The Wilderness Challenge Private Collection

Discover the best of North Queensland

Wilderness Challenge

The Wilderness Challenge ‘Private Collection’ provides exclusive and uniquely tailored wilderness experiences in Australia’s far north. Experiences focus on the natural and cultural world, including rainforest, the dramatic Cape York, dry ‘outback’ landscapes, wildlife and abundant birdlife, amazing history of exploration and pioneering and the traditional and contemporary culture of Australia’s traditional owners.

You will enjoy a high level of comfort and freedom camping in style with Wilderness Challenge. A spacious tent with comfortable beds allows travel to some isolated and private locations. Table linen and long-stemmed wine glasses complete the setting. Meals feature premium Australian produce and selected wines. A portable shower and toilet are provided.

For those who prefer not to camp, a combination of bush pubs, cattle stations, remote wilderness lodges and resorts are used for a great variety of experiences, capturing the very essence of remote Australia. Each location will add adventure, fun and understanding of the Outback and first hand experiences of the living and working conditions of Outback Aussies, past and present.

With a region larger than the British Isles available for exploration, Wilderness Challenge can create an itinerary to suit your time frame and interests. Here are some of our favourite suggestions.

Detour to the Dreamtime Camping Safari

Visit Jowalbinna, an inspiring rock art safari camp, on this two day safari from Cairns.

Day 1

Departing Cairns, this unique safari heads west across the Great Dividing Range to a dry Outback landscape. You will see termite mounds and expansive cattle stations as you journey to Jowalbinna Bush Camp near Laura. In 1959, Percy Trezise, bush pilot and artist, rediscovered the vast network of rock art sites in the region and began recording what is probably the largest body of rock art in the world. Jowalbinna, nestled in the valley of the Little Laura River, was Percy’s home for many years and the base for his study and art. Undertake some inspiring walks to sites such as Emu Dreaming, Giant Wallaroo, Snake Dreaming, Death Adder and Honeymoon Cave. You will stay in Wilderness Challenge’s private camp – swim in the nearby creek, hear stories of adventure by the campfire, breathe the clear bush air and gaze up at the star-filled sky.

Day 2

Awaken to the morning chorus of birdlife and a relaxed breakfast around the campfire. This morning, spot local wildlife, discover more incredible rock art sites with a morning bushwalk and simply revel in the splendid isolation of this outback oasis. Journey back to Cairns this afternoon.

Savannah Postcards Camping Safari

Discover some of Tropical North Queensland’s most fascinating and unusual experiences on this two day camping safari from Cairns.

Day 1

You will be met by your Wilderness Challenge guide and transferred to Cairns Railway Station. Your unique journey begins on the Savannahlander train, an icon of northern rail and quirky survivor of a bygone era. Ascend the Kuranda mountain range, passing waterfalls and views of the coast.

Rejoin your vehicle and Wilderness Challenge guide at Mareeba, where you will head to Mareeba Coffee Works for morning refreshments. Travel through the lush agricultural area of the Atherton Tableland on your way to Undara, site of the world’s longest lava tube system. Go for a wildlife tour at sunset with a local guide to see a phenomenal natural experience – the emergence of thousands of micro-bats from the underground lava tube has to be seen to be believed! You will also see a variety of local native animals including wallabies, kangaroos and lizards, not to mention over 120 species of birds. Enjoy a gourmet campfire cooked meal with Australian wine and camp under a star-filled sky at Undara tonight.

Day 2

Rise to a crisp Outback morning and relaxed campfire breakfast. Today you will meet the delightful David Dudson of the Ewamin people, traditional owners of the Undara region. David is a renowned artist, dancer and international musician and will introduce you to his country from an indigenous perspective. You will have a private art workshop and even produce your own didgeridoo! After lunch with David, depart Undara and travel back to Cairns (alternatively, this journey can finish in the Daintree Rainforest – with a stay at either Silky Oaks Lodge or Bali Hai).

Important Note: To fit in with the Savannahlander train, this itinerary starts on Wednesdays only.

Adventures in Cape York Camping Safari

Discover splendid isolation on this four day 4WD camping safari which visits the vast untouched wilderness of mainland Australia’s northernmost point. With a sparse and dispersed population of indigenous communities, cattlemen and adventurers, Cape York is home to some of the country’s most rare and spectacular wildlife.

Day 1

You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Bamaga, where you will be met by your Wilderness Challenge safari guide. Head to the bush through the rugged and remote wilderness – this is real off-road territory! Nature rules the show here with crystal clear spring fed watercourses, huge termite mounds, carnivorous plants and forests of eucalpt and melaleuca. Camp in the wilderness beside a delightful spring-fed creek tonight.

Day 2

Walk, swim, bird-watch or simply relax on the banks of this beautiful ‘wild-river’. You will then be picked up by helicopter for a breathtaking viewing of the Torres Strait Islands and turquoise sea, with optional stops for remote river fishing. Your pilot, a real character with a wealth of bush experience, will drop you off at a beachside camp where you will rejoin your Wilderness Challenge guide.

Day 3

An exclusive morning charter with a local fishing boat will give fishing a new meaning today! Savour your catch in a final meal under the stars whilst gazing at the peaceful waters of the Torres Strait.

Day 4

A final 4WD trek to Bamaga Airport ends your journey today, as you board your flight back to Cairns.