Far North Escapes 5Q6MPQGG+63 Helicopter Flights

Day 1. Cairns to Crater Lakes National Park
Your day begins with your luxury 4WD awaiting you at your accommodation in Cairns at 8am. As we head out of Cairns, you will have a spectacular view over the sugar cane fields, with a stunning back drop of surrounding Mountains and lush Rainforest. Along the journey, you’ll pass Queensland highest peak: the iconic towering Mount Bartle Frere. You will spend the morning exploring the “#1 Must Do Attraction in Queensland”, the beautiful, Paronella Park. Built in 1937 by Jose Paronella, it is both a living love story and a feat of unique engineering. This is a wonderful photo opportunity and a truly unique experience. Following your tour of Paronella, we make our way through the Atherton Tablelands and stop off for lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm. Here you will taste some of the best local biodynamic cheeses Far North Queensland has to offer and enjoy the spectacular rolling hill scenery of the Atherton Tablelands. Our afternoon will be spent visiting magnificent falls that cascade perfectly into a pristine waterhole surrounded by lush Rainforest, it is one of the most photographed Waterfalls in all of Australia - Millaa Millaa. You will check into your Atherton Tablelands accommodation for the evening, freshen up, and attend your “Welcome Dinner” at “Our Place” a popular restaurant in scenic Yungaburra. After dinner, wind down from your first exciting day on the road at the unique Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages. Located on the boarder of the World Heritage-listed Crater Lakes National Park, these Cottages are immersed in the Rainforest with wildlife such as Possums and Tree Kangaroos, right on your doorstep.
‍Accommodation : Cottage, Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages (FNE Exclusive use). Located at Lake Eacham, on the Atherton Tablelands.
‍Meals: Lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm, and Group “Welcome” Dinner at ”Our Place” in Yungaburra.
‍‍‍Day 2. Crater Lakes National Park to Chillagoe

‍We are off to Chillagoe! It’s an early start as we travel through the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands and the iconic “Wheelbarrow Way” stretching from Mareeba to Chillagoe, travelling through farmland, cattle country, wooded savannah and historic towns. Our morning starts with a National Parks Ranger Guided Chillagoe Cave Tour. Delight in the spectacular caverns and passages decorated by stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Their formation began over 400 million years ago, with fluctuating groundwater slowly dissolving and sculpting the caves. Chillagoe was once an ancient Coral Reef that has been transformed into spectacular limestone bluffs with a network of some 560 caves, while early volcanic activity has created rich marble and mineral deposits. Wander the town to see the Railway Station, Bank Vault, Court House, Police Museum, and Post Office. The tall chimney on the edge of the town is part of the former Ore Smelter. Nearby short walking tracks include Balancing Rock and two Aboriginal Rock Art Galleries. After a day of exploring this historic mining town, we make our way back via the rustic Herberton-Petford 4WD track – a truly unique off-the-beaten-path experience full of wildlife in The Atherton Tablelands.
‍Accommodation : Cottage, Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages (FNE Exclusive use). Located at Lake Eacham, on the Atherton Tablelands.
Meals : Crater Lakes Continental Breakfast Hamper, Lunch at Chillagoe Pub and Dinner at Malanda’s “Big Pub”.
‍Day 3. Crater Lakes National Park to Oak Beach
Start your day with Breakfast at the 90-year-old Lake Barrine Teahouse, with stunning views over the serene blue volcanic crater Lake. A beautiful way to start the day, before seeing highlights such as Lake Tinaroo, and the 500-year-old towering Cathedral Fig. Today we leave the Tablelands and wind our way down the Gillies Range and north along the Coast, with a lunch stop at iconic Palm Cove. Tonight, you will be staying at the beautiful eco and wildlife retreat: Thala Beach Lodge. Your bungalow is nestled among 58 hectares of native forest on secluded Oak Beach, where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before meeting for a group dinner with 180-degree views of the Coral Sea.
Accommodation : Eucalyptus Bungalow, Thala Beach Lodge. Located at stunning Oak Beach, between Cairns and Port Douglas.
‍Meals: Breakfast at Lake Barrine Teahouse, Lunch at Palm Cove, and Group Dinner at Thala Beach Lodge.
Day 4. Oak Beach to Cooktown
After breakfast, we head North via Cape Tribulation – the World’s oldest continuous Rainforest. Here you will enjoy sites such as Alexandra Bay Lookout and experience a Croc Cruise in a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will enjoy lunch at Whet Restaurant before hitting the famous Bloomfield Track north to Cooktown. Weather dependent, we may experience river crossings along the way. Your highlight of the day is Wujal Wujal Falls, where you will be treated to a guided indigenous interpretive walk, hosted by Kuku Yalanji’s Walker Family. As we arrive into Cooktown soak in views from Grassy Hill before spending the evening Dinner at the historic Lions Den Hotel. Established in 1875, The Lions Den Hotel walls are adorned with signatures from around the world, a tradition that started in the old mining days. An amazing atmosphere often with live entertainment.
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‍ Accommodation: Cottage Cabin, Milkwood Lodge Rainforest Retreat. Secluded cabins, located in Cooktown with rainforest and mountain views.
‍ Meals: Breakfast at Thala Beach Lodge, Lunch at Whet Restaurant in Cape Tribulation, and Group Dinner at Lions Den Hotel.
Day 5. Cooktown to Wolverton Station
Today we travel from the Cooktown area to the small town of Laura. Here we explore the remarkable Rock Art at Split Rock. Prior to European Settlement, four language groups of First Nation people lived in Laura for over 45,000 years: the Ku Ku Thaypan, Uw Olkola, Guugu Yimithir and Western Yalanji people. This artwork tells their story and is a beautiful authentic indigenous experience. Travelling further along the Peninsula Developmental Road, we arrive at Wolverton Station “Wildwishes” in the Archer River Region. Here we experience a taste of Station life – and it is the only station in Far North Queensland with historic cattle droving routes that were used in the 1900’s. Settle in for a billy tea and a yarn or two! This is a truly unique experience on one of the only sites to offer Glamping in Cape York.
‍Accommodation: Wildwishes Glamping Tent (FNE Exclusive use). Located at Wolverton Station, Archer River.
‍Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner catered by Far North Escapes.
Day 6. Wolverton Station to Iron Range National Park
Over the next two days, we travel back toward the coastline, experiencing the Lockhart River region. Visiting untouched waterfalls, and the long coastline of stunning Chilli Beach. We also stop to explore the Lockhart River Art Centre which continues to encourage, work with, promote and represent local artist and their diverse range of artworks through paintings, ceramics, basket weaving and prints. A highlight will be experiencing the Iron Range National Park with long sweeping beaches, rocky outcrops, and the largest area of low land tropical Rainforest in Australia. Our afternoon arrival brings us to The Temple Cape York: off-grid, isolated living at its finest. This is a great location with something for everyone! Fishing addicts, bike enthusiasts, bird watchers, military history buffs, and general lovers of life who want to just soak in the sea views.

‍ Accommodation: The Temple Cape York (FNE Exclusive use). Located in Lockhart, just 10 mins from iconic Chilli Beach.
‍Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner catered by The Temple Cape York.
Day 7. Choose to relax, undertake activities, or explore Iron Range National Park
A day at leisure or a day of complete adventure at THE TEMPLE CAPE YORK...
Choose to flop and drop, and enjoy a day at leisure on the stunning sands of Chilli Beach at THE TEMPLE CAPE YORK. Or choose your own adventure, with optional extras available to book in advance:
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- Private Cape York Fishing Charters (up to 4 persons)
- Heli Fishing with Bungie Helicopter
- Dirt Bike Hire
- One Day Dirt Bike Tour including Bike, Lunch, Guide
- Blo Kart Hire
- Trip to Restoration Island
- Trip to Great Barrier Reef
- Trip to Forbes Island includes camping overnight
Speak with the team at Far North Escapes about arranging activities prior to arrival.
‍ Accommodation: The Temple Cape York (FNE Exclusive use). Located in Lockhart, just 10 mins from iconic Chilli Beach.
‍Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner catered by The Temple Cape York.

Day 8. Iron Range National Park to Bramwell Station
Today we travel wind inland to Bramwell Station, the most northerly cattle station in Australia. We are treated to a Station Talk followed by live entertainment. Located2 hours North of Archer River and 4 hours South of the Tip – the station is a well know and well-loved stop for visitors to the Cape over the last 40 years…however it is most famous for its location: the start of the famous 4WD challenge “Old Telegraph Line Track”, also known as the “OTL”.
‍ Accommodation: Bramwell Station
‍ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch catered by Far North Escapes, Dinner a Bramwell Buffet
Day 9. Bramwell Station to Cape York Peninsula
Weather permitting, today we start on the TelegraphTrack and the mighty Jardine River Crossing. Heading further north over the next two days we edge ever closer to our our ‘bucket list’ experience, with some incredible 4WD adventure and hidden waterfalls along the way. You’re in the heart of it all now!
‍ Accommodation: Cape York Peninsula Lodge
‍ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner catered by Far North Escapes.
Day 10.Cape York Peninsula to the Tip of Australia “Pajinka”
Today, we experience the Tip of Australia at Cape York! Here, we offer you plenty of time for you to get your “Tip” photo souvenir and soak it all in!
Mid-morning, you will be treated to a scenic Cape York helicopter flight over The Tip of Australia, with the most spectacular views thanks to Coastal Rotors. What an exciting way to celebrate this incredible experience. Lunch and dinner will be hosted at the Northernmost Bar, Punsand Bay for an afternoon at leisure.
‍Accommodation : Cape York Peninsula Lodge
‍ Meals: Breakfast catered by Far North Escapes, Lunch & Dinner at Punsand Bay
Day 11. Cape York Peninsula to Thursday Island
An early morning Ferry from Sesia to Thursday Island. We will arrange for luggage to be taken to your Thursday Island accommodation the Island Villa, while you enjoy the last day of touring. Firstly, you’ll join an Indigenous guided tour of Thursday Island. This in-depth tour brings the remote Island’s history to life. Places you’ll visit include Green Hill Fort and the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial. We are treated to a comprehensive commentary that includes important aspects of the maritime, cultural and military history that has shaped the region. Your TI guide will drop you back to The Top Pub where you will enjoy Lunch. Afterwards, your guide will escort you back to the Villa where you can enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, Dinner will be hosted at The Grand Hotel Bistro, where you will farewell your Far North Escapes Guide and reflect as a group on the amazing adventure that was.
‍ Accommodation: Thursday Island accommodation, Villa,Island Villas,
‍ Meals: Breakfast catered by Far North Escapes, Lunch at Top Pub, Dinner at the Grand Hotel Bistro
Day 12. Thursday Island to Cairns
Ferry transfer from Thursday Island to Horn Island.
Departing flight from HID-CNS with Qantas mid-morning.

‍ Please note: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, unexpected circumstances or Tour Guides decision based on what is best for the group and preferences. This itinerary is ONLY a guide. Our itineraries are flexible, at Far North Escapes we modify our itineraries based on our guests needs and requirements. We believe in accommodating all our guest's needs and creating a remarkable Far North Queensland Adventure.