Tropical North Queensland Holidays - Destinations - Cape York

Latitude 10 41 20

With memories of the past, The Cape York peninsula is rich in Australia's history dating back to 1770 when Captain James Cook proclaimed British sovereignty. The peninsular is one of the world's last accessible wilderness areas and offers a true paradise for those seeking adventure.

It is here that the essence of Australia is apparent where you can discover ancient aboriginal cultural sites with significant rock art or the beginnings of European Australia in historic sites such as Cooktown, which overlooks the Endeavour River between the outback and the sea.

You can drive yourself in a 4WD, join a guided tour or cruise to the top on board one of several cruising options. Either way, you will have an adventure of a lifetime.

Cape York Peninsula, one of the world's last accessible wilderness areas, remains a land of few people and prolific wildlife living in rugged mountains, woodlands, grasslands, swamps and mighty rivers. Its 11 million hectares extends 1000 kilometres north of Cairns to the tip of the peninsula. Beyond Cooktown, most residents live in Aboriginal and cattle station communities and in small mining towns dotted along borders of large national parks. Care must be taken when planning how to get there, as road access is limited at certain times of the year.

The Cape begins at Cooktown, which is easily accessible by air, sea or road from Cairns. The route from Port Douglas climbs the range through Julatten's farmlets to Mt Molloy and Mt Carbine. The peninsula's huge cattle stations start here and the panoramic views from Bob's Lookout on the Desailly Range take on the aspect of the true outback with eucalypt forests and sandstone escarpments.

Cooktown, undoubtedly Australia's most historic town, sits on the Endeavour River between the outback and the sea. Early pioneering history is reflected in the Cooktown Cemetery and Chinese Shrine on McIvor Road, and the James Cook Museum, which features the original anchor and a cannon from the 'Endeavour', Captain Cook's famous barque.

Fishing is a way of life here, and you're welcome to join the local anglers in their regular tournaments. The best reef fishing in Australia is just 40 kilometres off the coast with black marlin and sailfish being taken, as well as the premier reef species of coral trout, red emperor and trevally.

The top of Australia beckons. At the very tip, it's an easy stroll across the short walkway leading to the rocky outcrop where the sea spray touches a sign proclaiming to the unsure "You are now standing at the end of the Australian continent'.

The South Sea Islands become part of Australia just kilometres from the tip with the coral cays and atolls of the Torres Strait Islands scattered like pearls across the water, which separates Australia from its continental neighbour, New Guinea.

Alcohol restrictions apply in some Indigenous communities in Cape York.

Maps

Cape York Peninusla