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5 Reasons to Tackle Cape York
(Image: In flood, Cape York presents more of a challenge.)
The Cape is a major destination for overlanders, especially once the rivers and creeks have dropped a bit after the wet season and mid-year school holidays have hit, and here are some tips from us on what not to miss.
(Image: Isabella Falls Cape York.)
THE WATERFALLS
With so many water crossings on the way to The Tip, waterfalls are in abundance. You will need to be tackling the Old Telegraph Track to see most of them though, but isn’t that the only way to experience the Cape anyway? Here are five top waterfalls to check out, just make sure you have a camera, tripod and some form of a polarizing filter (a pair of sunnies will do it) to capture the best images.
- Isabella Falls
- Dulhunty River
- Fruit Bat Falls
- Elliot Falls
- Twin Falls
(Image: Fruit Bat Falls.)
THE OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK (OTL)
The OTL is not only an Australian iconic track it also ranks highly on Hema’s list of Cape York’s toughest tracks. Following the original line of the electric telegraph line that was constructed in the late 1880s and continued operation until 1987. What makes the OTL so challenging, besides the bone-rattling corrugations, are its variety of water crossings, each with its challenges especially Palm Creek, Gunshot Creek and Nolan’s Brook. The OTL also offers spectacular scenery, fantastic swimming holes and of course, cheering spectators at several of the crossings.
(Image: Old Telegraph Track.)
THE PUBS
After a big day on the tracks full of water crossings, dust and corrugations there’s nothing better than pulling into a pub to cleanse the palate. Thankfully there are enough establishments along the trail to help in this regard. Most are roadhouses so supply fuel, a campground and provide some amazing food.
- Lions Den Hotel
- Palmer River Roadhouse
- Hann River Roadhouse
- Musgrave Roadhouse
- Archer River Roadhouse
- Bramwell Junction Roadhouse
(Image: Punsand Bay.)
THE BEACHES
With the oceanfront running both sides of the Cape, there are plenty of beaches to find a place to camp. You’ll be able to enjoy some spectacular sunrises and sunsets as well as leisurely strolls along the beach. If you’re carrying a tinnie, the offshore fishing for mackerel, queenies, trevally and flathead or try your luck for barramundi or mangrove jack from the shoreline. Be very croc aware though, there are some big ones about. Here are just some of the great beaches to check out:
- Punsand Bay
- Chilli Beach
- Captain Billy Landing
- Loyalty Beach
- Somerset Beach
- Nanthau Beach
- Usher Point
THE TIP
The Tip, an iconic destination seeing at its the northernmost point on the Australian mainland and most challenging to get to, but did you know it doesn’t appear in any of the “Top 10 Australian Instagram destinations”? Maybe that’s because influencers won’t accept the challenge of getting there, but they don’t know what they’re missing. It is a great photo opportunity to share with your friends and family on social media, but in all honesty, isn’t the journey more rewarding than the destination?
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