11 Day Seafari Aboard “MV Pacific Discoverer” Cruise/Drive Cape York Adventure
Itinerary (cruise and drive combination)
Day 1 - Cairns- Embarkation
We meet at your accommodation then it's "all aboard" the MV Pacific Discoverer to begin a truly unique Cape York experience. The coastal Container Freighter measures 78 metres in length and weighs some 1400 tonnes. Cabins are surprisingly spacious and all meals are included and of a good standard. Please take your alcohol supplies on board for the voyage. (Toilets and Showers) (D)
Day 2 - Great Barrier Reef - Coral Sea
Observe seafaring throughout the cruise. The ship plays a vital role in supplying the communities of Cape York with their daily needs, it is an essential link to civilization. Enjoy the company of like-minded travellers and delight in the turquoise tropical waters of both the Coral and Arafura Seas. (Toilets and Showers). (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Seisia - Cape York
Disembarkation this morning, meet our tour operator and fellow passengers who chose to fly to Cape York. We drive to the top of the Australian continent and celebrate arriving at Cape York. The afternoon is spent touring the ruins of Somerset before returning to our base camp overlooking Torres Strait. (Toilets and Showers) (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Base Camp - (Opt) Thursday Island
An optional tour to Thursday and Horn Islands is recommended with Peddells Ferry Service, it has an excellent reputation. A choice of different tour options to the islands is available. Alternatively, a fishing trip may also be possible. Note;- To avoid disappointment, fishing trips must be booked well before tour departure date. (Toilets and Showers) (B,D)
Day 5 - Base Camp - Twin Falls
This morning we break camp and drive through the 'wet desert'. cross the Jardine River by old world cable ferry and arrive at the jewel of the peninsula, Twin Falls. Here we hike, swim, relax and enjoy the spectacular series of waterfalls on the Elliot River. (Toilet and Swim) (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Twin Falls - Bramwell Cattle Station
We ford deep watercourses and travel through a wide variety of country including heathlands, open woodlands and riverine forests before entering the expansive 520 square mile Bramwell Cattle Station. We are treated to wonderful bush hospitality from the proprietor, Wendy, a most forthright and charming woman, (Toilet and Swim) (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Bramwell Cattle Station - Weipa
The broad acre property of Bramwell contrasts utterly with the relatively modern Bauxite mining township of Weipa with air-conditioned shops and sealed roads. Time this afternoon to catch up on laundry, telephone family or possible take a fishing trip. Note; To avoid disappointment, all fishing trips must be booked well before departure date. (Toilets and Showers) (B,D)
Day 8 - Weipa - Coen
An optional Bauxite and lifestyle tour is highly recommended this morning, the comprehensive tour is conducted by a local Weipa resident with an emphasis on the mines, the people and the environment. After lunch we drive to the frontier town of Coen and camp by the local hotel and experience the colour and character of this quaint little town. (Toilets and Showers). (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Coen Lakefield National Park
Our first pause this morning is at Musgrave Telegraph Station then turn east and enter the vast expanses of Lakefield National Park, an absolute wildlife haven, We hope to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. A huge variety of birds abounds within the Park, billabongs and waterholes are plentiful. Our camp is by the Normanby River within the 1.6 million acre National Park. (Toilets and Showers) (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Lakefield National Park - Cooktown
The ruins of Old Laura is testimony to the hardships endured by our pioneers, just one of the sights we visit this morning. We cross Battlecamp Range, wind through fertile agricultural country and arrive in Cooktown late afternoon with the time to enjoy some of the town's attractions. We all eat out this evening, a break from camp cooking. (Toilets and Showers) (B,L)
Day 11 - Cooktown to Cairns
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We spend a wonderful morning enjoying the sights of Cooktown including Grassy Hill and the famous James Cook Museum. Later we absorb the mystical atmosphere of Black Mountain National Park and visit historic Lions Den Hotel. We skirt Cedar Bay National park and enter the internationally recognised World Heritage areas of the Greater Daintree National Park and its unique rainforest jungles. Another highlight is Cape Tribulation where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef'. Finally, we drive the scenic coastal road back to Cairns to your pre-arranged accommodation considerably wiser and refreshed from our Cape York Adventure. (B,L)
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Meals as indicated-: Breakfast (B); Lunch (L); Dinner (D)
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