Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel to the tippy top of northern Queensland on an Australian adventure in Far North Queensland.

Highlights

Make the pilgrimage to Pajinka (Cape York) – the continent’s northernmost point and one of Australia’s most remote and unique locations, known as ‘The Tip’.
Take a ferry to Thursday Island and learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach with a Torres Strait Islander Guide.
Cross the Iron Range for a night near Chilli Beach – this picture-perfect white sand beach is framed by palm trees.
Head into the mangroves on an eco-cruise in Weipa to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy riverbanks.
Learn about Aboriginal culture in a remote retreat outside Cooktown with an Aboriginal guide, try bush food and listen to storytelling about the land and its ancestors. Then, learn about Torres Strait Islander culture on Thursday Island.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private 4WD Overland Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cairns, Australia

Finishes

Thursday Island (Torres Strait) / Seisia, Australia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns

Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy, in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into a local bar. After the meeting, maybe head out with your group for a dinner. 

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Cape Tribulation / Rossville

Today, you’ll take the Daintree ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage area of Cape Tribulation, which sits within the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a short nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the forest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! Stop at a lookout and enjoy the beach scenery, then hop into your 4WD truck for a drive along the iconic Bloomfield Track – also known as the Coast Road, this track takes you from the cape through the forest’s many creeks. After, carry on to Rossville for the night, and maybe join your group for dinner at The Lion Den Hotel. After some pub food, spend the night stargazing at your campsite, overlooked by the Kalkajaka (Black Mountain).

Included Activities:

Cape Tribulation - Lookout
Cape Tribulation - Daintree Rainforest nature walk
Rossville - Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Rossville / Cooktown / Lakefield National Park

Fuel up on breakfast this morning, then meet with your local Aboriginal guide. Attend a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, then take a bush food and medicine walk as your guide tells you stories about the land. You’ll learn more about Country and boomerang throwing as your guide shares some handmade artefacts. Soak up your opportunity to connect with the land. Then stop at the Cooktown History Centre and learn about the significance of Cooktown and what role it played in Aboriginal history. Next make tracks for Rinyurru Lakefield National Park. When you arrive, step back in time at the Old Laura Homestead, which dates back to 1879, and immerse yourself in one of the park's most historically significant periods. Then, head to your overnight stay at either Laura or Lakefield National Park, depending on season.

Included Activities:

Cooktown - Cooktown History Centre visit
Rossville - Kuku Nyungkul cultural tour

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Lakefield National Park / Coen

After breakfast, head to Red Lily Lagoon to spot the waterbirds and pink lotus-lilies that carpet the lagoon. After a short walk, you’ll carry on to another peaceful lagoon, where a hundred-year-old mango tree marks the site of a historic family homestead. Have lunch on the North Kennedy River, then visit the termite mounts and grasslands of Nifold Plains. Arrive in Coen in the late afternoon – a rural town on the eastern side of the Cape York peninsula – where you’ll spend the night at camp.

Included Activities:

Coen - Coen Heritage House visit

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Iron Range National Park

This morning, you’ll continue north to Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park – the largest area of lowland tropical rainforest in Australia – through Cape York’s wilderness. Stop at Mount Tozer viewpoint and take a short walk for views of the mountain that rises in the distance. Next, visit the small coastal community of Portland Roads. This remote tropical outpost is a historical site framed by mangroves and famous for its small local cafe. If it’s open, maybe sit down for a coffee and a snack before heading to Chilli Beach – a long, sweeping beach, popular for fishing and birdwatching. Chill out under the swaying palms and take in the remote beach landscape, then head to your campsite.

Included Activities:

Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Chilli Beach
Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Mount Tozer viewing platform

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Iron Range National Park / Wenlock River

Maybe rise early this morning and go bird watching in the surrounding rain forest – if you’re lucky, you may spot the elusive palm cockatoo, red-bellied pitta and yellow-billed kingfisher. Next up is Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation – established in 1995, the artists of Lockhart River Art Centre have been recognised for many years as ‘The Art Gang’. You’ll visit here before heading to your campground on the Wenlock River – you'll be staying at Moreton Telegraph Station for the next two nights, which was part of the Cape York Telegraph line, completed in 1887.

Included Activities:

Lockhart River - Arts Centre visit

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Weipa / Wenlock River

This morning, you’ll drive to the Western Cape Cultural Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the region of Weipa and its surrounding communities. This centre plays an important role in preserving traditional language within the region through informative displays and artworks. After, you’ll hop on a boat cruise to see Cape York from the water – look out for saltwater crocodiles and the numerous bird species that live in these waterways and mangroves and learn about the local culture and wildlife habitats. After, visit Lake Patricia and head out on a short walk with your leader around the area. Tonight, you’ll have dinner back at your campground on the river and spend another night under the stars.

Included Activities:

Weipa - Lake Patricia stop
Weipa - Western Cape Culture Centre visit
Weipa - Mangrove Eco Cruise

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Apudthama National Park / Seisia

This morning, you’ll carry on to Kennedy’s Lost Camp to learn about Edmund Besley Court Kennedy J. P. – an Australian explorer in the mid-19th-century, known for his knowledge of (and untimely end in) Cape York. You’ll then visit Fruit Bat Falls, which sits within Apudthama National Park. These lush, bushy falls are a beautiful spot for a nature walk and a swim. After, carry on to the Jardine River ferry for the short journey to Seisia – home to the most northerly mainland community in Queensland and a gorgeous spot with a beach, still waters and palm trees. You’ll spend the next three nights in the local caravan park at Loyalty Beach and have dinner with your group at the site.

Included Activities:

Apudthama National Park - Fruit Bat Falls walk & swim
Shelburne - Kennedy’s Lost Camp stop

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Pajinka (Cape York) / Seisia

Today, you’ll drive to the northernmost point of the mainland of Australia – Pajinka. Once you cross this mighty spot off your bucket list with a walk along the inland route, carry on to Somerset Beach and Fly Point for a beach visit and some photos, trying to spot the resident turtles. Then, carry on to the plane wreckage from World War II – located throughout Cape York, there are now plane wreckages where there were functioning Allied air bases during the war. These are a reminder of how close the fight really was to Australian shores. End the day with a visit to the remote community of Injinoo (also known as Cowal Creek or Small River) then take some time to wander through the town of Bamaga and stock up on snacks before making your way back to Seisia for the night.

Included Activities:

Cape York - WWII plane wrecks
Cape York - Fly Point walk
Cape York - Pajinka ('The Tip') day trip
Cape York - Somerset Beach stop

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Thursday Island (Torres Strait) / Seisia

This morning, you’ll take the ferry to Thursday Island for a cultural activity with a local Torres Strait Islander guide. When you arrive, learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach. In the early afternoon, jump back aboard the ferry to Seisia where your trip will come to an end in the afternoon.

Included Activities:

Thursday Island - Torres Strait Cultural Tour with local guide
Thursday Island - Return ferry

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,550

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Travel to the tippy top of northern Queensland on an Australian adventure in Far North Queensland.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Jun 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now