Up the Cape it’s pretty well open season on camping. You can, for the most part, camp wherever you like (besides the places that are signposted no camping), however there are a few spots that stand out, and well, if you’re not pulling up stumps somewhere stunning every night, why are you even going?
1. Sam Creek, OTT
As we said above, Sam Creek is a magic spot to pull up stumps for the night. The swimming hole down river is absolutely amazing, and it’s usually pretty quiet. We’re not going to ping it on a map, go find it yourself!
2. Nolan’s Brook, OTT
If you’re heading up the Tele, a great spot to camp before you cross the Jardine, is at Nolan’s. The last ferry across the Jardine leaves at about 4pm. So if you’re not on a tight schedule, aim to get to Nolan’s by mid-arvo; it’s a great place for a swim and wash, plus you can sit back with a few cans and watch others cross it. Worth noting, it’s best to camp on the northern side of the creek, so you’ve not got to worry about crossing it first up the next morning.
3. Punsand Bay and Loyalty Beach, north of the Jardine
Both Punsand Bay and Loyalty Beach have camping areas/caravan parks that have food, beer, shops and the like. Punsand does also have a pool and beers on tap, however Loyalty Beach is generally quieter – so it all depends on what you’re after.
4. Nanthau Beach, north of the Jardine
This is the actual name of the beach on 5 Beaches Loop. The water is stunning, the sand is just about as white as you’ll find, plus there’s often a nice cool easterly blowing if the heat and humidity is getting to you.
5. Archer River Roadhouse, Peninsula Development Road
This one is more of a transit camp than a speccy ‘Cape campsite’. Don’t get us wrong, if you want to put the hours in, you can do Bamaga to Cairns in a massive day – but it’s a solid 1000km run between the two. If you’re not into massive days in the saddle and want to enjoy the drive up and back, Archer River Roadhouse gets our vote. There’s a mint river and campground here, plus you’ve just gotta try the ‘Archer Burger’. You can thank us later!
GUIDE
Up the Cape it’s pretty well open season on camping. You can, for the most part, camp wherever you like (besides the places that are signposted no camping), however there are a few spots that stand out, and well, if you’re not pulling up stumps somewhere stunning every night, why are you even going?
3. Punsand Bay and Loyalty Beach, north of the Jardine
Both Punsand Bay and Loyalty Beach have camping areas/caravan parks that have food, beer, shops and the like. Punsand does also have a pool and beers on tap, however Loyalty Beach is generally quieter – so it all depends on what you’re after.
1. Sam Creek, OTT
As we said above, Sam Creek is a magic spot to pull up stumps for the night. The swimming hole down river is absolutely amazing, and it’s usually pretty quiet. We’re not going to ping it on a map, go find it yourself!
2. Nolan’s Brook, OTT
If you’re heading up the Tele, a great spot to camp before you cross the Jardine, is at Nolan’s. The last ferry across the Jardine leaves at about 4pm. So if you’re not on a tight schedule, aim to get to Nolan’s by mid-arvo; it’s a great place for a swim and wash, plus you can sit back with a few cans and watch others cross it. Worth noting, it’s best to camp on the northern side of the creek, so you’ve not got to worry about crossing it first up the next morning.
5. Archer River Roadhouse, Peninsula Development Road
This one is more of a transit camp than a speccy ‘Cape campsite’. Don’t get us wrong, if you want to put the hours in, you can do Bamaga to Cairns in a massive day – but it’s a solid 1000km run between the two. If you’re not into massive days in the saddle and want to enjoy the drive up and back, Archer River Roadhouse gets our vote. There’s a mint river and campground here, plus you’ve just gotta try the ‘Archer Burger’. You can thank us later!
4. Nanthau Beach, north of the Jardine
This is the actual name of the beach on 5 Beaches Loop. The water is stunning, the sand is just about as white as you’ll find, plus there’s often a nice cool easterly blowing if the heat and humidity is getting to you.
GUIDE