Cape York Air Safari

The first stop on the Cape York Air Safari 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 dunes marking the edge of the Simpson Desert. Look out over the vast expanse of not very much, and you'll know you've made it to the outback!

To end the day, dine in one of Australia's most iconic pubs — the Birdsville Hotel.

Overnight: Birdsville Hotel or Lodge

Flying north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, your aircraft will land near your 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 emerald green water. Hop in a canoe or boat and float about the gorge, taking in the visual splendour and quiet, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the gorge.

Accommodation for the night is in basic safari cabins at Adels Grove, an oasis in the desert set on a beautiful creek.

Overnight: Adels Grove, cabin

The next stop is Karumba, home to prawn, mud crab, barramundi and fishing fleets working in the Gulf of Carpentaria. It's also known for fabulous sunsets. End the day with a camera in one hand and a glass in the other on a sunset cruise.

Overnight: Ash’s Holiday Units

Continue north up the west side of Cape York 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.

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

Today, it's time for a bucket list adventure - visiting the Tip of Australia. Fly by chopper over the region's 247 largely 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 steep uneven ground to the tip of mainland Australia. Snap a photo with your group at the tip! 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 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 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 of Lizard Island, with activities at your discretion. Take advantage of the complimentary snorkelling equipment, lessons, stand-up paddle boards, and sea kayaks; staying out of the water will be hard. 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 rose again to become an important base in World War II. A sunset cruise makes for a peaceful way to end the day. Nibble on a gourmet cheese platter, sip 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 among the world's top 10 rock art sites.

Fly over the vast Queensland countryside, arriving at Longreach 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 and bathtub looking 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 time at the Qantas Founders Museum with its 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 gorges. Take a guided walk along Mickey's Creek and Warrumbah Gorge - a side gorge so narrow that you can touch both walls simultaneously.

Head to Wallaroo Outback Retreat, nestled amongst the magnificent sandstone cliffs of the Carnarvon Ranges. Wallaroo is a 72,000-acre cattle property owned by your hosts, Pauline and Justin MacDonnell. With only ten glamping tents, the retreat is an intimate and exclusive experience in natural surrounds. Throughout your stay, you will enjoy private touring with a local ecologist, who will share their passion and expertise to make your stay a meaningful one. Indulge in a campfire dinner under the stars.

2 nights: Wallaroo Outback Retreat

Explore the Wallaroo highlights by air-conditioned 4WD. Staying on the property, you'll see an extensive array of unique aboriginal sites such as the Axe Factory and the Date Site, incredible rock formations, lookouts and Rainbow Cave – the créme de la créme of Wallaroo. From the massive to the microscopic, you'll get a sense of the region's stunning scenery and biodiversity.

It is the last day of your Cape York Air Safari. 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, where you'll arrive in the early evening.