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Cape Melville National Park
<p>Accessible by 4WD during the dry season only (May-November).</p>
<p>Access via the Starcke Homestead 12 hours north (225 km) of Cooktown or through Lakefield N.P. and Kalpowar Aboriginal lands, 12 hours north of Cairns.</p>
<p>Recreational fishing is allowed in all rivers and creeks in the park and fisheries regulations apply. Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways along the coast and offshore – be croc wise.</p>
<p>For coastal fishing limited fishing is allowed in the Conservation Park yellow zone in Bathurst Bay, check <a>www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a>” target=”_blank”>www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a> for marine park zoning info.</p>
<p>Bush camping is possible at Bathurst Bay behind the beach, camping permits are required and available from the self-registration shelter at Lakefield ranger station.</p>
<p>Other campsites are at Bathurst Head and adjacent to the Marrett River – ask for more info at QPWS offices.</p>
<p>Camping is also possible in the nearby Kalpowar Recreation Reserve and on Flinders Island.</p>
<p> Sunset at Bathurst Heads, Courtesy Graham Burton</p>
4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park
<p>Rinyirru (Lakefield) is of considerable Aboriginal cultural significance, and the park has many places associated with occupation, ceremonies and ancestral spirits. Hann Crossing and Kalpowar Crossing are two such significant sites.</p>
<p>The Park is located in the Laura Basin 6-7 hours north of Cairns. There are several access points: via Laura and the Peninsula Development Road; from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road; on the Lakeland-Laura Road, or from Coen via the Musgrave Roadhouse. Access is only during the dry season, normally May to November, but early or late rains might render some of the tracks impassable. 4WD is highly recommended.</p>
<p>Fishing is permitted at all camping grounds with barramundi and catfish the most common species caught. Boat tours and hire are not available, but you are welcome to bring your own boat.</p>
<p> Kalpowar Crossing Camping Lakefield National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>There are bush camping areas at 12 Mile Waterhole, Old Faithful Waterhole, Mick Fienn and Dingo Waterholes, Kalpowar Crossing Campground, 7 Mile Waterhole and Hann Crossing. Camping is no longer via self-registration; you now need to register either online, at a QPWS office, or by phone. Visit the <a href="http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/rinyirru-lakefield/camping.html#all_camping_must_now_be">Parks web site</a> for further information.</p>
4WD Adventures | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Fishing & Boating | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | Island & Reef Experiences | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Lizard Island
<p>The Lizard Island group lies midway between the coast and the outer barrier reefs on the edge of the continental shelf.</p>
<p> Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard the main island has several sheltered sandy beaches with easy access to the coral and clam gardens. The islands are rich in cultural meaning for the Dingaal Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years, and also contain important European heritage sites.</p>
<p>Lizard Island was declared a National Park in 1939 and the other islands were added in 1987. The reef and waters surrounding Lizard Island are protected within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and GBR World Heritage Area.</p>
<p>Watson’s Bay is a popular snorkeling site with famed clam gardens and a unique abundance and diversity of solitary corals. The edge of the continental shelf lies just 20km to the east of Lizard Island and the sports fishing from Lizard is world class with 1000lb black marlin frequently caught.</p>
<p>Rising to 395 m above sea level, Cook’s Look provides stunning views of the surrounding reefs and there are several other walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.</p>
<p> Cook’s Look, Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard Island has a tropical climate with a wet season from December-April and best time to visit is May-November</p>
<p>There is a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/lizard-island">5 star resort</a> on Lizard Island and bush camping is permitted in Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island and permits must be obtained in advance.</p>
<p>Commercial airlines provide regular flights from Cairns and charter flights are available from Cairns and Cooktown. Private aircraft may land with permission from the resort.<br />Commercial charter vessels depart from Cairns, Port Douglas and Cooktown for Lizard Island.</p>
Aboriginal Tours | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Fishing & Boating | History & Museums | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Cooktown Highlights Itinerary
<h3>Day 1. Cooktown Orientation</h3>
<p>Start with a visit to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/naturespowerhouse" title="Nature's Powerhouse Cooktown Botanic Gardens">Botanic Gardens and Nature’s Powerhouse</a> which houses the Charles Tanner Wildlife of Cape York Exhibition and Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery.</p>
<p>There are several walks in the Botanic Gardens and also trails which lead to the beautiful beaches at Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay.</p>
<p>In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll in the footsteps of Captain Cook along Charlotte Street to orientate yourself and admire the historical buildings and sites.</p>
<p>Children can be entertained by the Musical Ship and children’s playground at the waterfront, and several cafes along Charlotte Street and at the wharf offer refreshments.</p>
<p>Allow plenty of time for a visit to the world-class <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/museums/cooktown-museum" target="_self">Cooktown Museum</a>, with its fantastic displays which include the anchor and cannon from the HMS Bark Endeavour, and the story of Cook’s arrival from the perspective of the Guugu Yimithirr people.</p>
<p>End the day on <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/grassy-hill" title="Grassy Hill">Grassy Hill,</a> with its panoramic views and superb sunset vistas.</p>
<h3>Day 2. Hopevale Nugal-warra Rock Art Tour and Elim Beach<b><br /></b></h3>
<p> Aboriginal tours</p>
<p>Just 45 mins from Cooktown, outside Hopevale, are the incredible <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/tours/local-tours" title="Guurrbi Tours">Nugal-warra rock art sites</a>, which can be visited with Nugal-warra Elder Willie Gordon, whose tours are deservedly featured as One of Australia’s Must-Do Experiences, and not to be missed when staying in Cooktown.</p>
<p>The nearby community of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/history/aboriginalculturehopevale" title="Aboriginal Culture - Hope Vale & Elim Beach">Hope Vale</a> has an Arts and Cultural Centre which supports local artists, and the magnificent Coloured Sands at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/hopevale/index" title="Hope Vale and Elim Beach">Elim Beach</a> are well worth a visit (4wd only). <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/waterfalls/index" title="Waterfalls">Isabella Falls</a><b><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/waterfalls/index" title="Waterfalls"> </a></b>is a great place for a picnic and a swim.</p>
<h3>Day 3. Go Fishing/Boating</h3>
<p> Cooktown fishing</p>
<p>Cooktown is famous as a world class fishing destination – join those in the know who come from all corners of the globe to experience sports fishing at its best. A few hours on the water is a relaxing trip and one of the best ways to appreciate the stunning natural surroundings from a different perspective.</p>
<p>Whether you take a guided trip with one of several fishing companies<b> </b>in town, hire a dinghy for the day, or bring your own boat, the fishing is a great experience for the whole family.</p>
<p>Alternatively take a nature boat cruise on the Endeavour River crocodile spotting, bird watching and casting a casual line for the estuarine fish.</p>
<h3>Day 4. And so much more to choose from!<b><br /></b></h3>
<p> Rainforest walk</p>
<p>Also to be considered are <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/tours/local-tours/hiddenvalleytrailrides">horse riding trails</a>, farmstays, hiking up <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/mountcook">Mount Cook</a>, a visit to the mysterious <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/black-mountain-national-park" title="Black Mountain National Park, (Kalkajaka N.P.)">Black Mountain National Park</a> and birdwatching at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/keatings-lagoon-walk" title="Keatings Lagoon (Mulbabidgee) Walk">Keatings Lagoon</a>.</p>
<p>Visitors are very welcome to a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/cooktown-golf" title="Cooktown Golf Links">round of golf</a><b><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/cooktown-golf" title="Cooktown Golf Links"> </a></b>at the picturesque links course at Walker Bay, or you can enjoy a game of bowls at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/bowls" title="Cooktown Bowls Club">Cooktown’s Bowls Club</a>.</p>
<p>Take the kids to our beautiful beaches at Finch Bay, Cherry Tree Bay, Quarantine Bay and Walker Bay but swimming is not advised.</p>
<p>More options include <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/scenic-rim-walking-trail" title="Scenic Rim Walking Trail">The Scenic Rim</a> walking trail, fishing on the Annan river or from the wharf – or simply enjoying a ‘coldie’ with the locals in one of the pubs.</p>
<p>You could take one of the suggested <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/self-drive/index" title="Self Drive Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula">self-drive itineraries</a><b>.</b> Or if you haven’t already done so, head off to explore the Wet Tropics<b> </b>on Cooktown’s doorstep. There are several waterfalls and swimming holes in the nearby vicinity.</p>
<p>Hike up to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/homerulefalls">Home Rule</a> waterfalls or walk one of the trails around the Mungumby Valley which offer superb bird watching. Seek the elusive Bennett’s Tree Climbing Kangaroo at Shipton Flats, or for experienced bushwalkers go hiking in the incredible <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cedar-bay" title="Cedar Bay National Park">Cedar Bay National Park</a>.</p>
<p>No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the historic <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/rainforestcoast/lionsden" title="The Lions Den Hotel">Lions Den Hotel</a> in Helenvale, and there are a couple of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/rainforestcoast/mungumby">rainforest retreats</a> in the region for an overnight stay.</p>
4WD Adventures | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | Island & Reef Experiences | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Hope Islands National Park
<p>Access is from Cooktown or Ayton by private or <a href="resolveuid/d42d3bd2d46b2349554081f0bfd6de33">charter boat</a>. There is no access to West Hope in the sea bird breeding season from September-March.</p>
<p>An important nesting site for pied imperial pigeons, the islands are significant sea country for the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.</p>
<p>Snorkelling and diving from the islands to pristine reefs.</p>
<p>There are four bush campsites on East Hope island.</p>
4WD Adventures | Island & Reef Experiences | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Great Barrier Reef
<p>Ribbon Reefs, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Stretching 2,300 km along the coast from the tip of Cape York to Bundaberg, the Great Barrier reef is a vast wilderness area. Covering 348,000 sq km it was Queensland’s first World Heritage area, and is the largest coral reef system in the world.</p>
<p>With the northern section isolated from cities, large towns and major agricultural areas, the reef is at its most pristine in this region, and home to more than 1,500 brilliantly coloured species of tropical fish, 4,000 species of molluscs, 400 species of sponges and 300 species of corals.</p>
<p>Cooktown is the closest port to the Reef and a short boat trip takes visitors to spectacular snorkelling around some of the most pristine coral reefs, cays and islands. This is fabulous habitat for dugongs who breed and feed along the sea grass beds in the sheltered bays. Turtles re-visit the deserted beaches to lay their eggs each breeding season and majestic whales pass through the inner reefs when migrating to the warm northern waters.</p>
<p>Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef National Park, is 90 kms north-east of Cooktown, and considered one of the world’s best snorkelling and diving destinations. The island also boasts excellent research facilities particularly focussed on coral reefs and climate research.</p>
<p>Exclusive Lizard Island resort is located on the southern end of the island, while the National Park offers delightful sites for a limited number of campers who must be totally self-sufficient. Campsite availability and bookings can be made online or at the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Office on the waterfront in Cooktown.</p>
<p>For all information contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on: 1800 990 177, visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park website: <strong><a href="http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/" target="_blank">www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a></strong>, or talk to local Rangers on (07) 4069 5777.</p>
4WD Adventures | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Fishing & Boating | Island & Reef Experiences | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Beaches
<p><b>Archer Point</b></p>
<p>Located about 20 km outside Cooktown signposted from the Mulligan Highway. Often windy, this is a popular spot for kite surfers. As the 3 beaches are all facing a different direction there is always a calm beach to relax on. From the beach at low tide you can walk out to the reef and snorkel off the point, but beware of crocodiles and stingers. This is a great camping spot if you are entirely self-sufficient – the views are spectacular (unsealed access road). </p>
<p><b>Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay</b></p>
<p> Finch Bay – Pam Davey</p>
<p>These are the two local beaches in Cooktown. Although you can drive to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/beaches/finchbay">Finch Bay</a>, just 2 km past the Botanic Gardens entrance and car park, there is delightful short bush walk through the Gardens. <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/beaches/cherry_tree_bay">Cherry Tree Bay</a> is only accessible by foot through the Botanic Gardens or from the Grassy Hill road.</p>
<p><b>Quarantine Bay</b></p>
<p>A 5km drive from Cooktown – turn off the Mulligan Highway to Quarantine and Walker Bay then continue past the Golf Course turn off. The beach is pebbly here and situated at the base of Mt Cook the backdrop is a rainforest covered slope. </p>
<p><b>Walker Bay</b></p>
<p>Walker Bay is accessed by a road on the right just after the golf course entrance. The beach is located at the mouth of the Annan River and long sandy stretches snake north along the coastline. This is a beach favoured by anglers as they fish the sand bars at the mouth of the River, and also a renowned favourite amongst kite surfers. </p>
<p><b>Weary Bay</b></p>
<p>Named by Captain Cook’s crew in 1770 Weary Bay is an open, nine km long bay at the mouth of the Bloomfield River and a popular fishing spot for the locals.</p>
<p>Weary Bay beach is an ideal spot for a long leisurely walk and access is from Weary Bay road in Ayton.</p>
<p><b>Elim Beach and Coloured Sands</b></p>
<p>Past Hopevale is the beautiful <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/hopevale/index">Elim Beach</a> overlooking Cape Bedford.</p>
<p> Somerset Beach, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p><b>Cape York Beaches</b></p>
<p>Beyond Cooktown there are accessible beaches at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cape-melville">Cape Melville National Park</a>. A popular camping site is found at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/iron-range-national-park">Chilli Beach</a> in the Iron Range National Park.</p>
<p>Near Seisa and Bamaga there are several lovely beaches including Punsand Bay, Loyalty Beach and Somerset Beach.</p>
<p>Albatross Bay provides a scenic coastal retreat at Weipa.</p>
<h3>Important advice!</h3>
<p>Crocodiles can be found around many rivers, freshwater creeks and waterholes and along coastal beaches. Fortunately our conservation measures are working so always be croc wise and ask for local advice before going near the water.</p>
<p>Don’t swim after dusk or early in the morning.</p>
<p>Marine stingers have been found throughout the year on local beaches and in the Cooktown harbour. Marine stingers can be fatal. Accidental bites can be relieved with instant and continued application of vinegar and get medical help as soon as possible.</p>
History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | Island & Reef Experiences
Mary Watson
<p>Mary Watson’s disappearance caused great anxiety and concern within the Cooktown community. The emotions and feelings are reflected by the Cooktown Courier of January 1882.</p>
<p>The mystery which surrounded the Lizard Island tragedy has at length been cleared up.</p>
<p>… Mrs. Watson was left on Lizard Island with a baby and two Chinese servants, on the 27th September, the blacks came, and next day speared one Chinaman, and on the 30th speared the other in seven places, but the dauntless woman defended herself so resolutely with firearms as to drive them temporarily away. But to remain was certain death, and on the 3rd October she escaped in an iron tank, with her child, the wounded Chinaman, and a supply of provisions. They floated all night, and next day landed on a bare reef, where she remained till the 6th October.</p>
<p>Water gave out, and the poor hunted woman pulled the tank and its contents over to No 1 Island of the Howick Group. Search for water there was in vain, but natives were there, so she again started, and reached No 5 Island, 40 miles away, on the 8th.</p>
<p>There surrounded by water – but all salt; with plenty of provisions, which her parched and swollen throat could not swallow,. with her child, only a few months old, dying before her eyes, while she herself suffered the torture of Tantalus; she died of thirst.</p>
<p>It was not until January 1882 that the bodies were discovered and brought back to Cooktown.</p>
<p>Mary, Ferrier and Ah Sam were interred in the historic cemetery of Cooktown. A memorial was unveiled by the then Mayor, John Davis, in February 1886. It stands in Charlotte Street near the Cook Shire Offices.</p>
<p><strong>The diary of Mary Beatrice Watson</strong></p>
<p>In 1891, Mrs. Watson, her new born son Ferrier, and their man servant Ah Sam headed to sea in a tank used for boiling down beche-de-mer. So began a remarkable but short journey that ended in tragedy. The reason for this apparent insanity is clear from Mrs. Watson’s diary entries from 27 September to 11 October.</p>
<p><strong>Diary 1 Lizard Island</strong></p>
<p><strong>September 27, 1881</strong><br />… Ah Sam saw smoke in S. direction, supposed to be from native camp. Steamer bound north very close about 6pm; Corea I think.</p>
<p><strong>September 28</strong><br />Blowing strong S.E. breeze.</p>
<p><strong>September 29</strong><br />… Ah Leong killed by the blacks over at the farm (a quarter of a mile from her cottage). Ah Sam found his hat, which is the only proof.</p>
<p><strong>September 30</strong><br />Natives down on the beach at 7pm. Fired off rifle and revolver and they went away.</p>
<p><strong>October 1</strong><br />Natives(4) speared Ah Sam; four places in the right side, and three on the shoulder. Got three spears from the natives. Saw ten men altogether.</p>
<p><strong>Diary 2 Found in the tank</strong></p>
<p>Left Lizard Island <strong>October 2nd 1881</strong>, (Sunday afternoon) in tank (or pot in which beche de mer is boiled). Got about three or four miles from the Lizards.</p>
<p><strong>October 4</strong><br />Made for the sand bank off the Lizards, but could not reach it. Got on a reef.</p>
<p><strong>October 5</strong><br />Remained on the reef all day on the look out for a boat, but saw none.</p>
<p><strong>October 6</strong><br />Very calm morning. Able to pull the tank up to an island with three small mountains on it. Ah Sam went ashore to try to get water as ours was done. There were natives camped there, so we were afraid to go far away. We had to wait return of tide. Anchored under the mangroves; got on the reef. Very calm.</p>
<p><strong>October 7</strong><br />Made for another island four or five miles from the one spoken of yesterday. Ashore, but could not find any water. Cooked some rice and clam-fish. Moderate S.E. breeze. Stayed here all night. Saw a steamer bound north. Hoisted Ferrier’s pink and white wrap but did not answer us.</p>
<p><strong>October 8</strong><br />Changed anchorage of boat as the wind was freshening. Went down to a kind of little lake on the same island (this done last night). Remained here all day looking out for a boat; did not see any; very cold night; blowing very hard. No water.</p>
<p><strong>October 9</strong><br />Brought the tank ashore as far as possible with this morning’s tide. Made camp all day under the trees. Blowing very hard. No water. Give Ferrier a dip in the sea; he is showing symptoms of thirst, and I took a dip myself. Ah Sam and self very parched with thirst. Ferrier is showing symptoms.</p>
<p><strong>October 10</strong><br />Ferrier very bad with inflammation; very much alarmed. No fresh water, and no more milk, but condensed. Self very weak; really thought I would have died last night (Sunday).</p>
<p><strong>October 11</strong><br />Still all alive. Ferrier very much better this morning. Self feeling very weak. I think it will rain to-day; clouds very heavy; wind not quite so hard. No rain. Morning fine weather. Ah Sam preparing to die, have not seen him since 9th. Ferrier more cheerful. Self not feeling at all well. Have not seen any boat of any description. No water. Nearly dead with thirst.</p>
<p>Source:<br />Cooktown Library, 1996</p>
4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Fishing near Laura
<p><strong>Starke River</strong></p>
<p> Courtesy Gone Fishing</p>
<p>Lying about a 2 hour 4WD from Cooktown depending on road conditions is the Starke river and its tidal tributaries to the south. Access is limited during the wet but usually by May anglers are starting to get in. There’s a no fishing green zone restriction seaward of the river and tributaries in place.</p>
<p>Some scintillating sport fishing can be had fishing for big barra and mangrove jack on fly and lure inside the mouths of some amazing tidal inlets. Plenty of good sized tarpon, trevally and queenies can be found to fill in the quieter times.</p>
<p>An all weather boat ramp lies at the mouth with camping spots in close proximity,allthough sand flies will carry you away on a still night. A beach just to the south of the mouth has a camping area which is probably a better choice on calmer days.</p>
<p>When navigating this river do so with extreme care especially on low water, fairly serious rock bars are scattered throughout the system. Fishing can be absolutely amazing but picking your weather and tides to enhance your chances is recommended. Superb mud crabbing can be had in the tidal inlets.</p>
<p><strong>Lakefield National Park</strong></p>
<p> Barramundi</p>
<p>The beginning of Queensland’s second largest National Park lies approx 2hrs 4WD north of Cooktown and is where some of the best Barra fishing in the country can be found. Campgrounds and boat ramps/launching spots can be found throughout the park, but camping is no longer self-registered, you need to book online, visit a QPWS office, or book by telephone; use the link below to access the Parks web site and register. Kalpowar crossing has running water, showers and toilets and being centrally located it is a great base camp to explore the Park. Detailed maps and camp information can be obtained from Queensland Parks & Wildlife.</p>
<p>There are 4 major river systems the Normanby, the Kennedy, the Bizant and the Marret flowing through the park out into Princess Charlotte Bay. There are kilometers and kilometers of waterways to explore as well as the countless lagoons and billabongs. Access is during the dry season only as the rains make it impossible to explore. Usually by May camp sites are opening up. If you’re looking for that truly Australian camping/fishing experience then this is the place to go.</p>
<p>Many metre plus “wild” barra are landed here every year with casting or trolling lures being the most successful method. Pick your moon phase and water temperatures to get the best from the area because on its day it will compete with any fishery in the world! Like everywhere up north saltwater crocodiles inhabit this area so always be crocwise. Fishing from the banks is possible in a number of areas but is not for the faint hearted. To really get amongst it a small tinnie/punt is necessary. No hire boats are available but self drive or guided options will provide you with a truly unique range of habitats and fishing opportunities.</p>
<p><strong>Princess</strong><strong> Charlotte Bay, Bathurst Bay, Bathurst Heads and Cape Melville</strong></p>
<p>When you have areas such as Princess Charlotte Bay, Bathurst Bay, Bathurst Heads and, Cape Melville Nat Park all coming together in such close proximity it all adds up to one of the best fishing/camping destination experiences ever. It has been described as the best fishing hole in Australia. Access is usually limited to the months of May through to November.</p>
<p>There are a few motherships that work the area allowing access during the build up and run off when the area is at it’s best. The Wet season break enables it to rejuvenate and replenish itself for the following year.</p>
<p>The Flinders group of islands can be explored on a good day in a tinnie but a good advice would be to travel in pairs and make sure safety gear is up together as you are in a truly remote spot.</p>
<p>Big Coastal barra well over that magical metre are caught every year. These fish are not your regular impoundment fish, they’re wild and the challenge is there for the discerning fisherman. Working the mangrove edges whilst underway with an electric motor on a rising tide or just throwing a livey around the creek mouths can see cricket score returns on barra, jacks, fingermark, trevally and queenfish. Beware navigating on a dropping tide in PCB as many an angler has been left high and dry from camp with hundreds of metres of mud between them and shore. Mud crabbing in these areas is second to none so catching a feed is fairly straightforward.</p>
<p>Best times for fishing are early on in the season when the rivers are running well or when it’s stinking hot, although fishing in the middle of winter can also be outstanding. More info/maps/camping registration, can be obtained from QPWS or GBRMPA .</p>
<p>Cooktown QPWS –</p>
<p>T: 4069 5777</p>
<p>W: <a href="http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/rinyirru-lakefield/camping.html#all_camping_must_now_be">http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/rinyirru-lakefield/camping.html#all_camping_must_now_be</a></p>
<p>GBRMPA –</p>
<p>W: <a href="http://www.gbrmpa.qld.gov.au" target="_blank">www.gbrmpa.qld.gov.au</a></p>
<p>T: 07 4750 0700</p>
Fishing & Boating | Island & Reef Experiences
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
<p>Ribbon Reefs, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Local operators take boat trips to snorkel among some of the Reef’s most spectacular coral gardens and diverse marine life. This is an excellent way to see the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and is suited to a wide range of abilities from children and beginners to the experienced snorkeller.</p>
<p>Non-swimmers can also view the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet by taking a glass bottom boat tour. Plant corals, gorgonian fan, blue coral, brain coral are just a few of the many varieties of hard and soft corals to be seen along with a myriad of tropical fish.</p>
<p>See the underwater paradise of the Great Barrier Reef with <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/tours/local-tours/cooktown-reef-charters">Cooktown Reef Charters</a></p>