Tour Code: CYRK Departs and Ends: Cairns Dates: 06 July - 13 July, 2011 ITINERARY DAY 1: Cairns - Cape Tribulation (LD) Departing Cairns this morning, we drive north along the Captain Cook Highway to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, the best place to see crocodiles and native wildlife in the tropical north. Take a boat ride on Hartley’s Lagoon for a unique eco adventure and guaranteed sightings of crocodiles in their own habitat. Continuing north to Port Douglas you will see some of Australia’s best scenery where isolated beaches and the Coral Sea are fringed by hills covered in rainforest. You will take a drive to the sophisticated holiday town of Port Douglas before continuing to Mossman, a quaint sugar cane town and the gateway to the Daintree River ferry crossing. Once across the river you will be in the oldest rainforest on earth, which was confirmed as a World Heritage listed area in 1988. At the Daintree Discovery Centre there is a wealth of information on the area’s birds, butterflies and crocodiles. On the cleverly designed aerial walkway and canopy tower, you may be lucky enough to spot a cassowary on the banks of the creek below. Overnight: Cape Tribulation Resort and Spa DAY 2: Daintree - Cooktown (BLD) Today you will take the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown. Along the way you can see where the wet tropical rainforest literally meets the reef at the edge of the ocean. The drive is exhilarating with steep climbs and many creek crossings. We take a short diversion into the rainforest to see Bloomfield Falls, a roaring wall of water dropping 40 metres over the escarpment. We will be joined by a local Aboriginal guide from the Wujal Wujal Community who will share the spiritual links between this land and the people. Beyond the rainforest is the Lions Den Hotel, our lunch stop for today. This timber and iron hotel is a local landmark which has enjoyed a rich history since 1875. You will stop to inspect the unusually formed black granite boulders of the Black Mountain Range before arriving at Cooktown. Cooktown has over two centuries of rich history, starting with Captain James Cook beaching the Endeavour for repairs after striking the reef in 1770. A century later, the town’s population increased massively during the gold rush. You will visit the James Cook Museum, housed in a 120 year old convent building and widely regarded as the best regional museum in Australia. At the Botanic Gardens you will see the exotic plant section, a ‘palmetum’ and native plants unique to this area. Overnight: Sovereign Resort

DAY 3: Cooktown - Coen (BLD)
An early start as we have a big day ahead of us today. UNESCO rates Cape York’s Quinkan region among the world’s top 10 prehistoric rock art areas. You will visit a fine example this morning at the Split Rock Aboriginal art site near Laura. We then drive to Old Laura and the abandoned homestead, a rare surviving example of an early Cape York Peninsula pastoral station. The house, outbuildings and yards are still structurally sound and in original condition. Further north we enter Lakefield National Park. The park is renowned for its vast river systems and spectacular wetlands and the landscape is of major Aboriginal cultural significance. We have a brief visit through the park before continuing on to our overnight destination, Coen. Overnight: The Guesthouse

DAY 4: Coen - Moreton (BLD)
Today we continue northwards and cross the sprawling sandbanks of the Archer River and the Wenlock River, site of the historic Moreton Telegraph Office. Time for exploring, bushwalking, bird watching or simply relaxing. Overnight: Moreton Station Permanent Tent Safari.

DAY 5: Moreton - Punsand Bay (BLD)
Today we enjoy a 4WD adventure on the famous Telegraph Track through Cape York's unique wilderness of gigantic termite mounds, crystal clear creeks, carnivorous pitcher plants and prehistoric cycads. We stop for lunch at picturesque Fruit Bat Falls and a great chance to swim in its pristine spring-fed waters, and then head across the mighty Jardine River and on to the northern-most settlements on mainland Australia. Our destination is Punsand Bay for the next two nights. Next two nights: Punsand Bay Resort

DAY 6: Punsand Bay (BLD)
A short drive followed by a moderate walk is well rewarded today as you stand at the tip of Cape York, which is the northernmost point of the Australian continent and the surrounding peninsula, a wild and sparsely populated wilderness area. Its rugged coastline points towards New Guinea, while the eastern side is fringed by the Great Barrier Reef. This afternoon we will visit The Croc Tent where you can find all sorts of Cape York memorabilia and information on the area. See the Lockerbie Ruins and Word War II aircraft wreck site before returning to our accommodation for time at leisure before dinner.

DAY 7: Punsand Bay - Thursday Island (BLD)
This morning board your ferry to Thursday Island. The island is 35 kilometres from the mainland and is the administration centre for the Torres Strait Islands. The heart of Thursday Island (traditionally known as ‘Waiben’) is its harbour, which was once home to a fleet of 150 pearl luggers. Commercial fishing and prawning are the main livelihood today. You will enjoy a guided tour of the island and a highlight is the Gab Titui Cultural Centre that houses historical artefacts and tools, as well as both modern and traditional Torres Strait art. Overnight: Thursday Island

DAY 8: Thursday Island - Cairns (BL)
A short ferry trip to Horn Island is a relaxing way to start the day. The island is just south of Papua New Guinea and the local lifestyle is a fusion of Melanesian and Australian Aboriginal cultures. On arrival you will be taken on a guided tour of the island and learn about its history. Horn Island came into prominence during World War II when it suffered eight Japanese air raids. Today, the island’s small population relies on pearling and fishing. Your tour will visit the museum and art gallery in the small town of Wasaga, as well as some World War II sites.

This afternoon board your flight from Horn Island to Cairns (FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED – ADDITIONAL COST)

On arrival in Cairns, tour concludes at the airport. Australian Eco Adventures can assist with post tour accommodation in Cairns if required.