SECRET GEMS REVEALED
Better than Bali: Tips for off the beaten track as Cape York crowd heralds a new era
OFFSHORE travel-starved thrillseekers and massive road improvements have signalled a new era in Cape York tourism in what is fast becoming the taming of Australia’s last wilderness frontier.
Cape York adventure destinations are riding a wave of success driven by pent-up travel demand, with one operator reporting a new crowd visiting with Balinese expectations for their trip.
OFFSHORE travel-starved thrillseekers and massive road improvements have signalled a new era in Cape York tourism in what is fast becoming the taming of Australia’s last wilderness frontier.
Cape York adventure destinations are riding a wave of success driven by pent-up travel demand – many operators have recorded the best visitation rates in the history of the region.
Cape York Camping Punsand Bay co-owner Rod Colquhoun said in 2021 a new crowd had descended on his patch of paradise just a stone’s throw from the Tip.
“We named it the year of the Bali bogans who want $2 beers and five-star service,” he said.
Demand had been so great, the beachfront campground had run out of room.
“We have been turning about 100 people away a day in the school holidays,” he said.
“We are pretty well chockers for the next year and it will keep going that way I reckon.”
But Mr Colquhoun said there were other places to camp north of the Jardine River, including Seisia Caravan and Camping Ground, Loyalty Beach Campground and Fishing Lodge and Alau Beach Campground.
His top travel tip was take a trip with Peddells Thursday Island Tours.
“The Tip has a lot of history; go to Thursday Island, Horn Island and Somerset, the history is amazing,” he said.
Author of a new book dubbed the Cape York bible, Tracy Sands said the biggest oversight many travellers made was not spending enough time north of the Jardine River.
“They don’t get to see most of it,” she said. “I recommend a minimum of five days to really get a feel of what’s on offer in the northern peninsula area.”
The Explore Cape York author said to check out Woody Head, Somerset, Five Beaches, Roonga Point and the wrecks of a DC-3 and Beaufort Bomber near the Bamaga airstrip.
Alau Beach Campground reception attendant Lisa Carmody said her best advice was bring a boat and book fishing and ferry tours in advance.
“Pre-book a fishing charter because they book out fast. That’s the biggest thing about being up here, being out on the water,” she said.
She said Alau Beach Campground outside Umagico didn’t take bookings and a huge campground meant travellers were pretty much assured a spot, but the JuneJuly period was the busiest it had ever been.
“I wasn’t turning people away last school holidays but people were crammed in. I couldn’t believe it, people were camping on top of each other,” she said.
“But based on Facebook messages, it’s not going to be anywhere near as busy this school holidays.”
Bramwell Tourist Park at Australia’s most northern cattle station has welcomed a steady stream of visitors since the Peninsular Development Rd opened in May.
Park worker Brett Thomas said no bookings were taken.
“It’s open slather here; people can park were they like and it has been steady all season but very busy,” he said.
Hosting professional entertainers every night, Mr Thomas said Normie Rowe and band would play shows from September 15-21.
To book a table for dinner, contact the campground on 4060 3300.