Cape York North Tagalong Tour

## Journey to Australia's Northernmost Point Reach the iconic 'Tip of Australia' on this northbound Cape York adventure from Cairns to Bamaga. This 10-day expedition takes you through Queensland's historic goldfields, past Weipa's mining operations, and along the Peninsula Developmental Road to Australia's most northern mainland destination. Your Cape York journey begins with the scenic Kuranda Range before heading west through the historic Palmer River goldfields. Experience exclusive access to private properties and tracks unavailable to other tours, staying at authentic cattle stations and remote bush camps throughout the peninsula. This northbound route focuses on reaching Australia's geographic extremes while showcasing Cape York's diverse landscapes - from tropical highlands to vast savannah grasslands and coastal wetlands. Each evening features campfire dining, swimming opportunities, and the unique camaraderie found only in Australia's most remote regions. ## Tour Details • **Duration:** 10 Days / 10 Nights • **Distance:** 1,900km total • **Start:** Cairns, QLD • **Finish:** Bamaga, QLD • **Group Size:** 6-10 vehicles • **Accommodation:** Bush camp & Campgrounds • **Tour Grade:** Easy. Offroad caravan or camper OK • **Bitumen/Dirt:** 10% / 90% • **Average Daily Distance:** 190km ## Highlights & What's Included • Bush Camps and authentic outback experience • Fishing opportunities including barramundi • Fruit Bat Falls and World Heritage National Parks • WW2 Wrecks exploration • Lions Den Hotel visit • Eliot / Twin Falls swimming • 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 winch • All recovery equipment including UHF radio and satellite phone • Tyre repair gear and 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 ## Daily Itinerary **Day 1: Cairns to Chillagoe (205km)** Leaving Cairns, we head over the range to the Tablelands through the North's Food Basket, continuing west into the goldfields. Arrive at Chillagoe for a tour of the famous Chillagoe–Mungana Caves before dinner at the restaurant. **Day 2: Chillagoe to Maytown (202km)** All dirt roads today as we turn north into the Palmer River Goldfield, Australia's richest alluvial field. The going gets rough in places, but we take it easy, arriving at the historic ruins of Maytown by mid-afternoon. **Day 3: Maytown to Jowalbinna (258km)** Only 30km as the crow flies, but it takes all day! The old road north is very rough, so we detour around. After getting back onto blacktop, we pass through Lakeland and Laura before the short afternoon drive into Jowalbinna. **Day 4: Jowalbinna to Musgrave Station (211km)** After breakfast, we enjoy an informative tour of Aboriginal rock art. Then it's back onto gravel and sealed roads to our overnight destination at the old Musgrave Telegraph Station. **Day 5: Musgrave Station to Merluna Station (267km)** Continue north on the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) with a mixture of gravel and bitumen. A nice, easy day with plenty of photo opportunities, stopping in Coen for lunch and refuel. **Day 6: Merluna Station to Weipa (119km)** Short drive to the mining town of Weipa for an early afternoon mine tour, then explore the town before enjoying dinner locally. **Day 7: Weipa to Bramwell Station (173km)** Another chance to explore Weipa before noon departure. We take the Batavia Downs shortcut through to the PDR, then continue north to Bramwell Station. **Day 8: Bramwell Station to Captain Billy Landing (106km)** Perfect spot for beach fishing! We've caught plenty of delicious meals on this beach over the years. **Day 9: Captain Billy Landing to Eliot / Twin Falls (93km)** After the windy track back to the PDR, we continue north to Fruit Bat Falls—the first of three waterfalls. Camp at the picturesque Eliot / Twin Falls where the swimming is first-rate. **Day 10: Eliot / Twin Falls to Loyalty Beach (120km)** Continuing north, we cross the Jardine River by ferry before heading to "The Tip". We time the tide for an easy 400m walk to the most northern point of mainland Australia. Stop at a WW2 wreck on our way to Loyalty Beach Campground for a farewell dinner on the beach.