Overview
THIS EXPEDITION WAS FIRST DELIVERED IN 2021. SINCE THEN WE HAVE DECIDED TO REMOVE IT FROM OUR PORTFOLIO DUE TO THE EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE PASSING OF OUR GOOD FRIEND AND EXPEDITION GUIDE, DENNE BOURKE. THIS PAGE REMAINS HERE AS A TESTIMONY TO THE MAGIC HE HELPED CREATE. R.I.P. LEGEND.
Our EXTREME DREAMS: TORRES STRAIT expedition is a one-of-a-kind, pioneering, raw adventure in untamed sea country. It’s not for the faint-hearted and not everything will go to plan. What we can guarantee is a true ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style adventure.
After flying into Horn Island, we start the expedition at the northernmost point in Australia, the tip of Cape York, and set off in two outrigger canoes to explore the archipelago of Southern Torres Islands, camp on beaches under a tapestry of stars, and supplement our food stores with whatever we can harvest from the ocean en route (crocodile isn’t very good to eat don’t worry).
For the first half of the expedition, we’ll hone the art of paddling outrigger canoes in the comfortable waters around the southern islands, before (weather/ocean/tidal conditions permitting) embarking on a crossing to the Western Torres Strait island of Badu, just 80km from the mainland of Papua New Guinea.
Working closely with the local Torres Strait Islander communities, we’ll learn about their deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land and ocean, cook Kup Murri on the beach and witness rarely visited sacred sites, all with the blessing of the Traditional Owners.
My ever-lasting memories during my time as the Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef during the Best Job in the World are from my visit to the Torres Strait islands. The deeply cultural island communities have the appearance more of Pacific Islanders than Australian Aboriginals, they engage in warm conversation with strangers, and have deep pride in their history. For these and a million other reasons, I created the expedition to share the experience with others. I still remember the deep belly laughter, community gatherings, palm leaf weaving under the trees and the best view I’ve ever experienced from a toilet seat.
This expedition has been completed once before, by our Venturer Team in 2021, so our itinerary may, and probably will change. It’s an unscripted adventure, the kind that challenges you and has more unknowns than most people can stomach. It’s a different kind of travel, and we think more people should experience it.
No previous experience in outrigger canoes is necessary. We will all start this adventure as novices and end up as salty sea dogs. Best Life Adventures will arrange a couple of taster sessions around SE Queensland in the run-up to the expedition proper.
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NUMBERS – We need 10 people to ensure this expedition goes ahead – no more, no less. If you get in too late and miss out, we’ll add you to the waitlist but don’t expect people to give up their place easily. This will be epic.
INSURANCE – We highly recommend taking out personal travel insurance within seven days of booking this expedition. It will ensure you are covered if things go pear-shaped on your side even before the expedition begins including cover for lost baggage, flight disruption or cancellation, broken gear or personal health or injury.
