Page 80 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 74
Fork in the Road
24km from the Jardine Ferry you’ll come to a fork in the road -
the condition of the road often dictates the direction you’ll take.

The left arm will see you heading to the Mutee Head turn off. If
Mutee Head is not your destination, continuing on takes you
through the communities of Injinoo and Umagico before
reaching Bamaga - the commercial hub of the NPA.

Alternatively, heading north (normally the quicker option),
brings you onto the airport road. A left turn at the wreck of the
DC3 sees you heading into Bamaga township.

Mutee Head
Mutee Head, another great place for camping, and certainly
worth a visit. The turn off, 26km from the Jardine Ferry, leads
you to a scenic camping spot on the water’s edge. A great place
to kick back and wet a line. There is no boat ramp so launching
is off the sand. However, Mutee Head is more than just a place
to relax. It contains a wealth of history dating back to WWII.
On the top of the western head stands the WWII radar
installation. The remains of the jetty can still be seen off the
beach.

In 1947 and 1948, following the war, two groups from Saibai
Island relocated to the mainland due to king tides inundating
their island - this has come to be known as the migration. The
first group temporarily settled at Mutee Head, then permanently
in Bamaga. The second group immediately took up residence in
Seisia. Graves of those early settlers can still be seen at Mutee
Head.

Continuing 5km past the radar tower will bring you to the
mouth of the Jardine River – the track is soft sand and suitable
only for 4WDs, alternatively taking the left track at the Mutee
Head sign will see you exiting just short of the mouth - it’s still
soft sand but a safer way to go.
Accommodation: Free camping
Facilities: No amenities