Cairns to Cape York 9 Day Tour
The Cairns to Cape York 9 Day Tour takes small groups of up to 6 people through North Queensland to the Tip of Australia by 4WD. The journey covers the Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield Track, Cooktown, Lakefield National Park, Iron Range National Park, Lockhart River, Weipa and Thursday Island. The tour includes hotel accommodation with ensuite facilities, all meals, national park fees, ferry crossings and a flight between Horn Island and Cairns.e National Park, Lockhart River, Weipa and Thursday Island. The tour includes hotel accommodation with ensuite facilities, all meals, national park fees, ferry crossings and a flight between Horn Island and Cairns.
Features
- Experienced local tour guide
- Pick up from accommodation in Cairns
- 8 breakfasts
- 9 lunches
- 8 dinners and snacks
- Hotel and motel accommodation with ensuite facilities
- Modern 4WD Toyota LandCruiser
- All National Park entry fees
- All ferries and barges
- Daintree River cruise
- Mossman Gorge visit
- Cruise to Thursday Island with guided tour
- Cruise to Horn Island with guided tour
- Weipa Sunset Eco Cruise
- Flight with QANTAS between Horn Island and Cairns
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns to Cooktown - The tour departs Cairns and heads north through the Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest living tropical rainforest. The journey includes a cruise on the Daintree River to spot wildlife such as crocodiles, a visit to Mossman Gorge to see the rainforest and freshwater swimming holes, and travel along the Bloomfield Track, a 4WD-only road through dense jungle. Arrive in Cooktown, a historic town with links to Captain James Cook and the Endeavour. (L,D)
Day 2: Cooktown to Lakefield National Park - Visit the James Cook Museum, Grassy Hill Lookout with views over the Coral Sea, and Cherry Tree Bay where Cook beached the Endeavour. Travel west to Lakefield National Park, Queensland's second largest national park featuring wetlands, savanna, and abundant wildlife. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Lakefield to Iron Range National Park - Head north through Musgrave Roadhouse and enter Cape York Peninsula. Stop at Coen, an outback town with heritage buildings. Continue to Iron Range National Park, home to Australia's largest lowland rainforest and unique wildlife including eclectus parrots, green pythons, and spotted cuscus. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Iron Range National Park - Spend a full day exploring the rainforest, walking tracks, and beaches at Chili Beach. Look for tropical birds and other wildlife unique to this area. Visit Lockhart River Aboriginal community to learn about Indigenous culture and art. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Iron Range to Weipa - Travel through remote Cape York landscapes to Weipa, a bauxite mining town on the western coast. Join a sunset eco cruise on the Embley River to see crocodiles, birds, and possibly dolphins. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Weipa to the Tip - Travel north to Seisia and board a boat to cross the Torres Strait to Thursday Island. Explore this island with a guided tour covering its history including World War II, pearling industry, and multicultural heritage. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Thursday Island and Horn Island - Visit more of Thursday Island including the Green Hill Fort and Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial. Cruise to Horn Island and tour the WWII heritage sites including aircraft wrecks and bunkers. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Torres Strait to Tip of Australia - Return to mainland and travel to the Tip of Australia at Pajinka. Walk to the most northerly point of mainland Australia. Explore Bamaga and the Northern Peninsula Area communities. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Tip of Australia to Cairns - Fly from Horn Island to Cairns with QANTAS, arriving in the afternoon. Tour concludes. (B)
Meeting Point & Times
Location: Pick up from your accommodation in CairnsTour Frequency: Scheduled departures throughout the yearDeparture Time: Pick up between 6:00am and 7:00am depending on accommodation locationReturn: Flight arrives Cairns approximately 3:00pm on Day 9
What To Bring
Small soft bag (hard suitcases not suitable)Comfortable walking shoesHat and sunscreenInsect repellentSwimwearCameraLight layered clothingRain jacket
Additional Information
This tour involves 4WD travel on unsealed roads and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or back problems. Please contact us for accessibility information.
Instant Booking & Mobile-Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure your Cairns to Cape York 9 Day TourPre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.If you require hotel transfers, please have your hotel name ready when booking so we can send you a pick-up time with your confirmation.
Meeting Point and Times: Pickup from accommodation in Cairns or the Northern Beaches between 6:45am - 7:45am on Day 1. Drop-off to accommodation in Cairns or the Northern Beaches on Day 9 in the early evening. Check with the operator for specific pickup times.
