AU Cape York Camping Drive Safari 15D/14N

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Description
Payment Terms

Overview

Price:From $4,899.00*
Days:15 (Approx.)
Trip Code:PGQBJK

Availability

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Overview

Travel the beautiful Cape York Peninsular with Australian Guides who have over 20 years experience and knowledge of the region. To stand at the most northerly point of Australia is a dream of many who enjoy travelling to remote areas. Cape York is an area of Australia untamed and with a colourful history of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander occupation, exploration and mining. The area has a diverse range of scenery, flora and fauna making this Cape York Tours Safari a birdwatchers paradise as well as a region of secluded beaches and rugged remote beauty.

Highlights

Quinkan Rock Art
Roko Island – Pearl Farm Tour
Private Cattle Station Stay
Daintree Croc Cruise
Iron Range
The historic Lions Den Hotel
Black Mountain
Cooktown
WW11 sites
Morton Telegraph Station
Fruit Bat Falls
Old Telegraph Track
Weipa
World Heritage Daintree National Park
Batavia Gold Fields
Portland Roads – Chillie Beach
Chuulanngun Homelands
Lakefield National Park
Jardine River – Torres Strait
Seisia / Thursday Island/ Horn island
Private guided walk through the oldest rainforest in the World
Pajinka (local Aboriginal name for the Tip of Australia)
2 Nights Safari Style Accommodation (not tents)

Itinerary

DAY 1. CAIRNS – QUINKAN ROCK ART – PRIVATE CATTLE STATION We start our journey travelling inland over the coastal range onto the James Mulligan Highway before stopping at the Palmer River Roadhouse to stretch our legs and have lunch. History of the Palmer River Gold Fields that started in 1872. After lunch we journey to Quinkan Rock Art site at Laura. The Quinkan Rock Art sites are now listed by UNESCO as being amongst the top 10 Rock Art sites in the world. Experience a unique wildlife experience at our private overnight Cattle Station. (D) * LUNCH WILL BE AT YOUR OWN COST AT PALMER RIVER.

DAY 2. PRIVATE CATTLE STATION – MORETON TELEGRAPH STATION. Today we follow parts of the original Old Telegraph Track – one of the highlights of Cape York and is a great track for 4WD enthusiasts. We pass the memorial to “Toots”, a famous lady trucking character, have morning tea at Musgrave and stop at the beautiful Archer River for a sumptuous lunch before our river crossing. We traverse open woodland country passing huge termite mounds before arrival at the historical Moreton Telegraph Station. (BLD)

DAY 3. MORETON STATION – FRUIT BAT FALLS – SEISIA. Another exciting day of 4WD driving and creek crossings until we reach the Jardine River, named after pioneering explorers to the area Frank and Alexander Jardine. “The Jardine” is the largest river on the Cape York Peninsula and renowned for crocodiles. Later we stop for lunch and a swim in the (crocodile free) crystal clear water at Fruit Bat Falls. (BLD)

DAY 4. SEISIA – ROKO PRIVATE ISLAND – PEARL FARM TOUR. Today we visit a very special family who live on a stunning and beautiful private island located in the Torres Strait. The owner has been taking over this legacy by maintaining this status of “pearl producer from the birth place of the cultured pearl”. You will be taken on a tour of the Island’s Pearl Farm. Lunch today under Palm Trees – such a wonderful day! PEARL FARM INCLUDED. (BLD)

DAY 5. SEISIA – TIP. Today we visit the famous Croc Tent and walk to the TIP. We will travel through the drier savannah woodlands area which will change into dense rainforest before opening up at the deserted beaches at Australia’s most northern point. After taking in the spectacular views of the Torres Straits and the surrounding beaches we will have lunch at Somerset Beach. This was the home and now resting place of Frank Jardine, visit these historic graves on the beach. Dinner tonight will be at Loyalty Beach where you get to relax and take in the far north oceanside beauty. (BL)* DINNER TONIGHT AT OWN EXPENSE

DAY 6. SEISIA – ISLANDS TOUR - THURSDAY and HORN ISLAND. We begin today by travelling to Thursday Island and Horn Island. Both Island tours have information and history of the past and the important part the Islands played in the war and keeping Australia safe. History of the early Pearling Luggers and the part they played while admiring the spectacular and breathtaking views of the Torres Straits and its turquoise waters. This afternoon we head back to the Cape York mainland. (BLD)

DAY 7. SEISIA – FRUIT BAT FALLS – BRAMWELL STATION. This morning we head to Fruit Bat Falls for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear-waters, which amazingly originates from Papua New Guinea. Today we enjoy some 4WD action,( road conditions and weather permitting), arriving at Bramwell Station – Australia’s most northern cattle station. Be treated to an informative talk about the cattle properties beginnings before enjoying a buffet dinner. There is also live entertainment after dinner. DINNER TONIGHT AT OWN EXPENSE (BL)

DAY 8. BRAMWELL STATION – WEIPA. We depart early, travelling through Savannah lands and past huge termite mounds eventually onto better roads. Arrive in Weipa in time for lunch and opportunity to experience the Weipa Mine Tour. (BD) LUNCH AND MINE TOUR IS AT OWN EXPENSE. GOURMET SMORGASBORD DINNING EXPERIENCE AT $49.00P/PERSON OWN COST

DAY 9. WEIPA – COOKS HUT (IRON RANGE) - UNIQUE BUSH STYLE ACCOMODATION. This morning we move East through cattle country. We travel through the largest area of tropical lowland rainforest remaining in Australia, crossing rivers before entering Iron Range National Park via Tozers Gap. This place is truly spectacular with rare fauna and flora like the famous Palm Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots & Green Pythons. (BLD)

DAY 10. COOKS HUT – CHILLI BEACH – PORTLAND ROADS – BATAVIA GOLDFIELDS – CHUULANGUN Today your guide will take you on a day of adventures where you will travel to Chilli Beach which is truly stunning with its wonderful ocean vista’s and landscapes. We also visit significant historical sites in the area from the gold times of the 1930’s and the Airfield at Iron Range. On about 18th April 1942 Walter Maierersperger, the Commanding Officer of 33 Bomb Squadron of the 22nd Bomb Group USAAC carried out an aerial reconnaissance flight over the Iron Range area. Lunch today will be at the famous Portland Roads Locals Cafe overlooking the sea with wonderful home cooked food including fresh fish on the menu. After lunch we move back towards the Batavia Goldfields and the Chuulangun homelands. This is home to the Traditional Custodians, the clan group of the Kuki”Yu northern Karrju, who belong to the highlands. “Our homelands are centre of the Wenlock and Pascoe River and encompass some 840,000 hectares”. Chuulangun homeland operate a serviced campground for visitors to their land and area. (BD) LUNCH TODAY AT YOUR OWN COST

DAY 11. CHUULANGUN – COEN - KALPOWAR Today we travel to Coen where you can visit the Coen Historical Museum and will be treated to lunch on the banks of the Coen River. After lunch we travel through Lakefield National Park on the same tracks as the mounted mail men did. This National Park is filled with Billabongs and river systems alive with wildlife. Stay tonight at the Kalpowar crossing located in the Lakefield National Park. (BLD).

DAY 12. KALPOWAR - COOKTOWN. Leaving Kalpowar, we visit old Laura Homestead then travel down the infamous Battle Camp road. Here you will marvel at this wilderness and the views of the Laura escarpments, sighting signs of the old railway line that travelled from Cooktown to the Palmer River Goldfields. We travel into the area of Hope Vale then on to Cooktown for dinner at the local icon, The Sovereign Hotel. Before dinner enjoy an afternoon in historical Cooktown which became a thriving port during the gold rush era and is a region rich with history. Captain James Cook spent substantial time here by accident in 1770 after the HMS Endeavour ran into reef and the ship sailed into the Endeavour River for repair. Cooktown was founded in 1873 as a port for the Palmer River Goldfields and has a colourful history of settlement and Aboriginal culture. Enjoy wonderful stories of history and aboriginal culture of this region as your guide takes a step back in time and helps you to understand the regions colourful past. Dinner tonight is at the The Sovereign Resort Hotel. (BL). DINNER TONIGHT AT OWN EXPENSE – SOVEREIGN RESORT

DAY 13. COOKTOWN - BLOOMFIELD TRACK – DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK. You have an opportunity this morning to visit any sights in Cooktown that you may have missed the previous afternoon. We travel via Black Mountain and the famous Bloomfield track (weather and roads permitting). We visit the old historical Lion’s Den Hotel for a photo opportunity, a must do before seeing the spectacular Bloomfield Falls in Wujal Wujal. We continue our journey through untouched rainforest onto the BloomfieldTtrack as we start the climb through the Daintree Ranges. Lunch today will be a picnic alongside Woobita Creek on the Bloomfield Track. We have access to a unique beachfront location on Aboriginal Lands. Tonight, our magnificent rainforest location is in the heart of the rainforest in Cape Tribulation, part of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. You will be treated to a special delicious meal and a break from the on-road cooking. This evenings accommodation is in stunning rustic open plan safari style homes deep in the pristine jungle of the Daintree rainforest. Enjoy dinner on the property overlooking a crystal-clear rainforest creek. (BLD) DINNER AT OWN EXPENSE AT LOCAL CAFE IN THE HEART OF CAPE TRIBULATION

DAY 14. DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK - CAPE TRIBULATION. Wake up in the heart of the beautiful Daintree National Park. After a cooked breakfast your guide will take you to where two World Heritage Listed Parks abut, Cape Tribulation. The Daintree rainforest comes right onto the shore and meets with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Enjoy a morning interpretive walk along this stunning beach front as the sun shines over the Coral Sea. We then move onto a café hidden deep in the rainforest for morning tea today. Enjoy fresh scones with cream and jam with your cuppa before having the opportunity to swim in a crystal clear rainforest stream. After swimming we return to the private property for lunch. Experience the properties walks or relax for the afternoon with a book on the balcony of our private Safari style homes. This afternoon your guide will take on a private walk through the property, you may even get a glimpse of the resident Cassowary which is often seen. Dinner is a special treat tonight at one of the very popular local restaurants in the heart of the forest. (BL) DINNER AT OWN EXPENSE AT A BEAUTIFUL LOCAL CAFE IN THE HEART OF CAPE TRIBULATION

DAY 15. DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK – DAINTREE CROCODILE CRUISE – CAIRNS. Up early today for an interpretative rainforest, mangrove walk with your guide. A delicious cooked breakfast this morning before our Crocodile-spotting cruise looking for Estuarine Crocodiles and the rare Cassowary. After your wilderness croc cruise enjoy the stunning views of the mountains in the background as we make our way to the famous Daintree Ice Creamery (ice cream at own cost). Here they blend ice cream with exotic tropical fruits grown on the farm. We continue on down the Alexander Range, across the Daintree River via the Cable Ferry heading south along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cairns. CROC CRUISE AND ICE CREAM AT YOUR OWN COST. (B)

Inclusions

All camping equipment, stretcher bed, sleeping bag, 1 camping pillow per person, 1 fresh towel
Some meals
Camping fees and National Parks fees
Horn Island & Thursday Island Tours
Roko Island Pearl Farm Tour
4 nights Unique Bush Style Accommodation (not tents).

Exclusions

Any items of a personal nature.
Any meals or drinks not specified in inclusions.
Anything not included in the list of inclusions (above).
Domestic flights, unless specified in inclusions.
Laundry.
Travel insurance.

*Price

Price given is for twin share. Single supplement available on request.

Product 402944

Itinerary

Includes

Excludes

Highlights

Payment Terms

COVID-19
The initial deposit is refundable for 5 days - a cooling off period long enough for us to send you precise final terms. Note, many of these are still being negotiated but this first payment will be held in trust, giving us time to determine the conditions for final payment without putting this payment at any risk.

1. RESERVATIONS
Reservations are confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit of $A500 per person or per booking, or the amount specified on your booking. On receipt of your reservation form and deposit, we will, subject to availability, reserve your place on your selected travel module. Additional deposits may be required and will be advised at time of booking. Final payment of land costs are due at least* 60 days prior to arrival and all reservations will be cancelled if full payment is not received by the due date, with loss of deposit. On receipt of your payment, we will send tour information and vouchers. Please ensure that you receive the information before you travel. Bookings made at least* less than 60 days prior to departure must be paid in full. Due to time constraints, tour information and vouchers may be collected on the first day of departure with Wildiaries from its tour guide. These arrangements will be confirmed to you in writing prior to travel. Every reservation amendment will incur an AUD$50.00 charge, subject to availability. Note that if travel documents have been issued, the fee will be AUD$100. *Special conditions may apply to some trips. You will be notified if this is the case.

2. CANCELLATIONS
All cancellations must be made in writing to Wildiaries, and all tours are subject to the following cancellation charges based on the number of days before tour departure: Over 60 days: No refund of tour deposit Between 0 and 60 days: No refund of tour cost There is no refund for any unused portions of the tour once the tour has commenced. [Please note that if the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges will normally be refunded to you by the insurance company, subject to the terms of your insurance]. Any cancellation fees imposed by hotels, ground operators or other principals or suppliers of goods and services will be charged to you in addition to the cancellation amounts stated above.

3. BAGGAGE
Baggage restrictions may apply to charter air travel and small group tours and must be strictly adhered to. We recommend that you ensure you adhere to any weight restrictions indicated.

4. WILD ANIMALS
Please be aware that travel may take you into areas of extreme weather conditions [eg. heat] or bring you in close contact with wild animals. Cases of dehydration and attacks by wild animals are rare, but no tour can guarantee that this will not occur. Neither Wildiaries, its contractors, agents or staff can be held responsible for any injury or incident on your tour. Neither does Wildiaries guarantee sightings of any wild animals, even if these are listed as animals possible to see on a tour.

5. PASSPORT, VISAS & DEPARTURE TAX
The onus is upon you to ensure that passports and visas are valid. Wildiaries, their contractors, agents or staff cannot be held liable for any visas etc. not held by you. The onus is on you to ensure departure tax is included when the airline ticket is purchased prior to arrival in any country.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES
Wildiaries, its contractors and agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to services provided, including, but not limited to hotels, restaurants, touring, and all forms of transportation. Wildiaries shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever, and without restricting the generality of the foregoing, shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omissions contained in its brochure or other literature, late or non-confirmation or acceptance of bookings, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, injury or death, whether occasioned by negligence or not. In addition Wildiaries shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any tour or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other details, and in the event of any tour been rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, avalanches, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever, the extra expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be your sole responsibility. Wildiaries may at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself at any time cancel or terminate the passenger’s booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the foregoing it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behaviour of the passenger, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund. The person making any booking will, by the making of such booking, warrant that he or she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the other person/s included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other person/s so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall by his/her signature thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her.

7. CHANGES TO SCHEDULES
Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that Wildiaries reserves the right to alter any tour arrangements due to local conditions while providing similar tour inclusions.

8. REFUNDS
Whilst Wildiaries uses its best endeavours to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against Wildiaries for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable or the passenger was unable to use that service. [Please note that if the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy it is your responsibility to refer the matter to your insurance company to seek a refund].

9. INSURANCE
You must take out comprehensive insurance cover before travel for cancellation, medical expenses, personal baggage and money. This should be arranged at the time of payment of any non-refundable costs to cover you for cancellation at that time.

10. PRICING & INSURANCE
We will do the utmost to keep to the prices published. Should increases be forced on us by tour operators, etc. Wildiaries reserves the right to surcharge without notice. All tour costs are based on all known costs at the time of publication.

(a) This agreement is made subject to and shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of Australia.

(b) Wildiaries cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes which may occur after that time. All materials contained in any brochure and web site including text, maps, graphics and photographs remain the property of Wildiaries and may not be copied or reproduced.

(c) Clients with special dietary problems are advised to warn us in advance of departure.

(d) For flight information on how to get to the starting point of your tour, contact your travel agent. Please ensure that you re-confirm all your flights prior to air travel.

11. MEDICAL & HEALTH
(a)Hospital facilities in remote locations are often unavailable and evacuation can be difficult and expensive. Wildiaries assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. A Medical Certificate must therefore be filled out and returned to Wildiaries. If you are aged 65 or older, the Medical Certificate must be signed by your physician. Once you have been confirmed on a trip, normal cancellation penalties apply if your doctor does not approve the Medical Certificate.

(b). It is vital that persons with medical problems make them known to us well before departure. The tour leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during a tour if he or she feels the tour member is incapable and/or if a tour member’s continued participation will jeopardise the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances. The tour leader’s decision is final and neither Wildiaries nor the tour leader shall be subject to any claims or liability in respect of such disqualification.

12. CONSENT
The payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for a reservation on a tour constitutes consent to all provisions of the conditions and general information contained in this brochure. The terms under which you agree to take these tours cannot be changed or amended except in writing signed by an authorised officer of Wildiaries.

PLEASE NOTE
(a) Share Basis for Single Travellers
Accommodations (both hotels and tented) are usually based on double occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a room-mate if possible. If there is no one with whom you can share, or if you prefer single accommodations, you are requested to pay a Single Supplement Fee.

(b) Tour Information
Whilst Wildiaries makes every effort to ensure accuracy in tour information and descriptions, we are reliant on the tour operators and accommodation providers providing us with accurate data. Since tour operators and accommodation providers are constantly changing facilities and services, we cannot be liable for any errors or omissions herein. If any feature is of critical importance to your holiday, it is your responsibility to ask Wildiaries to check whether such features will be available at the time of occupancy.

NOTE:
Payment of your deposit is acceptance of terms and conditions. I/we understand that by sending the deposit(s) on behalf of myself and everyone in my party is acknowledging that we have read and accept the Wildiaries Terms & Conditions.

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