Cape York North

Cape York remains one of Australia’s most remote and rugged destinations. With exclusive access to private properties, you’ll drive tracks that most tours won’t touch—giving you a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

Starting in Cairns, we climb the Kuranda Range and head west through historic goldfields before turning north toward the Tip of Australia. Along the way, we camp on working cattle stations, enjoy yarns around the fire and soak up the outback lifestyle.

This 10-day Cape York adventure is packed with highlights. From river crossings and bush tracks to waterfalls and World War II wrecks, there’s something new every day. Whether you’re chasing barra, snapping photos or just taking it all in, this is a bucket-list journey you won’t forget.

PRICE

$3960

DURATION

10 Days

DISTANCE

1900 km

START LOCATION

Cairns, QLD

PERCENTAGE OF BITUMEN / DIRT: 10/90

AVERAGE DISTANCE PER DAY: 190km

GROUP SIZE: 6-10 vehicles

GLAMPING OPTIONS: 7 out of 10 days

TOUR START LOCATION: Cairns, QLD

TOUR FINISH LOCATION: Bamaga, QLD

ACCOMMODATION: Bush camp & Campgrounds

TOUR GRADE: Easy. Offroad caravan or camper OK.

HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S INCLUDED

Bush Camps
Fishing
Fruit Bat Falls
WW2 Wrecks
Lions Den Hotel
Catch a Barra…
World Heritage National Parks
Eliot / Twin Falls

Welcome and farewell dinners
Four 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: Cairns to Chillagoe

205km (C D R)

Departing Cairns, we climb the range into the fertile Tablelands—known as the North’s Food Bowl—before heading west into historic goldfields. At Chillagoe, we join a tour of the Chillagoe–Mungana Caves, then settle into camp and enjoy a hearty meal at the local restaurant.

Day 2: Chillagoe to Maytown

202km (B)

Today’s route is all dirt as we venture deep into the Palmer River Goldfield, once Australia’s richest alluvial site. The track gets rough in spots, but we’re in no rush. By arvo, we roll into the ruins of Maytown, where gold rush relics lie scattered—perfect for a bit of a poke around.

Day 3: Maytown to Jowalbinna

258km (C M R)

Though Jowalbinna lies just 30km away as the crow flies, the journey takes all day. We detour around the rough northern track, navigating rocky terrain with stunning views. After passing through Lakeland and stopping at Laura, we arrive at a scenic campground with hot showers and a crackling campfire.

Day 4: Jowalbinna to Musgrave Station

211km (C M R)

We begin with a guided tour of ancient Aboriginal rock art, then hit a mix of gravel and sealed roads en route to Musgrave Station—once a vital telegraph hub and now our overnight stop.

Day 5: Musgrave Station to Merluna Station

267km (C M R)

Travelling north on the Peninsula Developmental Road, along both sealed and unsealed sections, we enjoy a relaxed day with plenty of photo stops. After lunch and refuelling in Coen, we reach Merluna Station early afternoon for a peaceful outback stay.

Day 6: Merluna Station to Weipa

119km (C D R)

A short drive brings us to the mining town of Weipa. We join an afternoon mine tour, then spend the rest of the day exploring before dining locally.

Day 7: Weipa to Bramwell Station

173km (C M R)

Enjoy a final wander through Weipa before we head out via the Batavia Downs shortcut. We rejoin the PDR and continue north to Bramwell Station.

Day 8: Bramwell Station to Captain Billy Landing

106km (B)

Tonight’s bush camp sits right by the beach, offering a great spot to throw in a line. We’ve had plenty of success here over the years.

Day 9: Captain Billy Landing to Eliot / Twin Falls

93km (C)

After navigating the winding track from Captain Billy Landing back to the Peninsula Developmental Road, we head north toward Fruit Bat Falls—the first of three stunning waterfalls we’ll visit today. Our camp for the night is set at the scenic Eliot and Twin Falls, with crystal-clear swimming and lush surrounds, it’s a highlight of the trip.

Day 10: Eliot / Twin Falls to Loyalty Beach

120km (C M R)

We continue north on the PDR and take the short ferry ride across the Jardine River—just 50 metres. From there, it’s on to “The Tip,” where we time the tide for an easy final walk to mainland Australia’s northernmost point. On the way to Loyalty Beach Campground, we stop at a WWII wreck before settling in for a beachside farewell dinner.

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 15 nights of this tour.