Page 78 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 72
Camping on the Northern Bank of the Jardine River
On the northern bank of the Jardine River lie a number of
camping areas, all of which are in the Jardine River National
Park. Access to the campsites is 11km from the ferry, with the
entrance, on the right-hand side of the road, clearly signposted.

While there you can check out the (now closed) Telegraph Track
crossing, and further downstream the remains of the only
bridge across the Jardine, built by the Australian Army in 1942
as a temporary wartime measure.

Like most of the camping areas on the Cape there are no
facilities (and no mobile phone reception), so be sure to do the
right thing and help preserve these pristine areas. As it is a
national park you will need to collect your firewood prior to
reaching your destination. Bookings through National Parks are
essential as sites are limited by vehicle and camper numbers -
see map page 52.

Ussher Point
Just 14km from the Jardine River Ferry you’ll find the clearly
signed track to beautiful Ussher Point on the remote east coast.
The 63km track meanders through scrub, intermittent rainforest
and coastal heathland finally emerging onto a magnificent
coastline of white sand and red bauxite cliffs.

For the most part it is a relatively easy track - earlier in the
season there may be some washouts to contend with. At any
time of the year expect it to be slow going, so allow up to 3
hours to reach your destination. Be prepared to have a few
pinstripes added to your paint work as the track is narrow in
places.

As Ussher Point is a national park in the Jardine River Resources
Area with only 4 campsites, 2 beachside and 2 in the bush a
permit will need to be obtained if overnighting.

** It should be noted that access to Sadd Point has been
closed by the Traditional Owners since 2018.