Cape York and Outback Wilderness Adventures, Red Centre, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges and Western Australia
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Daintree River Jardine River Wenlock River Archer River Jardine River National Park Daintree National Park Lakefield National Park Mossman Gorge Fruit Bat Falls Bloomfield Track Old Telegraph Track Coen Mungkan Kandju National Park Peninsula Development Road Cairns Port Douglas Cape Tribulation Cooktown Lotus Bird Lodge Weipa Bramwell Station 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 QLD G R E A T B A R R I E R R E E F Laura Thursday Island Punsand Bay STEVE IRWIN WILDLIFE RESERVE 2 Sealed Road 4WD Track Cruise/Ferry QANTAS Flight No. of nights stay 1 Horn Island 35 OUTBACK QUEENSLAND was named Cape Tribulation by James Cook when his ship grounded on the offshore reef. Later, set off along the remote and rugged 4WD Bloomfield Track, one of Australia's most iconic Outback trails. This spectacular coastal route winds its way along the breathtaking coastline. Journey through dense sections of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, tackling steep climbs and several challenging creek crossings. Later, arrive in Cooktown, an unspoilt coastal town full of natural beauty and fascinating history. Here, discover the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, the James Cook Museum and the cemetery with its Chinese shrine. Just before sunset this evening, enjoy a tour of Grassy Point Lookout, which boasts simply stunning views across the Endeavour River. Later this evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a delicious dinner at your centrally located Cooktown hotel. Stay: Cooktown, The Sovereign Resort Hotel. BLD Day 4. Cooktown, Laura, Battle Camp Road, Isabella Falls, Lakefield National Park. Enjoy the beauty of Quinkan Country in Laura, ranked by UNESCO as one of the top ten rock art areas in the world and considered to be one of Queensland's best-kept secrets. After enjoying a Split Rock guided walk here, journey along the rugged Battle Camp Road, where you will reach Isabella Falls. Perhaps stop to take a refreshing dip in this freshwater creek crossing, cascading down into several pools before becoming a stunning small waterfall. Afterwards, continue to Battle Camp Station, named by a group of gold diggers who were heading west to the Palmer River. Visit the Old Laura Homestead, whose historic significance dates back to 1879 with the establishment of the cattle industry on the Cape York Peninsula. Later, turn off into Lakefield National Park, where numerous wallabies can be seen frolicking amongst the open woodland, and freshwater crocodiles are also often found lazing along the banks of the many rivers here. Afterwards, arrive at Lotus Bird Lodge. Retreat to your log-style cabin with a private ensuite, set amongst shady eucalypts. Relax on your own private verandah overlooking the billabong. Stay: Lotus Bird Lodge. BLD Day 5. Lakefield National Park, Coen, Gulf Country, Weipa. Explore the fascinating old gold mining town of Coen this morning. Coen first attracted gold miners and prospectors in 1876, after gold deposits were found in the Coen River. It wasn't until 1883, however, that Coen became the centre for several regional goldmines. Afterwards, drive through Mungkan Kandju National Park, a wilderness area with riverine rainforest and waterlily-covered lagoons. The park is home to a wide variety of birdlife, and the common spotted cuscus (a type of possum) can also be seen amongst the rainforest. Continue to the town of Weipa, home to the largest community on the Cape York Peninsula. Discover the history behind Weipa as you embark on a mining tour, which includes a visit to Rocky Point and the Regeneration Unit. Get up close to the 190-tonne Belly Dumper Haul Trucks while touring the working mine site and follow the conveyor belt system as the bauxite makes its way to the loading dock. Later, settle into your hotel before dinner this evening. Stay: Weipa, Albatross Hotel Resort. BLD Stand right on the northernmost tip of Australia Keep an eye out for rare Palm Cockatoos Punsand Bay Horn Island Thursday Island to Cairns Jardine River 2 Jardine River National Park 1 Seisia 2 PERSON CREW PE R S O N A L I S E D S E R V I C E Journey along the Bloomfield Track in safety and comfort 20 MAX. GUESTS G U A R A N TE E D S M A L L G R O U P S