CONQUERING THE CAPE

Aspiring to make it to the tip of Australia? Here’s your exclusive guide to getting there unscathed and having the experience of a lifetime!
COMPILED BY MICHAEL BORG
Make no mistake, getting right to the tip of Australia, the most northern part of the Australian continent is an epic challenge. One that most people rush to the end to get that all important selfie at the top, right next to the sign. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret – you’ll miss half the Cape if you just dart to the tip! So, if you want to see the Cape Like you’ve never seen it before, read on as we give you the low-down on everything you need to know to see Cape York in all of its glory!
THE PENINSULA DEVELOPMENT ROAD
To get to the tip, you’ll need to take the PDR (Peninsula Development Road), which is basically the only road heading north from the bottom of the Cape. It started life as a rattly old dirt road, however it’s been under development since the dawn of time. These days there are long black tar stretches with a big push to have it tarred right to the top in the not-too-distant future. While this will make the region a heap more accessible to everyday Aussies, there’s something about that bone-rattling corrugated dirt road to the tip that really made this journey a serious adventure.
COEN AND BEYOND
Just a few clicks past Coen there is an overnight riverside stop called “The Bend”, which is usually quite popular during the tourist season. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can lock in the hubs, throw it in low range, and follow the faintest tracks over to the other side of the river. This would have to be one of the Capes best kept secrets. What lies beyond is a maze of pristine rapids, complete with several top little swimming holes and rocks perfectly placed to jump off! It’s just one of those places you would usually miss if you don’t take the time to stop and explore!
THE OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK
The Old Tele Track is where the real fun starts for any off-road adventurer. Now there are too many water crossings and obstacles to list, but there are a few fan favourites and honourable mentions that need to be mentioned.
BIRDY CREEK
Taking a refreshing dip in the falls at the Dulhunty River’s vehicle crossing is hardly disappointing, but if you want to escape the crowds, drive a few extra kays to the south side of the Birdy Creek crossing. Follow the tracks to the west and you’ll find yourself camped out on an absolutely magic part of the river, hopefully crowd free. It’s kind of a local secret, though. So, keep it to yourself, eh?
GUNSHOT CREEK
You’ve all heard of this one, right? It’s notorious for the massive vertical plunge, which has been challenging the bravest of 4WDers for years. You’d have to be crazy to take the leap these days, especially if you want to drive your rig home in one piece, but there are chicken tracks available.
ELLIOT AND TWIN FALLS
Further north and Elliot and Twin Falls are absolutely magical! There’s nothing better than being able to swim in crystal clear lukewarm water, dunk your head under a completely natural waterfall and jump in off a 10ft high rock!
SAMS CREEK HIDDEN GEM
The best camp on the Tele Track is just one crossing away at the beautiful Sam’s Creek. While most people take a dip in the main vehicle crossing, there’s an unforgettable little swimming hole just a few hundred metres downstream.
CAMPSITES OF THE CAPE
The Cape York Peninsula is packed with epic campsites to call home during your travels. Here are a few of the top privately owned camps you can enjoy along the way.
MORETON TELEGRAPH STATION
Located on the Wenlock River in the centre of Cape York Peninsula, Morten Telegraph Station is the perfect place to pull up stumps and set your camper up. It’s just 293km from the tip of Cape York and sits on a 15acre parcel of cleared land surrounded by tranquil natural bushland.
BRAMWELL BOUND
If you’re heading to the tip of the Cape, you’ll make your way towards Bramwell Junction. Now, you’ve two option here. You can pull up stumps out behind the service station, or you can stop in at Bramwell Tourist Park and make a night of it. Here, you’ll find a great bar, tasty meals, live music and basic accommodation.
LOYALTY BEACH
One of the best pieces of real estate in the country would to be that of Loyalty Beach. With a waterfront view that melt the heart of an Ice Queen, it’s the perfect place to base yourself while you’re exploring the best of the top end.
PUNSAND BAY
You’ve also got Punsand Bay Resort, which offers powered sites and some of the best Wood fire Pizzas on the planet. It’s a big call, but after eating on the road for a few weeks, you just can’t beat it!
DON’T MISS…
Bamaga Plane Crash Ruins: The crashed wreck of DC3 aircraft can be found near the junction of the Bamaga Airport Road and the main road that heads south. The plane crashed on the 5th of May 1945 on its way to New Guinea. All those on board died in the crash.
Somerset Ruins: Somerset is the long-abandoned settlement of the larger-than-life Australian pioneer Frank Jardine, who came here in 1864. All that remains of the settlement today are bits of masonry, rusted cannons and a handful of tombstones. Don’t forget to tackle the “Nathau Beach Drive” or “5 Beaches Run” as it’s often referred to, which starts from this location.
Musgrave Roadhouse: Every afternoon, behind the Musgrave Roadhouse you can pop in and watch the turtles and freshwater crocodiles being fed. It’s an amazing experience to watch these majestic creatures in their wild environment!
REMEMBER: ALWAYS BE CROCODILE SAFE
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Cape York really is one of those bucket list locations that needs to be ticked off for any true 4WDer. It’s a place that is full of remarkable history, sights and experiences that are just begging to be explored. So go on, plan your Cape York adventure and see it for yourself!