Page 40 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 34
Musgrave Roadhouse
Musgrave Roadhouse, about halfway between Cairns and the
‘The Tip’, is the original Musgrave Telegraph Station which
housed both the staff and the telegraph office and is the only
overland telegraph station that remains. The roadhouse is still
run by descendants of Frederick Shephard, the original owner.

The roadhouse offers meals, takeaways, a licensed bar, basic
groceries, souvenirs and fuel. Accommodation and camping are
available. The freshwater crocodiles in the dam are fed at 5pm
every day.

There are three graves at Musgrave. The last resting place of
Billy Beirnes, an ex-mail contractor, who retired to Musgrave
and was buried under the mangrove tree when he passed away,
Sam Thompson, linesman in charge at the time who was killed
in a fall from a horse - alongside is a small child whose death
was said to have been caused by drinking the electrolyte used
in the telegraph storage batteries.

Accommodation: Motel, twin rooms, camping
Facilities: Meals, takeaways, licensed bar, limited groceries, fuel,
toilets & showers

Port Stewart
28km south of Coen is the turn off to the small community of
Port Stewart. The road, a scenic 63km drive, finishes on the
banks of the Stewart River.
Accommodation: Camping, a permit is required
https://www.lamalama.org.au/visiting/
Facilities: No amenities
Running Creek Track, Musgrave to Port Stewart
From Musgrave Roadhouse take Marina Plains Road to the
Lilyvale – Port Stewart Road. The 96km track is an easy run,
although it can be challenging early in the wet season.