Basix
Overland
Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer
4.8
Excellent
10 reviews
10 days
Start
Cairns, Australia
Finish
Bamaga, Australia
Trip Code
PZRY
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 19
Physical Rating
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Private 4WD Overland Vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night), Camping (7 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night)
From £2,844(10 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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 you?
This is a truly epic road trip to the far north of Australia and 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.
Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night in Iron Range National Park where basic bush toilets are available but no showers. A single tent supplement is available for purchase at an additional cost and subject to availability.
As this is a camping trip, we rely on all travellers to help with camp duties for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This includes pitching and packing up your own tent daily and assisting your leader with cooking and cleaning duties.
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 located 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 Coen to Archer River Roadhouse, where you will spend the night camping.
As we are travelling in very remote areas of Australia, mobile phone reception and opportunities to charge devices will be very 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 others company.
There is limited luggage space in our vehicle, so you will need to pack light (maximum 15kg) 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.
This is a truly epic road trip to the far north of Australia and 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.
Other than the first night in Cairns, we spend all nights of this trip camping. Tents and camping gear are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Communal showers and toilets are available at all campsite locations, other than our night in Iron Range National Park where basic bush toilets are available but no showers. A single tent supplement is available for purchase at an additional cost and subject to availability.
As this is a camping trip, we rely on all travellers to help with camp duties for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This includes pitching and packing up your own tent daily and assisting your leader with cooking and cleaning duties.
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 located 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 Coen to Archer River Roadhouse, where you will spend the night camping.
As we are travelling in very remote areas of Australia, mobile phone reception and opportunities to charge devices will be very 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 others company.
There is limited luggage space in our vehicle, so you will need to pack light (maximum 15kg) 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.
Itinerary
Journey to the tip of Australia and experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
Travel to the tippy top of northern Queensland on an Australian adventure in Far North Queensland. Over 10 days, you’ll learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during immersive activities with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides, hit the beach for swims and nature walks, cross the Iron Range and soak in all the natural beauty of this rural landscape. Spend a night near Chilli Beach, camp in the bush under the clear night sky and tick Pajinka off your bucket list – the northernmost point of the country! Take an eco-cruise to spot crocodiles, walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation and discover ancient rock art. With all these activities and more, you can soak up Australia’s amazing history, landscapes and remote communities.
Inclusions
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Private 4WD Overland Vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night), Camping (7 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night)
Included activities
Cape Tribulation - Lookout
Cape Tribulation - Daintree Rainforest nature walk
Rossville - Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony
Cooktown - Cooktown History Centre visit
Rossville - Kuku Nyungkul cultural tour
Coen - Coen Heritage House visit
Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Chilli Beach
Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park - Mount Tozer viewing platform
Lockhart River - Arts Centre visit
Weipa - Lake Patricia stop
Weipa - Western Cape Culture Centre visit
Weipa - Mangrove Eco Cruise
Apudthama National Park - Fruit Bat Falls walk & swim
Shelburne - Kennedy’s Lost Camp stop
Cape York - WWII plane wrecks
Cape York - Fly Point walk
Cape York - Pajinka ('The Tip') day trip
Cape York - Somerset Beach stop
Thursday Island - Torres Strait Cultural Tour with local guide
Thursday Island - Return ferry
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From






Important notes
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 on the last day in Seisia 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.
CAMPING
This is a camping trip where you will be expected to pitch your tent at each location (tents are provided). Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are basic and are shared with other campers that are not part of our group. The facilities at our campsite in Iron Range National Park are very basic, with bush toilets and no showers.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available to be booked on this trip. It comprises the first night of the trip in Cairns at our hotel and allocates you your own tent for the rest of the trip. Travellers without a confirmed single supplement will be sharing a tent with another member of the group.
RETURN FLIGHT TO CAIRNS
The flight from Bamaga to Cairns is NOT included in the price of this trip. The trip finishes in Seisia in the afternoon 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.
Reviews (10)
5 stars
8
4 stars
2
Rick
Aug 10, 2025
I took the opportunity to join Intrepid to Cape York and was not disappointed. My first trip with them will not be the last. Thursday Island an absolute gem and Chilli Beach 2nd to none. Thanks Brendan and Jarred. The Jardine Crossing ticked off!
Kreig
Jul 29, 2025
Most Australians see a map of Far North Queensland, dreaming of being able to undertake that quintessential, epic Aussie adventure - Cape York Peninsula. This tour scratches that bucket-list itch affordably, safely, with EXCEPTIONAL guides. You've always wanted to go or you're a foreigner wanting true Aussie adventure? Right here!
Cheryl
Jul 20, 2025
An excellent trip through remarkable countryside, from dense World Heritage listed rainforest to tropical savannah and coastal vistas to inland waterways. Lots of Traditional Owner knowledge and British settlement history, plus flora and fauna to see along the way
Michael
Jul 06, 2025
A trip for the hardy explorer looking to see and learn more about a remote and hard to access part of Australia. Cape York is, culturally and geographically, a totally different country to the south and east of Australia most are familiar with.
Susanne
Jul 05, 2025
OVER WHELMED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jane
Jul 01, 2025
Amazing camping holiday. Such an adventure to the top of Cape york. It was wonderful to see Thursday Island.
Stephen
Jun 23, 2025
This Cape York trip is an excellent introduction if one is comfortable with camping and some challenging 4 wheel driving. Highly recommended.
Ursula
Jun 21, 2025
This camping trip is a wonderful way to explore the amazing Cape York peninsula, its people and culture. The Intrepid team designed a great itinerary and provided a safe experience. Sharing this trip with wonderful co-travellers made it very special … a favourite saying was: “it’s all about the people!” Reaching the tip of mainland Australia is an amazing experience as is the visit to Thursday Island.
Manuela
Aug 09, 2025
An unforgettable Cape York adventure! Brendan was an exceptional driver and guide — knowledgeable, an entertaining storyteller, a great cook, and always upbeat — with excellent support from Jarred. Camping was challenging at times but worth it for the chance to explore this remote and beautiful region. The vintage Isuzu 4WD handled everything, but the air conditioning was broken and there was a cracked windscreen from the start of the trip. Given my previous experience with Intrepid’s high standards, I felt these should have been fixed beforehand for safety and comfort. Highlights included a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Kuku Nyungkul Elder Mooks at Rossville Retreat, wonderful remote camping sites (including oceanfront spots), and visits to vibrant First Nations art centres.
Robyn
Aug 09, 2025
Great 4WD camping trip to Cape York and Thursday Island. We were fortunate to not have rain/mud. Loads of river crossings. Only downer was no air-conditioning. Need to be fit to do this trip, but its well worth it. Brilliant Guides/drivers, food, campsites and included trips.
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