Cape York, Torres Strait, Gulf of Carpentaria & North Queensland
The Tip of Australia, North Queensland / Torres Strait
A bucket list for many Australians, The Tip of Australia, at the top of Cape York, is the northernmost point of the Australian continent. Take a helicopter from Thursday or Horn Islands over the region's 247 virtually untouched islands, spreading like stepping stones through the strikingly turquoise waters of the Arafura Sea. Land at Loyalty Beach, then bus to Frangipani Beach for a 500 metre walk over uneven ground to the tip of mainland Australia. Grab a photo at the tip for the memory banks. Unfortunately, it’s not currently possible to land closer to the tip.
Tours featuring The Tip of Australia:
Cape York Air Safari
Cape York & Northern Islands
Thursday Island and Horn Islands, Torres Strait
Thursday Island, known as TI, is about 3.5km2. It is the most developed island in the Torres Strait Islands group. Located 36km north-west of Cape York Peninsula, in the Torres Strait, Thursday Island offers visitors an inviting glimpse into a lovely cultural mosaic and fascinating history including a starring role in WWII. Tour the island with local history experts and take a helicopter to The Tip - the most northerly point of mainland Australia.
Horn Island, with an area of 53km2, has a population of around 500 residents. The airstrip for these islands is located on Horn Island, with a ferry connecting the two.
Tours featuring Thursday and Horn Island:
Cape York Air Safari
Cape York & Northern Islands
Laura, North Queensland
Laura is a tiny town in North Queensland, inland from Cooktown, known for spectacular rock art. Quinkan Country contains a large and dramatic body of rock paintings. These galleries, between 15,000 and 40,000 years old, are listed by UNESCO and being among the top 10 rock art sites in the world. The Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation is the trustee of the traditional land of the Ang Gnarra people, which is the country in and around Laura. Local aboriginal guides will take you on a tour of some of the art for an incomparable experience.
Tours featuring Laura:
Cape York Air Safari
Cape York & Northern Islands
Karumba, Gulf of Carpentaria
Karumba, just off the coast of the Cape in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is home to prawn, mud crab, barramundi and fishing fleets working in the Gulf. It's also known for fabulous sunsets. End the day with a camel in one hand and a glass in the other on a sunset cruise.
Tours featuring Karumba:
Cape York Air Safari
Cooktown, North Queensland
Cooktown, about 300km north of Cairns, is where Captain Cook sought refuge when his ship, The Endeavour, sustained severe damage during his 1770 expedition. Tour the many historical sites and learn how Cooktown prospered in a gold rush, dwindled, and then rose again to become an important base in World War II.A sunset cruise makes for a wonderfully peaceful way to end the day. Nibble on a gourmet cheese platter, sip on a drink and listen to stories about Cooktown.
Tours featuring Cooktown:
Cape York Air Safari
Cape York & Northern Islands
Mt Quincan, North Queensland
On the Atherton Tablelands west of Cairns, Mt Quincan Crater Retreat offers amazing luxury tree houses in the rainforest on the slopes of an extinct volcano. Only 6 cabins mean the property can be booked out for our groups.
The award-winning retreat offers luxury, seclusion and privacy in a pristine environment surrounded by abundant wildlife and breathtaking views of the Atherton Tablelands. Listen to the sounds of the mountain wildlife while you relax in your double spa. Snuggle up in front of the warm wood fire or enjoy the natural air conditioning during the hot summer months. Spend all your time at the retreat, wandering the paths and wildlife spotting in the rainforest, or take a tour to learn more about some of the spectacular wildlife in the region – tree kangaroos, cassowaries, platypus, agile wallabies.
Tours featuring Mt Quincan:
Ultimate Wildlife Air Safari
Mt Mulligan, North Queensland
Mt Mulligan, northwest of Cairns, accommodates just 20 guests on a private 28,000-hectare property. Mt Mulligan Lodge offers indulgent all-inclusive luxury accommodation, winning the Conde Nast Traveller award for best new Australian hotel in 2020. Savour gourmet meals and a selection of quality wine and spirits. For entertainment enjoy daily outback experiences, use of paddle boards, kayaks and fishing gear. Explore the surrounds with ease in your own electric golf cart. Drive yourself to the Sunset Bar for a sundowner on the first night as you watch the Mount Mulligan escarpment come alive during sunset.
Each day you will be offered a special excursion from the range of Mt Mulligan’s signature tours. A tour highlight is the Branch Lookout ATV tour, where you can get behind the wheel (or be a passenger) exploring creeks and outback tracks along the escarpment as well as learning about the Aboriginal history of the area. Other tour options include visiting the oldest operating gold stamper at the Tyrconnell gold mine or the nearby historic Mount Mulligan coal mine with its tragic disaster in 1921 where 75 workers lost their lives. At the end of the day come together in the Lodge’s stunning pavilion to share in the region’s finest food and wines.
Tours featuring Mt Mulligan:
Grand Northern Heritage
Lizard Island, North Queensland
Lizard Island is the most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reef, truly secluded from the rest of the world. Exceptional service, facilities, touring and food are the perfect complement to swimming off the beach into the wonders of the largest coral reef in the world – very hard to beat. Enjoy a leisurely day relaxing on the island paradise that is Lizard Island, with activities at your discretion. Take advantage of the complimentary snorkelling equipment and lessons, stand up paddle boards and sea kayaks. It will be hard to stay out of the water. The local reef life will leave you spellbound. If you’re feeling energetic, a walk to Cook’s Lookout, the highest point of the island with a 360° view, is well worth the effort. Other tours (extra price) include fishing trips, outer reef tours, diving (only if you're not flying for 48 hours afterwards).
For the ultimate luxury on a bespoke tour, The House is Lizard Island's newest addition, opening in July 2022. A world-class reef house for guests seeking unparalleled levels of privacy and personalised service, The House offers 3 king suites, each with ensuite, indoor-outdoor shower and private balcony. The attached Cottage includes another king suite. With a private chef, personalised menus and curated wine offering, The House and The Cottage take luxury to a new level.
Tours featuring Lizard Island:
Cape York Air Safari
Cape York & Northern Islands
Islands of the Great Barrier Reef
Orpheus Island, North Queensland
Orpheus Island is north-east of Townsville, accessible via helicopter from Townsville or Cairns. Orpheus Island Lodge is a secluded island hideaway in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The 30-minute helicopter journey will take you over the picturesque coral-studded sea, before landing at the ultimate in secluded tropical paradise. The island stretches across 11km of pristine turquoise coastline and over 1,000 hectares of national park. Waking up in paradise, the idyllic Orpheus Island Lodge is surrounded by unspoiled fringing reef you can access directly from your room. Enjoy a number of experiences as part of the daily curated schedule, or find your own pace and simply relax. Activities are tide and weather dependent, ranging from snorkelling, guided hiking, cocktail classes, a sunset cruise and wine tasting.
Tours featuring Orpheus Island:
Islands of the Great Barrier Reef
Boodjamulla National Park / Lawn Hill Gorge, Gulf of Carpentaria
Boodjamulla National Park, formerly known as Lawn Hill National Park, is a national park in the Gulf Country region of north-west Queensland, 340km north-west of Mount Isa. The sandstone ranges with deep gorges, crystal-clear green waters, lush vegetation, canoeing and swimming. Accommodation at Adel's Grove is simple, but the location makes it a highlight for many of our guests!
Due to weather damage, Adels Grove is not currently accepting visitors unfortunately.
Undara Lava Tubes, North Queensland
Set in the Gulf Savannah country, west of Cairns, the Undara Lava Tubes stand as silent sentinels to our pre-history. Here you can walk in the path of a volcano and sleep cocooned in an antique railway carriage as your dreams connect you with the essence of this timeless land.
Sweers Island, Gulf of Carpentaria (currently closed due to covid)
Although famous for its fishing, Sweers Island has much more to offer. Located in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria, it features great food, sandy beaches, bird watching, bushwalking, and boating. You can choose to fish from a charter boat or take a ‘tinnie’ out into the deep blue for your own adventure. Alternatively, why not take a cultural tour of the island to discover its fascinating history?
