Cape York Trek

Cape York is truly one of Australia’s last frontiers, and we’re extremely fortunate that so much of it is accessible by four-wheel drive. Our exclusive private property access lets you drive the tracks that others won’t take you to.

This Cape York ‘Bucket List’ trip kicks off at the northernmost tip of Australia. After snapping a few photos, we dive into some serious off-road driving as we tackle the number one bucket list item for most: the Old Telegraph Track. It begins at the Jardine River. We take on creek and river crossings (while avoiding crocs) and some of the tight, twisty sandy sections are exciting and will test your new-found skills. After numerous crossings we reach our overnight camp at Eliot / Twin Falls, where it’s time for a swim at one of Cape York’s most scenic waterfalls.

Then we do it all again the next day, with even better creek crossings and more challenging sections of track leading to our overnight stop at Bramwell Station. We continue south towards Lakefield National Park, and after camping at Kalpowar Crossing, we hit the rarely used and nearly forgotten Starke Track. One of Cape York’s more overgrown trails, it’s also one of the highlights of the trip. We drive it all the way to the end.

We camp on cattle stations and most nights enjoy a beer around the campfire. Your 10-day safari is full-on, from Day 1 right through to our final night in Cairns. You’ll have the camera out all the way. There’s a shower or swim and a campfire at every night’s stop. This is an action-packed safari with something new around every corner—an absolutely unforgettable ‘Top Trip’.

PRICE

$3600

DURATION

10 Days

DISTANCE

1250 km

START LOCATION

Bamaga, QLD

PERCENTAGE OF BITUMEN / DIRT: 10/90

AVERAGE DISTANCE PER DAY: 190km

GROUP SIZE: 6-10 vehicles

GLAMPING OPTIONS: 5 out of 10 days

TOUR START LOCATION: Bamaga,QLD

TOUR FINISH LOCATION: Cairns, QLD

ACCOMMODATION: Campgrounds

TOUR GRADE: Medium/Hard. No Trailers.

HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S INCLUDED

Telegraph Track
Bush Camps
Fishing
Bloomfield Track
Fruit Bat Falls
WW2 Wrecks
Starke Track
Lions Den Hotel
Catch a Barra…
World Heritage National Parks
Elliot/ Twin Falls

Welcome and farewell dinners
One additional evening meals
Accredited guides with senior first aid certification
Free Wi-Fi at each camp
4WD backup vehicle equipped with a winch
All recovery equipment
UHF radio and satellite phone
Tyre repair gear
Comprehensive first aid kit
National Park permits and camping fees
All Aboriginal land access permits
BBQ plate provided at each camp
Licensed and accredited tour operator

ITINERARY

Day 1: Loyalty Beach – Loyalty Beach

100km (C D R)

We kick off with a drive to the iconic northernmost tip of mainland Australia. Timing the tide just right, we enjoy an easy walk to “The Tip”—a bucket-list moment to start the journey.

Day 2: Loyalty Beach to Nolans Brook

88km (B)

Heading south, we cross the Jardine River and briefly join the PDR before veering east onto the Old Telegraph Track. The pace slows as the terrain gets more technical. We camp beside Nolans Brook—a top spot for a refreshing swim.

Day 3: Nolans Brook to Eliot / Twin Falls

38km (C)

The day kicks off with a crossing the renowned Nolans Brook—a spot well known for submerging vehicles. We’ve traversed it plenty of times and will guide you through safely. From there, we tackle the Telegraph Track, with several creek crossings that’ll put both your driving skills and your vehicle to the test. We wrap up with a well-earned swim at Eliot Falls.

Day 4: Eliot / Twin Falls to Dulhunty River

58km (B)

After a refreshing morning swim and a short stint back on the PDR, we reach Cockatoo Creek, the start of the Southern Section of the Old Telegraph Track. Before arriving at our overnight camp, we tackle Gunshot Creek. This technical crossing often catches novices off guard, but we’re there to guide you through it. After successfully crossing six creeks today, we finish at the beautiful Dulhunty River. It’s a great camp spot with safe swimming by a small waterfall.

Day 5: Dulhunty River to Moreton Station

70km (C M R)

A slightly easier day after yesterday’s challenges. Palm Creek marks the final crossing of the Telegraph Track, and it’s a tough one—expect winch action. We wrap up the legendary track at Bramwell Junction and head to our camp at Moreton Station, collecting firewood en route.

Day 6: Morton Station to Coen

189km (C D R)

Today’s journey follows the PDR, with a stop at Archer River for a swim and a chance to savour the famous Archer Burger. We finish in Coen, where you can stock up at the general store and enjoy dinner at the Exchange Hotel.

Day 7: Coen to Kalpowar Crossing

261km (C)

Leaving Coen, we say goodbye to the PDR and head east toward the coast. The Running Creek track offers a fun 4WD challenge before we rejoin graded roads near Lily Vale Station. We enter the enchanting Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park and settle in at Kalpowar Crossing for the night.

Day 8: Kalpowar Crossing to Starke River

157km (B)

Fancy a barramundi breakfast? The Normanby River offers a chance to cast a line before we take on the scenic and slightly technical Starke Track. Tonight’s bush camp is one of our favourites—remote, peaceful and a perfect final night under the stars.

Day 9: Starke River to Lions Den Hotel

144km (C M R)

We roll into Cooktown with time to explore, grab a coffee or climb Mt Cook for panoramic views of where Captain Cook worked out how to escape the reef system.. Keen anglers can try their luck at the jetty. We finish the day at the iconic Lions Den Hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 10: Lions Den Hotel to Cairns

228km (C D R)

The final leg is a scenic drive through World Heritage-listed landscapes. We stop at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, before arriving in Cairns. After settling in, we gather for a farewell dinner and share stories from the road.

Legend

B – Bush Camp
C – Campground
D – Dinner Provided
M – Meals Available (own expense)
R – Rooms Available (own expense)

Glamping Options

Rooms and meals are available on 5 nights of this tour.