Summary of the Planned Route

 Day 1 – Meet ‘n Greet – Sunday August 9, 2026

Participants are encouraged to arrive by Saturday evening, August 8, 2026 at Chillagoe, to prepare for the official start of the trip the following day. Sunday’s events will include a vehicle inspection, issuing of car decals, T-shirts, and an official welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Monday August 10, 2026 – Chillagoe to Fairview Station – 293km

On our first travel day of the trip, we will head off in convoy (tag-along style), stopping at the Archways for a quick look; take a morning tea at Wrotham; lunch at Palmer River; and on to the Peninsular Development Road just north of Laura, and on to Fairview Station for the night.

Day 3 – Tuesday August 11, 2026 – Fairview to Coen – 229km

Day 3 has us heading up the Peninsular Development Road (PDR) to the township of Coen. Coen campground is at the rear of the pub, and it is well worth a quick visit to enjoy a cold beverage in the iconic pub.

Day 4– Wednesday August12, 2026 – Coen to Weipa – 276km

Today, the adventurous amongst the group will leave us to go play on the Old Telegraph Track.  For the less adventurous, we take the PDR towards Weipa for a fun-filled day-5 exploring the many sights of Weipa.

Day 5– Thursday August 13, 2026 – Weipa – lay day

An exciting day of sightseeing awaits, including tours of mining sites and sunset cruises.

Day 6 – Friday August 14, 2026 – Weipa to Bramwell Station – 188km

A special track awaits (provided it is open) – alternatively, we travel back towards Coen and turn left to the Telegraph Track and on to Bramwell Station for an enjoyable and traditional farmstead dinner and show.

Day 7 – Saturday August 15, 2026- to the Cape via the ferry – 258km

We take a leisurely drive up the PDR, crossing the Jardine River on the ferry, and on to Punsand Bay, leaving time to explore Bagama for fuel and Sieisa.

Day 8 – Sunday August 16, 2026 – Lay Day (to the Tip!!) – 34km

Today is our first lay day.  In the morning, we will go in convoy to the Top for a photo opportunity. In the afternoon we are free to rest up or explore WW2 sites or take the 5-beaches drive.  A trip to Bagama for supplies or the Aboriginal settlement at Siesia is recommended. An evening dinner at the resort restaurant will cap off the day nicely.

Day 9 – Monday August 17, 2026 – Thursday Island

Departing Seisia on our second lay day we will take the ferry to Thursday Island, located about 39 km north of Cape York Peninsula. We will tour the Green Hill Fort and Museum, the Gab Titui Cutural Centre, and the Thursday Island cemetery.

Day 10 – Tuesday August 18, 2026 – Punsand to Moreton Telegraph Station – 290km

We start the journey home – via Bagama and the Jardine ferry.  We follow the PDR south to Moreton Telegraph Station.  Those who missed Fruit Bat Falls on the journey north are encouraged to stop and take a quick dip. 

Day 11 – Wednesday August 19, 2026 – Moreton to Musgrave Roadhouse – 300km

 One of the true highlights of camping near the swampy creek at Musgrave is gathering each afternoon to watch the owners feed the resident freshwater crocodiles and turtles.

Day 12 – Thursday August 20, 2026 – Musgrave to Cooktown – 279km

Departing the PDR just north of Musgrave roadhouse, we come across Kalpower Crossing. Worth a visit and a crossing – usually the water levels at this time of the year are fine. Continuing along the main track, we stop for lunch at Old Laura homestead.

Day 13 – Friday August 21, 2026 – Cooktown to Cairns – 260km

Firstly, we will stop at the Lion’s Den Hotel for morning tea.  Then it is on to Wujal Wujal Falls, a spectacular waterfall located near the Indigenous community of Wujal Wujal on the Bloomfield River.  Options to take the Bloomfield or CREB track or return to the main road to Cairns. Cairns is our final stop, where we enjoy a final dinner, and issue of certificates and awards. With the weekend approaching, you could spend an additional one or two days exploring the Daintree region.   Try the gondola ride and steam train trip or walk in the treetops.