Journey To Paradise

Overview

Looking for a wild adventure down under? Look no further than the 7-day package
to Australia’s Northern Cape and Torres Strait! This all-inclusive tour will take you on a journey through rugged terrain and crystal-clear waters, giving you the chance to explore unique flora and fauna, while also learning about the traditional ways of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live in the area. You’ll visit Horn Island, Thursday Island, Pajinka (The Tip), Fruit Bat Falls and Masig (Yorke) Island. But it’s not all serious stuff – you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to relax on beautiful beaches, participate in cultural activities like dancing and singing and feast on delicious locally-inspired cuisine. So why wait? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Journey to Paradise

7 DAYS & 6 NIGHTS
Departs: Thursday, Masig, Horn & North Cape
Returns: Thursday, Masig, Horn & North Cape

Was $0

From $8924

PP Twin Share

ACTIVITIES & DESTINATIONS

Day 1: Cairns to Horn Island

The tour begins at Cairns airport, where our Cairns-based team will meet you at Cairns Airport prior to your departure. The first day will be spent getting to know each other over a welcome dinner and briefing about the tour. Horn Island is a small island in the Torres Strait, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is an important transportation hub for the region, with regular flights to other islands and the mainland.

Day 2: Thursday Island

On Thursday Island, you’ll traverse more of the cultural tapestry, military history, religious and commercial activity that is island life. An air-conditioned coach/taxi will take you around the island which your local guide will illuminate through an interesting and informative commentary. Highlights include Green Hill Fort, which was constructed in the late 1800s to help protect Australia from a possible Russian invasion. Apart from its amazing views, over the surrounding seas and islands, the fortifications are impressive.

Day 3: Northern Cape (Pajinka Tour)

The third day will see the group take a ferry to Seisia on the Northern Cape to visit a Pajinka (the Tip). The cultural tour to Pajinka is a journey to the Tip, the most northerly point of the Australian mainland. The tour has been developed in consultation with Traditional Owners of the land to ensure authenticity and accuracy. Travel through Cape York Peninsula country while learning about the establishment of Bamaga and viewing historical sites including the ruins, graves and memorial of Somerset, the earliest permanent European settlement on the Peninsula. The award winning Cape York Peninsula Lodge is your 2-day home in the heart of the Bamaga and offers a unique opportunity to explore this beautiful region.

Day 4: Northern Cape (Fruit Bat Falls)

On the fourth day, head south for an invigorating offroad adventure to the beautiful Fruit Bat Falls. With viewpoint stops at Umagico and Injinoo townships, as well as the historical Mutee Head, this tour is more than just a tropical adventure – it’s a cultural exploration of the Cape York Peninsula. Guests will cross the mighty Jardine River onboard a local ferry, however they can stay in the coach during the crossing. From here, the tour continues on a 4WD path including the Old Telegraph Track, taking travellers to the magnificent Fruit Bat Falls. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in this spectacular corner of the world, and a refreshing dip in the Falls’ pristine waters.

DAY 5: Bamaga to Masig Island

All the best adventures start with a scenic flight. As you depart after lunch from Bamaga Airport on a 1hour scenic charter flight over the
incredible turquoise waters of the Torres Strait. Friendly local guides are waiting to greet you to their island home. An official Welcome to Country by a Masig Island Traditional Owner takes place at this time, as well as a check-in to Council, before arriving at your accommodation at the Lowatta Lodge. Lowatta Lodge is 100m from the beach and was built specifically to provide safe and comfortable island accommodation.

Once settled, today is about getting your bearings and learning about the island, the region and the people who call it home. During your lunch we will hold an information session and Q&A in an interactive event led by a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area and its attractions. After lunch your guide will accompany you on a 2-hour walk through community which is an incredible experience. As the sun begins to set and temperatures drop, accompany our guide on a walking tour of the community and the surrounding beaches. This is an eye-opening yet beautiful experience of Masig Island, its sights and what makes this beautiful place so spectacular. The tour will also include Council Check-in which is a compulsory aspect for all visits which go to any outer island of the Torres Straits.

Spend your last hours of your first day of travel, relaxing on the north- western side of Masig Island where some of the region’s most spectacular sunsets can be viewed. As dusk falls, a locally inspired feasting-style dinner will be served which highlights the region local foods but also displays the Asian and European influences into the region. Relax and watch the sunset over the Torres Strait. Later in the evening, a beach fire will be lit (weather dependent).

DAY 6: Masig Island (Cultural Connections)

Today you’ll learn all about the history and people of Masig Island. A place which has played a central position in the Strait’s trading networks, for hundreds and thousands of years. Its people are renowned as skilled navigators, possessing detailed knowledge of the reefs and cycles of the sea. These stories are shared in a relaxed and informal information session.

Slide into island life and make some cultural connections, that’s what day 2 on Masig Island is all about. After breakfast at the Lodge, you’ll leave for a two-hour basket weaving and coconut oil making experience hosted by a Traditional Owner of Masig Island, this experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of these practices. Participants will learn traditional weaving techniques and coconut oil extraction methods while gaining insight into the historical and spiritual significance of these practices in Indigenous culture.

Return to the lodge for lunch and have free time in the early afternoon to relax at the lodge or explore the island at your own pace. As the late afternoon breezes blow across Masig Island, you’ll be shown traditional hunting techniques and have the opportunity to make your own decorative spear. This evening, join your guide and selected community representatives for a locally prepared food served and enjoyed in in the company of your guide and invited community members to further share stories and learn of Torres Strait Ailan Kastom (Island Custom).

DAY 7: Island Time > Before Heading Back to Horn Island

Enjoy one last sunrise and breakfast in the Torres Strait before you are farewelled by community to return to Cairns. This journey home includes one more incredible charter flight back to Horn Island followed by a regular flight skirting the incredible northern Great Barrier Reef.

LOCATION

The Torres Strait sits above the Australian mainland. A tropical archipelago of 274 islands. Green gems in a vast blue sea – island stepping stones – scattered between Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Home to descendants of ancient seafarers, skilled navigators who keep their culture alive and maintain their ties to land and sea.

Only 17 of the islands are inhabited and on the 1 Strait Day tour, you visit two the most populated ones – Horn and Thursday Island. This provides those travellers short on time, the ability to engage with people and culture, enrich with experiences and leave with memories of vast blue seas, tropical islands, traditional dancing and our fiercely and proudly defended northern frontier.

Inclusions and Extras

Inclusions

All flights including Cairns to Horn Island and a charter flight to Masig Island.
2 nights twin-share accommodation at Lowatta Lodge
2 nights twin-share accommodation at Cape York Peninsula Lodge in Bamaga
2 nights twin-share accommodation at Grand Hotel on Thursday Island
All Meals. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily, including special dinner events across the package.
All transfers, using quality air-conditioned ferries and coaches.
Tours and experiences:
- Welcome to Country with Traditional Owners
- Half-day tour to Pajinka (The Tip) with an indigenous guide.
- Half day tour to Fruit Bat Falls with an indigenous guide.
- 1 Hour Thursday Island tour with Lax Charters.
- 1 Hour Traditional Islander Dancing & Singing Performance.
- 1 Hour tour of Horn Island with Torres Strait Heritage.
- Island-style feasting lunch with local dance team.
- Sunset dinner at Green Fort Hill with local catering tea.
- Coconut Oil Making and basket weaving experience.
- Traditional Hunting Demonstration.
- Locally inspired Seafood Feast.
- Traditional Islander Dancing & Singing Performance.
- Guided Walk to Koedal Island (weather and tide dependent).
- Numerous opportunities to purchase local art work.

Optional Extras

By using our extensive partner network, Strait Experience can arrange airfares, accommodation and transfers from anywhere in Australia.

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

Minimum of 6 people are required for this trip to operate.
Bookings close 2 weeks prior to departure
Full refund provided if minimum numbers are not met.

Tailor Made Travels with Strait Experience

If scheduled departure dates don’t work for you, or you would prefer to travel privately, please contact us at [email protected].au, about creating the perfect bespoke tailor- made journey for you, or your own small group with family or friends.