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Detailed Trip Itinerary for Billy Tea Bush Safaris, 14-Day Cape York Safari
DAY 1 - Cairns to Hann River (L/D)
The group departs depart Cairns around 7.00am and travel through Mareeba, and the Palmer River area to Lakeland Downs. North of here lies "Quinkan country", ancestral lands of the Gugu Yalangi tribe, and an outstanding area where you will stop to view Aboriginal Rock Art. A brief stop at in the tiny township of Laura it will be on to your camp by the Hann River. (Toilets and showers)
DAY 2 - Hann River to Archer River (B/L/D)
The route takes you along the Development Road to Musgrave Telegraph Station, Coen and Archer River, an attractive camping area. (Toilets and showers)
DAY 3 - Archer River to Bertie Creek (B/L/D)
Four Wheel drive work begins in earnest today, as the road gets rougher, and creek crossing get more difficult. The 4WD will cross many crystal clear creeks, traverse open woodland country, pass monstrous termite mounds finally make camp by Bertie Creek with its beautiful rock pools. (Bush toilet & swim)
DAY 4 - Bertie Creek to Cape York (B/L/D)
Another exciting day of crossing streams including Cockatoo and Sailor Creeks. Fortunately there is a small ferry over the infamous Jardine River, which is renowned for its crocodiles, and the site of many crossing mishaps before the ferry started operating. You will call in at the town of Bamaga briefly, on our way to camp overlooking the Torres Strait. (Toilets & showers)
DAY 5 - Cape York (B/L/D)
Today is an active layover day, but rather than staying in base camp, the 4wd will take you out to explore the area. After a drive and a short hike you’ll stand on the very tip of Cape York. Visits to Cape Somerset and some other beautiful spots are also in the plan before returning to camp. (Toilets and showers)
DAY 6 - Cape York (B/D)
Another layover day, with many options. Those who wish can travel by launch to Thursday Island (own expense), or go fishing or perhaps just have a lazy day sunbaking on the beach. (Toilets and showers)
DAY 7 - Cape York to Twin Falls (B/L/D.
Its time to head back South away from the Cape this morning. After a little shopping in Bamaga it’s off to the next campsite, Twin Falls on the Elliot River. (Pit toilet and swim)
DAY 8 - Twin Falls (B/L/D)
Another layover day, and a chance to relax, swim and explore this unbelievably spectacular Indian Head Falls area. Surely this is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. (Pit toilet and swim)
DAY 9 - Twin Falls to Wenlock River (B/L/D)
A reluctant departure from a beautiful place best describes leaving this area, it’s time to travel to Heathlands National Park, view the formidable Gunshot crossing and eventually camp on the banks of the Wenlock River. (Bush toilet and swim)
DAY 10 - Wenlock River to Weipa (B/D).
An early departure this morning gets you into the mining town of Weipa in time for lunch in town. It is time for a relaxing afternoon with time to shop or perhaps catch up on chores. (Toilets & showers)
DAY 11 - Weipa to Coen (B/L/D).
An optional tour of the massive bauxite mine and town tour are possible in the morning (own expense), then it is on southward down the track, camping tonight at Coen. (Toilets & Showers).
DAY 12 - Coen to Lakefield (B/L/D)
Over the Bamboo range the group will pause once again at Musgrave, then turn east and enter the vast expanses of Lakefield National Park, bustards, brolgas, jabirus, and magpie geese are just some of the 200-odd species of birds that inhabit the park. We may also see feral pigs, crocodiles or dingoes. Camp will be within this national park. (Toilets & showers)
DAY 13 - Lakefield to Cooktown (B/L)
The historic old Laura Homestead has been restored and conveys some of the hardships endured by early pioneers to the area. You’ll arrive at Cooktown in time to visit the James Cook Museum (optional) and explore town. This evening you have the option of dining out as a break from camp cooking, and a for chance to mix with the locals. (Toilets & showers)
DAY 14 - Cooktown to Cairns (B/L)
The mysterious Black Mountains is our first stop on the coastal route home. The Lions Den Pub, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Reserve, Bloomfield Falls and river, the magnificence of Cape Tribulation are highlights of a scenic and adventurous last day, which nicely caps a great two-week adventure.
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