Cape york 9 day
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Guaranteed Available PackagesFriday4 September 2026Saturday12 September 2026$7,800Available
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Guaranteed Available PackagesTuesday29 September 2026Wednesday7 October 2026$7,800Available
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Guaranteed Available PackagesThursday8 October 2026Friday16 October 2026$7,800Available
Embark on the ultimate Australian overland expedition with our premier Cairns to Cape York tour. This exclusive, small-group Cape York 4WD safari is custom-designed for discerning adventurers who want to stand at the absolute northernmost tip of Australia in complete comfort. Traveling in a premium, late-model 4WD vehicle with a maximum of just six guests, this highly personalized journey delivers a perfect showcase of historic frontier towns, pristine rainforest tracks, ancient Indigenous culture, and pioneering aviation history.
Table of Contents
Detailed 9-Day Cape York Overland Itinerary
Note: This premium safari operates as both a Drive/Fly and Fly/Drive itinerary. Both travel options feature identical inclusions and landmarks, simply conducted in reverse order.
Days 1–3: Launching the Cairns to Cape York Tour via the Daintree Canopy
Your premium Cairns to Cape York tour launches as we head north along the iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive. We plunge straight into the ancient, World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest canopy for a private morning river wildlife cruise.
Key West Cape York Highlights:
- The Bloomfield Track: Experience a thrilling 4WD-only off-road adventure, crossing pristine river systems before arriving in historic Cooktown.
- Cooktown Frontier History: Spend time uncovering maritime heritage at the world-class James Cook Museum and taking in the coastal views from scenic lookouts.
- Old Laura Homestead: Step back in time to explore the beautifully preserved remains of an iconic, late-1800s outback pastoral station.
Days 4–6: Advancing the Cairns to Cape York Tour Through the Remote Iron Range
We travel deeper into the remote Cape York Peninsula wilderness, navigating rugged red-dirt highways and tracking unique native wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
Key Highlights of the Cairns to Cape York Tour
- Iron Range National Park: Traverse the largest remaining enclave of lowland tropical rainforest in Australia, home to rare eclectus parrots and green tree pythons.
- Lockhart River Community: Visit the remote coastal Indigenous community to view the globally celebrated works of the Lockhart River “Art Gang” painters.
- Weipa & The Western Cape: Arrive on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Explore the Western Cape Cultural Centre to learn about local history, mining innovations, and view a classic, fiery outback sunset over the water.
Days 7–9: Concluding the Cairns to Cape York Tour at the Tip & Torres Strait
Our specialized 4WD vehicle tackles historic outback properties, navigating past Batavia Downs and the iconic Morton Telegraph Station as we push toward the northern frontier.
The Ultimate Expedition Finish:
- The Tip of Australia: Leave the vehicle for a short, scenic rocky walk to stand directly beside the iconic sign marking the absolute northern tip of the Australian continent.
- Thursday Island & Horn Island Cruise: Board a premium ferry to cross the turquoise waters of the Torres Strait. Tour historic military gun emplacements on Thursday Island and discover World War II aviation heritage on Horn Island.
- Scenic Coastline Return Flight: Conclude your 9-day journey by boarding a scheduled aircraft for a spectacular scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, gliding straight back down into Cairns Marlin Marina.
Scheduled 2026 Cairns to Cape York Tour Departure Calendars
Please note: Due to rugged river conditions, this tour is strictly seasonal and not suitable for infants.
Drive / Fly Departures (Cairns to Cape York Overland)
- May: 5th & 29th
- June: 22nd
- July: 17th
- August: 10th
- September: 4th & 29th
Fly / Drive Departures (Cape York to Cairns Overland)
- May: 15th
- June: 8th
- July: 27th
- August: 20th
- October: 9th
What is Included in this Premium Cairns to Cape York Tour?
- Elite Small-Group Transit: Travel on this premium Cairns to Cape York tour in a late-model, comfortable 4WD vehicle driven by an expert local guide.
- Flights & Cruises: Fully included scheduled flight from Horn Island to Cairns, Daintree River boat cruise passes, and Torres Strait island ferry transfers.
- All Entry Admissions: National park permits, Thursday Island guided transfers, and James Cook Museum tickets are fully covered.
- Highly Personalised Value: A custom flexible pace with value-added inclusions tailored for an authentic, premium outback holiday.
Book the Cairns to Cape York Tour
Ready to experience the ultimate Australian overland pilgrimage in style? Because this boutique Cairns to Cape York tour is strictly capped at just six guests per departure, available seats fill up over a year in advance. Complete our quick tour expression of interest form below to lock in your preferred 2026 travel dates, check current room availabilities, and book your safari today.
Cape York 4WD Overland Safari FAQs
How does the small group size improve the Cairns to Cape York tour experience?
Capping our Cape York 4WD safari at a maximum of just six guests ensures a highly flexible, relaxed, and personal travel pace. Unlike massive tour buses, our boutique setup allows you to spend extra time exploring specific rock art, remote homesteads, or wildlife sites that interest you most.
What luggage guidelines are in place for the Cairns to Cape York tour regional flight?
Because the tour includes a scenic flight between Horn Island and Cairns, weight limits are strictly enforced by regional aviation safety partners.
Guests are permitted to bring one small, soft-sided duffel bag (maximum 15kg) plus a small daypack for personal items like cameras and water bottles.
Itinerary Cape York Tour: Drive/Fly
Cape York Tour: Drive/Fly
Day1: Cairns to Cape Tribulation
Leaving Cairns we head north along Queensland’s Great Ocean Road towards Mossman Gorge, where we refresh with local tea, coffee or a cold drink, before exploring this gorgeous gorge and rainforest paradise. The cool, clear waters of Mossman River tumbles through and over giant granite boulders. We’ll take a guided walk and you have the opportunity for a swim, should you wish to do so. We then enjoy a quality restaurant lunch, with a choice of meals available, before stepping aboard a boat to take a 1-hour cruise on the Daintree River. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles and other local wildlife. We then cross the Daintree River and make our way toward Cape Tribulation giving you an opportunity to explore coastal headlands and long sandy beaches; we journey through the World Heritage Rainforest.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Daintree Rainforest – Cape Trib Beach House (ensuite)
Day 2: Daintree to cooktown
After a leisurely breakfast we begin our journey towards Cooktown. Engaging 4WD, we travel along the Bloomfield Track (weather permitting) enjoying many scenic spots including Bloomfield Falls and Cedar Bay National Park. We stop at the World-Famous Lions Den Hotel – another classic Aussie Icon. We visit the mysterious Black Mountain before arriving in the historic township of Cooktown for an informative afternoon visit to the Cooktown Museum (formerly named James Cook Museum).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Cooktown – The Sovereign Resort Hotel (ensuite)
Day 3: Cooktown to Coen
We start our day with a visit to Grassy Hill Lookout, Botanical Gardens & Nature’s Powerhouse – this is truly an amazing place. From Cooktown we head west to Battle Camp and onwards into Lakefield National Park. After visiting the Old Laura Homestead, we travel through many fascinating river valleys and numerous giant termite mounds before arriving at our overnight accommodation in Coen. Dinner at the Exchange Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Coen Guesthouse (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 4: Coen to Lockhart River
Today we continue our adventure to one of Australia’s most remote areas as we head east exploring the Sir William Thompson Range and then crossing the Pascoe River, we head to into The Iron Range National Park. As we enter the National Park, we see the spectacular Mount Tozer at the peak of the table range, before descending to Lockhart River a unique aboriginal community situated on the ocean at Lloyd Bay. Exploring the many wonders of the Iron Range National Park whilst enjoying the dense tropical rainforest being the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Australia. We arrive at Lockhart River for our overnight stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lockhart River – Greenhoose (ensuite)
Day 5: Lockhart River
Today we have the opportunity to explore Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL). Kutini means cassowary and Payamu means rainbow serpent. These are important stories for the Kuuku Ya’u (Kanthanampu and Kungkay) people, the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this coastal park of international significance. A day full of spectacular views and biodiversity from the beaches and headlands to the heath-covered Tozer Range. A unique collection of mammals, frogs, lizards and snakes are found only at Kutini-Payamu along with numerous species linking to New Guinea. Return to your accommodation at Greenhoose surrounded by a tranquil rainforest environment for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lockhart River – Greenhoose (ensuite)
Day 6: Lockhart to Weipa
Leaving the east coast behind, we head inland to the north through the National Park and onwards to more savannah country of the Cape. In the afternoon we continue towards the West Coast and the famous mining town of Weipa located in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Weipa is the largest town on the Cape York Peninsula with a population of about 3000 people. Its main industries are mining and cattle exports. Arriving late afternoon, we then depart the port of Weipa on a Sunset Eco Cruise through the tranquil waters of the Embley River into the golden glow of a sunset over the water, whilst enjoying a cold drink and canapes, your friendly guide will spot crocodiles and birds along the way. The Weipa Motel Resort your stay for the night offers warm hospitality and friendly service with modern comfort and style.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Weipa – The Weipa Motel & Resort (ensuite)
Day 7 Weipa to Cape York
Departing Weipa early we head through one of the largest cattle stations on the Cape – Batavia Downs. We visit the Morton Telegraph Station; this important link in communication to the far north and the cape operated till 1960. We now begin what will be one of the highlights of our tour – it’s now time to join one of the original Telegraph Tracks (conditions permitting) Travelling further north to visit Elliot Falls and fruit bat Falls Joining the Bamaga Development Road we arrive at the Cape’s most famous river, the Jardine crossing the crocodile infested stream by ferry, then onwards to the top of Australia where we stay for the next two nights.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Seisia – Loyalty Beach (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 8: Cape York and the Tip
Today we visit the remains of Somerset, which was established by the Jardine Family as the Government outpost and Cattle Station. Spend some time at some secluded beaches, where we have previously sighted dugongs and sea turtles. This is a particularly scenic part of the Cape. We then head for Australia’s most northerly point, Cape York. The 30-minute walk to the point has lots of great views, also once we arrive it’s time to grab a drink and enjoy the afternoon over the Torres Strait.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Seisia – Loyalty Beach (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 9: Cape york to Thursday Island and Cairns
For our last day, we take a boat cruise across the Torres Strait to Thursday Island and enjoy a guided tour around this small Island that is part of Torres Strait culture and history. The island is situated between Cape York and Australia’s nearest neighbour Papua New Guinea. We then take a short ferry ride to Horn Island, where you will also enjoy a short tour of the Island before being transferred to the Horn Island Airport for your flight back to Cairns, arriving at approximately 5:30pm. Transfer back to your Cairns CBD accommodation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Flight: From Horn Island to Cairns
Day 1: Fly from Cairns to Cape York (Horn Island)
our tour commences from Cairns Airport or if required a shuttle bus will take you to the airport from the Cairns CBD. Following your arrival at Horn Island Airport you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the marina. We then jump on board the transfer boat and head to Thursday Island, where we have time to explore this small island that is part of Torres Strait culture and history. Thursday Island is situated between Cape York and Australia’s nearest neighbour New Guinea. We then transfer by ferry to Seisia on the Mainland and make our way to our accommodation; this will be our home for the next two nights.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Flight: From Cairns to Horn Island
- Accommodation: Seisia – Loyalty Beach (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 2: Cape York and the Tip
Today we visit the remains of Somerset, which was established by the Jardine Family as the Government outpost and Cattle Station. Spend some time at some secluded beaches, where we have previously sighted dugongs and sea turtles. This is a particularly scenic part of the Cape. We then head for Australia’s most northerly point, Cape York. The 30 minute walk to the point has lots of great views, also once we arrive it’s time to grab a drink and enjoy the afternoon over the Torres Strait.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Seisia – Loyalty Beach (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 3: Cape York to Weipa
Leaving the Cape behind us, we travel south across the Great Dividing Range though the Jardine National Park boarded with the stunning Coral Sea to the East. Arriving at the Jardine River it’s time to board the Ferry to cross the Jardine. We arrive at Fruit Bat Falls where we enjoy the board walk. We continue towards the West Coast and the famous mining town of Weipa located in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Weipa is the largest town on the Cape York Peninsula with a population of about 3000 people. Its main industries are mining and cattle exports. Arriving late afternoon, we then depart the port of Weipa on a Sunset Eco Cruise through the tranquil waters of the Embley River into the golden glow of a sunset over the water, whilst enjoying a cold drink and canapes, your friendly guide will spot crocodiles and birds along the way. The Weipa Motel & Resort your stay for the night offers warm hospitality and friendly service with modern comfort and style.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: The Weipa Motel & Resort (ensuite)
Day 4: Weipa to Lockhart River
Today we continue our adventure to one of Australia’s most remote area’s we head east exploring the Sir William Thompson Range and then crossing the Pascoe River, we head to Iron Range National Park. As we enter the National Park, we see the spectacular Mount Tozer at the peak of the table range, before descending down to Lockhart River a unique aboriginal community situated on the ocean at Lloyd Bay. Heading onwards further north – exploring the many wonders of the Iron Range National Park whilst enjoying the dense tropical rainforest being the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Australia. We arrive at Lockhart River for our overnight stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lockhart River – Greenhoose (ensuite)
Day 5 Lockhart River
Today we have the opportunity to explore Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL). Kutini means cassowary and Payamu means rainbow serpent. These are important stories for the Kuuku Ya’u (Kanthanampu and Kungkay) people, the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this coastal park of international significance. A day full of spectacular views and biodiversity from the beaches and headlands to the heath-covered Tozer Range. A unique collection of mammals, frogs, lizards and snakes are found only at Kutini-Payamu along with numerous species linking to New Guinea. Return to your accommodation at Greenhoose surrounded by a tranquil rainforest environment for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lockhart River – Greenhoose (ensuite)
Day 6 Lockhart River to Coen
Travelling along part of the southern leg of the old Telegraph Track we come to the Archer River, one of the Cape’s well-known obstacles and river crossing. We then continue further south to Coen our home for the night. Dinner at the Exchange Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Coen Guesthouse (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 7: Coen to Cooktown
After an early start from Coen, we head into Lakefield National Park including visits to Red and White Lilly Lagoons – these are truly spectacular parts of the National Park. We will also travel through the many river valleys and numerous giant termite mounds and arrive at the Old Laura Homestead. From the homestead we take a short drive to “welcome waterhole” wetlands from here we travel the Battle Camp Track to Cooktown. We then check in to our accommodation for our overnight stay before heading to dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Cooktown – The Sovereign Resort Hotel (ensuite)
Day 8: Cooktown to Cape Tribulation
The day begins visiting the Cooktown Museum (formerly named James Cook Museum), Botanical Gardens & Nature’s Powerhouse – this is truly a unique and amazing place. Leaving Cooktown, we engage 4WD and make our way along the Bloomfield Track enjoying many scenic spots including the mysterious Black Mountain, Bloomfield Falls and Cedar Bay National Park, stopping to enjoy lunch at the Famous Lion Dens Hotel – another classic Aussie Icon. Heading onward to Cape Tribulation, we give you an opportunity to explore coastal headlands and long sandy beaches journeying through the World Heritage Rainforest. We arrive at our overnight accommodation in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest before our final evening meal together.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Daintree Rainforest – Cape Trib Beach House (ensuite)
Day 9: Cape Tribulation to Cairns
After a leisurely start to our final day, we continue our journey through the Daintree Rainforest. A visit to this area would not be complete without a walk in the Rainforest. We then join onto a Daintree River Cruise for an hour of exploring the wilderness where crocodiles and other wildlife are often found. Following the river cruise, we make our way to the Daintree Teahouse for lunch. We complete our Cape York to Cairns experience with a scenic drive along the beautiful Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cairns City completing a truly memorable time touring the Cape York Region. Return to Cairns at approximately 5pm.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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