7 Day Cape York, Daintree & Cooktown
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
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.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Note: The single traveller bonus value amount is $450 per person
NEW RELEASE due to popular demand
✓ Incredible sightseeing, uncover the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, drive along the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track, enjoy lunch at the infamous Lions Den Hotel, 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 Barrier Reef on an included day flight to Cape York
✓ Return day flight to Cape York flying low level over the reef and rainforests
✓ 3 day fully escorted small group tour of Daintree Rainforest & Cooktown
✓ 4 nights at a 4-star property in Cairns
✓ Free time in Cairns for optional touring
✓ 4 lunches
✓ Only $99 deposit per person. See 'How to Book & Payments' for more information
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
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.
Welcome to Cairns!
Today you can arrive at any time! Please make your way to your accommodation.
Check in & arrival information
Cairns airport is located within 10' 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. 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.
Gear up for a 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 10' 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.
Pick up time: No hotel pick up is provided, please make your own way to the Cairns Airport to board your Cape York flight. Each passenger needs to bring their own water. Please arrive at the airport by 6:45am.
Reconfirmation: It is important that you reconfirm your Cape York flight 24 hours prior should there be any changes to pick up times or operation due to unforseen conditions. Please reconfirm on the number provided on your voucher.
Today begins your three day fully escorted tour. The journey begins by making our way north to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. First stop at Mossman Gorge for a driver-guided walk in the World Heritage-listed rainforest. Enjoy a 1-hour wildlife cruise on the Daintree River before a delicious BBQ lunch. Arrive at your overnight accommodation for an afternoon at leisure before a special dinner.
Pick up time: Today you will be collected from your hotel. Pick begins at 7:00AM, please be waiting in the lobby of your hotel 15 minutes before this time. Please note, customers will be collected from multiple hotels and pick up time might vary.
Reconfirmation: It is important that you reconfirm your Daintree, Cape Tribulation & Cooktown tour 24 hours prior should there be any changes to pick up times or operation due to unforseen conditions. Please reconfirm on the number provided on your voucher.
A full day to explore this iconic Historic town including a guided foreshore walk, see reconciliation rocks – where the first act of reconciliation between Europeans and Aboriginals took place. Learn about the 48 days Captain Cook and his crew spent ashore, the role Cooktown played in the Palmer River Gold rush and the connection to country the area has, for the local Guugu Yimithirr Aboriginal people.
This afternoon we visit the Heritage listed Cooktown Cemetery, bearing testimony to the diverse nationalities who came to Cooktown and the Palmer Goldfields. From there we explore James Cook Museum showcasing the fascinating history of this remarkable town. See original artifacts from the Endeavor including a cannon and anchor Today concludes with a visit Grassy Hill for amazing panoramic views of Cooktown, the Coral Sea & Endeavour River.
Pick up time: Your guide will advise the meeting time for today's sightseeing.
Reconfirmation: There is no need to reconfirm today's tour.
Free time this morning to do some exploring for yourself. There are many historic buildings and places of interest. Lunch is included today before we explore the Cooktown Botanic Gardens on a guided walk - see living plant specimens collected by Dr Daniel Solander and Joseph Banks. Established in 1878, the Cooktown Botanic Gardens are one of Queensland’s oldest regional Botanic gardens. Natures Powerhouse houses the Vera Scarth-Johnson gallery, a collection of original botanical illustrations of flora from the region.
We depart Cooktown via the Mulligan Highway. Stops are made enroute at Black Mountain, Byerstown Lookout and the Palmer River Roadhouse. Marvel at the beauty of the outback savannah country with its vast eucalypt forests and termite mounds.
Pick up time: Your guide will advise the meeting time for today's sightseeing.
Reconfirmation: There is no need to reconfirm today's tour.
Today is free for you to simply relax and enjoy or take on any of the below optional activities. Both activities are full day tours. Should you wish to book both activities you will need to 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.
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.
Check out & departure information: Cairns airport is located within 10' 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. Hotel check out in is at 10am. If you are departing late, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
A day with Silverswift is all about being in the water and experiencing the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s exciting, exotic and breathtaking!
With our roaming permits and remote sites, you’ll be able to snorkel three uniquely different and ecologically diverse reef sites, each chosen to suit the day’s conditions. As coral relies on sunlight for growth, some of the best snorkelling is in the shallow areas around the reef top.
With a guided snorkel tour included, snorkel briefs at each reef site and lifeguard snorkel officers supervising, you’ll be able to explore the underwater delights in complete safety. Access to the water is so easy with Silverswift’s large submerged platforms from the back decks.
If you haven’t snorkelled before, that’s ok! Our crew will be on hand to give you instruction but we do recommend the ability to swim and fairly good fitness as snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. Flotation devices and buoyancy vests are available on board if needed. Prescription masks are also available at no extra cost.
To learn more about the marine life around you, make sure you join the guided snorkel tour, as the marine interpreter guides you over shallow coral gardens, pointing out fish and marine life, corals and areas of interest along the way.
It is a wonderful, exciting and indeed memorable experience to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is 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 with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
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.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
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.
Cape York to Bamaga scenic flight weight reistrictions
All guests must declare their weight at the time of booking. We cannot carry guests over 120kg. Guests will be weighed at the airport and if you are over your declared weight you may be refused boarding and no refund will be issued.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available in this package for an extra $678
Triple Share
Available on request.
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
Maximum 16 travellers.
Day 2 of this itinerary is guided by your pilot/guide. From Day 3 to Day 5 you will join a fully escorted tour.
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 an 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:
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.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Please note: due to the tours operating on the same day, you may only choose one for Day 6. IF you wish to do both tours, you will need to add an additional nights accommodation, which we can also assist with
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
