Cape York is larger than England
Cape York is larger than England and almost the size of the state of Victoria, covering a mighty 137,000 square kilometres – 11 million hectares - from Cooktown to Seisia at the “tip” of Queensland. It was the first part of Australia to be mentioned in written history and is one of the last accessible wilderness areas in the world. Despite its head start in history, Cape York remains a land of few people, with prolific wildlife living in rugged mountains, eucalypt, mangrove and rainforests, headlands, grasslands, swamps and mighty rivers.
Cape York is home to Aboriginal and Islander communities and there are many opportunities to gain a fascinating insight into indigenous Australian culture through tours and cultural centres. The small settlement at Laura offers tours of ancestral paintings in natural rock galleries and every two years holds a festival of Aboriginal dance and culture. The varied, rugged landscapes, endless miles of dusty roads and dynamic scenery of Cape York take most visitors by surprise. From the vast ochre interior studded with gold fields, wet lands, and cattle stations to the white sands, blue waters and Torres Strait Islands off the coast, you will experience the most untouched attractions of nature’s theme park in Cape York.
The main Peninsula Developmental Road runs through the middle of the Cape and crosses many rivers and waterways. Small tracks off the main road lead to large cattle stations, pioneer gold fields, hidden camp sites and other natural treasures. Beyond Cooktown, most residents live in indigenous and cattle station communities and in small mining towns dotted among enormous national parks.
The locals have a unique, country character about them, friendly, with a wealth of local knowledge and stories to tell. All-terrain or 4WD vehicles are best to explore the rugged terrain of Cape York as many of the roads (apart from the Mulligan Highway from Mareeba to Cooktown) are unsealed or dirt (apart from the Mulligan Highway from Mareeba to Cooktown). Depending where you are, accommodation options vary throughout Cape York from camping grounds and caravan parks to historic hotels, motels, and lodges – even working cattle stations!
Weather on Cape York Peninsula is usually described as the Green and Dry Seasons. Cape York is rejuvenated by 80% of its annual rainfall between December and March. Some roads become impassable and rivers spread so far they join with others to form vast inland seas. Cape York communities are still accessible by air and sea, but road networks can be unreliable in the green season. By contrast, in the dry season from April to November, lagoons and swamps begin to dry up, rivers stop flowing and the parched plains and open woodland become postcard perfect Australian outback landscapes. Download Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula Information Guide.
Useful Links & Further Information:
Cape York Development Association
RACQ Road Information
Cook Shire Council Road Information
Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation
Cape York – An Adventurer’s Guide by Ron & Viv Moon is regarded by many as THE bible to Cape York. Find out more or buy your copy here.
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Things to Know
Important things you should know before you explore the Cape York. The Australian outback is a special place where the pace and culture of life can be quite different to what we’re used to – that’s why it’s so popular. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your Cape York experience. Increase your Cape York IQ:Read some reference books such as TTNQ’s Cape York Peninsula Information Guide, some maps, and websites before you leave and pay attention to interpretive signs en-route to make the most of your Cape York experience.
Alcohol Restrictions: Special rules apply to the consumption of alcohol within Cape York aboriginal community boundaries. Rules vary town to town and in some places alcohol is totally banned. Click here to find specific details for the areas you are visiting or call 1300 789 000.
Private Holdings: Many Cape York roads cross private properties (usually indicated by gates and/or signs) called ‘private holdings’ which are off limits to the public without prior arrangement. Contact relevant land owners for permission before entering and always respect these areas.
Extreme Weather: Cairns and Great Barrier Reef is subject to monsoonal rain and seasonal cyclones – even in the outback. While it rejuvenates and brings new life to our tropical landscapes, rivers can swell very quickly and roads can also be blocked for extended periods, particularly during December to March. By contrast, the region also experiences dry periods where rivers, swamps, and lagoons dry up and bushfires become prevalent. Know where you stand and plan your journey safely by checking road conditions at www.racq.com.au.
Communications: 3G network coverage is available in the Cape’s major towns, but you will need a ‘Blue Tick’ regional approved handset and 3G SIM card. UHF radio is a favoured, reliable communication method in Cape York. Public internet access is sporadic - available in some towns only.
Caring for the Environment: Please come and explore the wonders of Cape York - take lots of memories but leave only footprints so many more people can enjoy the same wonderful experience in years to come. Here’s a few tips to make your Cape York journey an eco-friendly one: Dispose of rubbish only in designated areas – carry a plastic container to hold rubbish between dumping sites. Burn toilet paper or put it in the rubbish. Bury solid human waste 15-30cm below the surface, at least 100m from watercourses and/or campsites. Do not use soap/detergent in creeks or rivers. Use organic, eco-safe products instead. Don’t feed any animals or birds. They’ll get sick. Visit www.cowry.com.au/planetsafe for more planet safe travel tips.
Dogs, Cats & Firearms: Are prohibited in Queensland National Parks and many properties and communities in Cape York.
Crocodiles: Inhabit many lagoons, rivers and waterholes and sometimes swim out to sea. Stay safe by camping away from riverbanks and taking care when fishing or entering water.
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