Page 130 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 124
beaches for fishing and camping, it is one of Cape York’s very
special places. For those who love their Foxtail Palms, Cape
Melville was where they were ‘discovered’ not so long ago.

Cyclone Mahina Pearling Fleet Disaster
Cape Melville was hit by Cyclone Mahina in 1899, the most
intense cyclone in Australia’s history. Over 300 people lost their
lives and more than 50 ships and luggers from the Thursday
Island pearling fleet foundered when the cyclone and a low
converged.

A tidal surge, reportedly 13 metres high, swept 5km inland
destroying everything in its path. You’ll find a memorial
headstone not far from the beach at the Cape.

Sadly, it has only recorded the names of the non-indigenous
who lost their lives. The Devil’s Eye, by Ian Townsend, is a
novel (based on fact) that gives a good insight into the
terrifying event.

Bathurst Head/Charlotte Bay
Note: the track to the Head is private, access is to northern
Charlotte Bay only.
Bathurst Head is a 78km run from Kalpowar Crossing, the first
40kms on the Kalpowar – Wakooka Road (is an easy drive),
followed by 38kms tracking alongside the Marrett River to reach
the Head on the eastern edge of Princess Charlotte Bay. There
are two camping sites on the way in.
Continuing north, there are numerous marshy and tidal areas to
skirt around. The worst of these have tracks further in-land as a
bypass. Soon after the wet, or heavy rain, these areas are a
muddy challenge.

You will need to check with the Kalpowar Land Trust that access
to the camps and Bathurst Head is open. Bookings are required,
there are no amenities.