For most keen four-wheel drivers, Cape York is another one of those ‘must-do-before-I-die’ destinations. Part of the beauty of a Cape York adventure is in actually getting there – just make sure you allow enough time to do it properly.
It would be a great shame to get as far north as Cairns and not take the time explore the CREB Track, visit Cape Tribulation or get to legendary Cooktown via the Daintree. Or not to divert to the Palmer River goldfields, the richest alluvial reef ever discovered in Australia. And while you’re there, you’d have to pop across and take in Rinyirru(Lakefield) National Park, with its vast river systems and spectacular wetlands. Kutini Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, with the largest area of lowland tropical rainforest in Australia, could be another stopover. Of course the ‘must do’ for most Cape travellers is the Old Telegraph Track with its numerous creek crossings.
Just remember, a few diversions make the straight drive from Cairns to The Tip a real ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip.
The Peninsula’s climate is characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons, with the dry occurring from around mid-April to mid-November. The busiest times coincide with southern winter holidays, and July is the month to avoid if you want to miss the crowds.
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