Must have a 4WD north of Cooktown - you have to go in out winter to avoid the wet/closed roads and be prepared for lots of dust http://www.australi Melbourne is the perfect complement to Sydney. Before long gangs of huge sharks began to circle the boat, waiting to grab our catch. As the most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. gear by my vehicle-recovery-guy partner). About 5km past the Quarantine Station is the turn off for Mungkan Kandju N.P. Enjoy a leisurely day relaxing in the island paradise that is Lizard Island, with activities at your discretion. swimming holes, all mapped; as well as practical things - There are 17 beaches in Wollongong, which are also guarded. York Travel Pocket Guide Day 1: Depart for The Dig Tree and Birdsville (L,D) Day 2: Birdsville to Lawn Hill (B,L,D) Day 3: Lawn Hill to I hope that after reading this article you feel more ready to tackle your own Cape York trip planning and preparation. The beautiful resort of Lakes Entrance is located on the Gippsland Lakes, which is one of the largest inland water bodies. 2 nights: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge. Yes, that's an option. I travel the east coast highways very regularly from Melbourne as far as Rockhampton and I have read your question again, bu Stop in at the Hann River Roadhouse for refreshments, 76 km past Laura. Take a guided walk to Mickeys Creek, Warrumbah Gorge and a side gorge so narrow that you can touch both walls at the same time. 2 nights: Mitchell Grass Retreat or Saltbush Retreat. Then take a look at this video right now. The next river crossing is at the Pascoe River this is a longer stretch with a sandy bed. Unfortunately, this is why the beautiful island is really crowded in some areas. This stunning 16-day Cape York & Northern Islands tour takes you to the very tip of Australia, outback Queensland, Torres Strait Islands, the Simply click here to return to Cape York Travel Forums. Required fields are marked *. Looking for a rugged vehicle to get you up to the Cape and back? Unfortunately, we have to move on now. Transfer by ferry across to Thursday Island (TI) and your accommodation. Take a guided walk to Mickeys Creek, Warrumbah Gorge and a side gorge so narrow that you can touch both walls at the same time. Fly to Laura for a tour of spectacular rock art. You might see sharks breaching or crocodiles bathing, scorpions lurking or snakes warming. you can continue for a real adventure out to Cape Melville N.P. It is about 1,700 kilometers long with a few detours to highlights worth seeing such as Wilsons Promontory National Park or Phillip Island. Supermarkets can only be found in Cooktown, Weipa (if you go), and Bamaga/Umagico near the tip of Cape York. Continue on to Birdsville, where sunset drinks are at Big Red, the first of 1,140 parallel sand dunes marking the edge of the Simpson Desert. By the way, from Batemans Bay you can also do great whale watching tours. WebFrom Bramwell Junction you can either take the challenging Old Telegraph Line 4WD route or the PDR Bypass roads which are maintained to a good standard. And thats because thats how central Melbourne looks like its made up of a perfectly rectangular, neat grid of streets. If you have road tyres, without tread on the wall of the tyres DO NOT let your tyres down. around, where At Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park we are again directly at the ocean. The well-known water holes along the Old The sweet town of Kiama is best known for its lighthouse and blowhole. Unlike in other parts of the world where Google might occasionally direct you into the sea or label a cattle track as a road, here Google is often unable to even load a map and will just spin into oblivion. 2 nights: Tiwi Island Retreat, Ocean Front Room. We decide on the NRMA Easter Beach Holiday Park, which is a bit off the beaten track. In contrast to the coastal route, here you will mainly experience the Blue Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Step 1 | Get a Good Cape York Map Step 2 | Understand the Distances in Cape York Step 3 | Decide on Things to Do at Cape York Step 4 | Plan Your Cape York No trip to Cape York is complete without visiting Australias northernmost point. In the period from May November can recommend you a whale watching tour. Take advantage of the complimentary snorkelling equipment and lessons, stand up paddle boards and sea kayaks and itll be hard to stay out of the water. I love traveling! $650 - $1,000. Plan and Bring https://www.capeyorkaustralia.com/visit-cape-york.html, Join in and write your own page! These cookies enhance your experience and improve the quality of our site. It's easy to do. We are hesitant to buy a caravan for the trip due to road conditions. Hop in a canoe or boat and float about the gorge, taking in the visual splendour and quiet, enjoy a cooling dip in the gorge. To truly You can vary this itinerary from Sydney to Melbourne by going via Canberra by the way, this little detour is very worthwhile. The local reef life will leave you spellbound. Many of the beautiful beaches are unguarded and sometimes very dangerous because of the currents. Palm Creek is the first crossing, then you face the Ducie River, South Alice Creek and North Alice Creek. Let us know in the comments below if you found this step-by-step Cape York trip planning guide useful or if we missed something! Leave yourself enough time to extend these driving times should the weather turn, or should you have car trouble. right thing and letting others know :-) var sc_project=7488597;var sc_invisible=1;var sc_security="be9c6d21"; Cape York Trip with Caravan - Cape York, Australia Its long way to the top more than 1000km from Cairns straight to Pajinka, the traditional name for the northernmost point of mainland Australia at the top of the Cape York Peninsula but its a blockbuster of a road trip through a wild and remote landscape. Our last step in our Cape York trip planning guide is to make sure you take the time to download road trip playlists, podcasts or even movies for the young ones to keep everyone occupied on the drive to Cape York. While Google might tell you that the 1,000-kilometer journey should take 13.5 hours, it will likely take a lot longer. Get exclusive content, real insider info and the best travel deals completely FREE! If you are looking for more information to prepare for a Cape York trip, take a look at our complete list of FAQs for Cape York and our comprehensive Cape York trip checklist. contains information thathelps you getting started with planning of your trip. Lockhart River is an Aboriginal community famous for the incredible array of artistic talent produced by the Lockhart River Art Gang. Optional tours (at your own expense) include a boat trip and diving on the outer reef. And with little to no cell signal pulling up your favorite playlist in Spotify will be difficult. Fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Weipa (WEI) Drive from Weipa to Cape York Peninsula 16h 16m $358 - $872 1 alternative option Drive Drive from Melbourne to Cape York Peninsula 2 days 2h $650 - $1,000 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option The Moss Garden, one of the best-known sites at Carnarvon Gorge, is a great example of how the spring systems work and is nestled amongst one of the best patches of remnant rainforest in the National Park. Take in the breathtaking coastline en-route and fly over some of the worlds most spectacular scenery on the reef. Between Eden and Mallacoota further south is the New South Wales state border with Victoria. Land at Loyalty Beach, then bus to Frangipani Beach for a 500 metre walk over uneven ground to the tip of mainland Australia. Seaspray Caravan Park is located directly on the spacious beach here you can spend a wonderful time on the beach. The next two nights we are at Eden Beachfront Holiday Park and have time to do our laundry and relax a bit. Closer in, near the mouth of the Jardine River, monster trevally were lurking below and giant turtles floated lazily by. For prices and to make a booking please select the departure city. Many travellers start their Tropical Far North Queensland and Cape York adventure from Cairns. While we found driving times were a little off, the ability to download maps and use them offline was essential in the remote Cape where service is practically non-existent. Since swimming in the ocean is off the table on Cape York, heading to the fresh waterfalls in the area is a must for anyone driving to Cape York. Taking the time to venture a bit further is often well worth the effort. The beach itself reminded us of our time at El Cuyo in Mexico with a strong offshore wind that is present year-round. Recently upgraded and expanded, the resort has a relaxed beach vibe, and features ocean front rooms and a wonderful pool deck with views over the ocean. Please note that some links on our site are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We drove the itinerary Sydney Melbourne with the camper. From hawks feeding their young from the fish they caught in the creek in front of our camp to bower birds building ornate nests to impress potential suitors. In Eden you can watch whales very well between May and November, then right and humpback whales are here in the area. We didnt have to go far offshore to find flocks of sea birds diving into churning bait balls surrounded by leaping tuna. Dinner is a delicious BBQ under the stars at your retreat. One of the things you will notice in Cape York is the incredible abundance and diversity of nature. On the In Their Steps WWII tour, walk in the steps of the indigenous and non-indigenous soldiers who served in the area, with insightful commentary. Every link helps other travellers! With an experienced skipper and all fishing equipment included, youll visit some of the most remote, pristine fishing environments in the world, targeting a range of tropical species including Barramundi, Blue Salmon, Black Jewfish, Golden Snapper, Mangrove Jack and many more. If youre feeling energetic, a walk to Cooks Lookout, the highest point of the island with a 360 view, is well worth the effort. Once you have an understanding of the distances and driving times, you need to decide what to do on Cape York. Were staying 2 nights at Tidal River Campground, which, by the way, youll want to reserve online well in advance if you plan to stay here. WebCape York & Northern Islands. travel guide is all you need before and during your trip. The journey through Queenslands wild and remote northern peninsula is one of the great expeditions Australias wilderness has to offer. We have put together a list of the most popular things to do to get you started. about it Learn more about thispioneering pair and their ill-fated expedition. If you choose not to do the full day tour, you can spend more time this afternoon around the grounds, or go on shorter walks around the resort. It is over 15,000 hectares in size. Hop in a canoe or boat and float about the gorge, taking in the visual splendour and quiet, enjoy a cooling dip in the gorge. The Royal National Park is the first national park founded in Australia after Yellowstone National Park in the USA, it is incidentally the oldest in the world. The pub in Bamaga holds the title of Australias northernmost pub and is the only place at the Tip where you can grab grog to go. Interesting side trips from the Southern Bypass road include the turn off to Captain Billy Landing where there is a campsite. Of course, it is always a matter of taste and depends on what you like best in cities. Built to allow access to the telegraph lines connecting Cooktown and the Cape in the early 1800s, the Cape York Track or Old Telegraph Track was originally the only way to access the Tip. Beware, this remote pub isnt cheap. Although Spend some time at the Qantas Founders Museum, with its impressive collection of aircraft, sunset drinks and the luminescent light show. How I want to do it: 1. There is also a supermarket and fuel in the town. It has existed since 1879 and is intended to serve as a large recreational area for Sydney residents. One of the top things to do at Cape York is to be really be aware of your surroundings and discover the nature that abounds. From the lookout point Rotary Park Lookout you have a great view over the ocean and with luck you can see whales and seals! Alone 2. By using these you are directly supporting The Vanabond Tales to remain an independent travel blog.Looking for the best cafes in Sayulita? (I can push 800 - Lawn Hill Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges in the Gulf Country, with luscious tropical vegetation, sheer red cliffs and enchanting green water. Discover one of Australias oldest and most beautiful landscapes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Owned and operated by Kirkhope Aviation, with 40+ years of air touring experience across Australia. website is correct, this site is not to be blamed should there be a The northernmost point in Australia is approximately 45 minutes north of Bamaga. As part of your Cape York trip planning, brush up on the available advice to ensure you know what to do in case a croc is spotted while driving to Cape York. We have put together a complete guide for getting to Bansko, cheaply, safely and hassle-free. You will reach the southernmost point of the Australian mainland and will be rewarded with nature and wildlife: Besides wombats at the campground (Tidal River Campground) in the national park, there are some other great highlights like Mount Oberon, which are absolutely worth seeing. The afternoon is yours to relax, rejuvenate and soak it all in. Wilsons Promontory National Park, also called Wilsons Prom, is one of the highlights on the Sydney-Melbourne route. this 50 pages WebRoadtrip: Melbourne to Cape York. From May/June to November is the whale season in this region, then the large marine mammals pass by here. Quinkan Country contains a large and dramatic body of rock paintings. Continue towards Wollongong, where you will see breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in the so-called Southern Tablelands. At the front gate of the Carnarvon Gorge National Park, the lodge is set on 100ha, looped by Carnarvon Creek. Lunch is a picnic on the beach, then heli back to TI. This night we spent at the Booderee National Park campground. Your one-stop travel plan with all the info you need. It was some of the wildest fishing we have ever seen, especially so close to shore. How to get from Melbourne to Cape York Peninsula by Local history experts and tour guides Liberty and Vanessa will meet you on arrival. It is inevitable that you will pass through one if not two of the dry communities on your trip to the tip of Cape York. Camp either at Laura or in nearby Lakefield National Park, or alternatively split the journey at Lakeland where there is a caravan park where you can store your caravan. Contact the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for further information - phone 07 4090 4100. While there is free camping in Cape York, to truly experience all Cape York has to offer, you will want to visit some of the national parks. There are 2 routes north from Cairns. Then you continue to Cockatoo Creek, another challenging crossing, and the final creek crossing is the bridge over Sailor Creek. detail), it has invaluable information on at least 10 four wheel drive tracks, (heavy bike due to added weight) - road ? from fuel, roads, wireless internet and mobile phone reception, Your day in Longreach begins with a glide down the coolabah-lined Thomson River with its abundant birdlife. A highlight of the park are the Figure Eight Pools, which you can hike to. One crucial step in your Cape York trip planning is deciding what to pack. to stay (general info), what Can it be done alone whilst camping ? Within 2 weeks (14 days) Questions: 1. York Travel Pocket Guide, Plan and Bring See the Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail and Great Tropical Drive Daintree Trail for further information. Driving Trip Planner for Cape York - Cape York, Australia Everyones Cape York trip planning should include saltwater crocs! Here you will find again the urban contrast to Wilsons Prom and the nature outside the two big metropolises of Australia. 5 reasons why myTravel makes your travel planning easier! Cooktown is your next destination, where Captain Cook sought refuge when his ship, The Endeavour, sustained severe damage during his 1770 expedition. About 35 km north of the Archer River is the turn off to Lockhart River, Portland Roads and Iron Range N.P. Permits for camping must be pre booked through Queensland National Parks . If you go to Australia and you want to see more of the continent, plan on taking a road trip to another city to really experience the magical nature and culture of Australia. Each additional day will be a great benefit to you because there really is a lot to see and do. 2 nights: Island Villas (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom). the places (down to prices, opening hours and full contact The nature that surrounds you on the Cape never fails to impress. Theyll take you to the Torres Strait Heritage Museum to view exhibits from the pearling industry, myths and legends of Torres Strait, artwork, artefacts and World War II history of the area. All meals and beverages with evening meals In-flight snacks and refreshments, All stopover ground transfers, tours, activities and entry fees, Tour Itinerary: Cape York & Northern Islands, Day 1: Melbourne to The Dig Tree and Birdsville (L,D), Day 3: Lawn Hill to Bremer Island (B,L,D), Day 5: Bremer Island to Bathurst Island (B,L,D), Day 7: Bathurst Island to Horn Island & Thursday Island (B,L,D), Day 8: Thursday Island & the Tip of Australia (B,L,D), Day 9: Thursday Island to Lizard Island (B,L,D), Day 11: Lizard Island to Cooktown (B,L,D), Day 12: Cooktown to Laura to Longreach (B,L,D), Day 14: Longreach to Carnarvon Gorge (B,L,D), Day 16: Carnarvon Gorge to Melbourne (B,L), Email us about Cape York & Northern Islands, Let Us Take You to Australia's Most Extraordinary Destinations. A visit to the Arts Centre is a great experience. The local reef life will leave you spellbound. Here are our top tips for staying safe to help you with your Cape York trip preparation. The Carnarvon night sky is incredibly clear, allowing for some pretty spectacular viewing. There would be nothing worse to begin this epic 4WD adventure by getting stranded on the side of the road. You can of course rent a car for the travel route from Sydney to Melbourne and spend the nights in hotels and motels along the way. Explore the historic homestead at Camden Park Station, enjoy a drink as the sun goes down and gain an insight into the history of grazing in the outback, then be treated to a wonderful meal in a circa 1920 shearing shed. It Portland Roads is a beautiful little fishing community with a couple of beach shacks for rent and a fantastic restaurant. Accommodation and servicesare basic, but that is more than made up for with the magnificent location. We have you sorted with our complete guide to house sitting and Australian house sitting websites. This complete 300 pages You should avoid the park on weekends as it will be very crowded, but during the week you wont encounter too many visitors. And the wildlife here is remarkable if you only take a few minutes to sit down and observe it. Back at the lodge, savour a well-earned drink at sunset overlooking the water and enjoy the catch of the day. On the In Their Steps WWII tour, visit gun emplacements, an underground command post, slit trenches, an aircraft wreck with an unbelievable story, WWII airstrip, dispersal bays and taxiways. Today, this four wheel drive track is the reason many make the pilgrimage here. Growing as large as 6 meters, spotting a croc on your drive from Cairns to Cape York is sure to make your trip a memorable one. Fishing around Bremer Island near Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territorys Arnhem Land is beyond breathtaking. Available at Archer Roadhouse, this ginormous burger comes with the lot. WebHead through the Indigenous township of Hope Vale to Cape Bedford and Elim Beach. 2023 The Vanabond Tales - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Step 2 | Understand the Distances in Cape York, Step 3 | Decide on Things to Do at Cape York, Step 5 | Cape York Trip Planning for Meals, Step 6 | Know the Alcohol Restrictions in Cape York, Step 7 | Book Your National Park Accommodation in Advance, Step 8 | Decide What to Pack for Cape York, Step 9 | Brush Up on Safety Tips Before Driving to Cape York, Step 11 | Come Prepared with Entertainment, How to Get to Bansko: The Ultimate Sofia to Bansko Transfer, Bus, and Taxi Guide, Uncovering The Best House Sitting Website in Australia, Oaxaca Day Of The Dead 2023: The Ultimate Guide. camping spots on the Cape (and at least 150 on your way to And while that is certainly true you will spend a LOT of time in the vehicle driving to Cape York. and alcohol restrictions - to vehicle preparation and accessories and necessary recovery Drive from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cape York Peninsula. This off-road navigation mapping app is the best Cape York map available. By doing so you will put the weak tyre wall on the ground where you risk it shredding on a stone or stick. Register here for free. As well as the great fishing there are several WW2 sites, pioneer mining sites and old telegraph memorabilia to visit. With minimal human impact, nature still rules here on the Cape. Lakes Entrance is a very popular vacation spot, so its no surprise that there are many hotel resorts and campgrounds here. Migrating Pelagic like Spanish Mackerel and Tuna abound in the waters where the Gulf of Carpentaria meets the Arafura Sea. Weipa is regarded as one of the premier on-shore fishing spots to land a barramundi. Nature. Chili Beach is known as the most scenic beach in Cape York. Knowing exactly where you are going, how long it will take you to get there, and how much fuel you will need is a critical step in Cape York trip planning. If no availability send us an email or call us on 1300 206 130. But the Mornington area is absolutely worth a stop. It lasts 90 minutes and you will cruise by boat in the beautiful clear waters of Jervis Bay past the beautiful beaches and almost certainly see many many dolphins in Jervis Bay. Almost as famous as the Old Telegraph Track is the Archer Burger. this website, let others know about it! Discover all of the WWII relics from crashed planes to airfields to fuel fields. A trip to Cape York is all about adventure. With only 6 rooms, the whole retreat is reserved for your group. And within Mexico, the city of Oaxaca is renowned for its authentic and vibrant Day of the Dead festival. The Inland route via the fully sealed Mulligan Highway gives the option of turning off at Lakeland towards Laura or continuing to Cooktown from where you can take the 4WD Battlecamp Road on to Laura. Read more about Wilsons Promontory National Park here. Continue further west today, to the Tiwi Islands with a detour via Darwin to hop on a smaller aircraft. No holiday in Australia is complete without a trip to the pub. A visit to these relics is definitely one of the most fascinating things to do in Cape York. We spent Whether youre passing through at lunch time, later in the day or even early morning, no trip driving to Cape York is complete without stopping at Archer Roadhouse for this legendary meal. Luxury ensuite glamping at Mitchell Grass Retreat - with a private deck, air-conditioning, indulgent king size bed and bath looking out over the plain, you may not want to leave! Home to several air facilities and major bases, the Cape played a critical role in Australias WWII involvement. Ferry tickets can be purchased online here. Personally, I find Sydney with its much better, more reliable weather, beautiful beaches and somewhat cooler architecture a bit nicer. The Sydney Melbourne coastal drive takes you directly along the ocean in many places. Check your inbox (or spam) to find a confirmation email, and we will see you on the other side! Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry and head to the northernmost Tip of Australia. Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. But both Sydney and Melbourne have their own charm. Awesome, check your inbox or spam folder for our top tip for traveling Australia. It is spectacular. Optional tours (at your own expense) include a boat trip and diving on the outer reef. On return to Thursday Island, a tour of the island reveals how its history helped to create todays dynamic, multicultural community and the tropical lifestyle it offers. We recommend stopping by your local mechanic to ensure your 4WD vehicle and all its parts are in top condition before setting out on this adventure. The beautifully restored Heritage House provides a glimpse back to the days gone by and an exhibition of old mining equipment is on display next door to the Heritage House. Eden, by the way, was once known for its whaling, which, however, is now a thing of the past. 10 Tips for Planning Your Trip to Cape York | Snowys Blog At this junction there is a track to Heathlands Reserve and the lovely Fruit Bat Falls which offers a refreshing swim stop on the way to the campground at Eliot Falls and Twin Falls. There are several camping and accommodation options in Bamaga, Seisia, Loyalty Beach and Punsand Bay with guided tours, hire cars and fishing available within the area. To end the day, stay and dine in one of Australias most iconic pubs the Birdsville Hotel. Impressions of the highlights of Sydney Melbourne in the video, Shellharbour at the Beachside Holiday Park, Big 4 Moruya Moruya Heads Easts Dolphin Beach Holiday Park. Being so remote, you will need to bring more items and supplies with you than you would for a normal camping trip. The estimated driving time for the trip is 0 h and the main road for this route is the . Your email address will not be published. Its port, Port Kembla Harbour, handles most of Australias cars and is also home to Australias largest grain export terminal. The infamous Gunshot Creek is the next crossing this is probably the most challenging crossing on the OTL. Ferry back to Horn Island to rejoin your aircraft for the flight south to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Throwing its hat in the ring for the Capes best roadhouse burger is Bramwell Junction with its massive chicken burger. Delicious seafood is a focus, with ocean to plate and locally-sourced produce tempting your mouth to water. If Tour the many historical sites and learn how Cooktown prospered in a gold rush, dwindled, and then rose again to become an important base in World War II. Whether it's the Australian outback, the fjords of Norway or city trips to the most beautiful cities in the world like Paris, Singapore, Barcelona or New York - I'll write down my best tips so that your trip will be a very special highlight. Before you begin planning your trip to the Cape, you need to find a good Cape York map. Thanks so much everyone for your responses - a lot of very useful information! I am very new to TA and to the forums so I was not aware there were A sunset cruise makes for a wonderfully peaceful way to end the day. Often substituting as a shower for the day, a dip in one of these refreshing Cape York waterfalls is a highlight of the trip not to be missed. Brushing up on a few safety tips is always a good idea before heading on any Australian road trip, but it takes on special significance here. It includes not just the best things to do in Cape York, but all the information you will need to consider in your Cape York trip planning.
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