The majority of roads on the trip to the tip of Cape York are unsealed and quality can vary dramatically from one kilometre to the next. We hired a boat from Bullys in New Mapoon. The local reef life will leave you spellbound. The OTL continues from Eliot Falls through the rough Canal Creek, then you face crossings at Sam Creek, Mistake Creek, the aptly named Cannibal Creek, the rickety old bridge over Cypress Creek, Logan Creek and Nolans Brook before emerging at the Jardine River. A great resource to use along the way to help plan your route is WikiCamps. It has existed since 1879 and is intended to serve as a large recreational area for Sydney residents. Fly back east to Cape York, past the tip of Australia, on to Horn Island in the Torres Strait. Its long way to the top more than 1000km from Cairns straight to Pajinka, the traditional name for the northernmost point of mainland Australia at the top of the Cape York Peninsula but its a blockbuster of a road trip through a wild and remote landscape. No trip to Cape York is complete without visiting Australias northernmost point. By the way, from Batemans Bay you can also do great whale watching tours. It's easy to do. You can vary this itinerary from Sydney to Melbourne by going via Canberra by the way, this little detour is very worthwhile. The local reef life will leave you spellbound. camping spots on the Cape (and at least 150 on your way to The section from Bramwell Junction to the intersection with the Northern Bypass Road is approx 80 km which can take up to 5 hours depending on conditions. The really nice thing about both tours is that you will see many great sights in Sydney like the Opera House or the Sydney Tower, experience the continent outside the metropolis depending on your preferences and additionally experience the in-city Melbourne. If you have road tyres, without tread on the wall of the tyres DO NOT let your tyres down. Often substituting as a shower for the day, a dip in one of these refreshing Cape York waterfalls is a highlight of the trip not to be missed. From our Brand Ambassador James Morrison, Remote Bremer Island and Bathurst Island fishing, Spectacular flightseeing over outback and reef, All-inclusive tour (unless stated on itinerary), Well-appointed private aircraft by Kirkhope Aviation, Premium small group touring, maximum 10 passengers, fully escorted. Lawn Hill Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges in the Gulf Country, with luscious tropical vegetation, sheer red cliffs and enchanting green water. The Tip of mainland Australia is 32km from Bamaga and 7km north of Lockerbie the must see destination for all visitors to Cape York Peninsula. From spare parts to recovery equipment to extra supplies, making sure you have everything you need may seem overwhelming. WebCape York & Northern Islands. Alternatively you can continue on the Peninsula Development Road up to Musgrave, approx 140km. and a short insight to what is there to see and do in Cape York. Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Here you can find our Melbourne City-Guide, where you can get a lot of tips for your stay in Melbourne besides the many great sights! If no availability send us an email or call us on 1300 206 130. Spaces in the national parks, however, are limited and fill up fast especially during school holidays. In contrast to the coastal route, here you will mainly experience the Blue Mountains and the surrounding landscape. See the Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail and Great Tropical Drive Daintree Trail for further information. It makes for a (slightly) less bumpy ride. In the period from May November can recommend you a whale watching tour. A highlight of the park are the Figure Eight Pools, which you can hike to. Cape York Trip with Caravan - Cape York, Australia In the evening, cast your eyes upwards for a tour of the stars. and great fishing spots at Bathurst Heads. If you are ever here, you should definitely eat fish at the harbor. Our Trip from Sydney to Melbourne was beautiful in every way. Getting your vehicle in quality shape before driving to Cape York should be included on anyones Cape York trip planning list. Discover all of the WWII relics from crashed planes to airfields to fuel fields. Other Besides the Booderee National Park with its beautiful small bays you will be rewarded with beaches of white sand and crystal clear water and the odd dolphin. Your Trip the FREE Cape Supermarkets can only be found in Cooktown, Weipa (if you go), and Bamaga/Umagico near the tip of Cape York. Tours to other incredible rock art sites such as the Giant Horse and Mushroom Rock galleries can be booked through the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre. With your map in hand, an understanding of the distances, and an idea of the things you would like to see and do driving to Cape York, the next step in Cape York trip planning is to plot your course. Since swimming in the ocean is off the table on Cape York, heading to the fresh waterfalls in the area is a must for anyone driving to Cape York. The Moss Garden, one of the best-known sites at Carnarvon Gorge, is a great example of how the spring systems work and is nestled amongst one of the best patches of remnant rainforest in the National Park. The stunning 13-day Cape York Air Safari takes you to the very tip of mainland Australia, as well as outback Queensland, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Step 1 | Get a Good Cape York Map Step 2 | Understand the Distances in Cape York Step 3 | Decide on Things to Do at Cape York Step 4 | Plan Your Cape York Before long gangs of huge sharks began to circle the boat, waiting to grab our catch. (heavy bike due to added weight) - road ? From our Brand Ambassador James Morrison, Spectacular flightseeing over outback and reef, Bucket list helicopter to the Tip of Australia, All-inclusive tour (unless stated on itinerary), Well-appointed private aircraft by Kirkhope Aviation, Premium small group touring, maximum 10 passengers, fully escorted. If you are looking for one amazing thing to do in Cape York, a boat trip to the mouth of the Jardine River is a must! Mallacoota and the Mallacoota Inlet offer uniquely beautiful beaches where you will encounter few or virtually no other people. A visit to the Arts Centre is a great experience. Once you have an understanding of the distances and driving times, you need to decide what to do on Cape York. We also allow our advertising partners to include cookies on our website. Learn more about our new name. Everyones Cape York trip planning should include saltwater crocs! Understanding the distances between locations along the drive from Cairns to Cape York is essential for planning your trip. Planning your meals in advance and ensuring you have everything you need is key to enjoying your Cape York dining experience without breaking the bank. Quinkan Country contains a large and dramatic body of rock paintings. Your one-stop travel plan with all the info you need. Then you continue to Cockatoo Creek, another challenging crossing, and the final creek crossing is the bridge over Sailor Creek. The distance Sydney Melbourne is manageable by Australian standards depending on which route you take from Sydney to Melbourne, it ranges from 880 to around 1,700 kilometers (the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive is the longer route). Leave yourself enough time to extend these driving times should the weather turn, or should you have car trouble. right thing and letting others know :-). background chapters on the peninsula's history and wildlife; and the comprehensive detail about all Theyll take you to the Torres Strait Heritage Museum to view exhibits from the pearling industry, myths and legends of Torres Strait, artwork, artefacts and World War II history of the area. Please note that some links on our site are affiliate links. All meals and beverages with evening meals In-flight snacks and refreshments, All stopover ground transfers, tours, activities and entry fees, Day 1: Depart for The Dig Tree and Birdsville (L,D), Day 4: Karumba to Horn Island to Thursday Island (B,L,D), Day 5: Thursday Island & the Tip of Australia (B,L,D), Day 6: Thursday Island to Lizard Island (B,L,D), Day 9: Cooktown to Laura to Longreach (B,L,D), Day 11: Longreach to Carnarvon Gorge (B,L,D), Day 13: Carnarvon Gorge to home city (B,L), Let Us Take You to Australia's Most Extraordinary Destinations. Flying north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, your aircraft will land near your cabin at Adels Grove, in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, overlooking the stunning Lawn Hill Creek. By doing so you will put the weak tyre wall on the ground where you risk it shredding on a stone or stick. From hawks feeding their young from the fish they caught in the creek in front of our camp to bower birds building ornate nests to impress potential suitors. Exceptional service, facilities, touring and food are the perfect complement to swimming off the beach into the wonders of the largest coral reef in the world very hard to beat. swimming holes, all mapped; as well as practical things - Explore the historic homestead at Camden ParkStation, enjoy the expansive view from the verandah, visit a circa 1920 shearing shed and gain an insight into the history of grazing in the outback. This tour is an incredible way to see so many iconic locations: magnificent vistas from the air and ground, interesting characters, unique birds and wildlife and fantastic fishing. These galleries, at least 15,000 to 30,000 years old, are listed by UNESCO as being among the top 10 rock art sites in the world. Plan and Bring Hi Luigi. Thanks for the reply. We were planning to drive up using the freeways and paved roads along the coast - which part of the journey require Make sure you book in advance to secure a spot as part of your Cape York trip planning! Here you feel really close to the whales and nature in general. The estimated driving time for the trip is 0 h and the main road for this route is the . If theres still time after this fascinating itinerary from Sydney to Melbourne, you can continue on the world-renowned Great Ocean Road. Your email address will not be published. It is inevitable that you will pass through one if not two of the dry communities on your trip to the tip of Cape York. The Cape York Trip Planning Guide in 11 Easy Steps Tour the many historical sites and learn how Cooktown prospered in a gold rush, dwindled, and then rose again to become an important base in World War II. All Rights Reserved. parks booking rules; and Aboriginal land entrance and camping permits Your day in Longreach begins with a glide down the coolabah-lined Thomson River with its abundant birdlife. Trust us, it may turn out to be one of the highlights of your drive from Cairns to Cape York. Cairns to Laura. My tip: Book your campground in advance and ask for a spot right on the water. Is the time frame too short ? Lockhart River is an Aboriginal community famous for the incredible array of artistic talent produced by the Lockhart River Art Gang. Here you can go excellent fishing, also there is fresh seafood that will delight you provided you like seafood. Then onto the fascinating Stockmans Hall of Fame, where the Australian Stockmans Experience will take you on an adventure that depicts the rugged, harsh and sometimes humorous antics of life in the bush. Especially for families it is well suited. On the website of the National Park you can check the tide level and see when is the most suitable time to visit. Read More Oaxaca Day Of The Dead 2023: The Ultimate GuideContinue, Please note that some links on our site are affiliate links. WebTour Itinerary: Cape York Air Safari B,L,D: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. We show you what routes and travel options are available, the most beautiful cities, sights and highlights. Built to allow access to the telegraph lines connecting Cooktown and the Cape in the early 1800s, the Cape York Track or Old Telegraph Track was originally the only way to access the Tip. Having made it to The Tip spend a few days to enjoy the whole area and why not extend your trip to the Torres Straight Islands. This is the only place in Australia where you can experience the splendour of tropical rainforest while being just a stones throw from the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Being so remote, you will need to bring more items and supplies with you than you would for a normal camping trip. your email address is totally secure. Aside from your run of the mill snakes, spider, scorpions, and marine stingers, its croc country up here so learn how to be croc-wise before you arrive. Fly by chopper over the region's 247 virtually untouched islands, spreading like stepping stones through the strikingly turquoise waters of the Arafura Sea. var SS_PARAMS={pinterest_enabled:false,googleplus1_on_page:false,socializeit_onpage:false};.g-recaptcha{display:inline-block}.recaptcha_wrapper{text-align:center} Luxury ensuite glamping at Mitchell Grass Retreat - with a private deck, air-conditioning, indulgent king size bed and bath looking out over the plain, you may not want to leave! Your email address will not be published. Why? If no availability send us an email or call us on 1300 206 130. The Sydney Melbourne coastal drive takes you directly along the ocean in many places. You might see sharks breaching or crocodiles bathing, scorpions lurking or snakes warming. 2 nights: Tiwi Island Retreat, Ocean Front Room. This is extremely remote so you will need to be fully self sufficient. Learn more about our new name. We packed fresh fruit, veg, and dairy for the first week and then restocked as needed from the general stores and supermarkets we passed. 2 nights: Mitchell Grass Retreat or Saltbush Retreat. How I want to do it: 1. YES! Cairns to Cape York Roadtrip | Tropical North QLD But both Sydney and Melbourne have their own charm. These cookies enhance your experience and improve the quality of our site. From Bramwell Junction you can either take the challenging Old Telegraph Line 4WD route or the PDR Bypass roads which are maintained to a good standard. At the front gate of the Carnarvon Gorge National Park, the lodge is set on 100ha, looped by Carnarvon Creek. Day 1: Depart for The Dig Tree and Birdsville (L,D) Day 2: Birdsville to Lawn Hill (B,L,D) Day 3: Lawn Hill to If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Whether youre passing through at lunch time, later in the day or even early morning, no trip driving to Cape York is complete without stopping at Archer Roadhouse for this legendary meal. If Contact the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for further information - phone 07 4090 4100. Learn more about this pioneering pair and their ill-fated expedition. As with every camping trip, planning your meals is an important part of preparation. For the enthusiastic, there may be time for a hot bath in the open air, heated by thermal artesian water. Stop in at the Hann River Roadhouse for refreshments, 76 km past Laura. In Wollongong, by the way, you can also skydive and view the surroundings with a little thrill from above. The distances here are vast, the destinations remote, fuel stations and campsites are few and far between. We decide on the NRMA Easter Beach Holiday Park, which is a bit off the beaten track. Transfer by ferry across to Thursday Island andyour accommodation, shared with your fellow passengers. The nature that surrounds you on the Cape never fails to impress. We recommend stopping by your local mechanic to ensure your 4WD vehicle and all its parts are in top condition before setting out on this adventure. You will see many great beaches, coasts, national parks and really beautiful places. One of Australias last frontiers. Get Land at Loyalty Beach, then bus to Frangipani Beach for a 500 metre walk over uneven ground to the tip of mainland Australia. And thats because thats how central Melbourne looks like its made up of a perfectly rectangular, neat grid of streets. Thursday Island is just 30 km from Cape York Peninsula and easily accessible by ferry from Seisia. Snap a photo for the memory vaults! It has the best topographic maps of the area including all off-road trails and tracks. Wilsons Promontory National Park, also called Wilsons Prom, is one of the highlights on the Sydney-Melbourne route. from fuel, roads, wireless internet and mobile phone reception, Click to open full map for best experience. Ulladulla is known for its fishing parade, which is held annually at Easter. Grab a photo at the tip with your group. (I can push 800 - As the most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. This stunning 16-day Cape York & Northern Islands tour takes you to the very tip of Australia, outback Queensland, Torres Strait Islands, the Take a tour, meet the owners, lunch in the historic homestead and listen to the stories of existence on this remote station. To that end, we have put together a Cape York trip planning guide to get you ready for the significant undertaking into the remote Cape York peninsula. The Inland route via the fully sealed Mulligan Highway gives the option of turning off at Lakeland towards Laura or continuing to Cooktown from where you can take the 4WD Battlecamp Road on to Laura. Must have a 4WD north of Cooktown - you have to go in out winter to avoid the wet/closed roads and be prepared for lots of dust http://www.australi Often overlooked by some in their Cape York trip planning, making sure your vehicle is fighting fit is an important step. Cape York & Northern Islands - Australian Air Safaris Our next big target is Phillip Island. 2 nights: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge. Delicious seafood is a focus, with ocean to plate and locally-sourced produce tempting your mouth to water.