Things to Do in Cape York
The vast and beautiful landscapes of Australia offer a unique combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation. One such place is Cape York, located in Far North Queensland. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history.
Whether you’re looking for a rush or just want to relax in nature’s embrace, Cape York has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the top things to do in this amazing place.
Go Swimming Under Twin Falls
You will find yourself resting on sandy banks at the end of the day, with dusty feet hanging in the cool, crocodile-free current if you are willing to brave the washed-out access trail in order to reach this spring-fed sanctuary in Jardine River National Park.
Considering how remote the location is, the camping amenities are outstanding. There are many short hiking routes that go straight to the Saucepan, Eliot Falls, and two layers of tempting pools that are located just beneath Twin Falls.
There are restrooms, drinking water fountains, picnic tables, and fire pits available, but there is no cell phone service, so make sure you reserve your campsite in advance. The falls may be found 119 kilometers to the north of Bramwell Junction, off Bamaga Road, and marked with signs.
Search For Kennedy’s Lost Camp
Edmund Kennedy, an explorer, is credited with being the first person to get so close to reaching The Tip. His journey in 1848, which ended in catastrophe, is the stuff of mythology.
From Rockingham Bay to Cape York, eight men lost their lives in treacherous terrain and mangroves that were flooded by strong rainy season rains.
They were dangerously near to reaching the tip of the cape. Kennedy was tragically speared in the braided channels of the Escape River, and his remaining crew was never seen again after they disappeared.
This terrible segment of history is recounted in a memorial wayside monument that overlooks Kennedy’s Lost Camp, directly across from the Heathlands Ranger Base and 55 kilometers to the north of the Old Telegraph Track junction.
Fish Cape Flattery
This clean and peaceful bay is located 120 sandy kilometers north of Cooktown. It is a secluded angling paradise.
You can catch large barramundi and mangrove jack off the rocky point, and you can launch a tiny off the beach to troll for giant Spanish mackerel.
You are welcome to set up a free campsite among the paperbark trees that border the white sand at Connies Beach and contemplate the peace while casting a line. From Cooktown, take Battle Camp Road to Starcke Homestead, then drive down the coastline for 20 kilometers until you reach the Cape Flattery Silica Mine (make sure to check the tides beforehand), and then proceed to the north side of the Cape.
Boat To Faraway Flinders Island
On this island in Cape York, the Aba Yalgayi saltwater people fished, camped, painted, and were buried. They also left behind a unique history, which includes Yindayin rock shelters, middens, and artifacts.
Following their footsteps were explorers such as the crew of the HMS Dart, who, in 1899, signed their names on a rock and buried their dead in unmarked graves.
Flinders Island and its seven neighboring islands are home to sandstone cliffs, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and deep blue lagoons teeming with fish.
These environments are ideal for chasing big barramundi and for adventure, and they can be reached by taking an exciting tinny ride off the coast of Bathurst Heads.
Camp Around Mutee Head
It is one of the best of all the free campsites that are included with your Jardine River ferry ticket, and Mutee Head is one of the finest of those free campsites.
It is a lovely, deserted beachside camp where you can watch turtles eat in the super clean bay, and you can also 4WD to the banks of the Jardine River to battle crocodiles for your share of barramundi and mangrove jack.
There is camping available on both sides of the headland (firepits being the only amenity), but it is recommended that you launch your tinny on the southern side of Mutee Head in order to fish for mackerel, queenfish, trevally, flathead, and maybe threadfin salmon.
Drive 27 kilometers to the northwest from the Jardine River ferry crossing, then keep going for another 20 kilometers.
Sleep At Frangipani Bay
To the north of Bamaga, at the end of the road that winds through Lockerbie Scrub, Frangipani Bay, and the sign that marks the most southern point of Australia are waiting to be shot.
The majority of travelers just spend a day at The Tip, departing from Seisia, Loyalty Beach, or the adjacent Punsand Bay.
However, spending a night alone on Frangipani Bay and watching the sun set and rise again over The Tip is a lovely way to conclude your vacation. Find a spot in the woods directly behind the beach, or pitch your tent as close to it as possible.
Lake Patricia – Weipa
Even if you are just in Weipa town for the day, you should make time to go check out Lake Patricia. It is well worth the trip. You may savor this tranquil corner of heaven while enjoying a cup of tea and eating lunch beside a lake that is home to a variety of bird species.
The access road makes a large circle from the industrial part of town to the caravan park. Along the route, there are a few beaches and the jetty, which is known for being the final resting place of the renowned Toots that may be visited.
These areas are also fantastic for fishing. You will finally arrive at the day-use section of Lake Patricia, where there are restrooms and tables set up directly beneath enormous trees that provide ample shade, which is excellent for those hot and muggy days.
Get your encyclopedias and binoculars ready, bird watchers, since Cape York is home to a diverse population of avian species.
Cape Melville
If you’re looking for a stretch of coastline that’s completely devoid of people, Cape Melville is the place to go. This remote point is inaccessible by any means other than rocky interior and coastal 4WD trails.
Before reaching the tip of the cape, which can be enjoyed over the course of multiple days thanks to the numerous camping areas and bush camps that are available within Cape Melville National Park, travelers on the journey from Cooktown or Laura encounter everything from rusted-out LandCruisers to the unrivaled beauty of the Melville Range.
Travelers also reach the cape, which can be reached by traveling along the Cape Melville Highway.
Archer Point
Before proceeding further north to Cape York, it is highly recommended that you stop at the picturesque Archer Point. Archer Point is a short drive off the main route to the coast and can be found in close proximity to both the well-known Lions Den Hotel and Cooktown.
If you wish to take the steep dirt road journey all the way to the Lighthouse, which sits magnificently on top of a hill containing the most breathtaking view on any sort of day, 4WD vehicles are advised.
Camping in the woods is permitted. However, there is a shortage of available sites due to the persistently strong winds, rough terrain, and sudden downpours that move quickly. It only takes a quick stop there and back to truly appreciate its splendor.
Conclusion
Cape York is an amazing destination for explorers looking for an adventure. From the crystal clear beaches and tranquil waters of Cooktown to the World Heritage-listed rainforest of McIlwraith Range, it offers endless possibilities.
Guided tours through the region give visitors insight into its rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, while bushwalking and camping can be great ways to explore and experience the stunning landscapes of Cape York.
