There has never been a better time to explore one of Australia’s last frontiers, Cape York Peninsula, than right now. Heavy summer rains are promising excellent conditions for the 2022 season.
Leading tour provider and newcomer to the Virtuoso Preferred stable, Australian Luxury Escapes, offer a small group tour that is both fun and informative, but also focusses on some of the lesser-known areas of Cape York, featuring a stay on the incredible Roko Island, a tiny atoll in the heart of the Torres Strait.
Departing Cairns by luxury 4WD, guests on the 8-day Cape York Drive/Fly Adventure travel the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown for two nights. Spend some time here learning of Captain Cooks perilous journey from 1770. Here guests will have time to view the Cook Museum as well as lunch at the Lions Den Hotel, one of Australia’s most iconic Outback Pubs. From Cooktown, explore the ancient Split Rock Aboriginal site to see some of the oldest indigenous artworks in the world. Learn about their fascinating history from your specialist guide before overnighting at the historic Musgrave Station.
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Continuing west from here to the mining town of Weipa, guests join a sunset tour to learn of the little-known ecosystems that exist on the Western side of the Cape. The next day a guide will navigate the legendary Telegraph Track and visit the stunning Fruitbat Falls. Here, guests will relax in the refreshing and pristine waters before continuing north.
Roko Island is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, a tiny atoll in the heart of the wild Torres Strait. Participants transfer by private boat to this tropical island like no other where they will stay in a stunning permanent tent for 2 nights. With a full-time population of just 2 people, don’t expect to see too many other people on Roko Island. Enjoy island inspired food and exceptional hospitality from the family-owned private island.
With two nights on Roko, guests will have plenty of time to explore. Across the Strait is the historic Horn Island, a little known Second World War Outpost, at one-time housing up to 5,000 Australian and American troops. There are many remnants from the war still there including gun emplacements, slit trenches, the airstrip and more. Here guests will meet a local guide and explore all that Horn Island has to offer including a visit to the Heritage Museum before returning to Roko Island for their last night.
Finally, after visiting the Northernmost tip of the Australian mainland, and the trip of a lifetime, guests board a Qantas flight in Bamaga for their return to Cairns, where they will be met on arrival and transferred to their hotel.
Australian Luxury Escapes has limited departures still available for 2022. Travel is in a maximum group size of just six guests who will be treated to the absolute best that Cape York has to offer.
As a bonus to Signature Luxury Travel & Style subscribers (LATTE‘s sister title), guests will receive a free nights’ accommodation in Cairns at the luxury Crystalbrook Riley Hotel, situated on the Cairns Esplanade.
Limited space is available. To book, click here.
Lead image: Fruit Bat Falls, Telegraph Track, Queensland | All images supplied