Cape York & Islands Tour

We leave Brisbane for our first stop of Injune, nestled on the Great Dividing Range. You will then travel by 4WD, air-conditioned minibus to the Wallaroo cattle station, located in the Carnarvon Ranges. Wallaroo Station covers nearly 300 square kilometres of bush, gorges, rivers and natural diversity. You will step back in time through millennia as you explore cycad groves, incredible rock formations and Indigenous cave art. Your eco-guide will share fascinating insights and you’ll discover how this land has supported flora, fauna and humanity in harmony for centuries. You will see an Aboriginal axe-grinding area on the flat stones of the remote Dawson River, the cathedral-like rainbow cave, and experience a breathtaking view of the Arcadia Valley. The day’s tour continues to surprise with new vistas and glimpses of the shy fauna that are part of the incredible web of life in this vast terrain.

Late in the afternoon we will depart for Longreach where after checking into your accommodation you will encounter the Outback Pioneers Stone Grill dining experience. Hot stones are moved from the campfire to the dining table in this true outback experience. Choose your hot-stone meat, fish or vegetarian option and have it cooked at your table.

Overnight The Stables/Coach Inn – Studio Room

Today you will have the opportunity to spend time at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and hear tales of what life was like for those in the outback in the early days.

The museum, stunningly constructed from timber, stone, and corrugated iron is truly reminiscent of the outback. With its unique design, the Hall of Fame stands comfortably amongst the rugged yet vibrant rural landscape. The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, known as the ‘Sydney Opera House of the bush’ is now a leading global attraction.

Bring your stockman’s experience to life at the Stockman’s Life LIVE Show. See the stories and skills that define what it means to be a stockman. Understand their connection to the land and the livestock they care for. Experience the action of a live muster, witness the bond between man and animal working together, and hear songs from the outback that tell the story of a day in the life of a stockman.

Later this afternoon you will be transferred to the Thomson River for a Starlight’s Cruise Experience. The cruise is followed by a hearty stockman’s dinner around the campfire, with bush poetry and rounded off with Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show.

Overnight The Stables/Coach Inn – Studio Room

The Historic Ilfracombe Excursion (outback rail adventure) is the perfect lazy Sunday experience. Leaving Longreach railway station and heading east across the vast open plains to Ilfracombe, there are views of the big sky landscape not available when travelling by road or air.

Explore the town of Ilfracombe, with its stories and character, before lunch at the famous Wellshot Hotel – the oldest pub in the west. This pub has many quirky and interesting memorabilia and history to keep you entertained. Returning to Longreach by rail we will then depart onwards to Mt Isa by air.

Arriving in Mt Isa you will get to explore ‘The Isa’ with a small-town tour before visiting Australia’s first and only underground hospital. You will learn of the extraordinary efforts by local miners who volunteered their time during construction, passing through four tunnels fitted out to resemble the 1942 original layout.

Overnight Redearth Boutique Hotel – Executive Room.

Our flight today takes us to the remote town of Burketown which was established in 1865. With your guide, you can experience the historical, cultural and natural wonders of Moungibi (Burketown). You will learn about the traditional uses of different native plant species and hear local knowledge on seasonal indicators and what they mean for the coming season. The afternoon is yours, to relax by the pool and lush tropical gardens.

This evening holds a Gambumanda Sunset Cruise, where you can experience the magic of the vivid crimson shades of an outback sunset as you cruise the calm and pristine waters of the Gambumanda (Albert River) aboard a the Mabuntha Yipippee. Along with the Dreamtime stories of the Gangalidda people, your guide will share their traditional knowledge and unique insights into the local river system and its diverse range of animals and birdlife. 

Overnight Savanah Lodge – Studio Cabin

Seasonally dependant (Jul-Aug), you may have the opportunity to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon trip over the vast countryside of Burketown. Enjoy views like no other of the spectacular Gulf Country including Australia’s largest salt pan, Albert River and out to the ocean. Learn about the unique local flora and fauna from our Gangalidda and Garawa crew pre or post your flight and discover the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful natural landscape.

Departing Burketown, our flight takes us over some amazing scenery in the Gulf of Carpentaria while tracking along the Queensland coast, before leaving the mainland for Horn Island. This area is part of the Torres Strait Island Group, and these islands have an incredible history.

Gain insight into the region by visiting the museum with our local tour guides. Accommodation here is ‘island-style’ with all the essentials provided. 

Overnight The Dugongs Rest – King Studio 

After a leisurely breakfast, travel by ferry to Thursday Island, a short boat ride away. The island is known by the locals simply as ‘TI’ and is home to a vibrant mix of colours and sounds displaying the history of island life. You will again be guided by a local who has the insights into this region.

A visit to heritage-listed Green Fort Hill is a highlight of the town tour. There may be time for shopping at the local markets for souvenirs before we return to Horn Island and your accommodation for the night.

Overnight The Dugongs Rest – King Studio 

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation and head to the harbour for a ‘cruise to remember’. After passing by some of the most beautiful islands in the Torres Strait, we visit Possession Island and the 5 square kilometre National Park established as a Protected Area. The historical significance of this island is that it was where James Cook sailed northward in the Endeavour from Botany Bay in 1770 and claimed possession of the entire east coast of Australia. However, in 2001 the Kaurareg people successfully reclaimed native title rights over the island. You will also visit Prince of Wales Island on the way to the tip of Cape York, which is situated about 20km south of this island. Here you will have the chance to claim that you have stood on the northern most part of mainland Australia, with sufficient time for photo opportunities and relaxing on the beach.

This day’s tour will also include a swim on a deserted beach on a remote island where lunch will be provided. *Tides and weather conditions my affect some aspects of this tour.* Travelling back to Horn Island you may to spot some of the sea life including dugongs (an endangered species of sea mammal), as well as Green, Hawksbill and Flatback Sea turtles.

Overnight The Dugongs Rest – King Studio 

This morning’s flight takes us south, along the coast and past Iron Range National Park, to Cooktown. This beautiful unspoilt coastal town is where Lt James Cook repaired his ship in 1770.

You will have the opportunity to visit the world-class James Cook Museum, Historical Railway Park, Cooktown Cemetery and Grassy Hill where James Cook stood while looking for a safe passage through the reef.

Overnight Seaview Hotel – Deluxe Room

Your day today is spent exploring more of this amazing part of Queensland as well as ample time to relax by the water.

We explore the harbour in the long afternoon light and then head upstream on our cruise to watch the sunset over the distant ranges. While navigating the maze way of smaller creeks while enjoying a gourmet cheese platter to accompany your drink of choice.

After dark, spotlights add a whole new perspective to the impenetrable walls of mangrove that line the river. Listen to some stories about Captain Cook’s infamous passage along the Cape, about devastating cyclones, about the glory days of pearling luggers and about the new Cooktown, gateway to Cape York. This sunset cruise can make for a wonderfully peaceful way to end the day.

Overnight Seaview Hotel – Deluxe Room

Departing the waters of the coast we head inland to one of the most unique places on this tour, Talaroo Hot Springs. (Seasonal dependant). You will be taken on a tour to the heart of Talaroo – the ancient and breathtaking Hot Springs. As you join one of the expert tour guides, you will learn about this unique geological wonder, Talaroo’s fascinating history, and the connection Ewamian people have had with their country for thousands of years and into the present day.

Take a walk on the new elevated boardwalk for incredible views of the vents and terraces as your guide shares the secrets and history of the Springs and Talaroo. As the tour concludes you’ll have the opportunity to soak or dip your feet in the healing waters of the Springs in the original soaking pool.

In the afternoon we leave Talaroo for our next stop, Undara, home to one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. Long ago, when a large volcano erupted violently spewing molten lava over the surrounding area, the lava flowed rapidly down a dry riverbed. The top, outer layer cooled and formed a crust, while the molten lava below drained outwards, leaving behind a series of hollow tubes. The afternoon is yours to relax and unwind, before a full day of exploring all the caves have to offer.

Overnight Undara – The Homestead/Pioneer Cottage.

The day begins with birdsong and ends with a golden sunset. We will take a tour of the area which includes a visit to a concentration of lava tubes, plus other interesting environmental, geological, and historical features to be pointed out and explained by your Savannah Guide. Visits up to 3-sections of lava tubes. Easy fitness level with boardwalks and steps.

The evening will be spent enjoying a big sky sunset, with sparkling wine and cheese as your Savannah Guide unlocks the secrets of Undara. Then, at dusk, be taken to the entrance of a lava tube for a nature experience you’ll never forget. Thousands of tiny insect-eating micro-bats emerge from the darkness to find food which, in the warmer months, attracts Pythons and Brown Tree Snakes that hang from the trees and strike out at the bats to capture a meal. This is a once in a lifetime nature experience.

Overnight Undara – The Homestead/Pioneer Cottage

Today’s flight will take us from the rugged caves of the outback to the remarkable Coral Coast. Here you will spend the next two days exploring the Whitsunday National Park and cruising the islands onboard the Whitsunday Explorer. 

This incredible Whitsunday adventure begins with sailing by the North, South, and West Molle Islands. You will cruise through the wide channel known as the Whitsunday Passage before dropping anchor in a sheltered Island bay for the evening.

(Please note, during your cruise, it may be necessary to change the proposed itinerary and activities due to weather and sea conditions).

Enjoy a sunset drink on the observation deck before settling into the main saloon for dinner with the Captain.

Overnight – Whitsunday Explorer – Ocean View Room

Start your day with an alfresco breakfast as you sail through the Whitsunday Islands. Dropping anchor at the next stop, you will be transferred ashore to the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. With 7 km of pristine white silica sands, Whitehaven Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Returning to the Whitsunday Explorer for a well-earned lunch, your next stop is just off Haslewood Island, where you can head ashore to Chalkies Beach. Boasting a white sand beach, picturesque shore walls, and coral ecosystems, you may even find yourself snorkelling with the fish of the Great Barrier Reef.

In the late afternoon, you’ll cruise back to a sheltered bay to enjoy another stunning Whitsundays sunset, followed by dinner at your leisure.

Overnight – Whitsunday Explorer – Ocean View Room

After our incredible 14-day tour of this stunning part of Queensland, we will depart Shute Harbour bound for Brisbane, but not before seeing the incredible Heart Reef. View this magnificent natural coral reef from your private window as our pilot ensures you have the perfect photo. 

Arriving home, we hope to leave you with a fulfilling experience of Northern Queensland and treasured memories of places you simply cannot reach by road.