Welcome to the Cape York Express 4×4 Tagalong Tour Itinerary!
This is your guide to the Cape York 12-Day Express Tour, a faster, action-packed way to experience Australia’s ultimate bucket-list adventure. In just 12 days, you’ll tackle the legendary Old Telegraph Track, navigate iconic creek crossings, camp under the stars, and reach the tip of Australia, all with expert guides and fully equipped 4WDs to make every moment seamless and unforgettable.
Our tours run on set departure dates, which you’ll see listed below. Scroll down further for the full day-by-day itinerary, packed with details about the tracks you’ll drive, the places you’ll camp, and the incredible experiences along the way.
If you still have questions or need extra info, check out our FAQ Page or Contact Us directly. We’re always happy to help.
5th – 16th October (OTT, Frenchman’s Tk) – PLACES REMAINING
27th Sept – 7th Oct – PLACES REMAINING
We aim to depart Cairns approximately 0800hrs and head north to Smithfield. From here we follow the Kennedy Hwy up and over the MacAlister Range.
We will stop for morning tea, and a chance to freshen up with a swim, on the banks of the McLeod River.
Today we reach the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) and the real adventure begins. Our first creek crossing on the OTT is Palm Creek located 2km north of Bramwell Junction Roadhouse.
We pass through several crossings before making camp for the night. Where exactly we camp will depend on our progress and track conditions.
Today we tackle the northen section of the OTT, with it’s deep-water crossings, steep entrances and the Cyprus Creek log bridge, there is a reson most tour operate take the bypass from Sam’s Creek and head to the main road. We will continue on, however through to the infamous Nolan’s Brook and head for camp at Loyalty Beach Resort.
Today we start our return journey. We will stop for another swim at Fruitbat Falls and camp at Captain Billy Landing.
We continue south and take the road less travelled along the Running Creek Track, then head into the wilderness of Lakefield National Park, camping at Kalpowar Crossing.
We camp tonight at the Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wenlock River. Tonight, you will have an opportunity to spotlight along the banks of the river for cuscus, crocodiles and other creatures of the night. You can also try your luck fishing in the ‘Barra hole’.
We depart our camp and head to the beautiful Eliot Falls passing through several difficult creek crossings and deep fords including the infamous Gunshot Creek.
On our way to Eliot Falls we will also stop for a dip in the crystal-clear croc safe waters of Fruit Bat Falls.
Today we reach the Tip.
You’ll get that much deserved pic standing at the most northerly point of the Australian mainland. There’ll ever be a chance to wet a line.
We will depart the Tip for lunch at Somerset Beach, then head to the Croc Tent via the 5-Beaches Track.
Day 7 is an itinerary-free!
You can choose to do whatever you like, whether it be; a day trip to Thursday Island and/or Horn Island, sightseeing or fishing at the Jardine River mouth and Mutee Head, lounging around camp, hiring a boat to explore the waterways and islands or exploring the many WW2 plane wrecks and historical sights.
We continue south, camping on the banks of the Coen River
We aim to depart Cairns approximately 0800hrs and head north to Smithfield. From here we follow the Kennedy Hwy up and over the MacAlister Range.
We will stop for morning tea, and a chance to freshen up with a swim, on the banks of the McLeod River.
We camp tonight at the Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wenlock River. Tonight, you will have an opportunity to spotlight along the banks of the river for cuscus, crocodiles and other creatures of the night. You can also try your luck fishing in the ‘Barra hole’.
Today we reach the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) and the real adventure begins. Our first creek crossing on the OTT is Palm Creek located 2km north of Bramwell Junction Roadhouse.
We pass through several crossings before making camp for the night. Where exactly we camp will depend on our progress and track conditions.
We depart our camp and head to the beautiful Eliot Falls passing through several difficult creek crossings and deep fords including the infamous Gunshot Creek.
On our way to Eliot Falls we will also stop for a dip in the crystal-clear croc safe waters of Fruit Bat Falls.
Today we tackle the northen section of the OTT, with it’s deep-water crossings, steep entrances and the Cyprus Creek log bridge, there is a reson most tour operate take the bypass from Sam’s Creek and head to the main road. We will continue on, however through to the infamous Nolan’s Brook and head for camp at Loyalty Beach Resort.
Today we reach the Tip.
You’ll get that much deserved pic standing at the most northerly point of the Australian mainland. There’ll ever be a chance to wet a line.
We will depart the Tip for lunch at Somerset Beach, then head to the Croc Tent via the 5-Beaches Track.
Day 7 is an itinerary-free!
You can choose to do whatever you like, whether it be; a day trip to Thursday Island and/or Horn Island, sightseeing or fishing at the Jardine River mouth and Mutee Head, lounging around camp, hiring a boat to explore the waterways and islands or exploring the many WW2 plane wrecks and historical sights.
Today we start our return journey. We will stop for another swim at Fruitbat Falls and camp at Captain Billy Landing.
We continue south, camping on the banks of the Coen River
We continue south and take the road less travelled along the Running Creek Track, then head into the wilderness of Lakefield National Park, camping at Kalpowar Crossing.
From here, the tour splits into two itineraries:
Frenchman’s Track Tour: We turn of the PDR onto the infamous Frenchman’s Track, and our camp on the bank of the Wenlock River
Weipa Tour: We turn west at Batavia Downs and head for Weipa for a two night stay and opportunity to undertake a fishing charter or wildlife cruise.
A fully equipped Ex-Army Land Rover Perentie, set up with:
Personal toiletries (please use eco-friendly products)
Clothes, pillow, sheets/sleeping bag
Snacks & drinks (alcohol permitted, but restrictions apply in Indigenous communities and north of the Jardine River—your tour leader will advise)
Camera, binoculars, torch/headlamp, and any extra fishing gear
Most importantly: a sense of adventure!
A detailed packing list will be provided in your tour information pack upon booking.
Cape York is a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 700 animal species and nearly 3,000 plant species, many unique to the region. From rare birds like the Palm Cockatoo to distinctive marsupials, reptiles, and tropical flora, this wild frontier showcases ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
