Cape York & Northern Islands

The first stop on the Cape York & Northern Islands is near the borders of NSW, SA and QLD, 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.

Continue 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 honestly 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

Fly further north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria arriving in Burketown, halfway between Cairns and Darwin. Burketown sits along the Savannah Way, a 3700 kilometre route linking the historic pearling town of Broome with tropical Cairns.

Afternoon touring with a local operator, see some sights of the area including the Burketown Bore, The Old Wharf, Albert River and the Escott Crossing Weir. Hear how the water systems are a major feature of Burketown and an important part of the traditional Gangalidda culture.

Overnight at the Savannah Lodge, a hidden gem amongst abundant tropical gardens - a peaceful oasis in outback Queensland.

Overnight: Savannah Lodge

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 Arnhemland in this tranquil location. With only six 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 asleep to the sound of the waves.

2 nights: Banubanu Beach Retreat, Beach Front Bungalows

Today you will have the option to go fishing, canoeing, snorkelling or on an ATV tour. 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 day's catch.

Continue west today to the Tiwi Islands with a detour via Darwin to hop on a smaller aircraft.

Tiwi Island Retreat is on the incredibly remote Bathurst Island, north of Darwin in the Timor Sea. Recently upgraded and expanded, the resort has a relaxed beach vibe and features oceanfront rooms and a wonderful pool deck with views over the ocean.

The afternoon is yours to relax, rejuvenate and soak it all in. Delicious seafood is a focus, with ocean-to-plate and locally sourced produce tempting your mouth to water.

2 nights: Tiwi Island Retreat, Ocean Front Room

Today is your chance to go offshore reef fishing on a half-day cruise. 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, Black Jewfish, Golden Snapper, Mangrove Jack and many more.

Fly back east to Cape York, past the tip of Australia, and 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 the 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, a 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, shared with your fellow passengers.

2 nights: Island Villas (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom)

Today it's time for a bucket list adventure - a visit to the Tip of Australia. Fly by chopper 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. Snap a photo for the memory vaults! Lunch is a picnic on the beach, then heli back to TI.

On return to the island, a tour of the island and Green Hill Fort reveals how its history helped to create today's dynamic, multicultural community and the tropical lifestyle it offers.

Ferry back to Horn Island to re-join 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.

2 nights: Lizard Island Resort

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 to the outer reef.

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

Fly to Laura for a tour of spectacular rock art. 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.

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. After dinner, witness a thrilling luminescent light show at the Qantas Founders Museum.

Luxury ensuite glamping at Mitchell Grass Retreat - with a private deck, air conditioning, indulgent king size bed and bath looking out over the plain, you may not want to leave!

2 nights: Mitchell Grass Retreat

Your day in Longreach begins at 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 more 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.

Next is 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, lush canyons. Take a guided walk to Mickey's Creek, Warrumbah Gorge, and a narrow side gorge where you can touch both walls simultaneously.

At the front gate of the Carnarvon Gorge National Park, the lodge is set on 100ha, looped by Carnarvon Creek. Stylishly appointed cabins in the bush provide a remarkable base for touring into the gorge.

In the evening, cast your eyes upwards for a tour of the stars. The Carnarvon night sky is incredibly clear, allowing for some spectacular viewing.

2 nights: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Take a long, guided walk. The Moss Garden, one of the best-known sites at Carnarvon Gorge, is an excellent 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. Sit on the private verandah of your cabin, drink in hand, and do a spot of wildlife watching.

Sadly, it's the last day of your Cape York & Northern Islands tour. The final stop will be Charlotte Plains, a 27,000- ha sheep station, or Lightning Ridge, to tour an underground opal mining camp. Back in the air, head for home to Melbourne, where you'll arrive at Moorabbin Airport around 6.45 pm.