12 Day 4WD Premium Cape York Tour

Day 1. Arrival in Cairns – Atherton Tablelands / Yungaburra

Begin your Cape York journey departing from Cairns and travelling into the lush Atherton Tablelands. Stop at Babinda Boulders and admire views of Mount Bartle Frere before exploring Paronella Park. Continue through Milla Milla Falls, the Curtain Fig Tree, and the picturesque village of Yungaburra. End the day with a visit to Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm before settling into your accommodation.

Accommodation: Ensuite Room – Eden House Retreat
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included

Day 2. Yungaburra – Chillagoe

Start early as you journey through the Tablelands, passing Atherton and following the scenic Wheelbarrow Way. Travel through farmland, cattle country and wooded savannah before arriving in Chillagoe. Explore the fascinating limestone formations on a guided Chillagoe Cave Tour.

Accommodation: Chillagoe Observatory
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 3. Chillagoe – Daintree Rainforest

Depart Chillagoe and travel through Mareeba, stopping at Coffee Works for a tasting. Continue to Kuranda and enjoy the Barron Falls Boardwalk before heading along the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Join a Crocodile Cruise on the Daintree River, stop at Alexandra Range Lookout and the Ice Cream Factory, explore the Marddja Boardwalk and end the day in Cape Tribulation with a night walk.

Accommodation: Rainforest Loft (Ensuite) at Ferntree Rainforest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 4. Daintree Rainforest – Cooktown

Journey along the Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s most iconic 4WD routes. Stop at Wujal Wujal Falls, enjoy a drink at the historic Lions Den Hotel and take part in an Indigenous experience with Mooks. Explore Cooktown’s Botanical Gardens and take in the sunset from Grassy Hill Lookout before dinner.

Accommodation: Ensuite Room at Milkwood Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 5. Cooktown – Wolverton Station

Travel through Lakeland and visit Split Rock Aboriginal Rock Art, a site of incredible cultural significance. Continue past Laura, Fairview Station, Hann River Roadhouse, Musgrave Station and Coen before arriving at Wolverton Station, Authentic Outback Glamping and Bird Heaven by a small lake.

Accommodation: Wildwishes (Glamping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 6. Wolverton – Iron Range National Park

Drive along the Peninsula Development Road into Iron Range National Park. Cross the Wenlock and Pasco Rivers, take in the views from Mount Tozer, and enjoy a short waterfall hike. Visit Lockhart River, the Historic Airstrip, Quintell Beach before heading into a wildlife adventure in the backyard of the Temple

Accommodation: The Temple
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 7. Iron Range National Park

Spend the day exploring Iron Range National Park. Visit Chilli Beach and Portland Roads, enjoy the Gordon Mine Creek Walk, and go birdwatching. In the evening, there’s an optional guided night walk to spot the park’s endemic species.

Accommodation: The Temple
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 8. Iron Range – Bramwell Station

Depart Iron Range with a morning of birdwatching or a short waterfall walk. Continue North, visiting Morton Telegraph Station and crossing the Wenlock River. Arrive at Bramwell Station for a hearty meal and an evening of entertainment at this classic Cape York stopover.

Accommodation: Bramwell (Ensuite)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 9. Bramwell Station – Cape York Peninsula / The Tip

Travel north exploring parts of the Old Telegraph Track. Stop at Fruit Bat Falls and, if road conditions allow, Elliot Falls. Cross the Jardine River and visit the famous Croc Tent before reaching the northernmost point of mainland Australia – “The Tip.” After a short walk we bring you to your accomodation and watch the sunset from beautiful Punsand Bay.

Accommodation: Punsand (Ensuite)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 10. The Tip and Roko Island

Start the day early with visits to Summerset, Flypoint and the Five Beaches drive before arriving at Roonga Point. Take a boat trip to Roko Island for a guided tour and island-style lunch. Enjoy an afternoon Cocktail on the island, hop on an optional Fishing Charter or return back to Punsand Bay along the northern most coastlines of Australia.

Optional: Half-Day Fishing Charter - Enjoy a thrilling half-day fishing trip around Roko Island. Catch coral trout, mackerel, and trevally with expert local guides. All gear and refreshments included.

Accommodation: Punsand (Ensuite)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 11. Punsand – Thursday Island

Enjoy the morning at Punsand and get picked up by your private charter boat  after a short drive to Roonga Point. An epic boat trip through the islands of the Torres strait. Arriving on Thursday Island early afternoon, you will meet your local indigenous guide Mutee for a cultural tour, exploring the islands unique history and local way of life

Accommodation: The Grand Hotel TI (Ensuite)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 12. Thursday Island - Return To Cairns

Begin your morning with breakfast on Thursday Island before visiting the Torres Strait Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s fascinating Indigenous heritage and island history. After the visit, take the ferry across to Horn Island for your connecting flight back to Cairns around midday. Enjoy your final scenic views of the Torres Strait as your Cape York adventure concludes.

Accommodation: — (End of Tour)
Meals: Breakfast only

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Monday, May 11, 2026 - Friday,  May 22, 2026

Sunday, May  31, 2026 - Thursday, June 11, 2026

Saturday, June  20, 2026 - Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Sunday, July  12, 2026 - Thursday, July 23, 2026

Saturday, August 1, 2026 - Wednesday, August 12, 2026  

Monday, August  24, 2026 - Friday, September 4, 2026

FAQs

GENERAL

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‍Group Sizes & Vehicle Allocation  

‍We have a strong focus on client experience, and as such our groups are small in size. We want to give you thebest, most immersive experience and that just cannot be delivered with large group touring. We have capped our numbers for this reason. The tour you have booked will determine the vehicle you are travelling in and your group size.

PREMIUM: 79 Series LandCruiser – 4 Passengers
PREMIUM: 300 Series LandCruiser – 6 Passengers
Premium tours operate with a maximum of 2 vehicles, and 10 passengers per departure.

Luggage Restrictions and Packing List for Cape York 4WD Tours

What are the luggage restrictions, and what should I pack for my Cape York 4WD tour?

Due to space limitations in our 4WD vehicles, we kindly request that you limit your luggage to a soft-sided bag or backpack weighing no more than 16 kg (35 lbs) plus a 3 kg (6 lbs) hand luggage. Please avoid using hard-sided suitcases. For your convenience, we have prepared a detailed packing list that includes all the essentials for your Cape York adventure. This list covers clothing, footwear, personal items, and any additional equipment you may need during the tour. To access this comprehensive guide, simply download our PDF here. Remember that the key to a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience is packing light and choosing items that are versatile and suitable for the tropical climate of Cape York.

Age limits and physical fitness

Our tours have been designed to suit a reasonable standard of fitness – for instance the ability to walk on some uneven surfaces. There are occasions, such as at Wujal Wujal Waterfalls, where you can walk up to a distance of 400 meters. The walk to the Signpost at Pajinka “The Tip” is on uneven surface and approximately 10 minutes in duration.

The ability to cope with remoteness is essential.

We have no age limits on our Tours. We have had young families on tours, and clients in their 90s. When completing the Medical Waiver Form, it is the guests responsibility to ensure their health and physical fitness is of a reasonable level and they have disclosed any ailments that are of concern. We suggest you seek advise from your GP if you are unsure.

Mobility Challenges & Disabilities: Yes, we have had clients with extra considerations join our Tours and it brings us great joy to be able to make their dream a reality. Please speak with our Agents if you or a member of your group has mobility challenges, a disability or is wheelchair bound. We are able to make adjustments accordingly.

Rest assured, you are in great hands with our experienced guides and we make every effort to ensure your trip is an enjoyable and inclusive one.

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I am a solo traveler – do I need to pay a single supplement?

Yes, as we do not offer shared or paired accommodation for single travelers. See our (single) rates

Do I get a discount if I have travelled with you before?

‍Thank you for supporting our Family owned and operated local business. We’re so pleased you are back for another Escape! Please discuss your past travels with our friendly Agents for a discount to be applied. ‍

What accommodation is provided, and do I need to share with other members of the group?

Accommodation is as stated in your itinerary. Please note, there are instances where accommodation in your itinerary can change or be amended due to operational or supplier requirements. Under no circumstances will you be required on any tour to share accommodation with any other member of the group.

BOOKING

Pre and Post Travel arrangements

Our Far North Escapes Agents are experienced in all aspects of Travel arrangements, and happy to assist you in organising your Pre and Post tour plans. Please call us to discuss.

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Insurance ‍

Far North Escapes and/or its agents are not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever, nor for personal injury, accidents, hospitalization, illness or medical expenses. In our experience, most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance provider, and take out adequate travel insurance to cover events that may affect your ability to travel(including, but not limited to, health, baggage, loss of monies through cancellation, additional expenses incurred through illness or personal liability prior to travel and early return, for example, following the death of a relative). We do not have any affiliation or personal recommendations regarding insurance – its important you do your own research and choose cover suited to your personal circumstances.

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Stand By Lists ‍

We do have a Stand By List should your preferred departure date be sold-outonline. Please contact us by your preferred contact method to request to beplaced on Stand By should a space become available, and we will be in contact.

‍Free Time on Tour

Yes, we balance our tours for the comfort and experience of our clients on tour. There are opportunities throughout your Itinerary where you will have time at Leisure – where you can book optional extra activities or just soak upyour surroundings. ‍

Luggage & What to Pack ‍

You will be provided with a suggested Packing List pertaining to your relevant booked Tour.
‍Luggage type is at your preference; however please note we do have a strict 15kg limitation per guest due to internal Flights.

OTHER ‍

‍How often will I need to cook? ‍

You’re on holiday! At no time during our tours will you be required to cook.
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Can I bring my pet? ‍

If you are on a Private Charter, yes, we can make arrangements for you to bring your pet. This is on a request basis and needs to be discussed prior to booking with one of our friendly Agents.
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Smoking ‍

As per government regulations, Smoking is not permitted inside our vehicles at any time. Ample stops on route can provide time for “Smoko” breaks. ‍
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Drinking in the Cape ‍

Many of our accommodation providers and dining experiences are licenced Venues throughout our Itinerary.
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Guaranteed Departures ‍

All of our Cape York Tours are Guaranteed departures when at least 3 guests are confirmed.
Our one day and multi-day tours are a minimum of 2 guests for a Guaranteed departure.
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Drones ‍

At the time of writing: for recreational purposes, you do not need a permit to use a drone in Queenslands National Parks as long as it weighs under 2kgs,there are less than 10 people involved in the shoot and no buildings or structures are being filmed. For up to date information consult the Queensland National Parks website, or use the “Can I fly there” app.
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‍Dietary Requirements

Yes, we cater to all Dietary requirements for our guests. Please ensure we have your considerations available to us upon booking.
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‍Water

‍Water is provided and available at all times to our guests. If you would like to bring your own reusable water bottle, you are encouraged to do so.
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‍Toilets ‍

We provide ample stops and consider our guests comfort. On remote stretches, we provide port-a-loos.
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‍Seating Arrangements

Our vehicles operate with a daily seat rotation system to ensure passengers enjoy a different perspective each day on tour.  ‍
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First Aid & Medical Emergencies

Your treatment will depend on the particular circumstances and your location. Our experienced crew members are first-aid trained, and our vehicles are equipped with a full First Aid kit. If you require medical evacuation in a remote location, the Royal Flying Doctor Service operate on a donation service. We will ensure you get the best treatment, and get you back on tour, or home, safely as soon as possible.