Cape York & Northern Islands

It’s an action-packed first day of the Cape York Air Safari as you depart Moorabbin Airport at 8.00am.

Fly over NSW and into Queensland, landing at the Dig Tree, where the explorers Burke and Wills famously set up camp. Learn more about this pioneering pair and their ill-fated expedition.

Off to Birdsville, where sunset drinks are at Big Red, the first of 1,140 parallel sand dunes marking the edge of the Simpson Desert. Look out over the vast expanse of not very much and you’ll truly know you’ve made it to the outback! To end the day, stay and dine in one of Australia’s most iconic pubs — the Birdsville Hotel.

Overnight: Birdsville Hotel

Flying north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, your aircraft will land a short walk from your room or cabin at Adels Grove, in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, overlooking the stunning Lawn Hill Creek.

Lawn Hill Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges in the Gulf Country, with luscious tropical vegetation, sheer red cliffs and enchanting green water. A solar-electric-powered pontoon boat will take you on a cruise through the gorge to its summit, where you’ll find yourself in a small oasis with a beautiful waterfall. Swim at the falls and nearby bubbling spa, subject to conditions, then it’s back to Adels Grove for pre-dinner drinks in the open-air restaurant.

Overnight: Adels Grove, room or cabin

Kick off with breakfast at Adels Grove before heading to Bremer Island, Arnhemland, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Banubanu is an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people to ensure guests experience and appreciate the natural wonders and the culture of East Arnhem Land in this tranquil location. With only 6 rooms, the whole retreat is reserved for your group. Beach Front Bungalows offer perfect barefoot luxury. Relax on your deck and watch the ocean, indulge in your outdoor shower and fall sleep to the sound of the waves.

Overnight: Banubanu Beach Retreat, Beach Front Bungalows.

Today you will have the option to go fishing or if that is not your thing, relax and discover the island.  Fishing around Bremer Island near Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land is beyond breathtaking. Migrating Pelagic like Spanish Mackerel and Tuna abound in the waters where the Gulf of Carpentaria meets the Arafura Sea.  Back at the lodge, savour a well-earned drink at sunset overlooking the water and enjoy the catch of the day.

Overnight: Banubanu Beach Retreat, Beach Front Bungalows

Continue further west today, to the Tiwi Islands. Tiwi Island Retreat is on the incredibly remote Bathurst Island, north of Darwin in the Timor Sea. Offering comfortable rooms, shared facilities, and a wonderful pool deck with views over the ocean, the laid-back island style is relaxing and rejuvenating. The afternoon is yours to soak it all in.

Overnight: Tiwi Island Retreat, share facilities

Today you can either go fishing or if that is not your thing partake in a cultural experience with the local community. With an experienced skipper and all fishing equipment included, you’ll visit some of the most remote, pristine fishing environments in the world, targeting a range of tropical species including Barramundi, Blue Salmon, Thread-fin Salmon, Black Jewfish, Queenfish, Golden Snapper, Mangrove Jack and many more.  The cultural tour will take you to Wurrumitanga the island’s biggest settlement and with local guides learn about the early mission precinct and island history.

Overnight: Tiwi Island Retreat, shared facilities

Fly back east to Cape York, past the tip of Australia, on to Horn Island in the Torres Strait. Local history experts and tour guides Liberty and Vanessa will meet you on arrival. They’ll take you to the Torres Strait Heritage Museum to view exhibits from the pearling industry, myths and legends of Torres Strait, artwork, artefacts and the World War II history of the area.

On the In Their Steps WWII tour, visit gun emplacements, an underground command post, slit trenches, an aircraft wreck with an unbelievable story, WWII airstrip, dispersal bays and taxiways. Walk in the steps of the indigenous and non-indigenous soldiers who served in the area, with insightful and entertaining commentary. Transfer by ferry across to Thursday Island and your accommodation.

Overnight: Island Villas (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom)

Today it’s time for a bucket list adventure – a helicopter to the tip of Australia.

Fly by helicopter from Thursday Island to the tip of Cape York Peninsula, the most northern point of mainland Australia. Landing nearby, it is an 800m walk to the coastline where you can snap a photo of the tip of Australia for the memory vaults.

A tour of TI (Thursday Island) reveals how its history helped to create today’s dynamic, multicultural community and the tropical lifestyle it offers.

Overnight: Island Villas (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom)

Ferry back to Horn Island to rejoin your aircraft for the flight south to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Take in the breathtaking coastline en-route and fly over some of the world’s most spectacular scenery on the reef.

As the most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is 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.

Overnight: Lizard Island Resort, Garden View Suite or Garden View Room

Enjoy a leisurely day relaxing in 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 and it’ll 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. Optional tours (at your own expense) include a boat trip and diving on the outer reef.

Overnight: Lizard Island Resort

Cooktown is your next destination, 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.

Overnight: Sovereign Resort Hotel, deluxe room

Fly to Laura for a private tour of various Quinkan rock art sites — spotted by a pilot in the 1960s while flying over the area. Quinkan Country contains a large and dramatic body of rock paintings. These galleries, at least 15,000 to 30,000 years old, are listed by UNESCO as being among the top 10 rock art sites in the world.

After lunch in Laura, fly over the vast Queensland countryside, arriving at Longreach in the late afternoon. Explore the historic homestead at Camden Park Station, enjoy the expansive view from the verandah, visit a circa 1920 shearing shed and gain an insight into the history of grazing in the outback.

Overnight: Saltbush Retreat

Your day in Longreach begins with the fascinating Stockman’s Hall of Fame, where the Australian Stockman’s Experience will take you on an adventure that depicts the rugged, harsh and sometimes humorous antics of life in the bush.

Spend some time at the Qantas Founders Museum — with an impressive collection of aircraft. Glide down the coolabah-lined Thomson River at sunset to Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.

Overnight: Saltbush Retreat

After breakfast, you’re back on the plane to Carnarvon Gorge, an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Central Queensland. Carnarvon Creek has carved a winding course through sandstone over millions of years to form a spectacular steep gorge with narrow, vibrantly-coloured and lush gorges.

Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodget is the perfect base for touring in this magnificent region. You have the chance to join a private guided walk this afternoon. A walk to Mickey’s Creek and Warrumbah Gorge will offer you one of the few opportunities to get into a side gorge so narrow that you can touch both walls at the same time. The sunlight only reaches the floor of these gorges for a very short period each day, and they have a micro-climate all of their own.

Overnight: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge

The second day takes you on a long, guided walk. The Moss Garden, one of the best-known sites at Carnarvon Gorge, is a great example of how the spring systems work and is nestled amongst one of the best patches of remnant rainforest in the National Park.

If you choose not to do the full day tour, you can spend more time this afternoon around the grounds or go on shorter walks around the resort. Visit the onsite discovery centre, which details the flora and fauna of the area, then maybe sit on the verandah of your cabin, drink in hand, and put your new-found knowledge to the test with some wildlife spotting.

Overnight: Wilderness Lodge

Sadly, it’s the last day of your Cape York and Northern Islands Air  Safari. Your final stop is Charlotte Plains, a 27,000ha sheep station. Take a tour, meet the owners, lunch in the historic homestead and listen to the stories of existence on this remote station. For the enthusiastic, there may be time for a hot bath in the open air, heated by thermal artesian water.

Back in the air, head for home to Melbourne where you’ll arrive at Moorabbin Airport around 6:30 pm.