Cape York & Torres Strait Adventure
Trip Code: PZSY
Why we love it
Make the pilgrimage to Pajinka (Cape York) – the continent’s northernmost point and one of Australia’s most remote and unique locations, known as ‘The Tip’., Take a ferry to Thursday Island and learn more about the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people on a guided walk along Bayo Beach with a Torres Strait Islander Guide., Cross the Iron Range for a night near Chilli Beach – this picture-perfect white sand beach is framed by palm trees., Head into the mangroves on an eco-cruise in Weipa to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy riverbanks., Learn about Aboriginal culture in a remote retreat outside Cooktown with an Aboriginal guide, try bush food and listen to storytelling about the land and its ancestors. Then, learn about Torres Strait Islander culture on Thursday Island.
Is this trip right for me?
This is a truly epic road trip to the far north of Australia. You'll be travelling for long distances for extended periods of time in remote areas most days, often on bumpy unsealed roads. See the daily itinerary for approximate total travel times and distances.
The weather in Cape York and the Torres Strait can be unpredictable, with road and travel conditions sometimes affected by rain. Be prepared to be flexible and for some occasional changes of plan during our journey. Your leader will advise on any updates to the itinerary and inclusions as you travel.
Lakefield National Park is in a basin that drains very slowly after the wet season. Access depends on whether roads are passable, and the official opening times each year can be as late as the end of July. On Day 4, you’ll visit Lakefield National Park as soon as it opens after the wet season. If the park is still closed on your departure date, you’ll travel north on the main Peninsula Development Road via Laura to Musgrave Roadhouse instead.
As we are travelling in very remote areas of Australia, mobile phone reception will be very limited to non-existent. Opportunities to charge devices may also be limited. There are few shops or services in this part of the world, so bring all essential items with you and take this time to disconnect, enjoy nature and each other's company.
There is limited luggage space in our vehicle, so you will need to pack light (maximum 15 kg) and take soft sided bags. Please note we are staying in and travelling through alcohol-restricted areas and all travellers must comply with these restrictions.
Important information
START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
This trip starts in Cairns with a welcome meeting at our joining point hotel at 6pm on day 1. The trip finishes in the afternoon of the last day in Bamaga from where you can transfer to Bamaga Airport. Alternatively you can opt to fly out from Horn Island instead. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available to be booked on this trip, subject to availability.
RETURN FLIGHT TO CAIRNS
The flight from Bamaga to Cairns is NOT included in the price of this trip. The trip finishes on arrival at Bamaga on day 10, with no other transport or accommodation included on this day.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
As we have limited storage space on our vehicle, please limit your luggage to no more than 15kg in a soft case bag.
LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS
This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Take into consideration the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you are well hydrated in the tropical heat.
What to bring/pack
Physical rating
3
Joining your group
Bay Village Tropical Retreat, 227 Lake St, Cairns, AUSTRALIA
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
From Cairns Airport (airport code CNS), your best option is to take a taxi or Uber from the airport directly to the hotel in approximately 10 to 15 minutes (depending on traffic).
Finishing your trip
Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Lui St & Adidi St, Bamaga, AUSTRALIA
Alternate Finish Point
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 7
Lunches included: 6
Dinners included: 3
Climate & seasonal information
Overland travel to Cape York and the Torres Strait is only possible in the dry season from June to September, with maximum daytime temperatures of around 30°C and 20°C overnight. As the season progresses, the days become hotter and more humid.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE CRISIS OR EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY (if applicable), you can reach our local office on the numbers listed below. When calling, select option 4 then option 2 from the phone menu to speak to our local Operations Team:
GENUINE EMERGENCY ONLY: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164