Page 128 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 122
Cape Melville/Bathurst Bay
There are 3 types of reactions from those that head up to Cape
Melville and beyond…1, ‘Melville was the best part of the trip, I’ll be
back!’ – 2, ‘I’m glad I went but I won’t be doing it again’ and 3,
‘what was I thinking!’

Cape Melville is within Cape Melville National Park (CYPAL). There
are 4 designated camping areas along Bathurst Bay just to the
west of the Cape itself, and one on the eastern side at Ninian Bay.
The majority of the east coast is a Marine Park; however, coastal
and tidal creek fishing is allowed. You will need to book a campsite
before heading off.
There are two ways to get to Cape Melville and Bathurst Bay. The
250km+ Starke-Wakooka route coming in from Cooktown is the
most challenging, with most travellers preferring to make it a
two-day journey. Be prepared for some real 4WDing after Starke
Station with bulldust, washouts, stone jump-ups and, earlier in the
season, swamps and bogs – do be prepared to pull the winch out.

The alternate 124km route, coming in from the west off the
Lakefield Road via Kalpowar Crossing, is shorter and easier at the
beginning but still requires good prep and 4WD driving skills.

Cape Melville on the eastern end of Bathurst Bay is a gem, and
a bonus for those who make the journey in. With its black
boulder-strewn ridge and 10km of available bay