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Home Travel Destinations Exploring Cape York: 10 places you don’t want to miss

Exploring Cape York: 10 places you don’t want to miss

CAPE YORK SHOWCASES Tropical North Queensland at its wild best, its rugged landscapes and natural attractions making it one of Australia’s best off-road destinations.

Just north of Cooktown is Elim Beach, a secluded stretch of concave coastline that is memorable for its beaches and nearby attractions. The beach’s low-key campground is dotted by paper barks to keep you cool, while up the beach is the stunning Coloured Sands. Hooking around to the east is the windswept Cape Bedford, which invites travellers to stand and look out at the beautiful waters of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park with nary a soul around.

The Daintree

Australia’s largest tract of tropical rainforest, and one of the most complex natural ecosystems on Earth, the Daintree Rainforest is a thriving hum of greenery and wildlife. This dense and largely untouched wilderness runs unimpeded to the bright white shores of Cape Tribulation and its adjoining coastline, which is indicative of the rainforest’s unbridled vitality – a sentiment that’s imbued upon visitors who come to marvel at the rainforest’s collective might.

Cape Weymouth

Chili Beach is well-known for its expansive shoreline and plentiful palm trees, but just north is a more scenic location that’s visited much less. Cape Weymouth may be devoid of facilities and places to stay, but its cloistered beach, rocky headland and nearby reef – along with a perfect view to tiny Restoration Island – makes it an idyllic stopover before heading further north into the Cape’s serious 4WD tracks.

Twin & Eliot Falls

In the middle of one of Australia’s most iconic 4WD tracks are two of the Cape’s most scenic waterfalls: Twin Falls and Eliot Falls. Those traversing the Old Telegraph Track can take the short detour just before the Canal Creek crossing to enjoy these natural wonders, which are spring-fed and clear, making them perfect for both a photo and a swim.

Hidden Waterfall, Sam Creek

Less than 10 kilometres north of Eliot Falls is Sam Creek, one of the track’s famous water crossings that’s also home to a secret glade and a hidden waterfall. Those staying at the nearby campground will tell you they can hear the waterfall through the silence at night, but only those willing to search will spy this gem for themselves.

Cape Melville

Those in search of deserted coastline should look no further than Cape Melville, a far-flung headland that’s only accessible by rugged inland and beach 4WD tracks. Along the journey from Cooktown or Laura, travellers encounter everything from rusted-out LandCruisers to the inimitable beauty of the Melville Range before they reach the tip of the cape, which can be enjoyed over multiple days thanks to the many camping areas and bush camps available within Cape Melville National Park.

A fascinating look into Australia’s Indigenous storytelling and ancient history, Split Rock is a globally significant Aboriginal rock art site that is open to the public. Renowned for their depiction of mythical “Quinkans”, the rock art is uniquely well-preserved, with multiple sites throughout the region giving visitors and traditional owners a visceral connection to Australia’s storied history.

Palmer River Goldfields

Memories of Cape York’s nineteenth-century gold rush linger within the dusty highlands of the Palmer River Goldfields region, which straddles the upper reaches of the Great Dividing Range south of Laura. Rusted-out machinery and mine sites dot the hillsides, which travellers can discover by a rough and technical 4WD track that winds its way up and over the range.

Somerset Beach

Reached near the close of many a journey to the Tip of Cape York, Somerset Beach is a beautiful and historically significant section of the region’s wild coastline. Home to perhaps the first white settlement in the region – a tumultuous time of conflict between white settlers, Aboriginal tribes and Torres Strait Islanders – Somerset still holds many remnants of the past as well as its own fair share of stunning coastline, with the beach at Somerset part of the Five Beaches Track that links some of the Cape’s most magical beaches.

For most Cape York travellers, making it to the northernmost tip of the Australian mainland is a rite of passage. Looking out over Frangipani Beach to the deeper waters beyond is the perfect place to reflect on the journey that led to this emphatic endpoint – a proverbial ‘edge of the world’ moment that’s made all the more special by the adventure that preceded it.

Discover more about what Cape York has to offer by visiting the Cape York Travellers Guide by Hema Maps.

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• Cape York is calling: Planning a trip to The Tip

Hannah Statham

Ready to tackle one of Australia’s most remote landscapes, Cape York? Just you, a car and 1,200km of untamed, World Heritage-listed, 180 million year-old rugged rainforest beauty – aka The Tip.

Like most good adventures, this one is 90% preparation and 10% perspiration (seriously, it gets hot up here) – so you’ll want to do PhD-levels of research before you make tracks up the peninsula.

If you’re ready to head north, triple check you’re covered with this Cape York guide:

Service? What Service?

No phone service? A view this good is better uninterrupted.

If you were planning to Insta-story your entire trip from Cairns to Cape York, we’ve got some bad news for your followers. Cape York has limited phone reception and expensive pay-per-use WiFi, that is, if you find any at all.

The only glimmer of 3G hope will be found with Telstra, so if you’re not driving in a convoy, hire a UHF radio because you can’t rely on your smartphone for much else than a camera after crossing the Daintree River.

Double Trouble[shoot]

Load 'em up - you don't need to pack light for a trip to The Tip.

You only need to look at the vacant car bodies along the Peninsula Development Road to see the kind of spanner Cape York can throw into your planning works. Don’t join the bad luck stories, come prepared with a pair of spare tyres, extra tank of fuel and enough drinking water to stay hydrated in case you get stuck and need to wait for help.

Scare tactics aside, you don’t need to brace yourself for Cape-York-ageddon – if you do go through a set of tyres, you’ll still find mechanics to replace a set along the way.

Fuel can be few and far between

Plan your trip to map out the best fuel stations and roadhouses along the way.

Contrary to what Cape York horror stories will tell you, there are fuel stations and roadhouses stocking both petrol and diesel along the way (in fact, the longest distance between bowsers is 140km). Major towns like Weipa will have a couple of different fuel service centres, so you can even get fussy over your ethanol of choice. That said, it’s a competitive market and prices will vary on the Peninsula, so don’t expect to call RACQ having found the cheapest fill-up in Australia.

This trip has as much variety in its road surfaces as a mixed bag of lollies, so the amount of fuel you’ll chew through differs day-to-day. It’s recommended you throw out your usual fuel-range calculator and pack some liquid ‘go’ in the boot.

You won't be eating like an astronaut

Take a break at the Archer River Roadhouse and tuck into the best burgers in Cape York.

Food isn’t dehydrated, preserved or pickled up here so you don’t need to pack your car with enough food to outlast an apocalypse. Stock your groceries up in Weipa, Seisia and Bamaga and eat fresh produce on this road trip to the top.

What’s more, if you don’t feel like cooking, roadhouses along the way will sell takeaway food like burgers, snags and chips to sate whatever hunger pangs ail you.

Don't BYO booze

Grab a drink at the famous Lions Den Hotel just outside of Cooktown.

Just because you like a beer after a hard day bouncing over Cape York’s corrugations, doesn’t mean you can crack the top off a tallie with gay abandon. Booze bans run across certain parts of the Cape and heavy fines apply if caught with alcohol.

Technically, you can travel with more alcohol than the limit if you can prove you’re a ‘bona fide traveller’. If you choose to go down this road, you’ll need to prove you’re not a resident in a restricted area, nor is your destination or drive route within one.

Keep it simple, pick up your grog once you’re outside the booze bans, or risk a fine.

Leave nothing but footprints and tyre tracks

Keep The Cape beautiful and clean up after yourself when travelling through the region.

It goes without saying you must take your rubbish with you, leaving a trail of nothing but cleanliness behind your 4WD tracks. Some (but not all) campsites and roadhouses provide rubbish bins, so you don’t need to worry about becoming a rubbish tip before you make it The Tip.

There are many things you can do to ensure you are travelling consciously through this pristine environment, including only having fires in designated areas if it’s safe to do so, ensuring you are not illegally accessing private land and only camping in designated areas where you have received prior permission or made a booking for, including through Queensland Parks

The best time to go

The top of Australia.

The best time to embark on an adventure to Cape York is during the cooler months and June through to October provide ideal conditions. Try any other time of year and you might just find the roads closed and flooded in.

You can expect busier roads during school holidays – but don’t worry, you won’t find a traffic jam. Only about 60,000 visitors each year make the trip to the top.

Prepare your pets

Pets are welcome in some parts of The Cape

We don’t recommend bringing your pet on your trip, as domestic animals are prohibited from entering National Parks, and you’ll come across over 10 of them throughout Cape York. Before you plonk the pooch in the car, consider whether you can leave them with a friend or pet-sitter. If you do bring you beloved pet, please keep them on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of native wildlife and be sure to hash out your national park exploring plan.

Be cautious about the crocs (and all other wild animals)

Keep a safe distance from all wildlife you encounter along the way.

If a trip to the pointy end of Australia sparks an internal hype-reel of you, in khaki, wrestling a croc, it’s time to press pause. You’ll want to keep your wits about you, following all caution signs because crocs don’t just live in these waters, they hunt in em’ too. Be alert, not alarmed – even though these prehistoric creatures are hunters, chances are you won’t even see one.

Both fresh and saltwater crocs are found in the Cape’s waterways, so don’t linger on the edge of rivers and creeks, only go swimming in well-known croc-free areas, and if you do spot a croc … stay well away.

Other animals with smaller teeth are much easier to keep at bay with insect repellent.

Give your big rig a makeover before you go

Be sure to fit your rig with the essentials to get yourself from A to B.

Having a 4WD doesn’t mean you’re set to hit the road. Adding some extra oomph to your vehicle will make your trip safer – it’s recommended to install a snorkel (particularly if driving diesel), tyre repair kit, and good suspension setup with a two-inch lift kit because up here, it doesn’t matter what you’re driving, when you’re bonnet high in the Wenlock River, it’s all about clearance.

Make sure to pack rescue equipment too – snatch straps, basic tools and rated shackles to get yourself out of any situations where you find yourself stuck.

Swap your roadside assistance to comprehensive because you won’t want to be paying by the kilometre to be towed out of this terrain either.

Dress the part

Pack for all weather conditions, but most importantly for a dip in the water at Fruit Bat Falls.

Once your 4WD looks the part, it’s your turn. Camping attire should top your luggage list and we suggest you pack a few extra outfits. The trip to the tip is unpredictable and you’re bound to get wet and muddy at some point during the day, either from getting out to help push your own car out of a crossing or to help out someone else in a pickle.

You won’t want to forget your swimmers either, or as Queenslander’s say, “togs”, especially once you see Fruit Bat Falls’ emerald green waters.

Looking to opt for an easier route?

There are options available for drivers to take bypass roads for a smoother journey.

Whether you’re a 4WD fanatic, or a city slicker ticking off their Tropical North Queensland bucket list, there’s no shame in opting for a safer route. The Old Telegraph Track might be famous, but it’s not for everyone.

If you’re not feeling confident, it’s always preferable to take an alternative bypass route. Use a detailed Hema Map to navigate your way and find a route that matches your adrenaline level.

You don't have to prepare a thing if you don't want to

There are a variety of tours available to make it to The Cape.

Not one for steering the wheel, packing for days, or prepping with this list? You can still experience the trip of a lifetime without the stress of responsibility – just join a Cape York tour or tag along to the top.

Simply book a seat in one of the many tour companies that take off from Cairns such as Tagalong Tours of Australia and  Cockatours . Voila! Cape York without any of that pesky preparation.

Tropical North Queensland has a calendar filled with exciting events for you to explore! See what’s coming up next.

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Everything else you need to know about your trip to The Tip

5 Unmissable sights in the Torres Strait Islands

Between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, there’s a fascinating world of unforgettable adventures to be had. Journey to this culturally unique part of Australia and you’ll find vibrant Indigenous communities celebrating their strong connection to land and sea.

No car, no worries – try these Cape York Tours

Where else but Cape York can you stand on the tip of Australia, discover one of the world’s oldest rainforests in the world and travel on roads few even dare to tread? Just because Australia’s last frontier is calling, doesn’t mean you need to travel it alone.

For the adventure of a lifetime, without any of the ‘going solo’ stress, join one of these guided Cape York tours.

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Refresh yourself in nature’s swimming pools, sliding into these waterfalls and waterholes across Cooktown and Cape York.

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Head north for these epic Cape York events

Welcome to Cape York, an incredibly diverse region sprinkled with rugged national parks, pristine waterways, secluded beaches, rich Indigenous heritage and some of the best events you’ll find.

Cape York’s big three national parks

If you’re looking for the ultimate national park experience, there’s no better place in the world than the tip of Australia. With ten national or regional parks to choose from, here’s a closer look at three of the most popular.

Experience an incredible Aboriginal rock art tour

Discover what true connection to country feels like at a 20,000-year-old Aboriginal rock art gallery with Jarramali Rock Art Tours. Fly in via a scenic helicopter or jump in a 4WD with a Traditional Owner guide for the full overnight experience.

Cooktown accommodation guide

Considering exploring is in Cooktown’s DNA, you’ll want to spend a night or two in the capital of Cape York to discover what’s on offer for yourself. This Cooktown accommodation guide will help you choose your perfect home away from home.

Discover The Tip

Jump into a 4WD for an unforgettable journey from Cairns to Cape York.

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Unveil the Best-Kept Secrets of Cape York

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• Cape York & Cook Town

About Cape York

Located at the northernmost tip of Queensland, Cape York is a natural wonderland that showcases some of Australia’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. The Cape is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fascinating cultural heritage sites.

As you explore Cape York, you’ll be mesmerised by its rugged beauty and untouched wilderness. Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforests that blanket the region and discover towering trees, lush ferns, and cascading waterfalls. Take a hike along one of the many scenic trails that wind through this pristine environment and be rewarded with panoramic views of jagged cliffs or hidden swimming holes.

For fishing enthusiasts, Cape York offers an unrivalled experience. Cast your line into rivers teeming with barramundi or venture out into the open ocean for some deep-sea fishing where you may encounter prized species like marlin or tuna. Set up camp along secluded beaches where you can enjoy serene sunrises and breathtaking sunsets while listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore.

Wildlife lovers will delight in the abundance of unique species that call Cape York home. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles as they lazily bask in the sun along riverbanks or spot colourful birdlife fluttering amongst trees overhead. You might even catch a glimpse of kangaroos bounding across grassy plains or turtles nesting on secluded beaches.

Cape York also holds immense historical significance as it is rich in Aboriginal culture and heritage sites. Explore ancient rock art galleries depicting stories from generations past or visit Aboriginal communities where you can learn about traditional customs and practices firsthand from local elders.

The journey to Cape York is an adventure in itself, with rugged tracks winding through untamed terrain. Whether you choose to tackle these off-road trails by 4×4 vehicle or embark on an epic 4WD expedition with experienced guides, every moment will be filled with excitement and a sense of exploration.

When night falls, the Cape offers an unparalleled stargazing experience. Far away from city lights, the night sky comes alive with a dazzling display of stars. Lay back and marvel at the Milky Way as it stretches across the horizon, illuminating the vastness of the universe above.

In addition to its natural wonders, Cape York is also home to vibrant communities that showcase their unique culture through art, music, and storytelling. Visit local galleries to admire traditional Aboriginal artwork or join in celebrations during cultural festivals where you can witness mesmerising dance performances and taste traditional bush tucker.

Cape York is a destination that invites you to disconnect from everyday life and immerse yourself in nature’s splendour. Its untouched landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and sense of adventure make it an unforgettable experience for all who venture into this remote paradise at Australia’s northernmost tip.

Facilities :

Fitness classes, hand massage, coffee morning, secured parking, airport pick up, daily housekeeping, restaurant and bar’s, things to do at cape york.

Visit the Daintree Rainforest

One of the world's oldest rainforests, the Daintree Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an incredible range of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the rainforest on foot or take a guided tour to discover the lush vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Dive the Great Barrier Reef

The world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see attraction in Cape York. Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the colourful coral gardens, go snorkelling or scuba diving to get up close to the marine life, or simply enjoy a leisurely swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Stand on The Tip of Australia

Cape York's northernmost point, known as "The Tip," is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a four-wheel-drive adventure to reach The Tip, where they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding ocean and take a memorable photo at the iconic signpost.

Learn about Indigenous Culture

Cape York is home to a rich and diverse Indigenous culture, with several Aboriginal communities scattered throughout the region. Visitors can learn about the traditional customs, beliefs, and practises of the local Indigenous people by visiting cultural centres and attending cultural events.

Discover the stunning Wildlife

Cape York is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with numerous species of animals and birds inhabiting the region. Visitors can spot crocodiles, wallabies, echidnas, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat by taking a wildlife tour or visiting one of the many nature reserves in the area.

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Get To know Cape York:

Uncover the Answers to Your Burning Questions About Cape York: An Exciting Guide for Curious Travellers

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Cape York, as the weather is pleasant, and the roads are accessible. However, it's still important to check weather conditions before embarking on any outdoor activities.

The easiest way to get to Cape York is by flying into Cairns and then hiring a four-wheel drive vehicle to explore the region. Alternatively, visitors can also take a guided tour or join a self-drive tour.

It's important to pack appropriate clothing and equipment for your chosen activities, such as hiking boots, insect repellent, and sunscreen. It's also recommended to bring plenty of water, a first aid kit, and a map or GPS.

Yes, camping is a popular activity in Cape York, with numerous campgrounds and campsites available. However, it's important to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before camping.

While swimming in the waters around Cape York is generally safe, visitors should be aware of the potential for stingers, crocodiles, and other hazards. Always check local safety guidelines and only swim in designated swimming areas.

Yes, Cape York is home to several Aboriginal communities, and visitors can learn about the traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of the local Indigenous people by visiting cultural centres and attending cultural events.

The amount of time needed to explore Cape York depends on your interests and itinerary. Most visitors spend at least a week in the region to experience the highlights, but some travellers choose to spend longer to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Queensland Traveller Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

Queensland Traveller acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.

Cape York Trip: Cape York Itinerary And Preparation

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This post provides information to help you with your upcoming Cape York trip. It includes suggested places to camp on the way to Cape York, what to see and do along the Peninsula Development Road (PDR), and information about the Cape York area.

Also included are hints and preparation tips so you and your gear arrive and return in one piece.

We didn’t do the Telegraph Track, so we haven’t included any information about the Tele track. Instead, we took the PDR bypass, which is just a continuation of the PDR.

We towed our off-road caravan with our Y62 Patrol to Cape York and back. In the Cape region, we saw various setups, including off-road caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, roof-top tents, swags, tents and motorbikes. Cars ranged from 4WD wagons and utes to 4WD trucks, 4WD vans, 2WD vans, and even 2WD sedans.

Not everyone wants to tow their van to the Cape and back. Some travellers store their vans at the many campgrounds or stations along the PDR. However, we bought an off-road van to take off-road, so our Cape trip was the first off-road trip that we’d made.

Preparation is king if you are on the fence about taking your van. Let your tyres down on your 4WD, caravan, motorhome, or camper trailer and drive to the conditions of the corrugated roads.

Preferring a hard copy of a map, we used Hema’s Cape York map for our trip. We also carry Hema’s Australia & 4WD Atlas .

Lakeland To Cape York Trip

Table of Contents

You’ll start your journey at Lakeland, the Gateway to Cape York. Walking around and learning about the area’s history is worth a stop. It’s a popular spot for everyone heading to Cape York.

The photo above was taken at a service station opposite Lakeland. It’s the last reasonably priced fuel, so I recommend you either fill up or top up there.

Hann River Roadhouse

Hann River Roadhouse has a good campground, and when we stayed, there were a few animals (baby goats) there. They also have a cafe that is open for dinner.

The bitumen finishes, and the red dirt starts north of Hann River Roadhouse.

Welcome to the bone-jarring, teeth-rattling PDR – Peninsula Development Road! Strap in, tighten those bra straps and enjoy one of the best Aussie road trips!

Musgrave Roadhouse

Musgrave Roadhouse has a freshwater crocodile attraction and some history. It’s good for an overnight stay, and meals are available if you don’t feel like cooking. We stayed at Musgrave on our way back down.

I had an online Zoom appointment when the croc feeding occurred, but Kev went and enjoyed it.

Coen has the Sexchange pub, great food, and historical attractions across the road.

Coen has two petrol stations, one heading north and one heading south. We filled up at the station heading south.

Just north of Coen, on the right, is a great free camping area at The Bend.

Archer River Roadhouse

Archer River Roadhouse has a sizeable park-anywhere campground. It also has a bar, and the food is reported to be good.

When we went through Archer River, the bridge was under construction. It was very noisy (as you would expect) during the day, but it was okay at night. The workers worked twelve-hour days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There’s a small Free Camp on the north side of the bridge on the right. Beware—the sand is very soft. Yes, we know this from a first-hand experience!

Chilli Beach

The turn-off to Chilli Beach Campground is north of Archer. Although it can be windy on Chilli Beach, the views are stunning.

Lockhart has several attractions—WWII was in that area, and the beaches are spectacular. Iron Ranges have lime-green pythons, Cuscus (a possum species), and beautiful birdlife. You can camp in the area, too.

Bramwell Station

Bramwell Station has an excellent flat Campground. There is no need to book, as you can roll in and set up camp. They have nightly dinner and entertainment, but you must book it in advance as it is popular.

We found the worst corrugated road south and north of Bramwell when we headed north and south to Cape York. But that could be different when you drive the road. We stayed at Bramwell, heading north and south.

Bramwell Junction

North of Bramwell Station is Bramwell Junction, which has a campground and food. You can also fuel up there. This is the next place we filled up. To pay, you take a photo with your phone of the petrol bowser showing how many litres and the price, and then show it to the cashier. Fuel was $2.70/litre when we filled up.

Captain Billy Landing

Captain Billy Landing is worth a visit to camp or do a day trip, and the bookings are made through Queensland National Parks .

Fruit Bat Falls, Eliot Falls and Twin Falls

Fruit Bat Falls, Eliot Falls, and Twin Falls are stunning. We only spent a few hours there, but if we visit again, I’d make a day of it and take lunch. We visited the falls on our way back down from the Cape, unhitched the van, and drove in.

The water temperature was perfect for cooling off and swimming, and as you can see in the photo above, it was lovely and clear.

You can camp at Elliot; again, bookings are through Queensland National Parks. It’s a pretty gnarly track with some deep ruts into the falls. You can’t tow a large off-road van; you can pull a smaller hybrid van or camper trailer. You could also drive further down and free camp at Canal Creek.

Once back on the PDR, the Jardine River Ferry is next. Try to get there before noon, as noon is lunchtime. We arrived at five minutes to twelve, and they were closed for 45 minutes. There was quite a queue to cross by the time they re-opened.

If you are too late for the ferry, the ferry crossing also has a Campground right next to it along the Jardine. There are also amenities there.

The ferry takes one 4WD and caravan or six 4WDs at a time. Crossing the Jardine took less than a minute, which was $197 when we visited. This covers a return trip on the ferry and free camping on the other side of the river.

Once you cross the Jardine, it’s only around an hour’s drive, and you’ll reach Bamaga. Parts of the road were very corrugated towards the bitumen end.

The roads are mainly bitumen between the townships in the Cape York region.

Alua Campground

Umagico township has the Alua Campground. It is right on the beach and also has a pool. It’s a pretty area with some beach-front sites. As you can imagine, they are very popular, so you may have to book in advance depending on the time of year you visit.

Loyalty Beach

We stayed at Loyalty Beach Campground. It’s a large campground right on the beach and is fantastic for sunsets. They have a cafe of sorts and also have fish and chip night on Sunday. Wild horses visit daily; more about the horses further down.

When you arrive you are given a map and shown where you are permitted to camp, depending on your set up. On the left of the entry, the front row of the campground is reserved for RTTs and tents. The second, third and fouth rows are for camper trailer and caravans. To the right of the entry are for swags, tents and RTTs.

Seisa Campground

Another large campground is Seisia Campground. Our friends camped there in the overflow section and reported it was pretty good.

Seisia Wharf is just around the corner from the Seisa Campground, where you can catch Peddell’s ferry to Thursday Island for the day. We did the day trip to TI and highly recommend it.

World War Two Plane Wrecks

There are 3 WWII Plane wrecks in the Bamaga area, which are well worth visiting.

The Trip To The Tip To See the Sign

Travel on Pajinka Rd and stop at The Croc Tent for your merch. You can buy everything there, including postcards, T-shirts, fishing shirts, maps, and stubby coolers.

After the Croc Tent, keep driving north. You’ll drive through a beautiful rainforest, which I didn’t expect. There is a small carpark at the tip and some portable dunnies. I didn’t use them as most people opened the doors and quickly shut them!

Depending on the tide, you can walk to the tip from the beach area and then across some rocks. The day we went to the Tip, We Did both. We climbed over and down the rocks to reach the Tip and then crossed the rocks and over the beach back to the car park.

I’d recommend wearing at least some runners, as the rocks are rough and uneven in spots. That said, we wore pluggers and had no problems with slipping. I was pretty cautious, though, and took my time.

Once you are at the sign, there is a great atmosphere. People from all walks celebrate and tick this big, hairy goal off their bucket lists. Take your time, soak it all in, and enjoy the moment; you made it!

Don’t worry about who will take your photo or video. We found that people are very keen to help. Usually, the group in front of you who just had their happy snaps taken will help you take your photos.

After visiting the Tip and heading south, you can turn to the left to visit Somerset. At Fly Point, visit the old Jardine airport. There are historical graves to see and five beaches.

Punsand Bay

Back at the Croc Tent, instead of heading north to the Tip, turn off to the left at the Croc Tent and drive to Punsand Bay; you’ll see the signpost.

Some say it’s a ‘must-do,’ but others won’t agree. We think it’s worth visiting, and if you can camp there, that would be even better. We didn’t camp there because it was booked for two weeks. The Corrugation Bar area’s entertainment/food/bar has a resort feel. We found it had good food but small portions.

Heading South From Cape York

Weipa is a must-see and stay. The caravan park is an oasis in the middle of red dirt country. Do the Weipa mine tour if you can; we found it fascinating and informative. You’ll need to book the caravan park and the tour in advance, depending on the time of the season you go.

The Weipa Region

We visited Weipa on the way back and loved it. Take the Batavia Downs Road; it’s known as a shortcut and will cut hours off your trip. It’s a great dirt road – better than some parts of the Bruce Highway (although that’s not hard!).

Pennefather

Another beautiful place to camp is the Pennefather Free Camp , North of Weipa. The sandy roads to get there are very soft. Although it’s a free camp, you must buy a permit before you go, and you can get one at the Weipa Campground.

Mapoon was an old mission established by the Presbyterian Church. It has a lot of history; you can read about it here.

Preparation For Your Cape York Trip

Preparation to visit Cape York involves two areas: your tow vehicle and caravan or camper.

4WD Preparation

Following is an essential list for your rig’s prep before heading to Cape York. If you are a keen off-roader, you’ll have your version, plus the tools, bits, and pieces that suit your rig. Most of the prep for the trip is common sense; however, I’ve included it anyway:

• Take recovery tracks
• Take a tyre repair kit
• Have your rig serviced
• Check the tyre wear and tear
• Check the suspension and brakes
• If you don’t have a winch, have one fitted
• If you are doing the Tele Track, check your winch
• If you don’t have a UHF radio , have one installed or at the least get a hand-held one

Caravan Preparation

These are the things to consider for your caravan preparation before heading to Cape York:

Outside Your Caravan

• Check the wheel bearings
• Silicone any holes around plumbing pipes
• If you don’t have dust suppression, tape the external vents
• If there is no under-body armour under your van, use hollow pool noodles to protect plumbing pipes

Inside Your Caravan

• Pre-cook some meals and cryovac them
• Buy fresh meat and chicken and cryovac them
• Stock up on your favourite food and drink (i.e. specialty milks)
• Stow and secure e verything that moves, including hand wash
• If you use light-coloured sheets and doona, change them for darker sheets
• Secure your fridge and freezer doors with permanent clips or 1000-mile-an-hour tape

Hints and Tips for Visiting Cape York and the Bamaga Region

• Let your tyres down on your rig and van and drive to the conditions.
• SLOW DOWN when you see signs for Dips and Floodways; they often have bulldust holes before them
• Bulldust holes can be anywhere along the road
• Drive in the table drains when the corrugations are too much
• Corrugations are often too much!
• If a grader has just graded the road, the corrugations will barely exist, and you’ll wonder what everyone is talking about
• You’ll often wish the grader had been through the day before
• Red dirt stains everything, and you’ll find it for months afterwards
• You don’t need to book the Jardine Ferry, roll up
• Despite the petrol bowsers, there is no fuel at the Jardine Ferry
• There are only three petrol stations – Injinoo, Bamaga and Seisa
• There are only three supermarkets – Seisia, Bamaga and Umagico
• There are only a few takeaway places, and they close early; we didn’t use any as we took food with us
• The chemist isn’t open on the weekends
• The Bamaga Pub is the only one up there
• The Pub is CLOSED on Sundays
• The Pub has a drive-through
• There are limits on the amount of alcohol you can take on the north side of the Jardine River, click here to read about it
• The best time to visit Cape York is in the dry season from May to October. The temperatures are beautiful as it is a dry heat
• The busiest times at Cape York are between June and September
• You’ll see wild horses everywhere. It’s not advisable to pat them as some can be aggressive. We saw them often through the park at Loyalty Beach. They know how to knock over wheelie bins to get to the food scraps
• There are lots of green ants on the trees, so be careful where you camp and look before you touch a tree
• We both have Telstra, but it only worked when we were in towns.
• We use Starlink, and it worked brilliantly everywhere we camped
• Lock up your valuables, especially in RTTs and Tents. Camping tables and chairs are ok to leave out at night

Final Thoughts

You can spend as little or as much time travelling from Lakeland and back on your Cape York trip. We were on the move daily with only 1-night stops until we reached Loyalty Beach. We spent seven nights at Loyalty to explore the Cape York region.

I would stay longer if we were to do another Cape York trip.

Enjoy your Cape York trip. Remember to take it easy and enjoy the journey; it’s as exciting as the destination.

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• Things To Do On Cape York

Who is up for an exciting trip on Cape York?

There are so many things to do on Cape York , that you really need a few months. We know most of you will only have from 1 to 2 weeks.

Below we have links to different regions on the Cape. There will be something for everyone

Things to do on Cape York

You can explore the amazing history, fish to your hearts content, tackle many 4WD tracks. And explore the truly unique environment to discover animals that are found no where else on earth.

Our Guide Book has a lot more detail on each region. So to get the most out of your adventure we recommend purchasing our Guide .

Fishing You Say?

Cape melville, bush camping, yes, old coach rd +, history buffs +, the guide book, fishing galore, beach cafes, yes, captain billy, beach camping, north of jardine, island tours, island esacpe.

CAPE YORK TRIP ITINERARY – 10 DAYS TO THE TIP!!

Ten days from Cooktown to Cape York and back via Weipa and the Old Telegraph Track (OTT). A total of 2022km travelled and an EPIC TRIP!

CHEERS – JUSTIN & BEC

When we first hit the road getting to the tip was on our bucket list! It’s one of those locations that’s tarred with adventure! We’d heard all the stories of recoveries, breakdowns, fishing and campfire tales and we were pumped to create our own…. Now, your timing to get up to the Cape is imperative as it can only be done in the dry season from around April-November (depending on the rain). For us, we didn’t want to go in school holidays as it gets very busy and we hate crowded campsites so we hit Cooktown in early September to prepare for the tip.

$$ Firstly, I’ll start off with our budget stats for the trip. $$

Diesel – $542.57 and the most expensive at Jardine River Ferry @ $2 per Litre.

Food –  $350 along the way and we also cleared out our van before we left (about $150 worth of food). The supermarket at Bamaga is fantastic and has everything you’ll need. Groceries are expensive in this area of Australia and we also purchased our drinking water too.

Accomodation – $172 Elim Beach $20p/n – Weipa Caravan Park $35p/n x2 – Punsand Bay Campground $44p/n x2 – Moreton Telegraph Station $20p/n

Alcohol – $180 You definitely need a beer or ten every afternoon at the Cape. The Tavern at Bamaga has some good specials. But do remember there are restrictions on how much grog you can carry up this way.

OUR 4WD SET UP AND CAMPING GEAR

OZtrail Fast Frame 450 Tourer – OZtrail Toilet – 12V Shower – Gas Stove – Sleeping Bags – Camp Chairs – Air Mattresses – Duffle Bags

You can read all about our MAZDA BT50 and how it’s kitted out for touring below……….

TRAVEL AUSTRALIA BUDGET SPREADSHEET

OUR MAZDA BT-50 & SETUP

This is our Rig and how we have set it up!

OUR CAMP ITINERARY -10 NIGHTS

Cook town – elim beach – weipa – bertie creek – logans creek – roonga point – punsand bay – morton telegraph station – cooktown.

COOKTOWN We love this little town. Lots to see and do around the area and it’s the start of your adventure to Cape York. We parked up at the Cooktown Holiday Park. It’s a beautiful park with plenty of shade, large grassy sites and a resort style pool to cool off in.

A small but busy town that is a hub for travellers heading north and south. Cooktown is a great place to not only stock up for your adventures but it also has a lot to see! After parking our van at the BIG4 Cooktown Holiday Park we decided to lay low for a day and do a ton of washing. The amenities are fantastic, staff are beyond friendly and the park itself is a winner!

If your after some Top Notch Seafood while you’re here,  there is a great bloke in town who runs Nicko’s seafood! He does a seafood run every avo through the caravan park so look out for him and make sure you grab some prawns, they are Delicious!! Hit him up when your buying some prawns about leaving your caravan somewhere while you head to the tip!!

Only 30km away you will find, “The Lions Den Hotel”. One of North Queenslands most Iconic Pubs. It provided us a tasty beer while the kids played in the playground. What a pub this is! With it’s quirky memorabilia, a swimming hole out the back and wood fired pizzas to die for, it’s a Mecca for tourists!  It’s a must stop while in the area. With its history and licenced bar what’s not to love.

After a couple of nights preparing for our trip we put our van into storage & stock up on some last minute groceries and we’re ready to hit the road.

We’d highly recommend stopping at Elim Beach on your way up to the Tip. An absolutely magic spot & make sure you check out the coloured sands while your there.  The next day we do a big drive to Weipa, via the battlecamp road. Which was pretty much just a well maintained gravel road, but a great shortcut instead of driving back through Cooktown and Laura.

The road up to Weipa was excellent. It had just been graded and over half of it was bitumen. This place actually surprised us! A little tight knit township with just about everything you could need. Driving into the Weipa caravan park we didn’t expect grass. But you drive through the gates and it was as green as ever, so we found a spot to set our tent up with an ocean view. There is a cafe on site that do a mean pizza, a fantastic pool and a great atmosphere. It was a beaut place to relax so we decided to stay 2 nights. It’s also where you will find the last big shopping centre as you head north. There is a Woolworths, tackle shops, medical centre etc… There is places to pick up a few things as you head further north, but your better off stocking up while your in Weipa.

THE OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK

Woohooo, after leaving Weipa we are stoked to finally hit the Old Telegraph Track. We make a quick pit stop for some fuel and pics at the Bramwell Roadhouse and we’re off!!

The start of the track is pretty tame with just a single vehicle track cutting through the bush with a few washouts and rocky sections along the way. Once you hit Palm Creek, this is where the track really starts to get a bit gnarly. A steep entry and exit into the creek make things a bit tricky. If your towing a trailer, you will need to head to the right to find the chicken track or you will be winching up the exit!!l

FRUITBAT FALLS Our next pit stop was Fruit Bat Falls and an iconic part of the OTT.  The falls are located where the the OTT crosses the PDR(Peninsula Development Road) .A beautiful waterfall that cascades over a ledge into a shallow pool perfect for swimming. We were quick to jump in and have a slash around. The kids loved playing under the waterfall and it really was magic! It wasn’t crowded either so we had plenty of room to enjoy the beautiful refreshing water on a stinking hot day!

As you continue on the northern section of the Tele Track you will soon come across Elliot Falls. Another picturesque waterfall and pool that we admired.There is also a great National Park campsite here if you book ahead. 

LOGANS CREEK

Our next stop was Logans Creek crossing, where you can sit and watch others attempt the water crossing before you of it yourself. We had a big day and decided to pull up and camp here for the night before finishing the track the next day.  

ROONGA POINT What an epic spot this one was and we had it all to ourselves. Beautiful blue waters and great fishing. I managed to catch a few fish and we watched a stunning sunset. Roonga Point is in-between the Croc Tent and Punsand Bay Campground. When you stop in at the Croc Tent for a look, ask them for a mudmap with the campgrounds and tracks on it. It will only cost you a few dollars and well worth it. 

An epic beach camp near the tip of Cape York. Easy to get to, great fishing and it’s a free camp!! So Good!

BAMAGA A great place to stock up, refuel, grab some more beers and do some grocery shopping. Be prepared to pay for expensive fuel here as well as all other items, which is fair enough in this remote part of Oz. The caravan park here is a great place to pull up and fishing off the jetty is a must.

PUNSAND BAY We were pretty excited to stop in here, get some washing done and have a swim in the (bore water) pool. We snagged a site right on the beach and had some amazing views. The restaurant do a fantastic meal and some of the best wood fired pizza’s we’ve had! We were even able to enjoy a few beers while the kids played with other families.

Punsand Bay Campground cost $44 per night and we stayed two as we did our trip to ‘The Tip’ from here.

THE TIP OF AUSTRALIA – PAJINKA

We made it to The Tip and it was a good feeling. Although it’s not  an overly difficult trek, it’s still a lot of km’s and a lot of corrugations to get there. We parked up at the bottom and as it was high tide we had to walk over some rocky outcrop to get to the tip. If you can get there on low tide, heading around the headland on the sand is a bit of a shortcut and it’s magnificent. The walk in was about 15 minutes and the kids all managed well. 

THE WAY BACK Now once you have reached the TIP, the adventure isn’t over just yet!! There is still some great campsites to visit before you head back down.  Here’s a few things to check out before you head back down. SOMERSET BEACH – A great free camp 5 BEACHES DRIVE – A scenic coastal loop that takes you past 5 beaches and back to the PDR.  THE FRENCHMANS TRACK- Another challenging 4wd track that takes you to the east coast & Chiili Beach .  CHILLI BEACH – An amazing campground where rainforest meets the snow white sands of Chilli beach. We didn’t make it there as the winds were howling 70-80km an hour, not ideal for setting up a tent. 

MORETON TELEGRAPH STATION Our last stop on our Cape York trek & this was such a welcoming visit. After all the red dirt we were very excited to pull into a lush green campground. We set up in a camp nestled amongst the bush and it was the perfect way to end out Cape York travels. Our final night here before heading back to Cooktown to pick up our van and continue down the East Coast.

FAVOURITE CAMPS –

BERTIE CREEK ON THE OTT AND ROONGA POINT BEACH CAMP JUST NEAR PUNSAND BAY. 

HOT TIPS!!!

1. DON’T GET TO THE JARDINE RIVER FERRY AT LUNCHTIME. 

2. DO THE WALK TO THE TIP AT LOW TIDE SO YOU CAN WALK AROUND THE BEACH. 

3. TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE SAFE

4. TRY AND DO IT WHEN IT’S NOT BUSY. WE HAD A DREAM RUN UP HERE WITH THE TRACKS MAINLY TO OURSELVES – WE RECKON IT WOULD NOT BE AS ENJOYABLE WHEN THERE IS HEAPS OF TRAFFIC. 

WHAT A BLOODY GREAT TRIP!! WE  LOVED GETTING OUT OF THE VAN AND TACKLING THE ADVENTURE OF THE OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK AND CAPE YORK.

A MASSIVE THANKS TO OZTRAIL FOR TEAMING UP WITH US, THE GEAR PERFORMED OUTSTANDING AND MADE LIFE EASY ON THE TRACKS. 

DEFINITELY PUT THIS TRIP ON YOUR HITLIST! IT’S ONE YOU WILL REMEMBER FOR EVER.

CHEERS CAPE YORK!!

TRIP WRAP UP!!

WE HAVE SOME GREAT PARTNERS ON BOARD WITH OUR TRAVELS.

Huge thanks to these guys for the support. cheers.

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Top 10 Things to Do In Cape York

Top 10 Things to Do in Cape York: A Journey to Australia’s Northern Frontier

Cape York Peninsula, the northernmost tip of mainland Australia, is a destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Its remote and rugged landscapes, rich indigenous culture, and unique wildlife make it a truly unforgettable place. Whether you’re driving the iconic Old Telegraph Track or exploring pristine beaches, Cape York has a wealth of experiences to offer. Here are the top 10 things to do in Cape York:

1. Stand at the Tip of Cape York

This destination is number 1 in our Top 10 things to do in Cape York. Reaching the northernmost point of mainland Australia is a bucket-list achievement. Known simply as “The Tip,” it offers stunning views over the Torres Strait and is marked by a simple sign. The short walk from the car park to the Tip is a pilgrimage for many adventurers, symbolizing the culmination of an epic journey through some of Australia’s most challenging terrain.Reaching the northernmost point of mainland Australia is a bucket-list achievement.

2. Explore the Old Telegraph Track (OTT)

The Old Telegraph Track is one of Australia’s most iconic 4×4 routes. Spanning approximately 350 kilometers, it is a must-do for off-road enthusiasts. The track features numerous river crossings, including the infamous Gunshot Creek and the beautiful Fruit Bat Falls. Along the way, you’ll experience rugged landscapes and remote wilderness, making it a thrilling adventure.

3. Visit Fruit Bat Falls and Elliot Falls

These stunning waterfalls are among the highlights of the Old Telegraph Track. Fruit Bat Falls, with its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings, is perfect for a refreshing swim. Nearby, Elliot Falls and Twin Falls offer equally beautiful spots to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cape York. These waterfalls are a great place to take a break from the dusty tracks and cool off in pristine waters.

4. Discover the Indigenous Rock Art at Laura

The small town of Laura is home to some of Australia’s most significant Aboriginal rock art sites. The Quinkan Rock Art, considered among the top 10 rock art sites in the world, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people. Visit the Quinkan Cultural Centre and take a guided tour to see the ancient artworks at Split Rock and other nearby galleries.

5. Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Cape York offers unique access to the northern sections of the Great Barrier Reef. From the towns of Bamaga and Seisia, you can arrange boat trips to explore this world-famous natural wonder. Snorkeling and diving in these less-visited parts of the reef offer a more pristine and less crowded experience compared to the more southern sections.

6. Fish in the Pristine Waters

Cape York is a fishing paradise. The waters around the peninsula are teeming with fish, making it an ideal destination for both recreational and sport fishing. Popular species include barramundi, coral trout, and Spanish mackerel. Charter a boat from Seisia or try your luck fishing from the beach or riverbanks.

7. Take a Ferry to Thursday Island

A short ferry ride from the mainland, Thursday Island is the administrative and commercial center of the Torres Strait Islands. Explore the island’s rich history at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre , visit the historic Green Hill Fort, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Thursday Island offers a fascinating insight into the unique lifestyle of the Torres Strait Islanders.

8. Camp at Punsand Bay

Punsand Bay, located near the Tip, is a perfect spot for camping. The beachfront campground offers stunning views, excellent facilities, and easy access to the northernmost point of Australia. Enjoy beachcombing, fishing, and simply relaxing by the campfire as you soak up the remote beauty of Cape York.

9. Visit the Jardine River National Park

The Jardine River National Park is a haven for nature lovers. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems, including rainforest, heathland, and wetlands. It is also home to the mighty Jardine River, the largest river on the Cape York Peninsula. Explore the park’s rugged beauty, spot unique wildlife, and experience the tranquillity of this remote wilderness.

10. Discover Somerset

Somerset, once a settlement established by the Jardine family, offers a glimpse into Cape York’s colonial history. Located on the eastern tip of the peninsula, Somerset features historical ruins, including the remains of the homestead and gravesites. The area is also known for its beautiful beaches and excellent fishing spots.

Cape York is a destination that rewards the intrepid traveler with its unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and sense of adventure. From standing at the Tip of Australia to exploring ancient rock art and experiencing the thrill of the Old Telegraph Track, there is no shortage of incredible things to see and do. Prepare your 4×4, pack your sense of adventure, and embark on a journey to discover the top 10 things to do in Cape York. If you need help to see all these amazing destinations, take a look at our range of tours available at Cape York Tours .

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Cape York Travel Information

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The Cape York Peninsular is one of Australia’s most important wilderness areas. It is largely uninhabited and inaccessible except for the four wheel drive enthusiasts who come here to make the arduous journey to the top of Australia. Throughout the region you can find Aboriginal settlements, Mining towns and cattle stations and the residents are mostly a hardy bunch. Cape York is the largest region in North Queensland. As Queensland is Australia’s busiest tourist destination, there is always a number of tourists looking to take four wheel drive tours into the Cape York region.

Port Douglas and Cairns are the most common starting points for these tours and they operate during the dry season only. Roads in the region are all dirt and become impassable as soon as the wet season sets in. The journey to cape york takes several days and includes many creek crossings as there are no bridges along the way. Tour operators must be a jack of all trades to keep the vehicles going and ensure the safety of their passengers. These tours are definitely not for the nervous nellies.  Extensive coral reef formations  lines the entire eastern shore of the Cape York peninsula and when you can gain access to the ocean you will find fantastic fishing and diving. Rivers are all crocodile infested so great caution is required.

The Cape York peninsula region is a completely undeveloped tourist region.

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The Beginner’s Guide For Driving To Cape York: Everything You Need To Know To Before You Go

Driving to Cape York, the northernmost part of mainland Australia, from Cairns in Far North Queensland is considered one of the wildest and most remote journeys Australia has to offer. A true bucket-list adventure that requires planning, preparation , and determination to tick it off. 

As more paved roads are completed and more cell towers are erected, the prospect of driving Cape York becomes more and more accessible every year. But even with these advances, the opportunities for wild, unsupported overlanding adventures are limitless in this vast wilderness.

If you are planning a Cape York trip or just dreaming about your own Cairns to Cape York 4wd adventure, we have several tips and answers to Frequently Asked Questions for tackling the Cape York peninsula you might like to know before you go.

Here is our complete list of what to know before you go to Cape York, to help you prepare or plan a trip to Cape York.

Do I Need a 4WD to Drive from Cairns to Cape York?

Even along the major ‘highway’, long stretches of the rough unsealed road remain. Corrugation, dust holes, and dips make for a bumpy drive and can be catastrophic for conventional vehicles.

If you do plan to tackle Cape York with a 2WD stick to the PDR and take it slow. We wouldn’t advise it, but hey, it’s your Cape York QLD adventure!

If you don’t have a 4WD but would like to give the Cape York trip a try you can rent a four-wheel-drive out of Cairns.

Do I Need to Be an Experienced 4WD Enthusiast, Offroader, Overlander, Mechanic, and Camping Fanatic to Survive Driving to Cape York?

It helps, but no.

You just need a give-it-a-go attitude, a little courage, and the guts to jump on the UHF radio to ask for help when you run into trouble.

Challenging though it might be, contrary to popular belief, Cape York is a trip that is accessible to everyone even four-wheel-driving novices like ourselves.

You will certainly learn a lot on the way, and there are plenty of enthusiasts and experts along the way ready to help and share their wisdom with newbies.

You might find that you are a hardcore off-roader at heart or discover, like us, you will likely never be spotted white-knuckling it around the local 4WD track. Nevertheless, don’t let your lack of experience deter you from this trip. Just make sure you are well prepared and well informed before you head out!

Should I Take My Caravan?

We wouldn’t!

Regular weekender caravans can easily be damaged driving to Cape York. We have heard the stories and seen the evidence of many a caravan that has left behind various bits and pieces or simply broken in half on ill-fated trips to the Cape.

That being said, if you have an off-road caravan and you are an old hand at off-roading with it then perhaps the trek is for you. We did, however, see plenty of people, including overlanding experts, on Cape York rebuilding their caravan after being banged around on the rough dirt tracks.

When Is the Best Time to Drive from Cairns to Cape York?

Dry season.

The best time of the year to travel from Cairns to Cape York is during the dry season, in fact, it is the only time. Most of the Cape is cut off from the rest of Australia during the wet season and driving to Cape York is impossible. The Cape York dry season runs from May to October each year and the Cape York wet season from November to April each year.

How Long Does It Take to Drive from Cairns to Cape York?

The distance from Cairns to Cape York is some 2,000 kilometers return, but with the condition of the roads, driving times are often longer than expected.

We spent three weeks driving to Cape York but many people make the journey from Cairns to Cape York in two weeks or even one.

To give yourself enough time to stop and enjoy the sights, and not spend every hour rattling around in your car burning through expensive fuel, I can’t imagine doing the trip in less than 10 days. And if you have more time, you could easily spend a month or more here exploring the trails, parks, and communities of the cape.

Is the Road from Cairns to Cape York Sealed?

While there are some sections on the way to Pajinka at the tip of the Cape that are sealed, the majority of the road is unpaved. The drive to Cooktown from Cairns along the inland road is fully paved as well as the road to Laura. After Laura, there are sections along the way that are unpaved which are best traversed with a 4WD.

Do I Need to Carry Spare Fuel?

Should you? Probably.

To get between fuel stations along major roads, you do not need to carry spare fuel when driving to Cape York. But you must be vigilant about filling up at every opportunity. It also means that if something goes wrong and you need to go off course, double back or a fuel station doesn’t have any fuel, you will be at the mercy of more prepared travelers.

If you plan to journey off the Peninsula Development Road or tackle some of the 4WD tracks that Cape York is renowned for, then carrying extra fuel is definitely recommended.  

Fuel is available at the following roadhouses along the PDR:

• Palmerson Roadhouse
• Lakeland Roadhouse
• Hann Roadhouse
• Musgrave Roadhouse
• Archer River Roadhouse
• Lockhart River
• Bramwell Junction
• Jardine Ferry

Fuel is typically 60 – 90 cents more than it is in major cities. And we found it to be most expensive is in the middle of the Cape and cheapest at the bottom and at the top.

Do I Need to Have a Radio? 

No, but it’s a good idea!

A UHF radio is not a requirement for driving Cape York, but it can provide piece of mind as an important piece of safety equipment.

Cheap to buy and free to use, UHF or CB radio will allow you to communicate with nearby vehicles also equipped with a radio. On the Cape’s narrow and treacherous tracks they can be used to communicate traffic, road conditions, or, in an emergency, an SOS.

If you are planning on tackling some of the more remote areas of the Cape York Peninsula or a few of the more harrowing Cape York 4WD tracks, it is probably wise to ensure your vehicle is equipped with a UHF radio.

Channel 40 is used by truck drivers, and channel 10 is recommended as the 4WD channel and it can be helpful to monitor these channels when driving in the Cape as well as to frequently set your radio to scan.

Should I Carry Recovery Equipment for Driving to Cape York? 

A fundamental requirement for driving Cape York is carrying at least basic recovery gear with you. In a place as treacherous and remote as the cape, getting stuck is common, and the wait times for rescue long. Having the ability to be able to self-recover will come in handy if you do find yourself stuck.

For a list of the recommended recovery equipment you should carry on your drive from Cairns to Cape York check out our Cape York Trip Checklist !

Do I Need to Carry Spare Parts Driving from Cairns to Cape York?

If you do break down, not only could it be a long time waiting on a tow into the nearest community, but waiting on spare parts could take weeks, not to mention be extremely costly. One of the best tips for Cape York is to make sure you pack the essentials. Some basics include:

• Tyre repair kit
• Air compressor
• Drive belts
• Fuel filter

It is also wise to carry the necessary tools like screw drivers and socket wrenches in case you need to use those spare parts. For a complete list of spare parts for Cape York, check out our Cape York Trip checklist !

Will I Have a Mobile Signal Driving from Cairns to Cape York?

For the most part, no. You won’t have service while driving to Cape York. There are some communities and hotspots that have 4g service but don’t expect to be reachable every day. The cell service, however, in these 4g areas was fast and reliable. We were able to work in these places using video conferencing without problems. Places we stopped with service all had fuel, supplies, and good camping.

• Noah Beach in the Daintree (on the beach only)
• Myall Beach in the Daintree (on the beach only)
• Wroonga Point
• Pajinka (intermittent H+ service)

Another great tip for Cape York, if being connected is important for you, consider traveling with a mobil e signal repeater. A mobile signal repeater will boost the 3G or 4G signal in the area allowing you to stay connected. While a repeater is expensive, it’s a handy piece of equipment if you need to be online.

Does Google Maps Work on the Cape?

Google Maps isn’t the most reliable navigational system on the way up the Cape. We recommend stopping in at the Information Center in Cooktown and grabbing an old school paper Cape York Peninsula map. Or, you can pony up the $100 to purchase the online HEMA map which is designed for 4WD enthusiasts. 

For more information on how to plan your route from Cairns to Cape York, check out our step-by-step Cape York trip planning guide!

Do I Need to Carry Cash to Cape York?

Although we carried cash with us, we did not use it on our trip. Everywhere we went had card facilities. However, given the limited infrastructure up here, if the internet goes down, it could be a long drive to the nearest cash point.

There are a handful of ATMs around such as the one found at the Umagico Supermarket or the Lockhart River Retail Store, but it is unlikely you will be in these specific locations when you need the cash.

In our opinion, it never hurts to have some cash in case the card reader malfunctions. You don’t want to be left stranded unable to pay for gas or other necessary supplies.

How Available Are Supplies in the Cape?

General stores are available at Laura, Coen, and Lockhart River, and supermarkets can be found at Weipa and Bamaga. Limited supplies are available at the other roadhouses along the way.

With that being said, supplies out here come at a premium and selection is limited with the exception of the supermarkets. Plan your meals ahead and take as many required supplies with you as you can.

We planned out our meals for our whole three-week trip and took enough canned and dry ingredients to last the whole journey. We also took fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat for our first week. After that, we restocked on milk, eggs, fruit, and veggies when we could. Forward planning meant that we didn’t have to pay a fortune.

Are There Restaurants Along the Way?

You won’t find fancy sit-down meals or fast food joints like McDonalds driving to Cape York. But what you will find are pubs serving counter meals, roadhouses serving burgers, and caravan parks selling fish and chips, pizzas, and standard pub food.

Just as with most things driving to Cape York, expect to pay a bit more for meals “out” than you would otherwise. But no trip to the Cape is complete without sampling at least a few roadhouse burgers along the way. Our favorite places to eat in Cape York were the chicken burger at Bramwell Junction and the fish and chips at the cafe in Portland Roads.

Is Drinking Water Available in Cape York?

Drinking water is available in Coen, Weipa, and Bamaga. We do, however, recommend that you can carry enough water for at least a couple of days for you and your party. You never know what may happen on the Cape.

Can You Take Alcohol to Cape York?

If there was one thing that surprised me during my Cape York trip planning was the existence of alcohol restrictions in Cape York . There are alcohol restrictions in 19 communities in Queensland of which 9 are in Cape York. The degree of alcohol restrictions varies based on each community.

Dry communities are communities where no alcohol is permitted.

These communities are located primarily on the western coast of the Cape. Lockhart River, on the eastern coast, is also a dry community, however, there are certain exemptions for “bona fide travelers” passing through on the Frenchman’s Track or the Portland Roads Road. But, if you deviate off these roads to stop in the restricted community even for fuel, you can be subject to hefty fines up to $50,000.

The Bloomfield Track from the Daintree to Cooktown also passes through a no-alcohol community for which the “bona fide travelers” exception applies.

Other Cape York aboriginal communities place restrictions on the amount of alcohol you can possess in your vehicle at one time. These restrictions are per vehicle and not per person. The restrictions range from 1L of wine or 30 cans of beer to as much as 2L of wine plus 90 cans of beer.

Make sure to check the most up-to-date information available posted by the Queensland Government before stocking up on grog for the Cape.

Can I Buy Alcohol in Cape York?

Alcohol is available at most roadhouses on the PDR although your selection will be limited and the prices steep. Once in the Northern Peninsula Area, alcohol is sold at the Bamaga Pub from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm each day excluding Sundays. Purchases here are limited based on the alcohol restrictions in place.

Is There Free cape york camping?

There is a lot of free Cape York camping to be had. If you are self-sufficient there is no need to pay for camping once you get above Cooktown. Our favorite free camping from Cairns to Cape York was down by the river just north of Coen, tucked away off the Bamaga Road at Rocky Creek, and perched on the headland at Roonga Point.

What Cape York Accommodation is Available Along the Route?

If camping every night is not for you or if you want to camp somewhere where there are some facilities, there is plenty of accommodation and caravan parks along the way.

• Bramwell Junction Tourist Park
• Bramwell Junction Roadhouse
• Moreton Telegraph Station
• New Mappoon

You can see available accommodations listed on your favorite booking below or use the map to find stays. Be aware, not all hotels, roadhouses, and stays are listed on the big booking sites and you may need to contact them directly.

Find Cape York Accommodation

Are there showers on the drive from cairns to cape york.

All of the roadhouses along the Peninsula Development Road have hot showers available for a small fee (usually $5). And once you reach the top of the cape, there are a number of caravan parks will allow you to shower for a small fee (even if you’re not staying).

Even better than a shower at the end of a hot dusty day driving is cooling off in some of the pristine watering holes on the Cape like Fruit Bat Falls or Eliot Falls.

What Is the Old Telegraph Track?

The Old Telegraph Track or the OTT is one of the most famous tracks on the Cape. It was first cleared in the late 1800s to allow access to the telegraph lines that connected the Cape York Peninsula to the rest of Australia. It was used in this capacity until 1962.

For a long time, the OTT was the only way to get to the top of the Cape. Today, bypass roads allow you to skirt this rough old track, but most people who have done the Cairns to Cape York consider it an integral part of the adventure.

The OTT is a serious four-wheel-drive track but it is not so difficult that first-timers can’t give it a go, at least for some of the tamer sections (for example between Fruit Bat Falls and Sam’s Crossing). There are always plenty of experienced four-wheel drivers on the track, willing to lend a hand instructing and guiding over difficult crossings if you ask.

Do I Need to Book the Jardine River Ferry in Advance?

You just need to show up and pay the fee. Once the ferry attendant wakes up from his nap and notices you are waiting, you will be told to drive onto the barge. Just a short 100 m later, you will be on the other side ready to tackle the last leg of the journey!

The cost $100 which seems steep but the money goes back into the local community and there is plenty of good free camping north of the Jardine so we didn’t feel too hard done by.

Can I Refill or Swap My LPG Gas Cylinder in the Cape?

You can find swap-and-go gas cylinders at Bamaga and Weipa, and refill gas at the fuel stations in Bamaga and Seisa. Plan to pay a little more than you would at home!

We hope that after reading all of our FAQs about driving to Cape York, you are better prepared and ready to take on this amazing Australian road trip.

If you have any questions or think we have missed some important information you learned on your last trip to the northern tip of Australia, let us know below!

Want to save these FAQs on driving to Cape York for later? Pin it!

Out of a love of travel we met in a hostel in Estonia, one snowy Christmas night. Eighteen months later, we quit our day jobs in search of a more nomadic life style together.

Five years later, we are still traveling. Between us we have explored more than 80 countries, undertaken countless #vanlife adventures in more than 12 countries on 4 different continents. Most recently we have been learning to sail on our little boat whisper in the Mediterranean, falling in love with sailing and the live aboard lifestyle. While we travel and work work remotely as digital nomads.

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10 Comments

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Just a heads up local around Cape York don’t like tourist calling Cape York the Tip they prefer you call it Pajinka also its only 13 hours and 31 minutes to Cape York not 10+ days unless you go sight seeing. I know I lived there for 2 months and moving back up i a few weeks

Hi Alex and Di,

Thanks for the feedback!

I will update the post to include that name!

Regarding the drive time, this is indeed information for tourists planning a trip, not a direct drive.

Wow this was great info. Is the Barge $100 each way?

No, it is for a return trip, just make sure you don’t lose your ticket! And, I am glad you found this information helpful. Have a great time in Cape York, it is absolutely stunning!

Thank great we l love your information very help full. Can’t wait to go.

We are glad you found it helpful. The trip to the Cape is amazing, enjoy!

Awesome info without all the BS, Cheers R

Glad you found it helpful!

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Emprise Posted on July 13 2023

Planning your Cape York Trip

Cape York is remote, beautiful and somewhat mysterious. It’s a land of extremes, with historical, cultural and natural qualities and is well worth the time and preparation to explore.

When you think of Australia’s northern Queensland regions, you may think of dusty roads, remote roadhouses and pubs, unparalleled natural wonders, captivating yet dangerous wildlife and unforgiving conditions. You’d be right on many of these. Taking a trip to Australia’s northern-most regions is not for the unprepared. The Hema Cape York Atlas & Guide is the ideal travelling companion. It’s also got the maps you need to navigate the region, but it also offers helpful tips on preparation, safety aspects, unique points of interest and information on the extensive Indigenous and post-settlement history of the iconic destination.

When undertaking the Hema-endorsed 4WD Tag-Along Tour of Cape York , the Hema team of course was aware of the need to stay safe and be prepared for any issues that may arise.

“Cape York in many ways is the ultimate Aussie destination,” said Sam Hayward, Hema Maps Chairman. “It’s remote, it’s beautiful and representative of the diversity of Australia. You can see the true contrasts of Australian landscapes. Untouched beaches, tropical rainforests, towering escarpments, arid environments, inland bodies of water, sacred Indigenous sites … it really is symbolic of the beauty of this land.”

Despite its unarguable pull, the Hema team is well aware of the dangers that such a remote region can pose.

Hema Maps GM Matthew O’Meara says that safety is a priority when travelling.

“We all love to travel, but part of that preparation process is learning about what to take and how to plan. This includes safety. When you’re in a region with few medical facilities and limited communication options, it’s vital that you’re well prepared. We love travel but we take our safety responsibilities seriously. Our Atlas & Guide series features valuable safety information, hazard warnings and information on what to take on your travels,” he said.

Personal preparation is important, such as packing a full first aid kit and ensuring that you have an effective communication device. However, it’s also essential that your vehicle is prepared . Becoming stranded in a remote area is a dangerous situation. On roads that can go days without passing cars, it has never been more important to carry the right equipment and have a vehicle that is fully equipped for the rigours of remote travel.

With a whole chapter on preparation, the Hema Cape York Atlas & Guide offers advice on how you need to kit out your 4WD to survive the trip. It’s recommended that you fit a snorkel to your car for those often-challenging water crossings. Bullbars are vital, given the size and unpredictable nature of wildlife, such as wallabies, livestock, and wild pigs. Also, you need to consider fitting a winch, using the appropriate tyres (and being educated on tyre pressure) and installing a cargo barrier so your gear doesn’t fly around the car in rough conditions .

Heavy-duty suspension is a must, as is a dual battery system and carry an air compressor. Cape York isn’t the place for 4WDs that are only used to taking on low-ranked trails in the Dandenongs. It’s well worth visiting an expert for advice on whether your 4WD is ready for the Cape York challenge.

Communication

While some areas of the Cape now offer adequate mobile telephone reception (such as Punsand Bay), other areas are still ghost towns in terms of mobile coverage. Telstra seems to offer the best reception, but this is still only present in towns and Indigenous communities. Once you venture out further into the bush, coverage can be non-existent. Satellite phones are a great option and can be hired for your trip. However, remember that calls are expensive, so save it for emergency situations or to check in with your nominated person who is monitoring your travels.

A personal locator beacon is also a great addition to your Cape York travel kit. If all goes wrong, it can mean the difference between rescue or remaining stranded.

Budgetary Considerations

Things can be expensive in remote areas. Cape York is no exception. The rising cost of fuel is a consideration for many travellers. Prepare yourself a budget and include some emergency money.

Most places on the Cape now accept EFTPOS, but you should also carry cash because there are often disruptions to electronic transactions. Make sure you withdraw your cash before you head north of Cooktown. Beyond this town there are only four places to withdraw money.

Other costs to factor in are the fees associated with camping permits for national parks and food. Most towns have a supermarket or general store, but prices can be higher than usual given the extra freight costs.

As with all trips, preparation can save you money in the long term. A well-serviced and appropriately equipped 4WD is less likely to break down, costing you big money, particularly in remote areas. There is also the issue of obtaining 4WD parts on the road. It can be days before parts can be delivered to remote communities, and there may not even be a mechanic who can help you.

Plan, Plan, Plan

We all know the value of planning, even for a trip to a caravan park only hours away. But this is especially important when taking on Cape York. Its remoteness is certainly part of its attraction. However, it also means that you need a reliable vehicle , appropriate communication equipment, safety essentials and a knowledge of where you’re going and when you’ll get there.

Trust Hema to help you prepare. We’ve been there, done that and learnt the tricks. The Hema Cape York Atlas & Guide is a trustworthy companion that will help you long after you’ve left city highways and small, remote towns.

Now days many people (not just novices) prefer to join a Tag-Along Tour when travelling through remote regions. Typically run by a professional registered and experienced Tour Guide, one can travel in your own vehicle, confident that you’ll not end up stranded in the middle of nowhere, all alone. There can be safety in numbers. Read in our next article how this format has worked very well for Hema’s own adventures to Cape York.

At Hema Maps, we strive to provide the   most comprehensive and accurate maps and guides for outdoor enthusiasts   looking to explore Australia's natural wonders.

Did you find this information useful? If so, please share it with your fellow explorers. Whether it's by sms, social media, or email, your friends and fellow adventurers will appreciate the valuable tips and insights we've shared. Let's work together to make the most of every adventure.

Very good info on what to take , thank you

Have travelled the cape with my wife in a 2007 76 series Landcruiser at the time we were both 78 years of age. We traveled with my daughter and her partner in the same year and model LC taking in the Telegraph Track and everything in between. The cape was the most beautiful and rugged area of Australia we have travelled We continue to travel at 80 years of age in our land cruiser fully fitted out with spares, sat phone, first aid kit and AED in emergency heart attacks if needed Regards Roger and Delma

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Travelling in Cape York: A Low Impact Guide

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Cape York is a dream destination for many travellers but this remote and isolated wilderness is under pressure from increasing visitor numbers. And, while many are doing the right thing, there is a minority of visitors who risk spoiling it for others. 

A trip to Cape York requires a lot of planning because of the huge distances, unsealed roads, limited infrastructure and limited communications.

It pays to be well prepared, not only for your own safety and enjoyment but also because good preparation will help minimise your impact on the environment.

Issues such as littering, illegal dumping, trespassing, accidental wildfires, leaving stock gates open are a headache for farmers and landholders and many are choosing to stop visitors accessing their land.

It is important to remember that all land in Cape York is owned by somebody, no matter how remote it may seem.

With good planning and a little consideration, it is possible to travel sustainably and keep Cape York open for future travellers.

Thoughtful Travelling Cape York

‘ How to be a Cape York Thoughtful Traveller ‘ is a useful guide for anybody travelling to and around the Cape, even those who know the Cape well and are regular visitors.

It covers topics such driving, camping, boating, dealing with rubbish and cultural considerations as well as important information about staying safe from wildfires and crocodiles.

It also contains a lot of information about how to minimise your impact on Cape York’s environment as you travel which includes having good toilet etiquette (ie. not leaving white flowers all the way along the Telegraph Track) to ways of preventing the spread of weeds and protecting the native wildlife.

There is also a map showing where key facilities are.

This guide is important reading for anybody travelling in Cape York and we recommend everyone reading it as preparation before you set off on your trip.

**Download: How to be a Cape York Thoughtful Traveller

Related posts:

• Camping at Elim Beach and the Coloured Sands
• Cape York: 5 Things to Do at the Coloured Sands
• Road Trip to the Tip: ‘Must-Have’ Cape York Travel Items
• Nesting in the West: Turtle Nesting on Western Cape York

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Destination Cape York Travel Guide

All you need to safely and successfully visit Cape York and enjoy it!

The complete destination guide to the adventurous Cape York peninsula with all detail you ever need before and during your trip.

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For those planning a trip to the tip this year, there is a must see publication just out, written by a Cape York Peninsula local. 

With the planning season just starting for this amazing wilderness destination, try what we found:

A Destination Guide written by a local. Local's knowledge goes a long way and Katrin and Mark are doing more and more new, remote tracks every year that are added to this guide. On top of everything that any guide book has, there is detailed info about FREE camping spots, swimming holes, alcohol restrictions, national parks camping, fishing rules, local's knowledge about how to make sure you do see the crocs, and so much more! 

Written by a Cape York Peninsula local, you can download this e-book for $27

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27.  We are going to the Cape.   Where can’t we carry alcohol in northern Queensland ?

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Still from Cat Video Fest. Contributed/Cat Video Fest

Hello, August!

The dog days are summer are here, so let’s celebrate with the Cat Video Fest at Portland Museum of Art and Strand Theatre. Or head to the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. Those are just a few of the choices in this week’s events roundup .

Maine Lobster Festival, Wild Blueberry Weekend and Lyle Divinsky

Lily Philbrook, Kathleen Turner and Colin Anderson in the Ogunquit Playhouse production of “A Little Night Music.” Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Actress Kathleen Turner is one of the stars of “A Little Night Music” at Ogunquit Playhouse,  playing through Aug. 17. You’ll recognize her from her many film roles, including “Peggy Sue Got Married,” or maybe as Chandler Bing’s father in “Friends.” Here’s an interview with Turner, who unpacks how she got the role and how the show is going.

Actress Kathleen Turner, now performing in Ogunquit, on being in her first musical

Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins in Memphis, Tennessee in 2022. L Paul Mann/Shutterstock.com

There are still tickets left to see The Beach Boys at Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney on Friday and the Smashing Pumpkins at Maine Savings Amphitheatre on Sunday. We’ve got details on these and dozens of other upcoming concerts .

See The Beach Boys or Smashing Pumpkins in Maine this weekend

Styx. Left to right Todd Sucherman, Lawrence Gowan, Chuck Panozzo, James “JY” Young, Tommy Shaw, Terry Gowan and Will Evankovich. Photo by Jason Powell

Two other notable shows are Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) with Adrian Belew tonight in Portland and Styx with Foreigner on Saturday in Bangor. Here are interviews with Harrison and Lawrence Gowan from Styx. Tickets are still available for both shows.

Members of Talking Heads, Styx and Foreigner all perform in Maine this week

Twin Tin ice cream sandwich. Photo by Peggy Grodinsky

Sweeten up your weekend with a quintessential summer treat. The Twin Tin Ice Cream Sandwich combines ice cream from Twin Swirls with cookies from neighbor Tin Pan Bakery. Find them at the ice cream shop on Brighton Avenue in Portland.

Twin Tin Ice Cream Sandwich is the taste of summer

Hazy IPAs from Allagash, Fogtown and Rising Tide. Photo by Ben Lisle

Fans of hazy IPAs have reason to celebrate because Allagash has finally come out with its own take on the style. Want more options? Beer writer Ben Lisle also recommends a couple from Fogtown and Rising Tide. Read his tasting notes on all three.

Allagash has finally joined the hazy IPA party, and it was worth the wait

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