Call the office for Enquiries or Quotes and Bookings 07 4051 1120

New Product join a 4WD Hire Self Drive Tour to Cape York with a guide/mechanic and support crew

9 Day Self Drive Escorted 4WD Cairns to Cape York Tour AACY9

Vehicle Hire From

$777 / per day

Deposit From Only

$234 / per day

Seats 2-3

Transmission Automatic

Fuel Petrol

Air Conditioning Yes

9 Day Self-Drive 4WD Group Tour Cairns to Cape York Fully Escorted

2024 Departures: 2 June to 10 June 2024 and 18 October to 26 October 2024

This option is the best of both worlds. A fully escorted group tour through Cape York in which you drive the 4WD hired vehicles. Don’t just go on a 4WD tour to the tip or hire a 4WD, it is a self-drive 4X4, but all the hard work is done for you. Support vehicles set up your tents each night, and meals are all catered for you. Even your fuel is covered on this trip!

A mechanic who is also your tour guide will check each vehicle each day, then brief the group. When you get to a 4WD track you will walk the track then the tour leader will talk each group through the drive with a two-way radio. Drive a 4WD ‘Beast’ to the Tip of Cape York. With an auto gearbox, power steering, and air-con, you drive in comfort and style. 4WD enthusiasts love the tours, but no previous 4WD experience is required, just be a confident and competent driver. Our guides will assist.

Experience Cape York, explore the famous 4WD tracks, and enjoy the best of the Aussie bush camping experience, historic sites, including great tucker, the Cape’s must-do destinations, such as Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge, The Bloomfield Track, Lions Den Hotel, Lakefield National Park, Overland Telegraph Track, Musgrave Roadhouse, Eliot Falls just to name a few. Campfires under the stars, refreshing swims in welcoming streams, and in the mornings rise to the call of wild birds heralding new adventures.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime, see a map here. Up to 6 vehicles per tour. You decide who you travel with, with 2, 3, or 4 people in your vehicle hire. So grab your mates, girlfriends, boyfriends, family, and club, and reserve a tour date now.

Vehicles are automatic, petrol Patrols. Ask about Cairns to the Tip or the 11 options which includes Weipa

** Travel Insurance is required for this trip. Please get a free no-obligation travel insurance quote here.

Book some accommodation and a day tour in Cairns before or after your 4WD adventure in Far North Queensland.

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Highlights

Old Telegraph Track
5 Beaches Run
Frenchman’s Track
Bloomfield Track
Running Creek Road
Lakefield Road
Pajinka (The Tip)
Bamaga
Bramwell Station
Weipa
Elliot Falls
Loyalty Beach
Cooktown
Lions Den

Inclusions

Automatic Nissan GU Patrol, airconditioned with power steering.
All camp equipment, including camp chairs, camp lighting, camp beds, mattresses, cutlery, and eating utensils.
Unlimited mileage, fuel, UHF radio for fleet communication, small medical kit, and fire extinguisher.
Support provided from two vehicles with up to 4 crew members attending to smooth the operation of the tour.
National Park fees
Mossman Gorge walk
Daintree croc cruise
All ferry fees
Accommodation and camp fees
All restaurant and camp meals as indicated on itinerary, (B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner).

Tour Pricing

All prices are in AUD, per person

	Per Person
Two people in a vehicle	$ 6,645
Three people in a vehicle	$ 6,325

Maximum of 3 adults OR 2 adults + 2 children (aged 7-17 years inclusive) per vehicle
A minimum of 4 vehicles with 8 passengers booked before the tour is confirmed

This itinerary is the proposed itinerary only. Though highly unlikely, changes may be made before, or during the holiday, due to circumstances beyond our control, e.g., slower travel times or diversions due to weather or track conditions at the time. Unless otherwise noted on the itinerary, all campsites have excellent amenities including toilets and hot showers.

Itinerary
Packing & Gear
Insurance
Additional Information
FAQs

Itinerary

Not Included: Flights, travel insurance, bottled drinking water, personal snack items, alcohol, sleeping bag and pillow due to hygiene reasons, optional tours at The Tip and in or around Cairns, plus any additional accommodation before or after tours at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort.

Participation: This tour does require some very limited camp site participation. Each day, we always try our best to provide a full camp set up and take down to allow you full rest and relaxation time. However, we do request that all participants pack and unpack their camp bed and mattress daily, and on a rare occasion, if camp arrival or departure times are late, we do appreciate any help in the easy task of setting or taking down the tents.

1 DAY 1 CAIRNS TO CAPE TRIBULATION (D)

Approx 162 Km

Meet your fellow adventurers for breakfast at the Thirsty Flamingo Eatery and Bar, poolside at our Cairns base, the Cairns Colonial Club Resort. A team briefing will be conducted. Following breakfast, you will be introduced to your Croc and once final paperwork is completed, and you pack your vehicle, it’s time to depart Cairns. Items not required on tour can be left in storage at the Resort.

The first stop is the supermarket to stock your fridge with snack items and drinks. It’s a leisurely drive this morning northward along the scenic Captain Cook Highway.

You stop at Mossman Gorge to explore a fascinating remnant of the world’s oldest rainforest, before a break for lunch. After lunch enjoy a crocodile spotting cruise on the Daintree River, with ecofriendly operator Solar Whisper. This is more than a croc cruise as the local guide, is an expert on all the wildlife in the area.

After crossing the Daintree River by ferry, journey along the coast to Cape Tribulation where rainforest meets the reef when two world heritage listed areas join – the Daintree National Park and The Great Barrier Reef.

Tonight, camp, or stay in cabin accommodation at a jungle camp.
2 DAY 2 CAPE TRIBULATION TO LIONS DEN HOTEL (B L D)

Approx: 110Km

Heading off this morning at a leisurely pace through the rainforest surrounding Cape Tribulation, it’s not long before you arrive at the start of the sealed Bloomfield Track. The Bloomfield Track provides an easy introduction to 4wdriving.

After completing this section, it’s a short drive to historic Cooktown where there will be some free time to explore. Highly recommended is a visit to the Cooktown Museum. Other attractions today include Black Mountain with its amazing rock formations.

Tonight’s camp at the historic 1880’s Lions Den Hotel is a very popular stopover for Cape-bound adventurers.
3 DAY 3 LIONS DEN HOTEL TO MUSGRAVE ROADHOUSE (B L D)

Approx: 303Km

Today your adventure will absorb you into beautiful Aussie bush scenery providing good photography opportunities. Driving mainly on gravel backroads, the pace will be leisurely. Highlights include the journey through Lakefield National Park, with its many lagoon areas.

Late afternoon you will arrive at the main Cape Road at Musgrave Roadhouse, one of the many legendary Cape Roadhouses you will visit on your adventure. This will be your campsite tonight.

At sunset, the manager feeds the freshwater crocs in the campsite dam.
4 DAY 4 MUSGRAVE ROADHOUSE TO CHUULANGUN (B L D)

Approx: 280Km

As is our policy, to enjoy the Aussie bush to the fullest, today you will travel the less used roads and tracks, away from the main tourist route. After leaving camp, head off the main highway and follow a variety of tracks and backroads. Still heading northwards, the changes in terrain and scenery will keep you fascinated. Driving conditions are comfortable, but you must always be alert and attentive to potential road hazards that can appear around any corner. Be prepared to navigate a washout or two and the occasionally deeply rutted sections.

The small historic township of Coen (pop:364) is a welcome stop for snack and water resupply. If time allows a visit to the museum and one quick cold beverage at the quirky S-Exchange Hotel may be possible. Every day, your guide ‘carries the billy’ and will be on the lookout for a suitable rest stop to stretch the legs and for a morning or afternoon tea break.

Camp tonight is one of our favourites. Chuulangun is a peaceful bush camp with a basic but clean bush toilet and a classic ‘donkey’ hot water shower setup.
5 DAY 5 CHUULANGUN TO BRAMWELL STATION (B L D)

Approx: 154 Km

An exciting and fun 4wdriving day as you tackle one of our favourite Cape Tracks, the 53K Frenchmans Track. It meanders narrowly in places, through a variety of terrains including dense forest areas. The track is seldom, if ever, used by ‘tourist traffic’ and only keen 4w drivers take it on. Remember, your Guide will be with you every inch of the way to assist you in navigating the tricky sections and teach you the occasional 4WD trick. This track also has an infamous reputation due to its two river crossings, the Pascoe and the Wenlock Rivers. Both these rivers feature steepish approach and exit angles and water levels fluctuate throughout the season, sometimes making one or both nearly impassable.

Though we only travel in the ‘best weather months’, on all occasions you will be directed by your Guide as to the safety and viability of attempting these crossings. You must be aware that on any day, you may not be able to achieve your daily itinerary due to road or weather conditions. In that case, an alternative plan may have to be designed. It’s all part of exploration in the Cape.

Dinner tonight is provided by your campsite hosts at Bramwell Station, a working cattle property offering spacious camping grounds, and on most visits while enjoying dinner and a beverage from the bar, their staff provide entertainment.

If a river is unpassable, which is highly unlikely, an alternative route will be required. Camp tonight at Chuulangun, a peaceful bush camp with a basic but clean bush toilet and a classic ‘donkey’ hot water shower setup.
6 DAY 6 BRAMWELL STATION TO ELIOT FALLS (B L D)

Approx: 90Km

Get set for another adventure as today you tackle the Overland Telegraph Track (OTT). Famous worldwide and acknowledged by 4WD enthusiasts as one of Australia’s most iconic 4WD experiences, it will be one of the many highlights of your holiday. It is a short drive from Bramwell Station to Bramwell Junction and the much-photographed signpost marking the starting point for the OTT. After the compulsory group pic, the fun begins. This morning you will be negotiating the obstacles on the southern portion of the track. The aim is to camp tonight on the OTT at Eliot Falls National Parks Campsite.

There will be plenty to chat about over dinner tonight. Overcoming the obstacles that punctuate the OTT is a lot of fun. At Gunshot, one of the most notorious creek crossings of the many you will encounter, a good-natured crowd of fellow 4wdrivers sometimes gather to cheer and encourage everyone through. On all trips, it is possible that occasionally, some OTT obstacles will not be tackled if your Guide believes conditions are not favourable. There are several alternative tracks known as cheat tracks that can sometimes be utilised. Overall, this day will be remembered as one of your most exciting 4WD experiences.

The campsite tonight has toilets but no showers. A refreshing swim at Eliot Falls, without soap, is a better substitute than a shower.
7 DAY 7 ELIOT FALLS TO LOYALTY BEACH (B L D)

Approx: 120Km

Up early for breakfast and set off to complete sections of track at the northern end of the OTT. If all goes to plan, you will finish the OTT this morning and cross the famous croc infested Jardine River by ferry. The Jardine River effectively cuts off the tip of Cape York from the rest of the cape.

A stop for resupply in the town of Bamaga (pop:1,200), the administration centre for the Northern Peninsular Area, before a short drive to the coast and the beachfront campsite at Loyalty Beach.

This will be your base for the next two nights as you complete the final part of your journey to the Tip of Australia.
8 DAY 8 THE TIP OF AUSTRALIA (PAJINKA) (B L D)

Approx: 100Km

An exciting day ahead as you depart camp after breakfast to reach the most northern Tip of Australia. After a short drive through a variety of scenic bushland, and a brisk walk, you will arrive at Pajinka, and the Tip sign, ready to pose for your commemorative pic.

It was a great achievement to have driven from Cairns to the Tip of Australia and a journey we feel sure will only bring back happy memories for years to come. The action does not stop here. You still have the Five Beaches Track to drive, and if so inclined, last-minute souvenir shopping at the Croc Tent, a cape institution and fashion house. Thongs and t-shirts are their fashion speciality. If you look hard enough you might even find a Cape York snow shaker.

Back to Loyalty to enjoy the traditional ‘Fish and Chips’ farewell dinner at the Loyalty Beach Restaurant. Sunsets can be spectacular. A lovely way to finish your last night at the cape.
9 DAY 9 FINAL DAY - DEPARTURE (B L)

The tour finishes this morning after breakfast in camp at Loyalty. If you have booked your departure flight for today, your guides will transfer you to Bamaga Airport in time for check-in.

Book accommodation at Cairns Colonial Club here for your pre and post-tour accommodation.

Arrive in Cairns at least 1 day before your 4WD adventure starts.
Book flights at least 1 day after you return to Cairns, in case there are delays.

1. Depending on when you wish to arrive in Cairns before your tour commences, a minimum of one night of pre-booked accommodation at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, is required for the night before your scheduled tour departure. That night, an informal ‘Meet and Greet’, hosted by your Tour Guide has been arranged for 7.30 pm at the Thirsty Flamingo Eatery and Bar, poolside at the resort. This informal social provides an opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers.
2. Your flight to Cairns from Bamaga will have been arranged by us before your holiday commences. As detailed in our prices, this flight cost is not included in the tour price. On arrival in Cairns, take a short taxi drive to the Cairns Colonial Club Resort to collect any left luggage and continue your travels.
3. We are ready to assist with organising additional pre or post-tour accommodation and additional tours if required.

Self Drive 4WD Cairns to the Tip 9 Day Tour

Packing & Gear

LUGGAGE
Soft luggage such as a duffle or sports bags are ideal, however, small suitcases are also suitable. The ideal way to travel on this tour is with soft luggage stored and accessible behind the cargo barrier of your rig. For items, you may require during the day, a small to medium size day pack, can be stored on the back seat. This pack can be used as your hand luggage on any flight.

PACKING LIST
The following Clothing and Gear list are proven, practical, and sufficient.
• A sturdy torch. Headlamps are recommended, leaving your hands free.
• Binoculars. Small and lightweight
• Drink bottle – at least 1ltr
• Lunchbox
• Wide-brimmed sun hat or cap
• Towel and washcloth
• Sunglasses
• Sturdy walking shoes or runners
• Sports sandals – preferable to thongs
• Spare prescription glasses if worn. Dust may cause aggravation for those who usually wear contact lens, so ordinary glasses should be carried
• T-shirts/Shirts
• Shorts
• Long-sleeved shirt and pants for mozzie protection
• Lightweight fleece or thermal for cooler evenings
• Light rain-jacket
• One set of neat casual clothes for towns/ lodges/flights
• Swimming costume
• Sleeping bag, pillow & single sheet set (we recommend a sleeping bag that can be unzipped and converted to a quilt)
• Personal toiletries
• A few strong plastic bags of varying sizes for protecting camera equipment, storing wet or dirty clothes, etc.
• Set of garden gloves may come in handy around camp (optional)

PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT
The Guides will carry a comprehensive medical kit and snake bite kit. Your rig will also contain a small medical kit containing basic supplies such as: – Band-aids, antiseptic etc.
Due to the remote areas, we are travelling through, we strongly recommend that you consider packing the following items as well as any personal care items.
• Lip Balm
• Skin Moisturiser
• Sunscreen
• Cold/flu suppressant tablets
• Panadol tablets for pain relief
• Throat lozenges
• Mossie/sandfly repellent
• Motion sickness tablets
• Antihistamine cream for bites and itches
• Antibiotic tablets (1 course only – broad spectrum)
• Eyewash/drops (small)
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Laxatives

Insurance

VEHICLES / DRIVING / YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

You acknowledge, agree, and accept that you:

Are required to complete and sign a vehicle condition report at time of collection
Provide payment of a security bond of $2,000 (per vehicle) which is required prior to departure of the program and refunded on return of the undamaged vehicle.
Are the over the age of 21 and have two years driving at the time of program commencement date
Hold a valid and current driver’s license which legally authorises you to drive an automatic 4WD vehicle
Hold a license which is not suspended or disqualified
Agree to observe and follow instructions and directions provided by the guide
Are aware you will be travelling over unsealed, rough, and corrugated roads
Will respect all signposts when travelling through private land and local communities
Will respect the rules of the indigenous communities in which you are travelling
Will follow instructions, advice and signposts and a failure to do so will be considered negligence and will breach Booking Terms and Conditions.

You acknowledge, agree, and accept that you are at all times fully responsible and liable for the following:

The immediate reporting of any incident to a staff member, police or local authority involving damage or loss to any property, vehicle, or person.
Loss or damage to personal belongings and equipment
The cost of towing, repair, or replacement of the vehicle in which you were driving as a result of what is deemed by a staff member as negligent driving or reckless behaviour.
All costs due to fines, penalties and tolls incurred by you as driver of the vehicle at the time
All cost incurred for medical care or medical evacuation.
Any costs incurred due to delays beyond our reasonable control
Any loss or damage as a result of you providing incorrect or fraudulent information
Damage to a vehicle as a result of standing, sitting or placement of heavy items
Damage to a vehicle and/or any property as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Damage to the vehicle beyond fair wear and tear, inclusive of windscreen, under body, panels, and bar work
Damage to the vehicle whilst being towed without following instructions and/or adhering to safety precautions
Damage to a vehicle whilst in the process of winching due to not following the instructions of a Guide or staff member, and/or safety procedures
Damage caused to refuelling the vehicle with incorrect fuel
Vehicle damage excess up to a maximum of $2,000 (being the security bond) based on the cost of repairs required to the vehicle.

The value of the “Credit Card Bond” will be “Frozen” on your credit card for the duration of the hire. Please ensure you have sufficient funds to cover this freeze (you may need to pay additional funds onto your credit card).

Additional Information

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

If you cancel your booking with us, you must notify us in writing or by email.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

GUEST CANCELLATIONS
All cancelled bookings will be subject to cancellation penalties which may be as high as 100% of the total booking cost.
If you cancel your booking with us, you must notify us in writing by email to info@australiantoursandcruises.info and pay a cancellation fee in the amount set out below.
• Your cancellation is confirmed at the date written notification is received.
• At all times, your deposit is non-refundable.
• No refunds will be made if you leave a tour for any reason after a tour has begun.
• No refunds will be made for accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals, or services as detailed on the tour itinerary if they are not utilised.
• You may be able to claim cancellation costs through your insurance policy. Please refer to the individual cancellation policy of your insurance provider for further details.

CANCELLATION FEES FOR TOUR OPERATOR, paid in conjunction with booking terms and conditions.

EARLY BIRD – for bookings with full payment received 9 months prior to tour departure
Booking to – 181 days prior to departure 30% of total price
Between 180 – 116 days prior to departure 60% of total price
Less than 115 days prior to departure 100% of total price

NORMAL AND GROUP – for bookings with full payment received 115 days prior to tour departure
More than 116 days prior to departure 50% of total price
Less than 115 days prior to departure 100% of total price

CANCELLATION BY TOUR OPERATOR
• The Tour Operator reserves the right to cancel a tour departure and will advise you of such cancellations no later than 60 days before the tour departure date. This includes but is not limited to – minimum numbers not being reached and circumstances beyond the Tour Operators control.
• If you do not pay the balance of your total booking cost within 100 days of the tour departure date, the Tour Operator reserves the right to cancel your booking and you will lose your deposit.
• Tour Operator will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of a tour due to ‘Force Majeure’. In the event of ‘Force Majeure’ or government travel advice, the Tour Operator reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time.
• With any form of cancellation, the Tour Operator will try to offer you alternative arrangements. If you do not accept alternative arrangements the Tour Operator will offer you a credit to the full value held to be used on any product available through the Tour Operator. The Tour Operator will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you.

FORCE MAJEURE
‘Force Majeure’ means a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of any party and includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, accident, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, breakdown of communication facilities, natural catastrophe, governmental acts or omission, changes in laws or regulations, industrial or nuclear disaster, explosion, generalised lack of availability of raw materials or energy, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes.

ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
• You accept that all travel has risks involved and that you travel to a destination at your own risk. You must perform your own due diligence with respect to making your own choices regarding destinations, including reviewing all travel advisories.
• You acknowledge that the nature of some of our tours can be adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. You hereby assume all such risk for all tours and release us from all losses, costs, damages, expenses, payments, claims, or actions arising from illness, injury, disease, loss or damage to property, discomfort, and inconvenience or death resulting from these inherent risks.
• It is a condition of our bookings that you must have adequate travel insurance to cover you should you have any problems while on our tour.

NO SMOKING POLICY
Our vehicles are all entirely smoke-free in accordance with relevant state and territory government regulations. Passengers are not to smoke (including e-cigarettes) while on board.

HEALTH
• Fitness Our tour itineraries contain guided sightseeing walks to natural attractions. As such, adventurers are required to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate. Some walking tracks have sections of uneven rocky ground and may be slippery. The walks on our tours vary in length, so please read your chosen itinerary for further information or contact one of our friendly travel consultants who will be able to describe the walk to you. If adventurers feel they are unable to participate in the walk on the day, alternative arrangements will be made with adequate provision for adventurer comfort and safety.
• Hydration Whilst on a bushwalk it is the responsibility of each adventurer to carry adequate drinking water.
• Mobility Adventurers are required to have a reasonable level of mobility to be able to board and alight their Croc vehicles. Adventurers requiring physical or mental assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is willing and capable of providing such assistance.

ENJOYMENT
Your tour will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour. However, no liability will be accepted for any loss of enjoyment experienced by adventurers due to circumstances that are out of our control.

SAFETY
Adventurers accept that tours include participation in Recreational Services and Recreational Activities which may involve certain risks and dangers beyond the control of the operator. Such activities containing risks include but are not limited to: bushwalking, swimming, and travelling in remote undeveloped locations. The Adventurer acknowledges that all Recreational Services and Recreational Activities in connection with the Tour are undertaken of the adventurer’s own free will and at the adventurer’s own risk.
Adventurers will not be permitted to continue on tours when in the opinion of the Tour Leader, the adventurers conduct or condition is placing their own or the safety of other adventurers at risk, or is adversely affecting the enjoyment of other adventurers; for whatever cause.

TRAVELLING TO REMOTE AREAS
Adventurers accept that some itineraries include visits to and overnight stays in remote areas located some distance from hospitals, medical centres or other forms of professional medical facilities. This is particularly the case for tours in the Cape York Peninsular region.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

DIRECT DEPOSIT
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: 171 Howick Street Bathurst NSW 2795
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

CHANGES TO ITINERARY
Passengers accept that we may need to alter or amend itineraries, excursions, accommodation or sightseeing arrangements from those published, with little or no notice. This may be due to road conditions, weather, cultural considerations, safety factors and other operational considerations or government regulations or directions. Such decisions will be made in the best interests of the passenger’s comfort and safety, or where required by law. In these circumstances, we will endeavour to make suitable alternative arrangements.

FAQs

Questions for 4WD Self Drive Tour

Do I actually drive myself?
Yes! You drive one of our modified Nissan Patrols, each with its own Croc name and personality to match. With your Guides assistance, you will drive the iconic 4×4 tracks included in our adventures – Old Telegraph Track, Frenchman’s Track, the 5 Beaches Track, and the Bloomfield Track. Occasionally, tracks and roads are added or taken from a particular tour date itinerary due to weather, safety, or time constraints.

What 4WD experience do I need?
You need to be over the age of 21, have held a license for a minimum of 2 years, and be a competent and confident driver and we will help with the rest. There is a 4×4 guide on each trip to guide you through the tough spots and assist you to improve your 4wd skills.

Are the 4WD tracks included in the program the original tracks?
Yes! You will get to experience firsthand the Old Telegraph Track, Australia’s most iconic 4×4 Track! Followed by the Frenchman’s Track as well as the Bloomfield and 5 Beaches Tracks.

What do the two support vehicles offer?
There are two support vehicles. The Guides vehicle, known as “Croczilla” is just what its name suggests, a ‘beefed up beast’ of a 4WD vehicle, driven by your tour Guide. It is a 4WD garage on wheels, carrying spare parts, tyres, tools, extensive recovery gear, oils and lubricants, fridge and freezer, and fitted with a winch, it’s very handy to have around if a difficult recovery is required. On the roads, you are guided and connected to your 4wd Guide by UHF radio and in challenging obstacles your guide will be out on the track directing you by sight in person. The Camp Truck known as “Old Salty” is a large truck fitted out with a food fridge and freezer, stoves, bbq, generator, workbenches, and even a kitchen sink. Additionally, it has a storage room for all the camp equipment. Staffed by the cook and camp assistant, most days this vehicle will travel independently to the Croc Fleet and arrive in camp early to set up before you arrive.

What is included in the tour?
Our programs are mostly fully inclusive, except for some personal items and optional tours available from 3rd party operators such as Fishing or Torres Strait Island tours. We aim to take away all the worries of planning and give you more time to kick back and enjoy your holiday. Please refer to our Inclusions and Exclusions lists detailed with each Tours pricing.

What is not included in the tour?
Not much! Just mainly, accommodation before the 9 Day trip starting in Cairns and after any tour that finishes in Cairns. If you are on one of our, Fly/Drive 9 day trips, we haven’t included the flight to or from The Tip and Cairns, as you may choose to extend your trip which will mean you have the option of flying in or out of Horn Island. Talk to us about the options available. Other items not included are spending money, personal snacks and drinks, and personal bottled drinking water.

What does the Vehicle Insurance include cover?
Our vehicles are covered for Third Party Property, Fire, and Theft Insurance. Please refer to pages 44-55 of the following: https://www.nrma.com.au/sites/nrma/files/nrma/policy_booklets/car_pds_0721_nsw_act_tas_qld.pdf

Do I need my own Insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out Comprehensive Insurance to cover the following suggested but not limited to: personal belongings, cancellation, emergency evacuation, personal liability, death, and disability. Please refer to our Booking Terms and conditions for more information. Please contact us for further information. Or get a no-obligation quote from Covermore here.

Do I have to pay for fuel?
No! we cover the cost of your fuel.

What happens if the vehicle breaks down on the trip?
In the event of a mechanical breakdown not caused by negligent driving, Australian 4WD Adventurers will provide alternative transport for you to continue. This may involve the loss of a day, to transport a replacement vehicle to the designated site. Our 4WD Guides are also mechanical wizards and carry most parts required to maintain the fleet throughout the adventure.

What if I get sick while I am on tour?
Our Guides vehicle carries a Satellite phone in the event of an emergency. Our Guides are First Aid Trained. Comprehensive Insurance inclusive of Medical Cover and Emergency Evacuation cover is strongly recommended.

Can I bring my own camping gear?
As we provide tents, stretchers, and mattresses for everyone, storage/carriage room can be a considerable problem. Call to discuss if necessary. For hygiene reasons, you must provide your own sleeping bag (open-out doona style recommended) and pillow. If you have time before departure, these items can be readily and cheaply purchased in Cairns.

What if I need to cancel my tour?
Your deposit/booking fee is non-refundable, but if you need to cancel prior to the final payment, you can transfer your deposit to another adventure date. Once final payment is made 75 days prior to departure, any cancelation after this time incurs a 100% cancelation fee. A nil refund will also apply once the tour has commenced. Please refer to our Booking Terms and Conditions for more information. Travel insurance is recommended.

Can I bring my own car?
Our fully inclusive trips are all designed around our unique 4WDs. We know we can look after these vehicles in remote areas with our support crew and gear.

Why is it limited to 3 adults sharing a vehicle?
Our Cape Crocs have spacious interiors and are very comfortable with 3 adults, any more and you may find yourselves a little too close. Two adults with 2 children is still comfortable. We want you to have an awesome trip with space to spread out a little.

What facilities are at the campgrounds?
If we camp in the National Parks, there are toilets and sometimes a shower. At commercial campgrounds, including Roadhouses, you will find excellent facilities including daily serviced toilets and showers. Our bush camp at Chuulangun has toilet and shower facilities. If an emergency bush camp is required, we cannot provide shower or toilet facilities.

How do I wash my clothes while I am away?
The commercial campgrounds we utilise have coin-operated washing machines. Clothes can be washed overnight. Additionally, you will have time to do your washing at the Tip on your free days. On average, a single wash load costs $4, Dryer load $4. ($1 coins are required).

Is drinking water supplied?
Your personal drinks, water, soft drinks, and alcohol is not provided. Each Cape Croc has a 65-litre fridge ample to keep a daily supply of drinking water cold. You will have the opportunity to buy bulk water and other drinks on Day 1 of each trip. There will be the opportunity to refill drinking water at most commercial campgrounds, alternatively, you can buy bottled water from Roadhouses and shops along the way. All water for meal preparation tea coffee etc is provided.

What food do you provide?
We provide your main meals: Breakfast is a combination of continental and cooked. Lunch is a range of wraps and sandwiches. Dinner is a mix of camp oven dishes and BBQ’s. We pride ourselves on the quantity and quality of our meal menu, which has been designed and prepared by restaurant chefs.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Absolutely – just let us know, well in advance (75 days), your special requirements and we will do our best to accommodate.

How many people are on each tour?
A trip will only be confirmed and operated when a minimum number of 8 people in 4 vehicles have been booked. There will only be a maximum of 6 ‘client’ vehicles on any trip. All trips are accompanied by the two support vehicles and crew.

How much spending money do I need?
You will just need to bring money for snacks and drinks and any souvenirs and Optional Tours.

Do the Roadhouses along the way have EFTPOS facilities?
They all have EFTPOS facilities however the internet in these areas is unreliable. It's good to take some cash with you as a backup.

Is there mobile phone coverage?
There is limited Telstra coverage only at Cooktown / Laura / Coen / Weipa and Bamaga. There is a public pay phone at Mt Molloy, Mt Carbine, Palmer River Roadhouse, Laura, Hann River Roadhouse, Musgrave Roadhouse, Coen, Archer River Roadhouse, Moreton Telegraph Station, and the Jardine River Ferry. Remember to bring coins for these phones.

Is there power to charge my phone and electronic devices?
There will be USB chargers in the vehicles to charge throughout the day as you are travelling.

Can I take alcohol?
A lot of lands in Cape York is Aboriginal Land where special rules and restrictions apply, not only in the communities but throughout the whole shire. You can check the following website for the latest updates: https://www.qld.gov.au/atsi/health-staying-active/alcohol-smoking-drugs/community-alcohol-restrictions/. We also like to support all businesses in the Cape Region and buy as much as possible locally.

Am I able to break away from the group at any time?
Whilst we are travelling throughout the Cape we ask everyone to stay as a group for safety reasons.

Can I go fishing at the Tip?
Absolutely! If fishing is your thing, then it’s a MUST to throw in a line on a trip to the Cape. There is a chance to do half-day, full-day, or overnight fishing tours from Bamaga. Not promising, but there could be a couple of chances along the way to ‘wet a line’. Our Guides are all keen fishermen. Seisia Jetty and all the beach areas north of the Jardine have noted fishing hot spots.

What is there to do at the Tip on the free days or at the end of my trip?
There are several Optional Tours we can arrange for you. The most popular is the day trip to Thursday island, or, the one-day, Three Islands tour. Depending on availability, it might be possible to arrange a Fishing trip. Other longer tours are available if you have the time.

What happens if COVID-19 government border restrictions impact our travel arrangements?
Should COVID-19 government border restrictions impact travel, you will receive a 100% credit for your tour booking. Outside of these conditions, our normal booking terms and conditions apply.