Cape York Safari

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 in Cairns, then we wind our way up the Kuranda Range and head west into the goldfields before turning north towards the Tip of Australia. On the way home we get 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 newfound 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 21-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

$7350

DURATION

21 Days

DISTANCE

3110 km

START LOCATION

Cairns, QLD

PERCENTAGE OF BITUMEN / DIRT: 10/90

AVERAGE DISTANCE PER DAY: 150km

GROUP SIZE: 6-10 vehicles

GLAMPING OPTIONS: 12 out of 21 days

TOUR START LOCATION: Cairns, QLD

TOUR FINISH LOCATION: Cairns, QLD

ACCOMMODATION: Campgrounds

TOUR GRADE: Medium/Difficult. No trailers

HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S INCLUDED

WW2 Wrecks
Starke Track
Lions Den Hotel
Catch a Barra…
World Heritage National Parks
Waterfalls
Weipa Tour
Eliot/Twin Falls
Old Telegraph Track
Fishing
Northernmost Tip of Australia
Bloomfield Track

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)

We begin our journey in Cairns, heading west over the range into the fertile Tablelands—often called the North’s Food Bowl. Continuing through historic gold mining country, we arrive in Chillagoe for a guided visit to the Chillagoe–Mungana Caves. After setting up camp, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Chillagoe to Maytown

202km (B)

Today’s route is all off-road as we travel north into the heart of the Palmer River Goldfield, once home to Australia’s richest alluvial deposits. The track is rough in places, but we take our time. By afternoon, we reach the ruins of Maytown, where relics of the gold rush era still scatter the landscape—perfect for exploring.

Day 3: Maytown to Jowalbinna

258km (C M R)

Although Jowalbinna is only 30km away as the crow flies, the terrain forces a longer detour. The track is slow and rocky, but the views are worth it. After rejoining the bitumen, we pass through Lakeland and stop in Laura before taking a well-graded dirt road to Jowalbinna. The campground offers hot showers and a roaring fire—ideal for swapping stories.

Day 4: Jowalbinna to Musgrave Station

211km (C M R)

We start the day with a guided tour of Aboriginal rock art sites, then travel a mix of sealed and gravel roads to Musgrave Station, once a key telegraph hub in the region.

Day 5: Musgrave Station to Merluna Station

267km (C M R)

Heading north on the Peninsula Developmental Road, we enjoy a relaxed day with varied terrain. After a lunch stop and refuel in Coen, we reach Merluna Station by early afternoon.

Day 6: Merluna Station to Weipa

119km (C D R)

A short drive brings us to Weipa, a mining town on the Gulf. We take a mine tour in the early afternoon, then spend the rest of the day exploring before dinner.

Day 7: Weipa to Bramwell Station

173km (C M R)

After a relaxed morning in Weipa, we head out via the Batavia Downs shortcut to rejoin the PDR, continuing north to Bramwell Station.

Day 8: Bramwell Station to Captain Billy Landing

106km (B)

We leave Bramwell Station and head east toward the coast, travelling through remote bushland before reaching Captain Billy Landing.

This quiet beachfront camp is a favourite for those who enjoy casting a line. It has a great rate of success, so fish is likely to be on the menu tonight.

Day 9: Captain Billy Landing to Eliot / Twin Falls

93km (C)

We return to the PDR via a winding track, then visit Fruit Bat Falls—one of three waterfalls today. Our camp at Eliot / Twin Falls offers excellent swimming and scenic surrounds.

Day 10: Eliot / Twin Falls to Loyalty Beach

120km (C M R)

Continuing north, we cross the Jardine River by ferry and visit a WWII aircraft wreck before reaching Loyalty Beach.

Day 11: Loyalty Beach – Free Day

100km (C D R)

We visit “The Tip,” the northernmost point of mainland Australia. Timing the tide right makes for an easy final walk to the top.

Day 12: Loyalty Beach

(C M R)

A free day to relax, fish or explore the local area at your own pace.

Day 13: Loyalty Beach to Nolans Brook

88km (B)

We head south to the Jardine River, then turn east onto the Old Telegraph Track. The track is slow and technical, ending at Nolans Brook—a great spot for a swim.

Day 14: Nolans Brook to Eliot / Twin Falls

38km (C)

We kick off the morning with a crossing at Nolans Brook, a deep and unpredictable spot known for catching out vehicles. With experience on our side, we’ll guide you through safely. The rest of the day is spent navigating the Telegraph Track, where several creek crossings offer a good challenge for both driver and rig. By late afternoon, we reach Eliot Falls—a perfect spot to cool off, relax and reflect on a rewarding day in Cape York’s rugged terrain.

Day 15: Eliot / Twin Falls to Dulhunty River

58km (B)

We begin the day with a swim, then rejoin the PDR briefly before reaching Cockatoo Creek, where the southern stretch of the Old Telegraph Track begins. One of the day’s highlights is Gunshot Creek—a steep, technical crossing that challenges many, but we’ll guide you through. With six creek crossings behind us, we arrive at Dulhunty River by late afternoon. It’s a peaceful bush camp with safe swimming near a small waterfall, perfect for unwinding after a rewarding day on the track.

Day 16: Dulhunty River to Moreton Station

70km (C M R)

After a full-on day yesterday, today’s pace eases up. Palm Creek is our last Telegraph Track crossing and it’s a tough one—expect the winch to earn its keep. Once we’re through, we wrap up the track at Bramwell Junction and rejoin the PDR. The afternoon drive is smooth, with time to gather firewood. We reach Morton Station by evening, ready to settle in for a relaxed night under the stars.

Day 17: Morton Station to Coen

189km (C D R)

We spend the day travelling along the PDR, with smooth driving. A stop at Archer River offers a chance to refuel, grab the well-known Archer Burger and cool off with a swim. It’s a relaxed pace after the past few days. By late afternoon, we arrive in Coen, where you can stock up at the general store before heading to the Exchange Hotel for a hearty dinner and a coldy.

Day 18: Coen to Kalpowar Crossing

261km (C)

About thirty minutes out of Coen, we leave the PDR behind and head east toward the coast. We switch to 4WD as we join the Running Creek track, a scenic and rugged trail that leads us past Lily Vale Station and onto smoother ground. Soon after, we enter the stunning Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, where wetlands, wildlife and wide skies set the tone. There’s plenty to explore before reaching our overnight camp at Kalpowar Crossing.

Day 19: Kalpowar Crossing to Starke River

157km (B)

If you’re keen for a fresh feed, the Normanby River is a great spot to try your luck with an early morning cast for barramundi. After crossing the river, we join the Starke Track—a scenic trail with a few technical patches to keep things interesting. Tonight’s camp is a quiet, scenic spot and a fitting place to spend our last night under the stars.

Day 20: Starke River to Lions Den Hotel

144km (C M R)

After finishing the Starke Track, we roll into Cooktown with time to explore. Grab a coffee, wander the streets, or drive up Mt Cook for sweeping coastal views and a chance to see where Captain Cook masterminded his passage out through the reef. If the tide’s right, the jetty’s a good spot to cast a line. Once we’ve soaked in the scenery, we head south to camp overnight at the Lions Den Hotel—a quirky bush pub with plenty of character.

Day 21: Lions Den Hotel to Cairns

228km (C D R)

Our final drive takes us through World Heritage rainforest and past Cape Tribulation, where the reef meets the rainforest. We arrive in Cairns, settle in and gather for a farewell dinner to share yarns from the last 21 days.

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 12 nights of this tour.