Cockatours - Cape York Tours -

Carmel Ross

We knew we wanted to visit Cape York but how to do it warranted much debate. In the end we chose Cockatours and left our van in Cairns for the 15 day trip. We are not tent campers but really loved the experience with Rossy and Kat. The energy, enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of the Far North and its history too make this a standout experience. Thanks to Rossy for unique camping spots, wildlife spotting and pumpkin scones and chilli garlic yabbies! He told us many interesting stories of history and personal experiences that were absorbing as we travelled many kms of dirt roads. Expert driving to the conditions and organisational skills of getting 19 people together to work together setting up and packing up camp made for a very smooth experience. Loved the variety of camp food and campfires that we sat around, sharing yarns. Thanks to Kat as Rossy’s very capable assistant ensuring we were always well fed on delicious food. There was also the bonus of making new friends from the tour so we would have no hesitation in highly recommending the Cape York Tour with Cockatours.

Georgina Luscombe

We travelled on the May Cape tour in 2024. I am generally not a "tour person" but knew we did not have the right vehicle etc for the anticipated Cape Roads! In saying this this tour was exceptional.
Rossy, was not only extremely knowledgeable and entertaining but showed us so much more than just the tourist sights!! Not too many tours to my knowledge go " off road "to show you World War 2 crashed planes, (or tour of the dump!!) ,spotlighting in the rain forest at night, or stopping to show you a taipan (dead) on the side of the road!
Most days great distances were not covered so that you could enjoy the sights, have a swim or have a chat to the locals. Most camps were 'free camps' in very pretty and non touristy spots.
Our cook Kat did a great job of catering to all our different dietary needs with a most enjoyable varied menu.
Thank you Rossy and crew for such an amazing tour.

Colleen MEADLEY

We did the 15 day Cape York trip with Cockatours in September and had a great time. The Cockatours team Joe (Driver) and Cass (Chef) were fantastic. We learnt so much and had so many wonderful experiences as well a lot of fun. We certainly know a lot more about the top end history, indigenous culture, flora and fauna especially reptiles. Joe is an expert and spotted a rare blue tailed spotted monitor and many other snakes, lizards and birds. The tour was extremely well organised, the tents and sleeping gear were very comfortable and the food was amazing. We would highly recommend taking a trip with Cockatours to have an experience of a lifetime.

Julia Hazel

My second trip with Cockatours was their Cape York adventure (May 2024). Two years ago I did their Gulf Savannah tour. Both trips 5-star-plus!
Each day was really well organised and greatly enhanced by driver-guide Rossy sharing his enthusiasm and vast knowledge of wildlife ecology, local Indigenous culture and all-things-Cape-York. I loved the diverse landscapes we travelled through and the close-to-nature experiences while walking, swimming in rivers (only the croc-free ones!) and spotlighting at night.
I also loved camping each night in beautiful, often private locations in the bush, on the banks of rivers, beside the beach, and within dense rainforest. Of course it rained in the rainforest but no problem thanks to excellent camping equipment provided by Cockatours. Meals were delicious, plentiful and varied including fine vegetarian options, with everything enhanced by the good company of like-minded fellow travellers.
I cannot thank Rossy and Cat enough for their combined skills, kindness and good humour throughout this trip - it was a privilege to travel with you!

First review: Cockatours Gulf-Savannah trip (May 2022) was packed with wonderful experiences, stunning landscapes, wildlife and rare plants, learning about Indigenous Australian culture and the natural environment of northern Australia. I loved all the opportunities for hiking, swimming and kayaking in fabulous places. Even boat trips and scenic flights were included, truly exceptional value. Each night was down-to-earth camping under the stars, close to nature, well organised with good food and friendly companionship among like-minded travellers. Huge thanks to Rossy, Joe and Kerrie for the BEST EVER camping-exploring holiday!

LeAnne Banks

Just got back from Cockatours Cape York Wildlife tour. Rossy & Joe were exceptional guides, wealth of information on history, culture & ecology. Went exploring in the beautiful wilderness & hidden gems, spotted the most amazing wildlife.... top that off with awesome food, comfortable camping and great companionship. So well organised and nothing was too much trouble... Absolute must on your bucket list!!

Mary Backhouse

What a fantastic adventure! With Joe (driver)and Cass our cook on her first tour, we were in for an amazing trip. A well organized, informative, varied itinerary, great value tour!! To see the sights of Cape York: from the outback, oceans, wildlife and creeks, (there are some we could swim in!) with a bus full of like minded tourists was such fun. Don’t be concerned if you haven’t camped before-great instructions, and our group were always willing to help each other out! (even when we packed up wet from rain overnight). The camp fires were amazing-with memorable meals cooked on top, in or beside! If you get the chance, book a tour! Thanks Rossy and your team.

Patricia Heron

My husband and I are almost 72 and we took this tour for the experience of a lifetime, and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. The places we visited were uniquely beautiful and just what we'd hoped for. Our Cape is a wild and mind blowing place and to see the animals, birds and meet the people who live there, to hear their stories and be guided and fed by two young people, who obviously love the place and were so competently caring for 18 wide-eyed campers of all ages, was just fabulous. Joe and Cass are remarkable Cockatours guides and did their best to give us all an absolutely unforgettable experience. Hats off to them and thank you so much for taking us to places we could never find and visit ourselves, and imparting your extensive knowledge with such enthusiasm and patience. Fabulous company, wonderful food, loads of fun for all. A1 in my book 🙂

Leanne Pacey

My husband and I had one of the best travel experiences we have ever had, definitely best within Australia. Would never be able to see FNQ and walk to the Tip without doing an organised trip like this. Our Cape York trip with Cockatours in August 2023 was an incredible experience. Lots of fun with a great group of people. Hopefully we will be able to go on another Cockatours in the future.