Pajinka Adventure 2026 – Australia’s Annual Road Trip to Cape York

4WD expedition to Cape York’s northern tip. Cairns, OTT, Pajinka, Daintree, waterfalls, crocs, native birds + more.

AUSTRALIA’S PAJINKA ADVENTURE 2026

The Annual 4WD Road Trip to the Tip of Cape York

Every year, adventurers from across Australia gather in Cairns to take part in something special — a once‑a‑year pilgrimage to the very top of the continent. The Pajinka Adventure isn’t just a road trip; it’s becoming a tradition. A yearly event that brings together travellers, storytellers, 4WD lovers, and everyday Aussies chasing the thrill of reaching the northernmost point of mainland Australia.

🚙 Departs Cairns. Returns to Cairns.
Choose your style: book a seat in our safari‑ready 4WD utes/troupes or tag along in your own vehicle.

Join the #PATRICKJAMES4WD crew for the 2026 edition of this growing annual adventure — a journey to Pajinka, the Tip of Cape York, where the famous sign marks the moment you’ve made it. For many, it’s a bucket‑list dream. For us, it’s a yearly celebration of mateship, country, and the spirit of the Australian outback.

Travel along safe, low‑risk sections of the Old Telegraph Track as we visit iconic spots like Palm Creek, Gunshot Creek, Cockatoo Creek, and Nolans. Swim in crystal‑clear waterfalls, wander through ancient rainforest, and experience the raw beauty of Far North Queensland in a way few ever do.

At night, gather around the campfire for singalongs, stories, and stargazing. Our kitchen crew prepares hearty meals, and we cater for most dietary needs. Accommodation is a mix of camping and cabins — the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

Whether you’re joining in one of our vehicles or driving your own, the Pajinka Adventure is designed to be unforgettable. And as this annual event grows each year, you’ll be able to say you were part of it from the beginning.

We can assist with transport options to Cairns from any major airport in Australia.

THE CELEBRATION AFTER THE SUMMIT

After we stand together at the Tip and capture that iconic Pajinka photo, the adventure doesn’t end — it shifts gears into celebration mode.

We roll south toward one of Queensland’s most legendary outback pubs, the Lions Den Hotel, where cold beers, tall tales, and the spirit of Cape York flow freely. It’s the perfect place to toast the journey, swap stories, and feel part of something bigger — a yearly tradition that grows with every convoy.

From there, we explore historic Cooktown, a town rich with culture, coastline, and character. Then the road leads us into the heart of the World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest, tackling the famous Bloomfield Track — a stunning blend of rugged 4WD terrain, ancient jungle, and coastal views that feel almost prehistoric.

As we reach the tropics again, you can choose your ending:
• Jump off the tour at Port Douglas to explore Mossman Gorge, unwind at a resort, or continue your own adventure.
• Or stay with the crew all the way back to Cairns for the official afterparty — a final night of laughs, photos, and celebrating the friendships forged on the road.

The Pajinka Adventure isn’t just a trip north. It’s a full-circle journey — from Cairns to the Tip and back through rainforest, history, and iconic Aussie landmarks. And every year, this final stretch becomes part of the legend.

TRIP DETAILS

Duration

13 Nights / 14 Days
Approximately 1,600 km each way

Route

Cairns → Weipa → Bamaga → Cape York (Pajinka) → Chilli Beach → Cooktown → Cape Tribulation → Daintree Rainforest → Cairns

Cost

Choose your style of travel:
• Purchase a seat in one of our safari‑ready 4WD vehicles
• Tag along in your own 4WD
Select Tickets to view availability, pricing, and inclusions.

Itinerary

8 days travelling north to the Tip
6 days exploring on the return journey to Cairns
A full 14‑day Cape York experience.

VEHICLE

🚙 Modern, comfortable, fully equipped 4WDs

Accommodation

🛌 7 Nights Shared Accommodation

(single‑room upgrade available)

⛺ 7 Nights Camping

All room-based stays include full facilities and are located near shared amenity blocks. Accommodation ranges from outback dongas to motel-style rooms — some quirky, some surprisingly charming — all offering character and comfort in remote locations. Rooms are shared (twin or triple), with some featuring ensuites.

Prefer your own space?
• Camp every night or
• Add a single‑supplement upgrade ($700) for your own room (subject to availability).

Camping

We supply all camping gear.
• Your own spacious tent
• Air mattress included
• Easy to set up and pack down
Most campsites have full facilities. One remote site has a basic toilet setup and simple shower/bird bath option. Bush‑toilet option available for those who prefer it.

Food

🥐 Breakfast and 🥩 Dinner included daily
🍗 Lunch not included — we stop at roadhouses and stations to support local communities.

We cater for most dietary needs. Our meals are best described as “Gourmet Camping Meals” — hearty, flavourful, and far beyond standard camp tucker.

The Pajinka Adventure is packed with iconic sights, cultural experiences, and those unforgettable “Cape York moments” that make this annual journey so special.

Signature Experiences

• Stand at The Tip of Australia (Pajinka) – the northernmost point of the continent. WOW! 📷
• Fruit Bat Falls, Eliot Falls & Twin Falls – swim in crystal‑clear, spring‑fed pools. WOW! 📷
• Daintree River Cruise – spot crocodiles, birds, and wildlife in the world’s oldest rainforest. WOW! 📷
• Aboriginal Rock & Cave Art – ancient stories carved into stone. WOW! 📷
• Wujal Wujal Falls – a powerful cultural and natural landmark.

Adventure & Culture

• Walks and short hikes most days
• Learn about the Guugu Yimithirr and Djabugay peoples
• Visit iconic Roadhouses & Stations — each with its own character
• Explore World War II sites scattered across the Cape
• Experience the legendary Old Telegraph Track — watch the brave tackle Gunshot, Palm Creek & Cockatoo Creek
• Cross the Jardine River Ferry
• Visit the quirky Sexchange Hotel
• Stop at the famous Croc Tent
• Enjoy the historic Cooktown Hotel (1885)
• Celebrate at the iconic Lions Den Hotel
• Taste tropical treats at Daintree Ice‑cream Co
• Crocodile spotting and feeding opportunities (safe and guided)

Scenic Drives

• Bloomfield Track – rainforest, creeks, and coastal views
• Cape Tribulation & Cowie Beach – where rainforest meets reef
• Mulligan Highway – sweeping outback landscapes
• Grassy Hill Lookout – panoramic views over Cooktown

Wildlife Encounters

• Green Python – the emerald jewel of the Iron Range
• Golden‑shouldered Parrot at Artemis Station – rare, endangered, and unforgettable
• Wallabies, sea eagles, palm cockatoos, butterflies, and more

Embark on this epic journey and create memories that will last a lifetime. 🌟

A snapshot of the incredible destinations included in this 14‑day Cape York expedition:

Cairns • Cooktown • Cape Tribulation • Cape York (Pajinka) • Seisia • Loyalty Beach • Bloomfield Track • Muranda • Kuranda • Julatten • Mount Molloy • Roonga Point • Hope Vale • Coen • Archer River • Wenlock River • Moreton Telegraph Station • Bramwell Station • Old Telegraph Track • Bamaga • Bloomfield • Jardine River • Punsand Bay • Weipa • Daintree • Chilli Beach • Lockhart River
…and more hidden gems along the way.

Travelling just after the wet season means:

• Rivers, waterfalls, and creeks are flowing beautifully
• Water crossings are active and exciting
• The landscape is lush, green, and alive

Our itinerary may adjust based on weather, road conditions, access, or government guidelines — but like you, we aim to reach as many iconic locations as possible.

THE OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK (OTT)

The OTT follows the original telegraph line through the Peninsula and was the only available route for much of the Cape’s history. This rough road is a 4WD enthusiast’s playground, accessible only during the dry season. It passes through beautiful country with several creek and river crossings, and patches of deep sand. Bush camps are set up at most creek crossings. The OTT is an integral part of this memorable journey, providing adventure, tradition, and stunning scenery.

PATRICKJAMES4WD Team only drives along low-risk sections of the OTT, but man, are they FUN! This includes low-level water crossings and creeks.

BLOOMFIELD TRACK

Described as wild but beautiful, the Bloomfield Track is a bucket-list trip for local and international 4WD enthusiasts. Flanked by pristine coastline on one side and ancient rainforest on the other, it starts 40km north of the Daintree River ferry and is around 100km long.

WILDLIFE & WILD MOMENTS

Cape York is one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers, and each year the Pajinka Adventure gives travellers the chance to witness wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. From rainforest to savannah to coastline, this region is alive with rare species, ancient ecosystems, and unforgettable encounters.

What You Might See Along the Way

🦜 Palm Cockatoos
One of the world’s most unique parrots, famous for their drumming courtship ritual. A true Cape York icon.

🦘 Wallabies & Roos
Agile wallabies, swamp wallabies, and the occasional big red in open country.

🐊 Estuarine Crocodiles
Seen safely from lookouts, riverbanks, and on guided cruises. A powerful reminder of the wild north.

🦅 Birds of Prey
Kites, sea eagles, and hawks soaring over beaches, rivers, and open plains.

🦋 Butterflies & Insects
Cape York is home to vibrant Ulysses butterflies, giant stick insects, and rainforest species found nowhere else.

🐢 Marine Life
Turtles, rays, and tropical fish in the clear waters around the Cape and Chilli Beach.

🟢 Green Python (Morelia viridis)
A jewel of the Iron Range and Chilli Beach region. This emerald‑green, tree‑dwelling python is one of the most sought‑after sightings in Cape York. Calm, slow-moving, and stunning to photograph, it’s a highlight for many travellers.

🐍 Green Tree Snake
Common, harmless, and lightning‑fast. Often seen around campsites and rainforest edges.

🟡 Golden-shouldered Parrot (Endangered)

One of Australia’s most treasured and endangered birds, the Golden‑shouldered Parrot is found only in a small pocket of Cape York. Travellers sometimes spot them around the Laura region, especially near Artemis Station, where conservation work is helping protect the species. With their turquoise bodies and golden shoulders, these parrots are a breathtaking sight and a reminder of the unique wildlife that makes Cape York so extraordinary.

A Living, Breathing Wilderness

Every Pajinka Adventure is different — the wildlife changes with the season, the weather, and the landscape. That’s part of the magic. We never overpromise, but every year our travellers return with stories of unexpected encounters, rare sightings, and moments that stay with them long after the trip ends.

Merchandise

Official tour T‑shirts and merchandise will be available. You’re also welcome to create your own vehicle name and design custom shirts for your crew.

Details & Terms

The Pajinka Adventure begins in Cairns. Travellers must arrange their own transport to Cairns. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your tour number within 3 days. Please wait for this confirmation email before booking flights.

This event is advertised across multiple platforms and places are limited.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants.

• We can recommend suitable insurers on request.
• Individual traveller insurance is usually around $200 and purchased online.
• Those joining in their own vehicle may require additional cover; your state motoring club may offer appropriate policies.
  We’re happy to advise on the level of cover you should have.

Please read the full Terms & Conditions on our website before joining this group adventure.

For more information, phone 0476 657 317.

We hope you’ll join us on this unforgettable journey to the Tip of Australia.
We look forward to welcoming you to the crew. 🌟