Cooktown & Cape York Peninsula
From Cooktown to the tip of Australia is some of the most spectacular and rugged scenery in the country and one of the world's last wilderness areas.
The ‘Cape’ is an under-explored paradise with thousands of species of tropical birds, beautiful waterfalls and basking crocodiles. It’s also culturally significant to the continent’s settlement.
Unlike any comparable region in Australia, Cape York still retains a full complement of functioning ecosystems ranging from undisturbed coastal environments, through to wetlands, riverine forests, tropical woodlands, tropical rainforests, dry rainforests, heathlands and dunefields.
The Cape York Peninsula begins north of Cairns, extending almost 1000 kms to the geographical tip of Australia in the north. It covers about 137,000 square kilometres -the Coral Sea is to the east of the Peninsula, the Torres Strait to the north, and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the west.
The long history of Aboriginal occupation has left a legacy of some of the world's great archaeological treasures, with some sites dating back at least 30,000 years. The sandstone escarpments of Quinkan country contain thousands of rock art sites in what is probably the largest and oldest collection of rock art in the world.
Named after legendary navigator and explorer Captain James Cook, Cooktown proudly defines its position in Australian history with geographic and civic monuments, many of the most significant landmarks and historical buildings in Australia, and a tangible sense of pride.
In its day, Cooktown was a thriving gold mining town with a population of over 30,000. Today it has less than 1000 and that's the way the locals like it. Cooktown is a quiet place to relax, stock up on supplies for a Cape adventure and step back into a rich past.
From around Cooktown north, access is by dirt road suitable for 4WD, air via commercial flights into Cooktown, Weipa, Bamaga or Horn Island in the Torres Straits or by private charter or airstrip, or along the coast by sea. The eastern edge is rainforest, but west of the Great Dividing Range the land is mainly eucalypt woodland, scrubland and grasslands.
Safari tour companies offer various Cape trips, starting from Cairns or Cooktown. Vehicles range from Toyota Landcruisers to 14 seat Australian made 4WD OKAs and even motorcycle safaris. Guests have the option of a full camping safari or an accommodated safari with overnights at motels, resorts or cabins. Some of the vehicles (catering for backpackers) will drop passengers off along the way and collect again a few days later, if desired. Tagalong tours where people drive their own 4WDs with a group leader are a popular option.
Given the ‘Cape’ is a sparsely populated wilderness, with few modern amenities, exploring with a knowledgeable guide ensures advice and assistance when travelling and a far better chance of spotting wildlife, understanding the historical features and sites of cultural and historic significance.
The Torres Strait Islands (pop. 8,500) span the gap between Australia and Papua and New Guinea. Thursday Island is the administrative capital of the islands (there is also a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday Island!). There are19 inhabited islands among the 100 islands in the Strait, named for Spanish explorer Luis Vaez De Torres.
Poruma Island is an exclusive hideaway offering visitors the chance to experience true ‘island’ life in supreme comfort while interacting with the friendly locals.
Torres Strait Islanders are religious people who love fishing, dancing and arts and crafts. They are known for their spectacular Dhorei head-dresses. The island’s industries are cray fishing, prawns, cultured pearls, mother of pearl, beche-de-mer and trochus shells.
The history, culture and lifestyle of Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait Islands can be experienced at a variety of heritage sites, museums and by way of various tours to offer an adventure of a lifetime.
Please note that Alcohol Restrictions apply for some Indigenous Communities within Queensland. For further information click here.