The Road To Cape York, Queensland
Hitting the homeland again, I thought it was time to share with you one of the biggest staples in Australian travel. Heading north of Cairns you’ll discover the road to Cape York; more 4WD friendly and regular car hateful (met a family who learnt this the hard way) but at the same time completely worthwhile. One of several in my family, I made my way to the northern tip of the continent in 2011 at the tail end of my Aussie odyssey and have been grateful for making the decision ever since. The drive (from Cairns and via the Daintree and Cooktown) is 1000km and can be done in a day or you could simply fly, but this is a journey one must take time with.
With only a few days to work with, the jetty was a popular spot to caste out a line for something with scales; the whole town was out in the afternoon once siesta was over. There’s also a small market where I saw some nice woodcraft for sale. A day trip to Thursday Island is on offer (funds prevented me from going and I didn’t want the others on the tour paying for me; nice of them to offer but there’s a big difference between a drink and a boat ride). Something else to look out for is the plane wreck at Bamaga, which we stopped at before I was dropped off at the airport. Overall, Seisia is no regret, but I still haven’t forgiven that helicopter pilot who chased me along the beach.
Long wedded couple Paddy and Portia had just
welcomed their thirteenth child in twelve years when Portia decided it would be
her last. Paddy doesn’t attempt to argue with her, not even when she tells him
to have the snip performed. Still the dutiful husband, Paddy makes an
appointment. His doctor on the other hand doesn’t believe Paddy can afford the
operation and suggests a cheaper and faster alternative.
‘Light a cracker, drop it in a beer can and count to 10.’
Paddy tells Portia who agrees with its simplicity. As instructed, Paddy lights a cracker and drops it in his beer can. On his left hand he counts to 5, but needing to reach 10 he places the can between his legs so as to continue.
Hitting the homeland again, I thought it was time to share with you one of the biggest staples in Australian travel. Heading north of Cairns you’ll discover the road to Cape York; more 4WD friendly and regular car hateful (met a family who learnt this the hard way) but at the same time completely worthwhile. One of several in my family, I made my way to the northern tip of the continent in 2011 at the tail end of my Aussie odyssey and have been grateful for making the decision ever since. The drive (from Cairns and via the Daintree and Cooktown) is 1000km and can be done in a day or you could simply fly, but this is a journey one must take time with.
The Road To Cape York, Queensland (taken 2011)
Jumping
on a camping tour, I found myself amongst other Mexicans (the far northern term
for Victorians) who I instantly connected with. Leading us on our path was a
former hairdresser who knew Baz Luhrmann before he was famous and a grandmother
with the biggest bag of offensive jokes I’ve ever heard (at least one of them
will be featured). Laughs were had, a cult-like following devoted to a wok was
formed and a can of spam meat was awarded for anything stupid (won that twice).
This was a great group experience but alas the company isn’t in business anymore.
The Road To Cape York, Queensland (taken 2011)
North
of Cooktown is where everything turned rugged; we moved at our own pace which
in truth allowed us to appreciate everything so much more. Passing old
homesteads, raw outback and the odd bull, there was much to be had on our way
to Cape York. A couple of highlights, both natural and of our own making are to
follow but told in incorrect order.
Termite
mounds are a plentiful in the north, standing in their many forms, and this
trip never fell short. Yes, we could’ve had our picture taken with any of them
but if you wait long enough and stop at the right time, you will see the
biggest.
The Road To Cape York, Queensland (taken 2011)
Whilst the exact height is sketchy to me, I learnt that it will
continue to grow and that others may even surpass it one day. There was a much
smaller one nearby which we took turns getting messed-up shots with; I’d post
my own picture but most people enjoy having the sense of sight.
After
that fix of nature we came across both Fruit Bat and Twin Falls (in that order
I believe) which was nothing short of refreshing. Whilst it can be painful to
pass under a waterfall, sitting behind the falling sheet of water was
definitely something to make the people back home envious about. Not being hard
to find, both falls were drawing in the many and the latter (Twin) was where we
made our camp for one night… and started a wok cult.
With
that said, it’s time to share ‘the events of our own creation’. When driving on
such remote roads be sure to check that everything at your disposal is in good working
condition before the ignition goes on. Cometh day… three, our camper trailer took a
turn for the worse and decided to slow us down for a bit. 
Fruit Bat Falls, Queensland (taken 2011)
Twin Falls, Queensland (taken 2011)
This proved beneficial
since the following morning we had the place to ourselves. I highly recommend
taking a dip in the river water since the far northern beaches come with there
plentiful share of apex predators; FYI, crocs can be seen lying on the sand in
the morning and shark fins were breaking the sea surface at dusk. Twas grand
sights to be had.
The Road To Cape York, Queensland (taken 2011)
The Jardine River, Queensland (taken 2011)
Yes,
the spam was awarded to our driver but luckily we were able to do a patch job
and weld everything back together at the next road house. With the greater leg
completed… and after a quick ferry crossing of the Jardine River (the north
enjoys its siesta time so times will vary), we set up camp in the town of Seisia
which was more than welcoming to us and everyone else (a few old timey vehicles
even made it north to much amazement).With only a few days to work with, the jetty was a popular spot to caste out a line for something with scales; the whole town was out in the afternoon once siesta was over. There’s also a small market where I saw some nice woodcraft for sale. A day trip to Thursday Island is on offer (funds prevented me from going and I didn’t want the others on the tour paying for me; nice of them to offer but there’s a big difference between a drink and a boat ride). Something else to look out for is the plane wreck at Bamaga, which we stopped at before I was dropped off at the airport. Overall, Seisia is no regret, but I still haven’t forgiven that helicopter pilot who chased me along the beach.
Seisia, Queensland (taken 2011)
That
all ranted about, it’s now time to talk about the all too appreciated tip of
the Australian continent. Comfortable shoes will be a saviour as you cross from
the beach (crabs are plentiful) to the rocky slope which leads onto the desired
destination (if you’ve brought a rock from far away, be sure to leave it on a
pile and make a wish). Nothing’s really hard about the walk but be careful in
case it’s slippery. Once that’s out of the way, take your place in front of the
sign and get that all important shot. It’s one of those hard-to-top moments so breathe
everything in.
Cape York, Queensland (taken 2011)
Now for the joke…‘Light a cracker, drop it in a beer can and count to 10.’
Paddy tells Portia who agrees with its simplicity. As instructed, Paddy lights a cracker and drops it in his beer can. On his left hand he counts to 5, but needing to reach 10 he places the can between his legs so as to continue.
Happy
travels!
Links: www.tourismcapeyork.com, discoverqueensland.com.au
The Road To Cape York, Queensland (taken 2011)
Links: www.tourismcapeyork.com, discoverqueensland.com.au
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