Cape York to the Tip

Cape York is a remote peninsula in Far North Queensland. The usual route leaves Cairns for Lakeland and Laura, follows the Peninsula Developmental Road north, crosses the Jardine River by ferry and ends at Bamaga and the Tip. Long sections are unsealed, creek crossings are common and the wet season cuts the road, so treat it as a proper expedition.

The stops

1. Start

   Cairns

2. Town

   Cooktown

   Optional historic port detour

3. Town

   Laura

   Rock-art country, services

4. Town

   Coen

   Last major town for supplies

5. Town

   Bamaga

   Services near the Tip

6. Viewpoint

   Cape York (The Tip)

   Northernmost point on mainland Australia

7. Finish

   Cape York (The Tip)

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Laura

  Bush camps and pub

• Night 2

  Coen

  Caravan park and pub

When to go

May to Oct only; the road north of Lakeland is cut by rain roughly Dec to May

On the road

4WD recommended; river crossings (Jardine River ferry) and corrugations. Carry fuel, water, recovery gear.