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- 11 day No Single Supplement Outback and the Cape Aircruise
- 11 Day No Single Supplement North West Aircruise
- Short Breaks
11 day No Single Supplement Outback and the Cape Aircruise
A rare chance to visit Australia’s most northerly tip, the Torres Strait Islands and outback Queensland. Along the way you’ll explore tropical rainforests, stay in luxury lodges and experience the timeless beauty of this land.
Highlights
- Travel throughout this remote region in the comfort of private aircraft
- Journey by ferry across the waters of the Torres Straits, visiting Thursday and Friday Islands
- Stand on Australia’s most northerly tip – Cape York
- Stay at two of Australia’s most luxurious lodges, Bloomfield Lodge and Silky Oaks
- Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you travel by four wheel drive along the infamous Bloomfield Track
- Visit remote Queensland outback towns such as Winton, Normanton and Weipa
- View one of the world’s largest bauxite mines at Weipa
1
Sydney – Winton
Depart Sydney this morning for your flight across NSW and central Queensland. On arrival at Winton visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre. The centre is also home to the outback Regional Art Gallery which concentrates on both historic and contemporary images of Australian outback and rural life. Tonight there will be a special dinner at Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.Accommodation: Boulder Opal Motor Inn
2
Winton – Normanton – Weipa
Departing Winton this morning our private aircraft will provide breathtaking views of the Gulf Savannah region extending from the Great Dividing Range in the east to the Northern Territory border in the west, landing at the tiny township of Normanton. Originally established in 1867, Normanton was built on the banks of the Norman River and used as the riverside port for the copper fields of Cloncurry. Here there may be the opportunity to visit one of Australia’s classic trains - The Gulflander. Originally established in the late 1800s, this railway was designed to service the nearby goldfields at Croydon. Afterwards re-board the aircraft and head further north to the bauxite rich town of Weipa. Visit Comalco mining operation, one of the leading bauxite mining centres in the world.Accommodation: Heritage Resort
3
Weipa – Friday Island - Thursday Island
Our journey continues to the Torres Straits and to the isolated Friday Island. The Kazu pearl farm is one of the oldest farms in Australia and is still run by its Japanese owner using traditional methods. This afternoon take a ferry across to Thursday Island. The island is one of over 100 islands in Torres Strait. A tour of this remote island gives us a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Torres Strait Islanders. Thursday Island, is the administrative and commercial centre of the Torres Strait Islands.Accommodation: Jardine Motel
4
Cape York Tip
Today cruise to the very tip of Australia. The journey by boat will pass the myriad of tiny islands that dot the Torres Strait including Possession Island, Roko Island pearl farm and Dayman Island. On arrival at Frangipani Beach there is the opportunity to disembark the boat and walk along the rocky outcrop to stand on Australia’s most northern tip. After lunch the cruise continues throughout the Torres Straits concluding at Thursday Island.Accommodation: Jardine Motel
5
Thursday Island – Horn Island – Cooktown
This morning we transfer by boat to Horn Island and learn about the fascinating role that the island played in World War II . Re-board the aircraft and enjoy spectacular aerial views as we low fly over the Upper Jardine rainforests and the expansive sand dunes that make up the coastline to Cooktown.Accommodation: Sovereign Hotel
6
Cooktown
Time today to explore this historic town - visit the James Cook Museum with its treasure trove of memorabilia to learn of Cooktown’s discovery and eventful history, the Botanic Gardens and Interpretive centre. Visit Grassy Hill Lookout for breathtaking views of the coast, the Endeavour River and Cooktown.Accommodation: Sovereign Hotel
7
Cooktown – Bloomfield
Journey by road into the remarkable Cape York wilderness region. Following the coastline, the drive provides a visual spectacle – from lush tropical rainforests to breathtaking coastal vistas. Visit Cape Tribulation, one of the most picturesque tropical regions on the far north coastline. Transfer by ferry to the secluded Bloomfield – luxury in the wilderness resort.Accommodation: Bloomfield Lodge
8
Bloomfield
Today is yours to spend at leisure. Bloomfield’s peace and tranquility instantly envelops you the moment you arrive. The lodge blends perfectly into the beauty of the surrounding rainforest and unique coastal location.Accommodation: Bloomfield Lodge
9
Bloomfield – Silky Oaks
Departing Bloomfield Wilderness Lodge by ferry this morning our journey continues down the Bloomfield Track. Following the coastline, the drive provides a visual spectacle; from lush tropical rainforests to breathtaking coastal vistas. After enjoying spectacular sights of the region during the day, we arrive at the luxurious surrounds of Silky Oaks late afternoon. Dinner this evening will be at Silky Oaks Lodge.Accommodation: Silky Oaks
10
Silky Oaks
This morning you have at leisure to explore Silky Oaks Lodge or to visit Port Douglas. Surrounded by the lush beauty of the Daintree National Park and overlooking the Mossman River, the Lodge blends the soothing qualities of the ancient rainforest with the stylish indulgences of a contemporary retreat. Late afternoon take a magnificent cruise down the Daintree River.Accommodation: Silky Oaks
11
Daintree – Cairns
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning as the group makes its final farewells. For some, this will be followed by a transfer to the Cairns Airport or another hotel.Dates & Prices
| Tour Code | Days | Departs | Returns | Price $AUD | |
| CY200(S) | 11 | 26th June 2012 | 6th July 2012 | $11895.00 |
Inclusions:
All accommodation - 10 nights superb accommodation including Bloomfield Lodge and Silky Oaks. All meals – 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
Travel by 10 to 19 seat private aircraft throughout
All touring including four wheel driving along the Bloomfield track
All entrance fees, porterage, taxes and luggage
Services of an experienced Journey Director
Mode of Transport:
Planning to travel throughout this isolated region requires careful consideration about the perfect mode of transportation. Our journeys have a combination of transport modes; however a major portion of this journey will be overland. The main form of transport on this journey will be a 4WD and will include some rugged off road driving. The 4WD vehicles are high entry with steps and often have moulded seats, and therefore space restrictions also apply.
Several legs of the journey are undertaken by a private light aircraft which means that we have strict weight and space restrictions as mandated by the charter air company. We will also be using small launches to travel from the Cape to Thursday Island and Friday Island. You must be able to comfortably climb into and out of these launches. We will also encounter moveable pontoons which call for steadiness of foot.
Level of Fitness required: Moderate
This journey is more challenging and designed for the more active traveller who is looking to venture off the beaten path. To fully participate in all activities the traveller must be able to walk up to 1km on even surfaces unaided, travel by 4WD vehicles along ungraded roads, walk up steps unassisted and board boats from water tenders.
In keeping with the locations, some of the accommodation is spread out and at some distance from facilities. If you require wheelchair assistance at airports, then this journey is not suitable and we suggest looking at our “easy” rated programmes.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey. In respect for your fellow travellers, Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Days: 11
Max Group Size: 34
Activity Level: MODERATE
