Cape York Pocket Guide – www.cape-york-australia.com © Copyright Katrin Holmsten ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1 Cape York Pocket Guide – www.cape-york-australia.com Copyright Notice In accordance with the Copyright Act 1968, you are only allowed to print this book for your own personal use. No part of this book (“Cape York Pocket Guide”) may in any form or by any means be reproduced, transmitted, broadcast or stored in a retrieval system without a prior, written permission by its author, Katrin Holmsten. Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that all the information in this book is correct. However, I, the author (Katrin Holmsten) disclaim any responsibility or liability for accuracy of the information in this book, or any inconvenience, injury or loss experienced by anyone using this book. The information is provided as a general guide, and it is your responsibility to confirm that the information you use is accurate and current. I, THE AUTHOR (KATRIN HOLMSTEN) DO NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR ENDORSEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES REGARDING THIS BOOK, INCLUDING THE MATERIALS, INFORMATION, OR ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PROVIDED IN THIS BOOK, AND I WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY COST, INJURY OR DAMAGE THAT MAY ARISE EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM THE USE OF THIS BOOK. Updates As always in books, the information is current at the time of writing. But as we all know, things change. I will make reasonable efforts to update this book as often as I can. But of course, I cannot travel constantly to gather first hand information. Should you find any outdated information, I will be very thankful if you contact me. If you want to be notified when I have updated this book, sign up for my FREE newsletters on my website. Spread the Word If you like this book and the Cape York Australia website, help other travellers by letting them know about it. If you happen to have a blog or a website, consider linking to it. Add a link to this website to your MySpace or Facebook account, Tweet about it, add it to a forum post etc.. Every link helps other travellers! Thank you! © Copyright Katrin Holmsten ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2 Cape York Pocket Guide – www.cape-york-australia.com TABLE OF CONTENTS HOW TO USE THIS BOOK .............................................................................................................................. 3 AUSSIE ENGLISH GLOSSARY .......................................................................................................................... 3 PART I: INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................... 4 WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO CAPE YORK? ........................................................................................................... 5 SO WHAT’S THERE? SHORTLY... ..................................................................................................................... 5 HIGHLIGHTS .................................................................................................................................................. 7 PART II: PLANNING YOUR TRIP .......................................................................................................................... 8 CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPE YORK ...................................................................................... 8 THE CLIMATE ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Average Temperatures and Rainfall .......................................................................................................... 9 WHEN TO GO TO CAPE YORK .................................................................................................................. 12 HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU TAKE? ...................................................................................................... 15 GETTING THERE .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Visa ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Flying ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Train ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 Bus .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Driving .................................................................................................................................................... 16 GETTING AROUND ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Public Transport? .................................................................................................................................... 16 Tours ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 Self Driving – 2WD or 4WD? ................................................................................................................... 17 Renting a Vehicle .................................................................................................................................... 17 Caravans and Camper Trailers ................................................................................................................. 17 Flying – Wet Season ................................................................................................................................ 17 Road Distances ........................................................................................................................................ 18 © Copyright Katrin Holmsten ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3 Cape York Pocket Guide – www.cape-york-australia.com WHERE TO STAY .......................................................................................................................................... 18 THINGS TO DO ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Four Wheel Driving ................................................................................................................................. 19 Fishing ..................................................................................................................................................... 19 Swimming and Snorkelling ...................................................................................................................... 19 Bushwalking ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Wildlife and Bird Watching ..................................................................................................................... 20 Hunting ................................................................................................................................................... 20 Canoeing and Sea Kayaking ..................................................................................................................... 20 Fossicking and Metal Detecting .............................................................................................................. 21 WHAT DOES IT COST? ................................................................................................................................. 21 OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW .......................................................................................................... 23 Fuel Availability ....................................................................................................................................... 23 Banking Facilities ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Aboriginal Land Alcohol Restrictions and Entry Permits ......................................................................... 23 MAPS .......................................................................................................................................................... 23 PART III: THE GUIDE ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Cairns ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 THE COASTAL WAY TO MUSGRAVE .............................................................................................................. 25 Cairns to Port Douglas ............................................................................................................................ 25 Port Douglas ........................................................................................................................................... 25 Mossman and Mossman Gorge .............................................................................................................. 26 Daintree ................................................................................................................................................