Back in February 2024 when we planned this trip, a suggestion was made to fly to “The Tip” with an operator who provided a complete package for a trip. Over the past month, we have had numerous discussions with the operator as an unusual wet season provided doubts if the road from the airport at Bamaga to the top of Australia would be passable. The trip was on, then off, then on and finally left in limbo with a decision being made when we arrived in Cooktown. That day was yesterday, and a decision was made to go irrespective of the weather. One couple decided to pass on the opportunity.
So, at 5:50am today the alarm sounded, and “He” had breakfast, packed a backpack and left at 7:00am for the airport.
The flight was provided by Daintree Air Services and can be best described with the following dot points obtained from their website and modified to reflect our situation.
Early Morning Departure: Check in at Cooktown Airport by 7:15am, with the flight departing at 8:00 am.
Scenic Flight: Enjoy a 1 hour and 45-minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, and other landmarks.
Bus Transfer: Upon arrival at Bamaga Airport, transfer to a bus for the drive to the Tip of Australia.
Lunch at the tip: Sandwiches, fruit, cheese and biscuits plus a drink before walking to The Tip.
Tip of Australia: A short walk to the iconic sign for photos and enjoying the view of the Torres Strait.
Return Flight: Return to Bamaga Airport for the flight back to Cooktown.
Return to Cooktown: Arrive back in Cooktown by approximately 5:00pm.
The members who travelled today were John P, John C & Michelle, Heino & Cathy, Norm and Jan, Terry and Ronee and Phil.
We travelled in two Piper aircraft with the registration of VH-FDQ and VH-OCF. Both were old aircraft but in good condition and very well maintained. We understand that VH-FDQ had been fitted with new engines and a glass cockpit. These planes will fly forever.
We experienced a low-level flight where a description of the location was provided by the pilots. The planes landed about 10 minutes apart at Bamaga where we boarded a bus. Much to his surprise, he had Telstra coverage during the entire trip. This was due to the low-level flight and the same would not happen on the return journey due to flying at a higher altitude.
The first stop made by the bus was at the wreck of a DC3 from WW2. We question the make as the aircraft was operating as a wartime aircraft which makes it a C49. The plane crashed whilst trying to land at Bamage. Second stop was at a service station (diesel was $2.75 per litre). Then we stopped at the “Croc Shop” where we were able to purchase souvenirs should we desire to do so. He could not find anything of interest.
There were several creek crossings before we arrived at the carpark at “The Tip”. Lunch was provided before we embarked on the climb and descent over the hills between the car park and “The Tip”. The climb and descent to “The Tip” was not easy but we all managed to get there, some slower than others. After the mandatory photographs, we returned to the bus via the beach as the tide was now low. It would have been great to have walk to the top of Australia via the beach, but the water had not receded enough to expose the beach when we arrived.
We returned quickly to the airport where shortly after 3pm, we were in the air for the return trip to Cooktown.
All our group that undertook the adventure made it to “The Tip” and more importantly, there were no injuries and everyone was extremely happy with the experience..
She spent the day with two of the ladies who decided not to fly. The day was spent mostly talking and then helping with a prepared evening meal.
Most of the group enjoyed a prepared meal of spaghetti bolognese before retreating to our RV as we were all very tired.
We had an early night into bed.