3 Top things to do on the Cape York Peninsula

The Cape York Peninsula stretches along the north-east coast of Tropical North Queensland Australia. The peninsula spans from Cairns via Port Douglas and Cooktown, all the way to The Tip, which is Australia’s most northern point. Cape York is also known as Pajinka by local indigenous Australians.

Featuring landscapes of untouched beauty, rich history and cultural sites, a Cape York Tour is the way to experience some of the best that North Queensland has to offer. There are national parks such as the Jardine River National Park (Bamaga), Lakefield (Rinyirru) and Iron Range (Kutini-Payamu) that are abound with native flora and fauna.

Due to the vast variety of activities and sightseeing on a Cape York Safari Tour, guests usually take trips that span between 1-2 weeks rather than short day trips. Guided tours ensure that no site is left unseen whilst also providing valuable information that might otherwise be missed when taking a self-guided tour.

So, what are the must do things on the Cape York Peninsula?

The Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is the largest rainforest in Australia and is fringed by the Great Barrier Reef, making this the only location in the world where two World Heritage sites exist side by side. The Daintree is one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems encompassing unique wildlife and greenery.

All our Cape York Tours stop off at the Daintree, offering various ways to explore and experience the area. Take a walk along Cape Tribulation where tropical blue waters and pure white sand meet the emerald green forest. Go off-road and follow the 4WD tracks along the Bloomfield Track in which our 4WD tours have unique access to a picturesque beach front and experience the beautiful Bloomfield Falls. Immerse yourself in Australia’s rich Indigenous culture with a visit to the Bana Yirriji Art and Culture Centre or set off on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk, led by local Indigenous guides. You can also experience the Daintree by boat, cruising along the Daintree River where crocodiles and other tropical wildlife can be spotted.

The photo opportunities in this picturesque environment are endless!

Fruit Bat Falls

Fruit Bat Falls present a vast wall of crystal clear, flowing water, not only is it beautiful but it is croc free! Safe for swimming, the scenic waterfall can be a welcome relief from the dusty journey. The area near the waterfall has plenty of shady picnic tables making it the perfect place for a pitstop on your journey to The Tip. Keep driving along the Old Telegraph Track to Elliot Falls which is another scenic waterhole just 10km up the road and offers a camping ground.

All of our Cape York Tours bring guests to this beautiful waterfall.

Weipa

Weipa is the largest town on the Cape York Peninsula located in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The outback town is rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Some of our Cape York Tours also offer the chance to take a Weipa Mine Tour. One of the best ways to road trip and experience the outback landscapes of Weipa is to join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria to take in the view of local wildlife and crocodiles.

While you’re travelling along the Peninsula Developmental Road, don’t forget to stop off at Laura on the way where you will find the Quinkan rock art galleries which is rich in aboriginal history. The large body of prehistoric rock paintings are up to 30,000 years old and is listed among the top 10 UNESCO rock art sites in the world.

Thursday and Horn Island

These islands are part of the Torres Strait Island group offering rich history and spectacular views. Discover Thursday Island’s hidden past on a guided history tour including Green Hill Fort, whilst taking in the views. Take a ferry to Horn Island and encounter the rich WWII history the island has to offer which provides a touching experience for many.

The Tip

Most importantly a road trip along the Cape York Peninsula would not be complete without experiencing the breath-taking views standing at Australia’s most northern tip. The Tip of Australia consists of a rocky platform extending out into the Torres Strait, with views of the Coral Sea to the east and to the west the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Making it to The Tip is like a rite of passage to tell family and friends, it is said to feel like a ‘proverbial’ edge of the world encounter.

Camping is allowed at Punsand Bay located 5km from The Tip. You can also find various campsites along the way including the popular Seisia campground and caravan park in the Northern Cape York Peninsula and the Coen free camping area.

Make sure you stop off at local hotels and roadhouses along the way to refresh and reset. South of Cooktown you will find the Lion’s Den Hotel, while further up you will find Bramwell Junction.

The Archer River Roadhouse is located 200km south of Weipa which provide essential services like beer and burgers as well as a public internet connection and washing machines.

With so many amazing places to visit, why not take a look at our Cape York Tours to ensure you get to visit them all!