Welcome to the Cape York 4×4 Tagalong Tour Itinerary!
This is your guide to Australia’s ultimate bucket-list road trip. Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare for tackling the legendary Old Telegraph Track, conquering creek crossings, camping under the stars, and standing at the very tip of Australia.
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.
14th – 28th June (via Weipa) – SOLD OUT
9th – 23rd July (via Weipa) – PLACES REMAINING
13th – 27th Aug (OTT, Frenchman’s Tk) – PLACES REMAINING
10th – 24th Sept (OTT, Frenchman’s Tk) – PLACES REMAINING
13th – 27th July – PLACES REMAINING
9th – 23rd Aug – PLACES REMAINING
2nd – 16th Sept – 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.
After a visit to the Quinkan Cultural Centre we head for camp at Kalpowar Crossing. Here you can fish the banks of the Normanby River for Barra, throw in some nets for Cherabin, search for Saltwater Crocs or just relax under the stars by the campfire.
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 step foot on the northern most tip of mainland Australia.
On the way to the tip we will stop for souvenirs at the Croc Tent a must stop spot on any trip to the top.
After some time at the tip for photos, reflection and/or some more fishing, we will return to camp, at Loyalty Beach for the next 3-nights, via the 5 Beaches drive for another diverse 4×4 challenge and great coastal scenery.
Today we head south for Captain Billy landing.
On our way we will visit the Jardine River Crossing. Unfortunately the crossing is now closed so we will again be taking the ferry to continue south. We will again stop at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch and a swim before heading to the east coast for camp.
Frenchman’s Track Tour – Today we continue along the Frenchman’s Track providing several driving challenges including the Wenlock River and the infamous, deep and rocky Pascoe River. Tonight we camp in a small section of rainforest at Cooks Hut campground, within the Iron Range National Park.
Weipa Tour – Today is an itinerary free day. You can take a tour of a working bauxite mine, a wildlife boat cruise, or join a fishing charter. You could also try your luck from numerous land based fishing spots, or venture North to the remote community of Mapoon for a famous Burger lunch.
We depart Hann River Roadhouse for Cooktown and our final night of the tour at the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel.
While in Cooktown we will visit Grassy Hill Lookout for 360 degree views of the region. We will also visit the Cooktown Museum, Black Mountain and Keatings Lagoon, before heading to the Lion’s Den for dinner and camp.
Today you’ll have an opportunity to get up for an early morning fish, in hope of catching tonight’s dinner, prior to driving to Coen.
The day’s drive takes us past several picturesque creeks and lagoons in Rinyirru NP before we head off the beaten track through Lama Lama NP on the Running Creek Track.
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 depart Eliot Falls for the Jardine Ferry.
On our way, we drive across a log bridge at Cannibal Creek and through Sam, Mistake, and Cypress Creek Crossings as well as Nolan’s Brook a notoriously deep crossing responsible for drowning numerous vehicles each year.
The next two days are 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.
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.
Frenchman’s Track Tour – We have an early start today to experience another glorious sunrise, this time over the famous Chilli Beach. After a quick visit to Portland Roads we stop at Lockart River before continuing to Hann River Roadhouse for the night. While at Lockart River you will have the opportunity to admire or purchase some Indigenous artwork from the renowned Lockart River Arts centre. https://lockhartriverart.com.au/#section/home
Weipa Tour – After departing Weipa, we stop at the Archer River Roadhouse. Here you will have the option of purchasing the famous ‘Archie Burger’. After lunch we continue down the PDR to the Hann River Roadhouse for the night.
On our final day of the tour, we head back to Cairns. We will stop at the Indigenous Community of Wujal Wujal and visit the thundering Bloomfield Falls, before embarking on the Bloomfield River Track.
Today we will experience some amazing coastal and rainforest scenery as we meander our way through the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.
We aim to arrive back in Cairns around 4pm.
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.
After a visit to the Quinkan Cultural Centre we head for camp at Kalpowar Crossing. Here you can fish the banks of the Normanby River for Barra, throw in some nets for Cherabin, search for Saltwater Crocs or just relax under the stars by the campfire.
Today you’ll have an opportunity to get up for an early morning fish, in hope of catching tonight’s dinner, prior to driving to Coen.
The day’s drive takes us past several picturesque creeks and lagoons in Rinyirru NP before we head off the beaten track through Lama Lama NP on the Running Creek Track.
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 depart Eliot Falls for the Jardine Ferry.
On our way, we drive across a log bridge at Cannibal Creek and through Sam, Mistake, and Cypress Creek Crossings as well as Nolan’s Brook a notoriously deep crossing responsible for drowning numerous vehicles each year.
Today we step foot on the northern most tip of mainland Australia.
On the way to the tip we will stop for souvenirs at the Croc Tent a must stop spot on any trip to the top.
After some time at the tip for photos, reflection and/or some more fishing, we will return to camp, at Loyalty Beach for the next 3-nights, via the 5 Beaches drive for another diverse 4×4 challenge and great coastal scenery.
The next two days are 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 head south for Captain Billy landing.
On our way we will visit the Jardine River Crossing. Unfortunately the crossing is now closed so we will again be taking the ferry to continue south. We will again stop at Fruit Bat Falls for lunch and a swim before heading to the east coast for camp.
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.
Frenchman’s Track Tour – Today we continue along the Frenchman’s Track providing several driving challenges including the Wenlock River and the infamous, deep and rocky Pascoe River. Tonight we camp in a small section of rainforest at Cooks Hut campground, within the Iron Range National Park.
Weipa Tour – Today is an itinerary free day. You can take a tour of a working bauxite mine, a wildlife boat cruise, or join a fishing charter. You could also try your luck from numerous land based fishing spots, or venture North to the remote community of Mapoon for a famous Burger lunch.
Frenchman’s Track Tour – We have an early start today to experience another glorious sunrise, this time over the famous Chilli Beach. After a quick visit to Portland Roads we stop at Lockart River before continuing to Hann River Roadhouse for the night. While at Lockart River you will have the opportunity to admire or purchase some Indigenous artwork from the renowned Lockart River Arts centre. https://lockhartriverart.com.au/#section/home
Weipa Tour – After departing Weipa, we stop at the Archer River Roadhouse. Here you will have the option of purchasing the famous ‘Archie Burger’. After lunch we continue down the PDR to the Hann River Roadhouse for the night.
We depart Hann River Roadhouse for Cooktown and our final night of the tour at the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel.
While in Cooktown we will visit Grassy Hill Lookout for 360 degree views of the region. We will also visit the Cooktown Museum, Black Mountain and Keatings Lagoon, before heading to the Lion’s Den for dinner and camp.
On our final day of the tour, we head back to Cairns. We will stop at the Indigenous Community of Wujal Wujal and visit the thundering Bloomfield Falls, before embarking on the Bloomfield River Track.
Today we will experience some amazing coastal and rainforest scenery as we meander our way through the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.
We aim to arrive back in Cairns around 4pm.
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.
The Old Telegraph Track was originally carved out in the late 1800s to service the overland telegraph line that connected remote Cape York to the rest of Australia. Today, it’s one of the most famous 4WD challenges in the country, and some creek crossings (like Nolan’s Brook) are so notorious that dozens of vehicles get water-logged or written off there every year!
