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My girlfriend and I have just returned from a week at Chilli Beach, Portland Roads and Lockhart River which are part of the Iron Range National Park in Cape York.
Qld Parks & Wildlife Information
Iron Range National Park is a remote scenic park situated on far northern Cape York Peninsula. It is a coastal park with long sweeping beaches and rocky outcrops while inland are the rugged hills of the Janet and Tozer ranges.
The park is of world significance as it has the largest area of remnant lowland rainforest in Australia. This isolated rainforest supports eclectus parrots, palm cockatoos, cassowaries, green pythins and spotted cuscus. Other plant communities within the park include open forest, mangroves and extensive heathlands.
The main access to the park is via the Portland Roads Road, 20km north of the Archer River Roadhouse on the Peninsula Development Road. From the turn off, it is 110km to the park.
Fuel and food can be obtained at Lockhart River, an Aboriginal community.
Camping us allowed near the Claudie River and Gordon Creek crossings and the northern end of Chilli Beach. With the exception if toilets at Chilli Beach and Cooks Hut, campground facilities are not provided. A camping permit is required and can be obtained from the Iron Range ranger base or from the self registration shelter at Chilli Beach. Campers must be self-sufficient.
Cape York Guide Information
Camping here is tops and if you have a small boat the islands offshore are readily accessible. Birdwatching and walking the beach at low tide are very enjoyable ways to spend a few days here. You can no longer drive along the beach as it is prohibited by the QPWS. The long, wide sweep of beach is crossed by a number of streams and the beach fishing is good.
The beach here is wide and long and fringed with palms, truly a magical spot, although the wind doesn't seem to stop blowing. If possible, try and keep out of the wind. You'll find it much more pleasant amongst the trees.
My Experience
1. The Roads
Great condition with work crews working on multiple sections of the roads all week.
Either side of Musgrave Station was heavily corrugated but the rest was comfortable driving between 90-100km/hr.
Extremely dusty!
2. Coen
Stayed in the campgrounds next to the General Store with a powered site - nice spot on grassy ground for $20/night.
Great counter meal at the "Sexchange Hotel", located just down the road from the campgrounds.
3. Brumbies
Watch out for Brumbies when travelling on the roads up here.
I came extremely close to having one run into the Prado (left to right) and saw a guy's ute in Coen who ran into one on his way over from Weipa.
4. Alcohol
If travelling into Lockhart River, be advised that you cannot carry any alcohol in your vehicle as it is a designated dry community.
Heavy fines apply if you break this rule!
5. Lockhart River
Typical Aboriginal community and the store does have all the basics if you run out of food/drink.
6. Chilli Beach
Gorgeous beach with campsites located just off in the rainforest providing shelter from the winds.
$5/person per night camp fees - cheap.
Chemical toilets located in close proximity to campsites.
Your better half will enjoy the walks along the beach at low tide!
7. Portland Roads
The most picturesque community area I think I have ever had the privilege to visit.
The reef extends right to the shore, the waters are crystal clear and the fishing around the offshore islands is spectacular.
There is a bore available near the public toilets for your jerries (shower/washing usage only).
Photos
1. "Two Ways" Junction to Lockhart River and Chilli Beach/Portland Roads
2. Quintel Beach aka "Front Beach" at Lockhart River
3. Chilli Beach
4. Launching the Tinny
5. Portland Roads #1
6. Portland Roads #2
7. Tinny on Rocky Island
8. Mackeral
9. Pair of Macks
10. Homeward Bound
More photos can be found in my personal gallery here-
http://www.ozmatrix.com/gallery/v/holidays/cape09
Highly recommended destination!
If I can assist any potential visitors with further information, feel free to send me a PM.
Regards,
Scott
Qld Parks & Wildlife Information
Iron Range National Park is a remote scenic park situated on far northern Cape York Peninsula. It is a coastal park with long sweeping beaches and rocky outcrops while inland are the rugged hills of the Janet and Tozer ranges.
The park is of world significance as it has the largest area of remnant lowland rainforest in Australia. This isolated rainforest supports eclectus parrots, palm cockatoos, cassowaries, green pythins and spotted cuscus. Other plant communities within the park include open forest, mangroves and extensive heathlands.
The main access to the park is via the Portland Roads Road, 20km north of the Archer River Roadhouse on the Peninsula Development Road. From the turn off, it is 110km to the park.
Fuel and food can be obtained at Lockhart River, an Aboriginal community.
Camping us allowed near the Claudie River and Gordon Creek crossings and the northern end of Chilli Beach. With the exception if toilets at Chilli Beach and Cooks Hut, campground facilities are not provided. A camping permit is required and can be obtained from the Iron Range ranger base or from the self registration shelter at Chilli Beach. Campers must be self-sufficient.
Cape York Guide Information
Camping here is tops and if you have a small boat the islands offshore are readily accessible. Birdwatching and walking the beach at low tide are very enjoyable ways to spend a few days here. You can no longer drive along the beach as it is prohibited by the QPWS. The long, wide sweep of beach is crossed by a number of streams and the beach fishing is good.
The beach here is wide and long and fringed with palms, truly a magical spot, although the wind doesn't seem to stop blowing. If possible, try and keep out of the wind. You'll find it much more pleasant amongst the trees.
My Experience
1. The Roads
Great condition with work crews working on multiple sections of the roads all week.
Either side of Musgrave Station was heavily corrugated but the rest was comfortable driving between 90-100km/hr.
Extremely dusty!
2. Coen
Stayed in the campgrounds next to the General Store with a powered site - nice spot on grassy ground for $20/night.
Great counter meal at the "Sexchange Hotel", located just down the road from the campgrounds.
3. Brumbies
Watch out for Brumbies when travelling on the roads up here.
I came extremely close to having one run into the Prado (left to right) and saw a guy's ute in Coen who ran into one on his way over from Weipa.
4. Alcohol
If travelling into Lockhart River, be advised that you cannot carry any alcohol in your vehicle as it is a designated dry community.
Heavy fines apply if you break this rule!
5. Lockhart River
Typical Aboriginal community and the store does have all the basics if you run out of food/drink.
6. Chilli Beach
Gorgeous beach with campsites located just off in the rainforest providing shelter from the winds.
$5/person per night camp fees - cheap.
Chemical toilets located in close proximity to campsites.
Your better half will enjoy the walks along the beach at low tide!
7. Portland Roads
The most picturesque community area I think I have ever had the privilege to visit.
The reef extends right to the shore, the waters are crystal clear and the fishing around the offshore islands is spectacular.
There is a bore available near the public toilets for your jerries (shower/washing usage only).
Photos
1. "Two Ways" Junction to Lockhart River and Chilli Beach/Portland Roads
2. Quintel Beach aka "Front Beach" at Lockhart River
3. Chilli Beach
4. Launching the Tinny
5. Portland Roads #1
6. Portland Roads #2
7. Tinny on Rocky Island
8. Mackeral
9. Pair of Macks
10. Homeward Bound
More photos can be found in my personal gallery here-
http://www.ozmatrix.com/gallery/v/holidays/cape09
Highly recommended destination!
If I can assist any potential visitors with further information, feel free to send me a PM.
Regards,
Scott
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