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11 Day Cape York, Cooktown & Gulf Savannah Small Group Tour
11 Day Cape York, Cooktown & Gulf Savannah Small Group Tour
View similar tours here!-
Pace
Moderate Pace
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Escorted Type
Partially Escorted
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Group Size
Small Group
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Cooling Off Period
7 Days
This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, five-day small group exploration of Kinrara National Park from the comfort of an exclusive permanent tented site, uncover the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, drive along the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track, take a guided tour of James Cook Museum & the heritage listed Cooktown Cemetery, take a selfie at the northernmost point of Australia and enjoy bird-eye views of the Great Coral Reef on an included day flight to Cape York
✓ Five-day small group expedition at exclusive Kinrara State - Gulf Savannah
✓ Return day flight to Cape York flying low level over the reef and rainforests
✓ Two-day fully escorted small group tour of Daintree Rainforest & Cooktown
✓ 5 nights at a 4-star property in Cairns
✓ 4 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinner
Gallery
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Itinerary
Day 1 Cairns
Welcome to Cairns!
Today you can arrive at any time! Please make your way to your accommodation. Cairns airport is located within 10km from your accommodation. An Uber ride costs between $16 and $25 and a taxi ride between $20 and $30. There is also an airport shuttle available which costs approximately $16 per person.
Check-in: Hotel check in is from 3pm. If you arrive prior to this, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Day 2 Cairns Daintree Rainforest Cooktown
Today you will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 6.15am. Travel in air-conditioned comfort in a purpose-built 4WD vehicle, experiencing some of the most amazing scenery and natural beauty in Australia. Your experienced guide will enlighten your journey with fascinating stories and history along the famous 4WD- only Bloomfield Track. Enjoy lunch at the infamous Lions Den Hotel. You will arrive in historic Cooktown in the early afternoon where we visit Grassy Hill for panoramic views before you are transferred to your accommodation for the night.
Day 3 Cooktown Cairns
Today we explore Cooktown, our first stop is the Heritage listed Cooktown Cemetery which bears testimony to the diverse nationalities who came to Cooktown and the Palmer Goldfields in the late 19th century. Visit the James Cook Museum for a guided tour and see an original anchor and cannon from Cook’s HMB Endeavour amongst many of the interesting exhibits.
Next visit the Cooktown Botanic Gardens and enjoy a driver/guided walk viewing many of the same plants collected by botanists, Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, as well as plants traditionally used by the local Aboriginal people. Relax at Nature’s Powerhouse café, Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre.
Travelling the Mulligan Highway, we briefly stop at Black Mountain, Byerstown Range lookout and the Palmer River Roadhouse. The outback landscape is dotted with termite mounds and many different eucalypt species. Keep an eye out for livestock that graze along the roadside before we return you to your accommodation in Cairns
Day 4 Cairns Bamaga Tip of Australia Bamaga Cairns
Gear up for another spectacular day as you travel by air and 4WD to the northernmost point of Australia. At the appropriate time, make your way to Cairns airport to meet your pilot and guide for the day. The airport is located within 10km from your accommodation and an Uber ride costs between $16 and $25 whilst a taxi ride generally costs between $20 and $30.
Today’s activities are designed to show you the highlights of Cape York, both from the air and by 4WD. Your scenic flight to Bamaga from Cairns is low level, covering approx. 1100 kms of remote and spectacular sections of the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests and outback. You will see parts of Cape York which are inaccessible by vehicles, such as Cape Melville, the silica sands of Cape Flattery, Bathurst Heads, Princess Charlotte Bay and the Flinders Islands Group. The 4WD section of the tour takes you to Australia's Northernmost beach - Frangipani Beach- via the Lockerbie Scrub and a pocket of Northern Rainforest. From Frangipani Beach you walk approximately 1000 metres to the Tip of Cape York - you finally made it! You are now standing on the northernmost tip of the continent. On return to Cairns airport, please make your way to your accommodation.
Day 5 Cairns
Today is free for you to relax and explore Cairn and it's surrandings at leisure. Or perhaps you wish to take on one of the below suggested activities. Both activities are full day tours. Should you wish to book both activities you will need to do one of them on Day 11 of this trip and add an additional night of accommodation - which we can assist you with.
Make your visit to Kuranda a memorable one from door to door. The Down Under Tours Kuranda Boarding Pass allows for driver check in, offering you pre-allocated preferential seating on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
On arrival at Freshwater Station you are able to avoid the ticketing lines as you are already checked in. Perhaps purchase a light breakfast or explore the souvenir shop and museum. Board the Kuranda Scenic Railway on its arrival for this breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic train routes. The journey will take you through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges with amazing views. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the Falls before arriving at beautiful Kuranda station.
Your Kuranda Boarding Pass offers discounted entry into Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation as well as a detailed map of Kuranda - the Village in the Rainforest.
At the scheduled time, bypass the ticketing lines and go directly to the Skyrail boarding area, to board Skyrail for the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience. Glide over the Rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops enroute to enjoy a walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes where your hostess is waiting to assist you onto your return coach to your accommodation.
It includes, return hotel transfers, coach transfer to freshwater railway station, Kuranda scenic rail, view Barron River and Stoney Creek Falls, Heritage markets, return by Skyrail rainforest cableway experience.
The Ultimate Snorkel & Scuba Dive Adventure" on the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas Australia. The cruise travels to the very edge of the outer barrier reef Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. With access to more than 45 locations at 16 different reefs 3 sites are chosen each day according to tidal & weather conditions.
It includes: Pick up and drop off at Cairns hotels, lunch, morning & afternoon tea, reef interpretation talk, guided snorkel tour with marine biologist, all snorkel equipment & tuition, lycra suits and floatation devices, environmental management charges
Day 6 Cairns Kinrara Station
The next leg of your adventure begins today as your 4WD convoy picks you up from your hotel before heading south to Kinrara - in Gulf Savannah. Once at Kinrara our number one goal is to get you settled in and relaxed as quickly as possible. Arriving around 4pm on Monday afternoon to MacEacherns Camp you will be welcomed and introduced to the expedition team, given a thorough safety briefing and tour of the campsite. Your bags will be ushered to your respective tents, welcome beverages offered, and you’ll be shown to your campsite. Sunset drinks and food, welcoming hospitality, and shared story will conclude your first day of adventure
Your Home Away From Home
Comfortable private tents with decks
Each tent is set to your desired configuration, ensuring comfort for your stay. Appointed with deckchairs, the balconies offer commanding views of the lake and surrounding wildlife. Inside the tent you'll find your rechargeable lights and head torches, bedding, towels, shelving and space for your possessions.
Hot showers for days
Our communal shower and eco toilet facilities draw marvel from guests at their simplicity yet architectural design. An open fire heats water while gravity from overhead tanks provides water pressure for endless hot showers. Our one true luxury is we don’t have to skimp on water, just relax and enjoy. Our toilets are self-composting waterless and use natural wood shavings, powered on solar you’ll be surprised at the lack of bad smells.
Communal dining and lounge
As with most outback cattle stations, we eat family style along one or two large communal tables. With no TV or mobiles to distract us, we find conversation abounds and many stories and much laughter is shared. The central pavilion also offers many spaces to relax and take in the view, read a book, play a board game or finish a puzzle. A beverage is never far away, be it hot brewed coffee or teas, or a tart Gin and Tonic for that perfect accompaniment to the immense sunset.
The Food
Our food philosophy is borne of our matriarch Sheena O’Brien. She always catered for every crowd no matter how big or small. Meals are punctuated with large helpings of fresh salads, deliciously prepared vegetables, generously catering to our vegetarian or vegan guests.
Much of our fresh produce comes from Rusty’s markets in Cairns, where locals flock to buy regionally sourced high quality fruits and vegetables. A heady mix of tropical fruits, such as mangosteins, custard apple, rambutan, durian, exotic mangos, lush sweet papaya, and asian citrus are bulging from the stalls. Herbs from every point of the globe are in reach, and avocados and pineapples by the bucket load. Our meats, poultry, pork and seafood are sourced locally and incorporated into our bespoke seasonal menu. No guest is left hungry or needing more, all dietary requests considered, just ask.
The Drinks Station
Mornings of endless fresh brewed coffee with or without the milk of your choosing, a broad assortment of teas, fresh squeezed OJ, or smoothie kick off your days.
A selection of non-alcoholic beverages are always available at the Drinks Station, from classic soft drinks to locally produced kombucha. The Drink Station also hosts extra drinking canisters for your personal use, and bush lemon and mint iced water.
Over lunch and later in the evening we open the bar. A curated selection of Australian wines designed to match our rolling menu along with a range of refreshing local and boutique beers, cocktails and mocktails are the order of the day. A spirts bar is also at the ready to supply a refreshing Lime and Frangellico or a classic Gin and Tonic.
Day 7 Kinrara Station - Relax & explore
Tuesdays generally commences with a lazy long breakfast, guided by the weather and energy levels we work out the best order of activities. We mostly do a short to medium distance bush walk in the morning, followed by kayak in the mid afternoon. Nature is bustling out the front of camp, often many moments are taken up watching birds of prey stalk just meters from our central pavilion or your tent. Relaxation is always an option for guests and encouraged, just let us know if you want to sit an activity out or do it another time.
Day 8 Kinrara Station - Explore the expanse
On Wednesday we tend to explore the vast expanse of Kinrara Station, loading up our 4WD convoy we drive to the outer limits of the station's boundary discovering and experiencing outback life. Taking the bulk of the day, we depart mid morning from camp, winding through dirt tracks stopping for wildlife such as kangaroos, goannas, emu, plain turkey, wild boar, wedge tail and sea eagles, plus countless cattle and horses. We explore the cattle yards, windmills, watering points and lava and share an outdoor picnic beside a dam covered in water lilies. Returning to camp mid afternoon, you are welcome to use the kayaks, go for a swim or a walk, or find a comfy spot to rest before sunset drinks and dinner.
Day 9 Kinrara Station - Meet the locals
Thursday morning after an energy packed breakfast we offer a 7.5 km hike (with return walk if desired) to a secluded spring Oasis. After your hike you can cool off under the natural spa waterfall, a picnic luncheon will be served followed by a rest in the shade while listening to the spring flowing directly from the earth down a cascade of rainforest ensconced waterfalls. For the Gugu Badhun this spring is a culturally significant location, we encourage our guests to use this time to reflect and be respectful of their surroundings.
Day 10 Kinrara Station Cairns
Time for that last hike, kayak, or sleep in, and a hearty breakfast. We like to be on the road back to Cairns by 10am, this gives us ample time for a couple of final stop overs. We offer a light lunch at the Ravenshoe bakery on our return journey.
We aim to arrive to your accommodation for tonight between 4pm and 5pm
Day 11 Cairns
Unfortunately all good things come to an end too. Farewell Cairns today as you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.
Inclusions
What's Included
- Incredible sightseeing, five-day small group exploration of Kinrara National Park from the comfort of an exclusive permant tented site, uncover the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, drive along the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track, take a guided tour of James Cook Museum & the heritage listed Cooktown Cemetery, take a selfie at the northernmost point of Australia and enjoy bird-eye views of the Great Coral Reef on an included day flight to Cape York
- Five-day small group expedition at exclusive Kinrara State - Gulf Savannah
- Return day flight to Cape York flying low level over the reef and rainforests
- Two-day fully escorted small group tour of Daintree Rainforest & Cooktown
- 5 nights at a 4-star property in Cairns
- 4 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
Sightseeing Highlights
- Discover Kinrara in a small group tour & from the comfort of a private permanent campsite
- Experience a once in a lifetime bird-eye views of the Great Coral Reef on an included day flight to Cape York
- Set foot on Australian continent’s northernmost point
- Uncover the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
- Explore Daintree River on an included cruise
- Drive along 4WD-only Bloomfield Track
- Enjoy an included lunch at the infamous Lions Den Hotel
- Visit Grassy Hill and enjoy panoramic views of Cooktown, The Coral Sea & Endeavour River
- Take a guided tour of James Cook Museum
- Spot wildlife at a sunset tour in Gulf Savannah
Fine Print
Book With Confidence
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
How to Book & Payments
Deposit & Payments
- Secure your package with only a $99 deposit per person.
- Pay a 2nd instalment of $1700 per person within 7 days.
- You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.
Booking Process
- Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
- Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
- Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
- Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
- Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment
- Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking
- Your booking is on request and will be confirmed by Inspiring Vacations once all components of your package have been secured with our partners, please see below for further information
Booking On Request:
- Your Inspiring Vacations package is made up of multiple components and travel partners. Once your booking is made and passenger details form submitted, we will begin to confirm all of your arrangements. Please note, this process can take several business days to complete.
- Once all elements have been confirmed we will send you an email confirmation, if we are unable to confirm we will provide you with alternative dates or offer a full refund of your deposit or re-credit your account if a travel credit was used.
- Please DO NOT book any additional services, such as flights, until we have confirmed your Inspiring Vacations package in writing. Inspiring Vacations will not be liable for any fees or charges incurred to change or cancel components not booked by Inspiring Vacations should your selected package be unavailable.
Important Information
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available in this package for an extra $1190.
Triple Share
Request for availability & price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Mininum group size 2, maximum group size 16
Trip Style - Partially Guided
This package is a combination of three different escorted tours:
Daintree & Cooktown - From day 2 to day 3
Cape York - Day 4
Kinrara Station - From day 6 to day 10
During these tours you will be escorted by an expert local guide or tour leader. Your time in Cairns between tours is independent.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is a Partially Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
- Independent - On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
- Partially Escorted - A portion of these packages runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is independent, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
- Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
Flight requests & booking information
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding domestic & international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”. By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can then assist with turning your booking into a flight inclusive package.
Upon completing the purchase of your package and fulfilling the following booking requirements, you will be granted access to our flight portal via your Traveller Hub.
- 1st installment or full payment has been made
- Your booking is within 11 months of departure
- Your booking is labeled as ‘confirmed’ in Traveller Hub
Once these criteria have been met, access will be made available to you via Traveller Hub to book your flights via our flight portal.
The following requests are able to be processed through the online flight portal:
- Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
- Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
- Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
The online flight portal is unable to process the following requests and you must book these yourself independently:
- Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
- One way flights
- Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary.
- Around the world tickets - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
- Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
- Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
Extra Services
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
- Pre-tour accommodation: $248 per room per night for a single/twin/double room. Room only
- Post-tour accommodation: $248 per room per night for a single/twin/double room. Room only