6. Cairns – Cape York Q

Our inability to buy a new spare tyre due to rubber shortage (pesky 18” rims) meant that we took a tour instead of driving ourselves.  Turned out to be a great decision and an amazing experience!  We can thoroughly recommend Heritage 4WD Tours, especially their 7-Day Cape York Fly/Drive Budget Accommodated Safari.  Very handy travelling with a local who knows the tracks, extra places to see, who can cook really well and is using his vehicle on those roads.

Woohoo!  We made it to the most northern tip of mainland Australia.  Major highlight and another item ticked off the Bucket List.

$88 for the short ferry trip across the Jardine River is mandatory – because there is no other way to go north to “The Tip”.

Fruit Bat Falls was another major highlight.  What a pristine and beautiful place.

Swimming here was awesome and going through the falls most excellent.

One of the smoother sections of the Old Telegraph Track.

The “gentle” approach to the Cockatoo Creek crossing.

Spen boarding up for the Cockatoo Creek Crossing – pretty deep & fast flowing.  The bus had no probs crossing this one as well.

So many beautiful sights – this one is the Wenlock River.

Sunset over the water and beach at Weipa.

The Archer River was also very photogenic.

Spen at the Lion’s Den Hotel near Cooktown – great old pub, live band and a 1.5m black-headed python which was allowed to slither across the arms & shoulders of 'volunteers' . . . . but not this little black duck! 

This is the new 4WD bus which took us home from the Cape in air-conditioned luxury.  It’s on Grassy Hill Lookout at Cooktown – great views.

We’re wending our way home slowly (via Longreach to pick up Toby) and will post a few more pix along the way. 

Best wishes and stay safe until next time.

Spencer & Rhonda