Cape York Safari Tagalong Tour

## The Complete Cape York Experience Discover Cape York Peninsula on this comprehensive 21-day round-trip safari from Cairns. This expedition combines the best of both worlds - the historic goldfields route north and the legendary Old Telegraph Track challenge on the return journey, creating the ultimate Cape York adventure. Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the Kuranda Range and into Queensland's historic goldfields region before heading north to Australia's northernmost point. The return leg features the challenging Old Telegraph Track, renowned for its creek crossings, sandy sections, and technical driving conditions through pristine wilderness. This safari showcases Cape York's incredible diversity - from tropical rainforests and historic mining towns to remote cattle stations and untouched beaches. Camp under the stars at authentic outback locations, enjoy fresh barramundi around evening campfires, and experience swimming holes and waterfalls accessible only by 4WD. ## Tour Details • **Duration:** 21 Days / 20 Nights • **Distance:** 3,110km total • **Start & Finish:** Cairns, QLD (Round Trip) • **Group Size:** 6-10 vehicles • **Accommodation:** Campgrounds & Bush Camps • **Tour Grade:** Medium/Difficult. No trailers • **Bitumen/Dirt:** 10% / 90% • **Average Daily Distance:** 150km • **Glamping Options:** 12 out of 21 days ## Highlights & What's Included • **Old Telegraph Track** - The legendary and challenging Telegraph Track • **Starke Track** - Rarely used and nearly forgotten overgrown trail • **Northernmost Tip of Australia** - Walk to the continental tip • **Lions Den Hotel** - Famous outback pub experience • **Bloomfield Track** - Scenic coastal World Heritage driving • **WW2 Wrecks** exploration and historical sites • **Waterfalls** including Eliot/Twin Falls and Fruit Bat Falls • **Weipa Mine Tour** - Exclusive mining town tour • **Fishing opportunities** - Catch barramundi and tropical fish • **World Heritage National Parks** access • **Bush Camps** and authentic cattle station camping • Welcome and farewell dinners plus 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 ## Complete 21-Day Itinerary **Day 1: Cairns to Chillagoe (205km)** Leave Cairns, head over the range to the Tablelands through the North's Food Basket. Continue west into goldfields, arrive at Chillagoe for Chillagoe–Mungana Caves tour before dinner at the restaurant. **Day 2: Chillagoe to Maytown (202km)** All dirt roads deep into Palmer River Goldfield, Australia's richest alluvial field. Arrive at historic Maytown ruins with gold rush remnants everywhere. **Day 3: Maytown to Jowalbinna (258km)** 30km as the crow flies but takes all day! Detour around rough old road, pass through Lakeland and Laura before short afternoon drive to Jowalbinna. **Day 4: Jowalbinna to Musgrave Station (211km)** Morning tour of Aboriginal rock art, then gravel and sealed roads to the old Musgrave Telegraph Station. **Day 5: Musgrave Station to Merluna Station (267km)** Continue north on Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) with gravel and bitumen mix. Easy day with photo opportunities, lunch stop in Coen. **Day 6: Merluna Station to Weipa (119km)** Short drive to mining town Weipa for early afternoon mine tour, then explore town before dinner locally. **Day 7: Weipa to Bramwell Station (173km)** Explore Weipa before noon departure. Take Batavia Downs shortcut to PDR, continue north to Bramwell Station. **Day 8: Bramwell Station to Captain Billy Landing (106km)** Perfect beach fishing spot - we've caught plenty of delicious meals on this beach over the years. **Day 9: Captain Billy Landing to Eliot/Twin Falls (93km)** Continue north to Fruit Bat Falls—first of three waterfalls. Camp at picturesque Eliot/Twin Falls with first-rate swimming. **Day 10: Eliot/Twin Falls to Loyalty Beach (120km)** Cross Jardine River by ferry (short 50m crossing). Stop at WW2 wreck en route to Loyalty Beach. **Day 11: Loyalty Beach – Free Day (100km)** Drive to "The Tip" today, timing the tide for easy 400m walk to most northern point of mainland Australia. **Day 12: Loyalty Beach** Free day to catch up, do fishing, or check out local sights. **Day 13: Loyalty Beach to Nolans Brook (88km)** Head south to Jardine River. After crossing, turn east onto Old Telegraph Track. Challenging track, camp at Nolans Brook fantastic swimming spot. **Day 14: Nolans Brook to Eliot/Twin Falls (38km)** Cross Nolans Brook (notorious for drowning vehicles). Tackle Telegraph Track creek crossings that test driving skills. Finish with swim at Eliot Falls. **Day 15: Eliot/Twin Falls to Dulhunty River (58km)** Reach Cockatoo Creek, start of Southern Section Old Telegraph Track. Tackle Gunshot Creek before beautiful Dulhunty River camp with safe swimming by waterfall. **Day 16: Dulhunty River to Moreton Station (70km)** Easier day. Final Telegraph Track crossing at Palm Creek is tough—winch workout. Finish Old Telegraph Track at Bramwell Junction. **Day 17: Moreton Station to Coen (189km)** Easy PDR day with stop at Archer River for famous Archer Burger and swimming. Finish at Coen, dinner at Exchange Hotel. **Day 18: Coen to Kalpowar Crossing (261km)** Turn off PDR for last time, head east to coast. Engage 4WD on Running Creek track to Lily Vale Station. Enter magical Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park. **Day 19: Kalpowar Crossing to Starke River (157km)** Early morning barramundi fishing in Normanby River. Turn onto scenic Starke Track with tricky spots. Final night camping in the bush. **Day 20: Starke River to Lions Den Hotel (144km)** Leave Starke Track for Cooktown. Explore, grab coffee, drive to Mt Cook for Captain Cook's view. Fishing at town jetty before famous Lions Den Hotel. **Day 21: Lions Den Hotel to Cairns (228km)** Scenic drive through World Heritage areas, stop at Cape Tribulation where reef meets rainforest. Return to Cairns for farewell dinner and tall stories.