14 May 2025

Cape York Air Safari

This tours combines relaxation, history, adventure and cultural experiences, capturing the spirit of the Australia's great north, beautiful landscapes of Cape York and other iconic locations such as Lizard Island, Cooktown, Torres Strait Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Tour Highlights

Wallaroo Outback Resort- Carnarvon Gorge

Upper Dawson Lookout

Spend two days at the luxury Wallaroo Outback Retreat. Wake up in glamping tents amongst the towering Eucalypts listening to the magical sounds of the bush. Explore beautiful landscapes with guided tours of Carnarvon Gorge. Enjoy a yarn, a glass of wine and camp oven cooking around the rustic fire pit while spotting for rock wallabies against the cliffs.

Great Barrier Reef

Overflying Queensland Great Barrier Reef

Visit iconic destinations such as Airlie Beach, Lizard Island, Cooktown and more. (Photo; Tourism Australia)

Visit the QLD Outback & Cape York Peninsula

Visit remote locations in the Queensland Outback such as Longreach and Karumba to bucket-list destinations in the Torres Strait Islands and explore Cape York Peninsula. (Photo; Tourism Australia)


Map and Itinerary

Starting point Sydney

DAY 1

Sydney to Wallaroo

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DAY 2

Wallaroo to Carnarvon Gorge

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DAY 3

Wallaroo to Airlie Beach

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DAY 4

Airlie Beach to Cooktoown

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DAY 5

Cooktown to Lizard Island

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DAY 6

Lizard Island- Day 2

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DAY 7

Lizard Island to Thursday Island

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DAY 8

Thursday Island- Day 2

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DAY 9

Thursday Island to Karumba

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DAY 10

Karumba to Longreach

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DAY 11

Longreach - Day 2

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DAY 12

Longreach to Tibooburra

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Starting point Sydney

day 1

Sydney to Wallaroo

Our crew welcome you to our private lounge at Bankstown Airport (Sydney) before departing on this exciting Cape York Safari.

Take in the aerial views from our Cessna Caravan 208B as we head northwest to the QLD Outback property of Wallaroo, nestled amongst magnificent sandstone cliffs of The Carnarvon Ranges.

Wallaroo is approximately 160km north of Roma, towards the iconic Carnarvon Gorge.
We spend the afternoon with a guided site tour to immerse in the landscape and learn about the area. We settle in for the night, appreciating a bush sunset with drinks and canapés under the stars.

Accommodation: Wallaroo Outback Retreat Luxury Glamping Tents

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day 2

Wallaroo to Carnarvon Gorge

We have an early start with breakfast enjoyed at our retreat nestled amongst the hundred-year-old Eucalypts Forest, before heading out with our guide to Carnarvon Gorge National Park to explore Mickey’s Creek.

On our return journey we visit Arcadia Valley Lookout before settling in for the evening with a beautiful meal and trying to spot Wallaroo’s nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Wallaroo Outback Retreat

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day 3

Wallaroo to Airlie Beach

A morning of exploration awaits as we awake to another Outback sunrise. Our guide leads us on a property tour of Wallaroo before treating us to morning tea at The Rainbow Cave – The créme de la créme of Wallaroo – a must see!

We farewell Wallaroo and fly Northeast to the famous Great Barrier Reef to spend the night in the Whitsundays.

Accommodation: The Coral Sea Resort ,Airlie Beach.

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day 4

Airlie Beach to Cooktown

Begin the morning with breakfast overlooking the beautiful Airlie Beach. We are back in the sky travelling north, overflying the Whitsundays and the tropical north Queensland coastline.

We arrive at Cooktown and head out to explore its rich history. A must-see is the Cooktown Museum (Formerly named James Cook Museum) which is set in a stunning nineteenth-century convent.

We visit the harbour to embark on a cruise to watch the golden sunset over the distant ranges, with a drink and gourmet cheese platter whilst looking out for wildlife, taking in stories about Captain Cook’s infamous passage along the Cape.

After dark, spotlights add a whole new perspective to the impenetrable walls of mangrove that line the river. This sunset cruise can make for a wonderfully peaceful way to end the day.

Accommodation: Gold River Hotel

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day 5

Cooktown to Lizard Island

After breakfast we relax around town- visiting the botanical gardens, stroll along the waterfront and visit the visitor center.

Mid morning, we head to the airport and take a short flight back to the coast and over to the Lizard Island. Enjoy the stunning coastline scenery and the breathtaking reef views. Arriving at the secluded Island within a National Park situated on the Great Barrier Reef, we are welcomed by the resort and enjoy a gourmet lunch.

After lunch we check into our rooms and soak up all that Lizard Island has to offer.

Accommodation: Lizard Island Resort

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day 6

Lizard Island- Day 2

Day 2 at Lizard Island is all about you. You are welcome to explore the secluded island at your own discretion.
You can tour the many beaches via motorized dinghy, or explore the reef with stand up paddle board or sea kayaks. Discover the underwater life with a snorkel around the reefs or enjoy one of the many natures walks the island has to offer.

*Ask our team about Ad hoc activities such as; Scuba diving, Fishing or treatments at the essential day spa.

Accommodation: Lizard Island

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day 7

Lizard Island to Thursday Island

After soaking up the last moments on the magical Lizard Island, we fly north over the northern end of The Great Barrier Reef, enjoying the breathtaking views and overfly the Eastern side of the Cape York Peninsula to our next destination – the Torres Strait.

Once arriving in the Torres Strait, we land at Horn Island. We take a short ferry trip across to our accommodation on Thursday Island.

Accommodation: Island Villas

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day 8

Thursday Island - Day 2

Today is the day we explore the tip of Australia! We start the day with a scenic HELICOPTER flight – a bucket-list item whilst visiting this region. Flying over the strikingly turquoise waters of the Arafura Sea, along deserted white beaches, rainforest and seasonal waters that flow into the fringing reefs- this is the premium way to experience the regions 247 untouched islands and landscapes.

We land on a secluded beach for a picnic lunch, before a short walk around the Tip of mainland Australia to get a snap from the ground.

Accommodation: Island Villas

 

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day 9

Thursday Island to Karumba

Departing Thursday Island, we hop on the short ferry ride back across to Horn Island to board our private aircraft. We fly over the beautiful islands and follow the Western side of Cape York Peninsula down to the town of Karumba, hovering on the banks of the mighty Norman River and tucked snugly into the armpit of the north-west corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Upon arriving at Queensland’s “best kept secret”, we settle into our accommodation, before heading out on a sunset cruise to spot some of the natural wildlife; birds, crocodiles and view the famous sunset over the sand island and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner.

Accommodation: End of the Road Hotel

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day 10

Karumba to Longreach

Enjoy the pathed walk and discover the history of Karumba and its surroundings. This walk is perfect for photographers and birdwatchers to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.

We depart the Gulf of Carpentaria and fly east back across Queensland to the pioneering town of Longreach.

We spend the evening amongst nature on the Thomson River. There are endless photo opportunities on this gentle cruise before we go ashore for a traditional Outback dinner and live show under a canopy of stars.

Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Boutique Luxury Glamping Experience

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day 11

Longreach - Day 2

We visit the legendary Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame which pays tribute to Australia’s pioneers and their contribution to the development of our nation.

Next stop is a guided tour of the Qantas Founders Museum. Discover the Boeing 707 and 747, Super Constellation and the DC-3, before enjoying lunch surrounded by aviation history.

We spend the evening enjoying the hospitality at Camden Park Station where the Walker family once hosted the Queen. Outback Dan will give us a tour of this working sheep and cattle station before we toast the sunset from this pastoral oasis.

Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat.

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day 12

Longreach to Tibooburra

We farewell Longreach and witness mesmerising vistas as our aircraft takes us on a journey down to Corner Country.

Our next stop is Tibooburra, which is surrounded by an arid landscape and remarkable granite rocky outcrops.  You cannot miss the extraordinary Clifton Pugh mural in the bar of the popular watering hole of The Family Hotel.

Accommodation:  Tibooburra Hotel- Built of locally quarried sandstone in 1882.

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day 13

Tibooburra to Bankstown

After breakfast we board our private plane and begin our journey home.

But first, we head to the Great Cobar Museum to learn about the Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people, mining history and more. We have a farewell lunch and drinks at local pub which was build in the late 1880’s

Sit back, relax and reflect on your journey as we fly you back home to Sydney.

 

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Price and Availability

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May 2025
Trip Starts

14 May 2025

Trip Ends

26 May 2025

Price Per Person from

$27,699 pp

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Tour Inclusions

meals

Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.  Select wines are served with dinner.

For this tour, the evening meal highlights are:

  • Outback dining at Mitchell Grass Retreat, Camden Park Station, Longreach
  • Gourmet Dinners at the famous Lizard Island and Airlie Beach
  • Traditional pub dining at Karumba, Tibooburra.

excursions

The included excursions on this tour are:

  • Tour at the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach
  • Visit the legendary Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach
  • Guided Tour of Carnarvon Gorge
  • Museum visits in multiple locations
  • Sunset cruise; Karumba & Cooktown.
  • Helicopter Tour Torres Strait
  • Plus much more- See our itinerary

transportation

As per the itinerary, air transport provided is to and from each nightly destination.

Coach transportation is provided to and from daily excursions.

general

Accommodation: Accommodation venues are listed in the itinerary. Guests are accommodated in twin/double share rooms (bedding subject to request). A limited number of single rooms are also available.  All rooms are air conditioned with a private ensuite, unless stated otherwise. Please note bathrooms are shared at Trilby Station.

Taxes & National Park Passes: All Air Transport taxes and National Park passes are included for daily excursions.

General: Guests will be accompanied by two experienced Outback by Air pilots.

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