Explore the old gold mining town of Coen, where the precious metal was first discovered in 1876. When the Great Northern Mine was established in 1893 Coen underwent a boom period, but by 1916 the mine was closed and the town resumed its quiet existence.
Afterwards stop at the Archer River Roadhouse for lunch, halfway along your day's travels. Then resume your journey to the town of Weipa, the largest community on the Cape York Peninsula. Stay: Weipa, Albatross Bay Resort (B/L/D)
Today you can enjoy a relaxing boat trip from Weipa (additional charge), learning about the area's ecology, mining industry and Indigenous culture as you look for saltwater crocodiles.
Afterwards, travel to Bramwell Station. Stay: Bramwell Station (B/D)
Check out Bramwell Junction's imposing termite mounds before heading to Fruit Bat Falls, where you can enjoy a cooling swim in the clear waters of the Elliott River. Take a ferry across the Jardine River, then head north through the traditional land of the Injinoo people. Stay Two Nights: Cape York Peninsula Lodge (B/L/D)
Take the ferry across the picturesque Endeavour Strait to fascinating Thursday Island. Once a pearling centre, Thursday Island became a major defence post during World War II. The labyrinth of tunnels and rooms at Green Hill Fort now house the Torres Strait Museum. You'll then take the local ferry to Horn Island, where you will board your flight to Cairns, enjoying the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef from a bird's-eye view en route. Your journey ends at Cairns Airport. (B)
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