was well organised and the co-ordinator was fun and helpful and full of energy. I met some great people of all walks of life. There is a good mix of organised activities and free time. I had a blast.'

 Linda, Victoria

'Thank you for your organisation of a great holiday. As a first time traveller with Encounter, I didn't know what to expect. The Red Centre is indescribably beautiful and should be on every Australians' bucket list. We saw every sensational attraction in just the right order - each new experience was more incredible than the last. Thank you for recruiting such a great group of people for my travelling companions. The hotels were clean and very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be transported across such an amazing landscape so comfortably. I learnt so much about our wonderful country and wished I had done such a trip years earlier.'

 Sarah, 52 years, Sydney, Australia

'Did a Red Centre solo 7 day tour absolutely fantastic, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon, Palm Valley you have to see it and experience it. The coach drivers were professional, excellent knowledge and with a great sense of humor.'

 David, Eschol Park, Sydne, New South Wales
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