2016 Cape York
Northern Adventure 14 Days / 13 Nights Cairns to Cape York Drive/Fly Accommodated 15 Days / 14 Nights Cairns to Cape York Drive/Fly Accommodated with Freedom of Choice Package
Quinkan Lakefield National Park Seisia Moreton Telegraph Station Lotusbird Lodge Punsand Bay Creeks Cooktown Laura Crocodiles Lockhart River Art Archer River Corrugations Overland Telegraph Track Fishing Pajinka – The Tip Thursday Island Fruitbat Falls Musgrave Telegraph Station Northern Beaches Relaxation Portland Roads Torres Strait Chili Beach Nifold Plains Lily Lagoons Savannahs Split Rock Termite Mounds Small Group Rainforests Magic Horn Island Cockatoo Creek Jabiru Lodge
Departure Dates May Jun
13 30 14
Jul
1 16 31
Aug
24
Sep
10
Prices $8,795 per person twin share $8,395 per person twin share excluding ‘Freedom of Choice Package’ $1,395 Single Supplement Please see website for Special Offers
Our Commitment
About Us
TO THE ENVIRONMENT
TO YOU – OUR VALUED GUEST
We endeavour to conduct our safaris in a format that ensures minimal impact on the environment. That is why we only do small group tours.
We recognise the value of your holiday and appreciate the trust you place in us. We are committed to ensuring that you have an enjoyable holiday experience. We guarantee all departures; our itineraries are true reflections of our products; our vehicles and equipment are maintained to the highest of standards. Your safety and comfort is paramount and all decisions are made with this, the needs of the individual and the group in mind.
TO THE COMMUNITIES WE VISIT Wherever possible we access services and supplies locally – assisting in the viability of the communities we travel within. We continually foster goodwill and educate our guests to do the same.
We take your holiday seriously so that you don’t have to.
If you are looking for a company with a fleet of vehicles, massive headquarters and a huge staff, you are on the wrong page. Off Road Adventure Safaris is a husband and wife team with almost 50 years of experience in Tourism between us. We have earned a reputation for personalised service and high quality products with the flexibility to meet and exceed the clients’ expectations. Now – if that is what you are looking for you are definitely on the right page.
Freedom of Choice Package To ensure that you get the most from your stay in FNQ we are pleased to offer three options for you to choose from before starting your Northern Adventure. The companies below have been chosen for their small group sizes and reputations for personalised service. This optional package constitutes Day 1 and Day 2 of our itinerary and includes airport transfer, accommodation, breakfast on Day 2, tour of your choice from below (all include lunch) and a welcome dinner on Day 2 where you join your fellow travellers and guide in preparation for your journey into one of the worlds’ last great wilderness areas. If you choose to not include this package you will still be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. Your adventure will begin when you join your fellow travellers and guide at the welcome dinner (Day 2 of the itinerary).
Freedom of Choice (Day 2) Tour Options Cape Tribulation and Daintree with Discovery Tours
Great Barrier Reef with Seastar Cruises
Wet Tropics Rainforest Wilderness Eco Safaris
with
Wilderness Eco Safaris offer exclusive 4WD rainforest tours in the Cairns hinterland. Visitors are taken into less visited areas of the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Travel to the famous Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation in small group comfort. This premium tour includes a visit to the stunning Mossman Gorge, Port Douglas, the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
Also included is a Crocodile Cruise on the Daintree River.
In as little as 1 ¼ hours the Seastar1 can take you from Cairns to the magnificent Michaelmas Cay, the largest of the uninhabited cays in the area. Cruising past Green Island, Upola Cay and Oyster Reef, Seastar is usually the first boat to arrive. After spending time at Michaelmas it is only a 20 minute cruise to the world renowned Hastings Reef. Sitting on the very outer edge of the reef and protected from the influence of coastal streams and rivers, the coral in this area is some of the best to be seen the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef.
The tour takes you on a real 4WD tour into restricted access areas, a truly ancient rainforest unmatched by any other in Australia and the world. With exclusive access into the areas they visit and a maximum of 8 guests, Wilderness Eco Safaris can guarantee you a truly private day in the world’s oldest, continuously growing, rainforest.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation Whilst in Cairns enjoy staying at the Double Tree by Hilton. With views of the foreshore, or the surrounding mountains, and the stunning central atrium and rainforest, the Double Tree by Hilton is the perfect location for you to get a feel for this picturesque tropical city. With only a short walk into the heart of Cairns you will have time to explore both before and after you Northern Adventure.
Itinerary Codes & Meals B
Breakfast
L
Lunch
D
Dinner
T
External Tour/Site
Your holiday price includes all meals and tours as coded. Please note that alcohol is not provided in the price. Every effort if made to meet dietary requirments is this remote locality.
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Itinerary Day 1
Arrive in Cairns On your arrival at Cairns airport you will be met by Southern Cross Limousines and taken on a short tour of the Cairns foreshore and the central business district before checking in at the Double Tree by Hilton. Day 2 (B/L/D/T)
Freedom of Choice Day Please refer to page 3 for details. Day 3 (B/L/D/T)
Cairns - Mareeba Wetlands First stop today – the total Skyrail experience; Diamond Class Gondolas (no queues and VIP service); interpretive presentation at Red Peak; visit the Interpretation Centre at Barron Falls; followed by a personal Djabugay Aboriginal Guided Tour. Meeting your guide in Kuranda it is off to Jabiru Safari Lodge on the Mareeba Wetlands. After lunch on the deck, some free time to book into your luxury safari tents before joining the Sunset
Wildlife Safari – cruising the lagoon in a battery powered boat followed by a trip into this 2000 hectare private reserve in a safari vehicle with a stop for traditional billy tea. Cap this off with wine and cheese on the deck at sunset, a wonderful dinner and time to enjoy your surroundings. Day 4 (B/L/D)
Mareeba Wetlands - Cooktown For the adventurous a complimentary canoe paddle on the lagoon at sunrise. A relaxed breakfast and we make our way to Cooktown via the Byerstown Range. Cooktown is steeped in the early history of the area and there is plenty to explore. Spending some time in the James Cook Museum and strolling down the main street is all part of the experience. Congratulations you are officially on the Cape Peninsula.
now York
We spend the night at either the beautifully appointed Sovereign Resort in the heart of Cooktown which gives you extra time to explore, or at Mungumby Lodge with the world heritage Black
Mountains as a backdrop and tropical rainforest at the front door. Day 5 (B/L/D/T)
Cooktown - Laura Today we join the Peninsula Development Road. Locally known as the PDR this is the road that will take us the full length of the Cape York Peninsula. In Laura we visit the Quinkan Cultural Centre before meeting our guide/traditional owner for our private tour of a group of the most significant indigenous art sites in Australia (rated in the top ten in world importance by UNESCO). Visiting the township of Laura is like stepping back in time and is where we will spend the night in the newly built Laura Motel as guests of Harold and Jenny. Day 6 (B/L/D)
Laura - Rinyirru National Park Leaving the sealed roads behind, we make our way into Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park. Open savannahs, water lily covered billabongs and a mosaic of forest types supports a diversity of wildlife and birds and a large population of saltwater crocodiles.
“A trip planned & executed in flawless fashion – every attention given to the smallest detail. Mark’s knowledge & understanding of the country, people, flora & fauna was outstanding, and his knowledge of hidden gems off the beaten track added to our overall enjoyment. To say nothing of his capacity to anticipate all our needs & desires! The accommodation & meals were fantastic. This particular Safari should be on everyone’s ‘must do’ list.” Ginny & Tim - NSW (2015)
Accommodation tonight will be at either Lotusbird Lodge or Musgrave Telegraph Station - both sites offering its’ own unique brand of Cape York uniqueness. Day 7 (B/L/D)
Rinyirru NP - Archer River Our destination today is Archer River, one of Cape Yorks’ largest river systems. With its headwaters in the Great Dividing Range on the eastern side of the Cape this magnificent river flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria on the Western Cape. Along the way we pass through the small town of Coen. With the discovery of gold in 1876 the town was originally built as a small fort in 1877. Today Coen provides much needed services to the region and is an important supply point for the northern communities. We spend the night at Archer River Roadhouse – a piece of Cape York tour history being the first roadhouse established specifically to service travellers on their way to the Tip. Meet some locals whilst having dinner on the verandah and be amazed when you view the flood level marks on the side of the building.
Day 8 (B/L/D)
Archer River – Portland Road Leaving the PRD we head to the east coast to the remote village of Portland Road – originally established as a supply port for the military bases in the area during WWII. Our drive through the Ironstone Range reveals magnificent views of the cyclone swept mountains that, for eons, have protected the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Australia and one of the last in the world. Staying at Portland House on the shores of Weymouth Bay is an experience in tropical living. Open to the world with shutters that are only ever closed during the wet season, Portland House is totally self-sufficient with solar electricity, composting toilet and the freshest rainwater that you will ever shower in. This home is decorated with an eclectic collection sources from the owners extensive travels. Wine and cheese are the order of the day as we watch the sun set over the bay. Our hosts, Greg & Sheree, will treat us to the freshest seafood dinner and their friendly hospitality.
Day 9 (B/L/D)
Portland Road No need to pack your bags today as we will be staying a second night at Portland House. Sleep in, have breakfast at your leisure and just enjoy the laid-back attitude of what is one of Australias’ smallest and most isolated communities. A short trip will have us at Chili Beach and in view of Restoration Island. Once the refuge of Captain Bligh and the men that remained loyal after the mutiny on the Bounty, for the past 26 years it has been home to Australias’ own Robinson Crusoe. For those interested in Indigenous art we can organise a visit to the Lockhart River Art Centre, the birthplace of modern Indigenous art on Cape York. After lunch at the Out of the Blue Café we will return to Portland House for an afternoon at leisure. For those keen to wet a line, Portland Road is renowned for its’ fishing – we supply the rods (and the boat) – the rest is up to you.
If bushwalking is your desire we can drop you at Cooks Hut Camp to explore the lowlands rainforest walks. Day 10 (B/L/D)
Portland Road - Moreton Back to the PRD today – along the way we visit the remains of the Batavia Gold Fields which was proclaimed in 1892 and continued operations until after WWII. Our destination today is Moreton Telegraph Station. Situated on the banks of the Wenlock River, Moreton is steeped in the history of the pioneering days. Take a stroll along the tree lined banks of the river where clear water flows over a sandy bottom and watch for Archer Fish as they shoot insects off low branches with jets of water – or just sit and enjoy the sounds of the abundant birdlife that inhabits the river valley. Moreton is a birdwatchers delight. There is a good chance that we will see Cape Yorks’ iconic bird, the Palm Cockatoo. Early in the morning and late afternoon flocks of Red Wing Parrots come to Moreton to feed on the numerous fruit trees. Large Barramundi and
Saratoga are a regular catch if you are so inclined. Day 11 (B/L/D)
Moreton - Punsand Bay Today we take on the Overland Telegraph Track (OTT), the last remaining sections of which begin at Bramwell Junction Roadhouse, 40kms north of Moreton. Our first challenge will be Palm Creek with its almost vertical approach and a steep rutted departure. The OTT is a place to slow down (even more) and take time to enjoy the magnificent wilderness that we are travelling through. Further up the track we stop at the Dulhunty River for a morning tea to remember. Re-joining the PDR we continue on to Fruit Bat Falls for a refreshing swim and a break for lunch. Continuing north we come to the Jardine River, Australias’ largest perennial river. Even at the peak of the dry this river flows at approximately four million litres of fresh water a second. Crossing the river by ferry we continue on to Cape York Camping Punsand Bay. With the tip
of Cape York in view from the beach and spectacular sunsets over the Arafura Sea, Punsand Bay is the perfect staging point for the culmination of our journey. Day 12 (B/L/D)
Punsand Bay Cape York (as opposed to The Cape York Peninsula) was named by Captain Cook in honour of the Duke of York. It is properly known as Pajinka and commonly referred to as ‘The Tip’. Whatever you call it, ‘it’ is a magical feeling standing at the end of our continent and knowing that there is no-one further north than you on mainland Australia. This is our goal for today. On the way we stop at ‘The Croc Tent’, pass through the unique Lockerbie Scrub, visit Somerset (the failed ‘Singapore of the Pacific’), and take a drive along the Northern Beaches. To, once again, avoid the crowds, we time our day to arrive at Pajinka in the late afternoon. This usually means we have it all to ourselves as we enjoy sunset drinks and a platter before returning to Punsand Bay.
Day 13 (B/L/D/T)
Punsand Bay - Thursday Island It is one of our only early starts today as we catch the ferry for a trip through the Torres Strait to Thursday Island. Upon arrival at Thursday Island you will join a tour of the local sites, conducted by a local, and which includes a great lunch at the Torres Strait Hotel (Australia’s northern most licensed establishment). Following your tour you will be escorted to your accommodation at the Jardine Motel. This afternoon is to enjoy exploring what the Island has to offer – again if you are interested in Indigenous art we can organise for a gallery tour by the artist. Day 14 (B/L/T)
Thursday Island – Cairns A short boat ride this morning to Horn Island where you will be joined by Vanessa and Liberty from Torres Straits Heritage for a tour of the Island and World War II sites. As part of a 5th generation Torres Strait family they will share their world with you – offering an insight into the conditions during the war.
After an Asian buffet lunch at the Torres Strait Resort you will have time to explore the Torres Strait Heritage Museum before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Undoubtedly one of the most magnificent scenic flights in Australia, you will be able to retrace your journey up the Cape and, weather conditions permitting, have the most incredible views of the Great Barrier Reef. On your return to Cairns you will be met by Southern Cross Limousines and transferred to the Double Tree by Hilton. Day 15 (B)
Cairns No need to rush this morning, checkout is not until 10am. Breakfast is included with your stay - please feel free to have it delivered to your room. On this tour we travel to very remote regions. Occasionally things happen which may require a change to the itinerary and/or accommodation. To enjoy the full benefit of your Cape York tour you are asked be flexible, openminded and prepared for the unexpected.
“Do you like travelling in really small groups? With a guide who really knows the area, takes you to places other groups never visit, is absolutely reliable and who works hard to cater to your personal interest? Do you like good food, with the freshest meals in really inaccessible places? If this sounds like your sort of trip you cannot do better than Off Road Adventure Safaris.” Joan - NSW (2015) “A trip of a lifetime! Excellent guide. A great itinerary. Surpassed all our expectations. Not enough space to adequately express our satisfaction with this tour. Fantastic!” John & Chris - VIC (2011) “A real adventure, with many side-trips to seek out things requested. Mark has a passion for the outback, is extremely well-informed, very caring of group needs, an excellent organiser, a fantastic driver & an overall very nice guy of good humour who was full of pleasant surprises. We learnt more about the people living in isolated communities, Aboriginal culture & art, early settlers, gold-rushes & mining & their effects on Indigenous people, birds, crocs, waterways & rivers, & caring for our lands. This is a stupendous trip. Thanks to Mark, & to Jody who is always there behind him. Carolyn – NSW (2015)
Inclusions & Highlights
NEW FOR 2016! Freedom of Choice Package (FOCP)
15 days / 14 nights (14 days / 13 nights without FOCP) including 12 FULL days of touring on Cape York
Feel secure in the knowledge that your Tour Guide / Driver is nationally qualified, professional and has over 30 years of remote locality 4WD touring experience
Be assured of personal service and the flexibility of a small group as one of only 8 guests travelling in comfort in a custom built 4WD vehicle (NEW FOR 2016!)
Safety Mobile phone coverage whilst on the Cape is sporadic at best. Rest assured we carry both a satellite phone and EPIRB for emergency situations.
Travel Insurance Travel Insurance is not included in this product. It is strongly recommended that you take out comprehensive travel insurance.
Luggage One bag (soft sided) per person. This great Caribee duffel will be provided as part of your booking. You may also like to bring a small day bag or pack.
Professional and informative commentary delivered by integrated PA system
Personalised luggage
Transfers from Cairns Airport to your accommodation at Double Tree by Hilton pre-tour plus group limousine pick-up at Cairns Airport on your return from Cape York
Superior quality pre and post tour accommodation on the Cairns foreshore
Pre-departure dinner to meet your fellow travellers and guide
Terms & Conditions
ALL meals as coded (continental / hot breakfasts, generous lunches & 2 course dinners)
Deposit / Payment:
Where schedule permits – morning / afternoon tea & sundowners (refreshments at sunset) provided
Ice box for personal drinks (water supplied)
All National Park, site & ferry fees
All tours / activities as coded
Fishing equipment for the enthusiasts
Ferry to Thursday Island & transfer to Horn Island
Return scenic flight to Cairns
Plus surprise inclusions that we can't tell you about or they wouldn't be surprises
Be treated as a VIP on one of the worlds’ most awarded eco attractions, Cairns Skyrail
Cruise the Mareeba Wetlands in an electric boat then tour the 2000 hectare savannah forest private reserve
Visit Indigenous art sites that few people will ever see and learn of their meaning with a Traditional Owner / Guide
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Rinyirru(Lakefield) National Park
Catch a Barramundi in Saltwater Creek (no guarantees!)
Follow the ORIGINAL path of the Overland Telegraph Line
Refresh yourself with a dip at Fruit Bat Falls
Explore Australias’ northern most beaches
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Enjoy guided tours of both Thursday and Horn Islands
07 4128 2049
‘Toast the Tip’ – Pajinka at sunset
enquiry@offroadadventuresafaris.com.au www.tourcapeyork.com.au
Plus – some exclusive sites only available to OUR GUESTS
We require a deposit of 20% within 7 days of booking your Tour. This confirms your booking. The balance must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure. Bookings made within two months of travel must be paid in full within 72 hours. Cancellations / Refunds: If cancellation occurs more than 60 days prior to departure an administration fee of $500 per person will be deducted from your refund. Cancellations occurring 60 – 30 days prior to travel a 50% cancellation fee applies; cancellations occurring less than one month prior to departure will incur the following charges: 29 - 14 days prior 75% of total, less than 14 days prior 100% of total. Please note that cancellation of any flight component of this tour will be subject to the terms and conditions of the ticket purchased by Off Road Adventure Safaris from the airline – in the case of cancellation occurring more than 60 days prior to departure any costs associated with the flight component will be in addition to the administration or cancellation fee outline above. Please see website for full T & Cs
Questions?