5 Ways We Made Our Cape York Trip Even More Epic!

Is a top attraction still a top attraction if it’s not on a list somewhere? Tia thinks the best parts of trips are those found beyond paved roads that aren’t widely advertised. Read on for her top tips to see Cape York behind the scenes.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

After driving 40,000km around Australia one of the most remote and epic places that we visited was Cape York. But we did Cape York a little differently than the average traveller.

No, we didn’t do the Gunshot Track (we’d spent enough on mechanics by this stage!), nor did we take the tele track to the tip, or stand in line and get a photo with the sign. Instead, we explored an epic off-grid region of Cape York, Portland Roads, and the reefs beyond.

Peninsula Development Road – the 571km stretch from Lakeland to Weipa

One of the most memorable features of this area is the people you meet and the stories they tell. The connection they have to the ocean, weather systems, and the land is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

How did we travel?

Our Cape York set up in a nutshell:

• Our road weapon of choice: A 2008 Toyota Troopcarrier
• Our sleep machine: Rooftop tent
• Our water vessel: Basic 3.8m Stacer – nothing flash

Our Top 5 Tips for Seeing Cape York Behind the Scenes

1. Book a Site at Chilli Beach Campground

There are a couple of options for accommodation in Portland Roads but the key is to actually book a place. It’s a long way to get there and a lot of rivers to cross to find out you’re hot out of luck.

Chilli Beach Campground just south of Portland Roads in the Kutini-Payamu/Iron Range National Park) is an epic spot. Think palm tree-lined beaches, coconuts for days, and hot, hot, heat. Take a hammock, mozzie repellent, and make sure the truck has an awning – and you’re on.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

A tropical camping delight

After ten plus hours of corrugation you might feel like something a little more luxurious than a campsite?

Look no further than The Temple. It’s truly one of a kind, nestled into the Portland Roads cliff; it’s just one of those places you have to see to believe.

2. Take a Tinny To Explore the Reefs, Sand Cays, and Islands off the Coast.

This was the real highlight of Cape York for us. Look, the mainland is great, but it’s the crystal clear water, reef, and sand cays that really turn it up a notch. Let’s face it, swimming at beaches up the Cape is a bit touch-and-go thanks to crocodiles, stingers, and murky water.

Cay now, cay now, this is what dreams are made of

You’d be surprised just how quickly you can escape it in a tinny, take off to one of the nearby reefs, and jump in. There’s plenty to do to justify a couple of days camping here. Just have your wits about you because the weather can change quickly in this part of the world.

3. Scout Out the Shipwreck and Go for a Freedive

We found an epic shipwreck submerged in only a couple of metres of water and easily accessible by novice divers. It’s pretty unreal what you stumble across out here.

You can find this one on Navionics pretty easily. The reef here is some of the more untouched reefs you’ll find in Australia. It’s only accessible by the truly adventurous as it takes effort and time to reach it.

Cape York is a pretty remote area so make sure that you have appropriate safety measures in place just in case things go pear-shaped! We’re talking always making sure someone knows your itinerary, and carrying a PLB, and a 4WD rescue and repair kit.

Always check yourself before you wreck yourself!

4. Spearfish Your Own Dinner, and Pluck Fresh Oysters off the Rocks

You’ll notice there are not many shops in Cape York. This gives you the opportunity to indulge in the best kind of ‘food shopping’. Living off the land is a good life for the pescatarians of the world out here.

Have fun catching your own dinner and yelling at Wilson volleyballs!

Grab your tool of choice and get out there and hunt! Whether it’s fresh HUGE oysters straight off the rock, a Spanish mackerel on the trawl or a Coral trout you catch spearfishing. There’s not really any need to go to a shop if you put your mind to it.

5. Drop In and Visit a Local for a Yarn

On your way back in from the reef make sure you drop by Restoration Island and have a yarn with Resto Dave – AKA the ‘Millionaire Castaway’. Dave now lives in a pretty unique part of the world, but has some tales to tell of the rat race life he used to lead ‘back down south’.

Before you’ve even dropped anchor you might spot Dave meandering along the beach, beer in hand searching for a chat. He doesn’t miss a beat and you’ll forever remember that conversation!

Cape York FAQs

Do I need a 4WD to visit Cape York?

Yes, you’ll need a 4WD. This is because the roads can be pretty corrugated and the terrain is tricky to navigate in some areas.

Will I get phone reception in Cape York?

Reception is VERY limited, almost none in areas past Cooktown. Some places offer WiFi but they are very few and far between.

What emergency tools should we have on board?

For the car, a radio and/or a PLB is a must. You can also go old school with a satellite phone. Recovery tracks, battery charger, snatch strap, and a winch are also essential! Before setting out, make sure to check out what else should be in your 4WD recovery kit and let someone know where you’re headed.

For the boat – get an EPIRB, marine radio, and a bilge pump. Make sure you’re vigilant with the weather and play it safe, always.

Do I need to book campgrounds in Cape York?

Make sure you book Chilli Beach as it can get very busy. You can book through the Queensland Government Parks website.