Cape York - An adventurer's guide

by Technical Advisor Brendan Atkinson
 

People who buy a 4WD with the intention of taking it off road to see Australia usually have a plan in mind and there are several destinations that seem to have a magnetic attraction to the 4WD community. Probably a crossing of the Simpson Desert would rate number one or perhaps a trip up the Canning Stock Route.

However, one of the most diverse and rewarding trips is up the Cape York Peninsula to finally stand on a small wave-washed rock at the top of Australia.

Covering an area of 207,000 square kilometres, Cape York has something for everyone in its vast areas of tropical forest, swamps, rivers and plains. Many national parks are spread throughout the area and the adjacent Great Barrier Reef is, of course, a marine park.

No-one should go on a trip without some form of map or reference manual. Those who stick to the bitumen can always refer to signage, but on a trip to Cape York, the blacktop ends about four hours’ drive north of Cairns, which is where the guidebook, Cape York – An Adventurer’s Guide, written by Ron and Viv Moon really kicks in. I would recommend that people planning this trip read it from cover to cover before they leave home. Trip preparation is vital when going into remote areas, where a lack of thought may be an expensive mistake.

The book contains trek notes with mileage and times, plus things to see and do. Many people are aware of the bauxite mines at Weipa and the ‘prawning capital’ Karumba, but these are just a small percentage of what is on offer. A mere dash to the tip and back would only reveal a small number of the secrets of the Cape.

There are very useful chapters on canoeing, walking and cycling and lists of tour and charter operators. There is also a very comprehensive chapter on safety and medical aspects.

Of course, the fishing up on the Cape is superb from both boat and shore and there is a chapter that covers all aspects of this pastime, including licences and regulations. Hunting is permitted in some areas and guided wild pig hunts are popular.

Ron and Viv have made more than 20 trips in 25 years to Cape York and are considered experts in this area. Ron is the editor of 4x4 Australia magazine and Viv is a freelance travel writer.

With 288 pages, 40 maps and a wealth of valuable information, this book is a must for those contemplating a trip to the Cape. Even for those who are not planning to head up north, it is still a very good read.

Cape York – An Adventurer’s Guide is available from most good book and map shops or from Moon Publications on 03 5978 7066.