Cooktown and Cape York

  • Australia
  • Duration: 11 Days
  • Start: Cairns
  • Finish: Cairns
  • Destination: Australia
  • Group size: 1-20
  • Operator: APT Touring
Venture to the northernmost tip of Australia and discover one of the wildest tropical environments on Earth. Soar over Cape York in an included helicopter flight, wander through ancient rainforests, and admire Indigenous rock art.

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Highlights

Cape Tribulation, Bloomfield Track, Cooktown
Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park
Punsand Bay, Tip of Cape York

Cooktown and Cape York

Venture to the northernmost tip of Australia and discover one of the wildest tropical environments on Earth. Soar over Cape York in an included helicopter flight, wander through ancient rainforests, and admire Indigenous rock art.

 


Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique experiences are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What’s more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following highlights are just a taste of what we have prepared, especially for you.

Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk

Travel to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park and set off on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk, led by local Indigenous guides. Start with a smoking ceremony, learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques, and hear stories of the Dreamtime.

Reach the tip of Cape York

Walk to the tip of the peninsula to experience being at the Australian mainland’s most northerly point. Take in the stunning vistas over the Torres Strait, then afterwards, take to the skies as you embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the tip of Cape York.

Bloomfield Track

Journey along the Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s most iconic outback roads. From here, journey through dense sections of rainforest, tackling steep climbs and several challenging creek crossings.

Cape Tribulation Exploration

Explore Cape Tribulation, the only place in Australia where two World Heritage-listed phenomena meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef

 


 

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

  • Experiences in 16 destinations
  • Travel in a group of no more than 18 guests with the services of an expert APT Tour Director and driver
  • Travel in a custom-designed 4WD vehicle
  • Locally inspired dining with all meals included
  • Embark on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk in Daintree National Park’s Mossman Gorge
  • Explore stunning Cape Tribulation, where the reef meets the rainforest
  • Set out on a scenic helicopter flight over the tip of Cape York
  • Journey along the Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s most iconic outback roads

 


 

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • APT highly recommends travel insurance
  • This tour includes mainly easy walks over uneven terrain, with some optional more challenging hikes
  • Price includes airport transfers, flight from Horn island to Cairns, port charges and park fees
  • Prices are for land/ferry and internal flight as stated only

 


 

Terms and Conditions

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Cairns, Port Douglas

Your adventure begins in Cairns today, where we meet you on arrival and transfer you to your resort in Port Douglas. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. You might like to go for a dip in one of the resort’s many pools, or head into Port Douglas for a wander through town. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable degustation dining experience at Port Douglas’ most nationally awarded restaurant, Harrisons. Your degustation menu, created by owner chef Spencer Patrick and his team, will showcase the best quality Australian produce.

Stay: Port Douglas, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Daily:·  Dinner

Day 2. Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park

After your Signature Experience, embark on a Daintree River Cruise and keep an eye out for crocodiles, birds, butterflies and a variety of reptile species. Tonight, dine amidst the rainforest in an open-air restaurant.

Signature Experience - Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk

Travel to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park and set off on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk, led by local Indigenous guides. Start with a smoking ceremony, before journeying along private, gentle tracks visiting culturally significant sites. Learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques, hear stories of the Dreamtime and gain a deeper understanding of how the Indigenous people have lived off the land here for thousands of years.

Stay: Daintree National Park, Heritage Lodge

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Signature Experience

These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.

Day 3. Cape Tribulation, Bloomfield Track, Cooktown

After a day of Signature Experiences, arrive in Cooktown and discover the Cooktown Botanic Gardens and the James Cook Museum. Just before sunset, savour views from Grassy Hill Lookout over the Endeavour River.

Signature Experience – Cape Tribulation Exploration

Explore Cape Tribulation this morning, the only place in Australia where two World Heritage-listed phenomena meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Signature Experience – Bloomfield Track

Journey along the Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s most iconic outback roads. From here, journey through dense sections of rainforest, tackling steep climbs and several challenging creek crossings.

Stay: Cooktown, Sovereign Resort Hotel

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Signature Experience

These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.

Day 4. Quinkan Country, Laura, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, Musgrave

Travel to Quinkan Country, ranked by UNESCO as one of the top 10 rock art areas in the world. Here, embark on a walk with an Aboriginal guide to Split Rock, an intriguing rock art site where Quinkan figures depicting native animals, spirits and totems have been painted onto the rock face. Later, turn off into Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, home to crocodiles, wallabies and an array of bird life. Arrive at Musgrave, the only remaining telegraph station on the peninsula.

Stay: Musgrave Roadhouse

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Day 5. Coen, Gulf Country, Weipa

Explore the old gold mining town of Coen and stop at the well-known Archer River Roadhouse for lunch, which marks the halfway point of your journey. Afterwards, continue to the town of Weipa, home to the largest community on the Cape York Peninsula.

Stay: Weipa, Albatross Bay Resort

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Day 6. Weipa, Bramwell Station

Set out on a boat trip in Weipa and relax as you learn about the region’s unique ecosystem, mining industry and Indigenous culture. Keep your eyes peeled for saltwater crocs lazing on the banks. Afterwards, travel to Bramwell Station.

Stay: Bramwell Station

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Day 7. Fruit Bat Falls, Punsand Bay

Observe the towering termite mounds of Bramwell Junction before continuing on with your adventure. Stop at Fruit Bat Falls and cool off with a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of the Elliott River. Cross Jardine River by ferry, then skirt Jardine River National Park and continue through the traditional land of the Injinoo Indigenous people.

Stay: Two Nights, Cape York Peninsula Lodge

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Day 8. Punsand Bay, Tip of Cape York

Travel along a 4WD track to Frangipani Beach, with sweeping views of the tip of Cape York.

After your Cape York experience, travel to historic Somerset Hill, the site of a station established by John Jardine in 1863. On Somerset Beach, admire Albany Island, as well as discover the history of ‘Jackey Jackey’ and Frank Jardine.

Signature Experience – Reach the Tip of Cape York

Take a mildly challenging but thoroughly awe-inspiring walk to the tip of the peninsula to experience being at the Australian mainland’s most northerly point. Take in the stunning vistas over the Torres Strait, then afterwards, take to the skies as you embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the tip of Cape York.

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Signature Experience

These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.

Day 9. Thursday Island

Ferry across Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island, which was once a base for pearling luggers. Step back in time with a visit to Green Hill Fort, located atop the island’s highest hill. Once used as ammunitions storage, the fort’s maze of underground tunnels and rooms now houses the Torres Strait Museum. Immerse yourself in ancient Torres Strait Islander culture with an unforgettable traditional dance, storytelling and musical show, the Migi Malu Experience. Enjoy traditional island damper with a hot tea, coffee or water.

Stay: Thursday Island, The Grand Hotel

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Day 10. Horn Island, Fly to Cairns

Transfer to Horn Island aboard the local ferry. On a guided tour, visit the World War II Base and Torres Strait Heritage Museum, and learn how the island became an operational airbase following the bombing of Darwin. Later, board a flight from Horn Island over the Great Barrier Reef and marvel at this spectacle from the air before arriving in Cairns. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner at the renowned Dundee’s Waterfront Dining, a quintessential Australian restaurant boasting stunning views, local delicacies and unique fare including kangaroo, crocodile and emu. The menu is a drawcard for return local, national and international visitors.

Stay: Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Day 11. Depart Cairns

After breakfast this morning, be transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight.

Daily:·  Breakfast

Dates and prices

From AUD $9,695 per person, twin share · 11 Days

May 2027 6 departures
June 2027 4 departures
July 2027 6 departures
August 2027 7 departures
September 2027 6 departures

Prices are per person, twin share, in AUD and can change at any time. Tap a departure to enquire.

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FAQ's
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