2017 Cape York
Northern Adventure 14 Days / 13 Nights Cairns to Cape York Drive/Fly Accommodated All Inclusive
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
9 28
Jun Jul
18 9 31
Aug
20
Sep
12
Oct
1
Prices $11,495 per person twin share $1,595 Single Supplement Please see website for Special Offers
Our Commitment 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.
About Us 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.
Itinerary Off Road Adventure Safaris wish to acknowledge, with respect, the traditional custodians, both past and present, of the many lands that we travel through on this journey.
Arrive in Cairns (D/E)
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 CBD before checking in at the Double Tree by Hilton. With views of the foreshore or the surrounding mountains and its stunning central atrium and rainforest, Double Tree by Hilton is the perfect location for you to get the feel of this picturesque tropical city. With only a short walk into the heart of Cairns you will have time to explore your new surroundings. Join your Guide and fellow travellers for dinner tonight at The Doubletree in preparation for your journey into one of the world’s last great wilderness areas.
Cairns to Mareeba Wetland (B/L/D/T/E)
The Wet Tropics rainforests contain an almost complete record of the major stages in the evolution of plant life on earth. Many of the rainforest species of the wet tropics originated when Australia was still part of Gondwana. Taking you away from the mass marketed areas of Mossman and Daintree we travel into an area with restricted access that is used for scientific research and wildlife studies. To ensure that you get the
most of this experience we will be joined by a specialist Wet Tropics Guide, who will explain the intricacies of this ancient environment. After lunch we continue on to Jabiru Safari Lodge on the Mareeba Wetlands, our accommodation for tonight. This 2000 hectare private reserve is owned by the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland and is managed by former Cape York graziers, Greg and Marg. Your introduction to Savannah Wetlands, once again led by a specialist guide, commences with a cruise in the lodge’s battery powered boat on Clancy’s Lagoon. You will then travel into the heart of the reserve stopping at Pandanus Lagoon where wildlife is abundant. The Mareeba Wetlands is a birdwatcher's paradise with flocks of Jabirus, Brolgas and their rare cousins, the Sarus Crane. It is not unusual to twitch between 40 and 50 species of birds during your time at Jabiru Lodge. To say that the contrast between this morning’s rainforest and the savannah is dramatic is an understatement in itself.
Mareeba Wetland Cooktown (B/L/D/T/E)
Start your day with a complimentary canoe paddle on the lagoon as the sun rises behind you. After a relaxed breakfast we make our way into the Byerstown Range. Revered by drovers as one of the toughest areas in Australia to drive cattle the views on this drive
are, at the least, spectacular. The isolated settlement of Cooktown, situated on the Endeavour River, is steeped in the early history of the area. From Captain Cook beaching the Endeavour for repairs after running aground on a reef, to the gold rush days that saw Cooktown grow from nothing to over 20,000 inhabitants in less than two years, this town has plenty to see and experience. James Cook Museum is well worth a visit and a stroll through the main street is part of the experience. You will be impressed by the view from Grassy Hill Lookout, where Cook encountered his first Gungaru (Kangaroo). Our accommodation for tonight will be at Mungumby Lodge. With the World Heritage Black Mountains as a backdrop and tropical rainforest at the front door Mungumby Lodge offers quality private accommodation.
Cooktown - Laura (B/L/D/T/E)
Retracing our journey to Downs we join the Development Road. known as the PDR this is that will take us the full the Cape York Peninsula.
Lakeland Peninsula Locally the road length of
In Laura we visit the Quinkan Cultural Centre before meeting our guide/traditional owner who will take us into what is considered one of the most significant Indigenous art sites in Australia. UNESCO rates the over 1200 art sites of the Laura Region as being in the top ten in world importance. Giant Horse
“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
Gallery and the Quinkan Galleries are sure to impress even the most discerning traveller. The town of Laura, until recently, spent 5 months of the year cut off from the rest of the world. Step into the Laura General Store and you will feel that you have stepped back in time. Have your photo taken with the fully restored Baby Austin, the same model of car that, in 1928, made the first overland trip to the Cape setting a record of twenty five flat tyres in one day. We spend the night at the Laura Motel as guests of Harold and Jenny.
Laura – Musgrave Telegraph Station (B/L/D/E)
Leaving the sealed roads behind us we make our way into Rinyirru National Park (Lakefield). At 537,000 hectares (1.25 million acres) this is Queensland’s second largest National Park. Open savannahs, water lily covered billabongs and a mosaic of forest types support a diversity of wildlife and birds and a large population of saltwater crocodiles. There are so many beautiful places to stop in Rinyirru it becomes hard to choose however we will be visiting White and Red Lilly Lagoons and the Nifold Plains. We also cross the Laura, Kennedy, Hann and
Morehead Rivers. Accommodation tonight will be at Musgrave Telegraph Station. Musgrave was one of the repeater stations that boosted the signal up and down the original telegraph line for this still remote part of the world. A walk to the property dam will reveal a range of wildlife including a number of fresh water crocodiles that call the dam home during the dry season.
Musgrave Telegraph Station– Melanie Camp (B/L/D)
Heading north from Musgrave we travel through the land of the Lama Lama People to Melanie Camp on Silver Plains Station. Today’s journey has the most diverse range of landscapes that we encounter on our way up the Cape. From ridge forests to sand dune country, remnant rainforest to harsh termite plains and a lagoon with a massive population of crocodiles, wide roads to narrow tracks it is a day of contrasts. The original homestead on Silver Plains Station, built in 1946, is a classic example of settler ingenuity and a more simple time when corrugated iron was practical, not trendy. Melanie Camp is an exclusive Cape York experience set amongst
rainforest on the banks of the pristine Massey River, on the remote eastern coast of Cape York. Each of the permanent tents has its own deck overlooking the creek where massive Jungle Perch swim in the clear waters. Operated by Bungie Helicopters in partnership with the Lama Lama People as an exclusive, fully equipped, remote camp for birdwatchers and travellers looking for a relaxing, stress free bush experience Melanie Camp is the epitome of low impact, environmental tourism.
Melanie Camp - Archer River (B/L/D/T)
A stay at Melanie Camp is an experience to be savoured so there is no need to rush this morning. For the bird watchers an early morning walk along the banks of Massey Creek is sure to delight. After a relaxed breakfast try your luck for a Barramundi in the lagoon downstream from the camp or just sit back and enjoy the serenity that comes with such a remote location. The Great Dividing Range is our constant companion during the journey up the Cape and at no point is it more rugged that in the
McIlwraith (Kulla National Park) Section. This rugged plateau of dissected granite has an average height of 450 metres and a high point of 824 metres. Our journey today takes us through the heart of the range as we make our way to Coen. Gold was discovered on the Coen River in 1876 and the town first came into being as a small fort built by gold miners and prospectors in 1877. Today Coen provides a range of services to the region, and is an important supply point for the northern communities. Coen also marks the half way point of a journey up the Cape. Our final destination for today is the Archer River, one of Cape York’s 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. We spend the night at the Archer River Roadhouse in their motel units. This establishment, a piece of Cape York tour history, was the first roadhouse established specifically to service travellers on their way to the Tip of Cape York. Meet the locals while we have dinner on the verandah of the roadhouse and be amazed when you view the flood level marks on the side of the motel units.
Archer River – Portland Road (B/L/D)
Our journey today takes us off the PDR to the remote village of Portland Roads where they try to keep the population under ten to avoid rush hour gridlock. During WWII this was a supply port for the military bases that were established in the area.
the wet season. Portland house is totally self-sufficient with solar electricity, composting toilet and the freshest rainwater that you will ever shower in. Our hosts, Greg and Sheree, will treat us to the freshest seafood dinners and friendly hospitality to complement our stay.
Portland Road (B/L/D)
Our drive through the Iron Range (Kutini-Payamu) National Park exposes 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. This area is doubly important as it supports the northern-most community of Australian Cassowaries.
No need to pack your bags today as we will be staying a second night at Portland House.
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. We will also visit Quintell Beach with its massive boulders and the Iron Range Airport with its memorial to the WWII heavy bomber base.
After lunch at the Out of the Blue Cafe we will return to Portland House for an afternoon at leisure. For those keen to wet a line Portland Road is renowned for its Cape York fishing. We supply the rods, you supply the fish.
Staying at Portland House on the shores of Weymouth Bay is an experience in itself. It is your chance to live the way that the people of FNQ live. Houses up here are open to the world with shutters that are only ever closed during
Sleep in, have breakfast at your leisure and just enjoy the laid back attitude of what is one of Australia's smallest and most isolated communities. Most supplies to this area arrive by cargo barge from Cairns.
Portland Road – Moreton Telegraph Station (B/L/D)
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 28 years it
has been home to Australia's own Robinson Crusoe. Returning to the PDR our next destination is Moreton Telegraph Station. Along the way we visit the remains of The Batavia Gold Fields. Officially proclaimed in 1892 following the discovery of gold by William Baird at Retreat Creek, a tributary of the Wenlock River, the initial yields were quite high with output in 1893 being around two thousand ounces. The mine continued operation till after World War II. Situated on the banks of the Wenlock River, Moreton Telegraph Station is steeped in the history of the pioneering days of Cape York. Take a stroll along the tree lined banks of the river where clear water flows over a sandy bottom. This deceptively calm river becomes a raging torrent during the wet and, until the introduction of the bridge, was one of the major impediments to travel along the Cape. Moreton is a bird watchers delight. There is a good chance that we will see Cape York’s iconic bird, the Palm Cockatoo. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon flocks of Red Wing Parrots come to Moreton to feed on the numerous fruit trees. Large Barramundi and Saratoga are a regular catch in the river below the campground.
Moreton Telegraph Station - Punsand Bay (B/L/D/E)
The road that has brought us this far is, in essence, the modern version of the initial Overland Telegraph Track (OTT) and mostly follows the route initially surveyed between 1883 and 1885 during an expedition led by John Richard Bradford. The last remaining original sections of the OTT begin at Bramwell Junction Roadhouse, 40kms north of Moreton. We feel that the OTT is an integral part of a Cape York journey so we venture approximately five kilometres into the track to the first of the major obstacles, Palm Creek. Re-joining the main road we travel on to Fruit Bat Falls for a refreshing swim and a break for lunch. The journey through Heathlands Reserve reveals some excellent scenery while a morning tea stop at what our guests have named ‘Secret Creek’ is sure to delight. Continuing north we come to the Jardine River, Australia’s largest perennial river. Even at the peak of the dry this river flows at approximately four million litres of fresh water a second (no – that is not a typo). Crossing the river by ferry we continue on to Punsand Bay Resort. 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.
Punsand Bay (‘The Tip’) (B/L/D/T/E)
Start the day with a helicopter flight over what is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most stunning coastlines. Hidden beaches, coral fringed islands, pockets of rainforest and of course Cape York itself. This stunning 25 minute flight will give you an overview of our journey for today. 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, there is a magical feeling to stand at the end of our continent and know that there is no-one further north than you on mainland Australia. This is our goal for today. On the way we pass through Lockerbie Scrub, isolated pockets of monsoonal rainforest more at home in Papua New Guinea than Australia. We also visit Somerset, the failed ‘Singapore of the Pacific’, established by the famous (and sometimes infamous) Jardine family. We also include the beautiful Lake Witcheura as part of our journey for today.
“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 “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 “A real adventure, with many side-trips to seek out things requested. Mark has a passion for the outback, is extremely wellinformed, 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
Lake Witcheura is a perched dune lake, the type of lake that Fraser Island is famous for. With less than one hundred of this type of lake in the world Lake Witcheura is especially intriguing as its pure fresh water supports a resident population of approximately thirty juvenile estuarine crocodiles. No trip to Pajinka is complete without a visit to ‘The Croc Tent’. This Cape York icon, originally established at the Wenlock River in 1984, was instrumental in supporting the growth of tourism to the Cape. Currently under the tenure of Dale, Lea, Jaxson and Benji, this young family is the epitome of the pioneering spirit of the Cape. To avoid the crowds we time our day to arrive at Pajinka in the late afternoon. This usually means we have it to ourselves as we enjoy sunset drinks and a platter before returning to Punsand Bay.
Punsand – Thursday & Horn Islands - Cairns (B/L/T/E)
It’s an early start today to catch our privately chartered vessel for a trip through the Torres Strait to Thursday Island where you will join a personalised tour of the Island with one of the traditional owners. Transferring to Horn Island we join Vanessa and Liberty from Torres
Straits Heritage for a tour of the Island and the World War II sites. As part of a 5th generation Torres Strait family they will share their world with you and give you 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 the most magnificent scenic commercial flight 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 to be taken to your accommodation at Double Tree by Hilton.
Depart Cairns (B)
Depending on your departure plans a late checkout can sometimes be arranged with prior notification to reception. Breakfast is included with your stay and Southern Cross Limousines will transfer you to the airport at the appropriate time. If you would like to extend your stay we can do that for you at our considerably reduced rates.
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 to be flexible, openminded and prepared for the unexpected.
Codes & Meals Your holiday price includes all meals and tours as coded. Please note that alcohol is only provided at sundowners. Every effort is made to meet dietary requirments in this remote locality. B
Breakfast
L
Lunch
D
Dinner
T
External Tour/Site
E
Ensuite
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Inclusions & Highlights
14 days / 13 nights - 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
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, group limousine pick-up at Cairns Airport on your return from Cape York plus transfer back to Cairns Airport for departure
Superior quality pre and post tour accommodation on the Cairns foreshore
Pre-departure dinner to meet your fellow travellers and guide
ALL meals as coded (continental / hot breakfasts, generous lunches & 2 course dinners)
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 Private charter 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
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
Helicopter flight over Tip of Cape York and surrounding coastline
Exclusive access into restricted areas of Barron Gorge National Park
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Rinyirru(Lakefield) National Park
Catch a Barramundi in Saltwater Creek (no guarantees!)
Exclusive accommodation at Mungumby and Jabiru Safari Lodges
Refresh yourself with a dip at Fruit Bat Falls
Explore Australias’ northern most beaches
Enjoy guided tours of both Thursday and Horn Islands
‘Toast the Tip’ – Pajinka at sunset
Only tour on the Cape to experience the remote Melanie Camp
Plus – some exclusive sites only available to OUR GUESTS
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.
Terms & Conditions Deposit / Payment: 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? Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
07 4128 2049 enquiry@offroadadventuresafaris.com.au www.tourcapeyork.com.au