Page 98 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 92
Somerset (Kaleebe)
Heading to the Tip you'll come to a fork in the road, turning
right will bring you to Somerset, a pretty beach and great
camping spot with views across to Albany Island and its
beaches. Depending on the time of the year you may have to
contend with an army of mozzies and midges, however, it’s
worth the pain.

What is not so obvious is the rich history of Somerset.
Somerset is mainland Australia’s northernmost gazetted town,
and with an official population of zero, there’s not a lot of
activity. Steeped in history though, and some of it chequered, it
was the first Cape York administration centre prior to it being
relocated to Thursday Island. It then became the home site of
the original Jardine family station and is the site of some of the
family graves.

Rumour has it that Frank Jardine requested he be buried feet
first facing towards his beloved Albany Passage, however, after
his appalling treatment of the traditional owners of the land, he
was disinterred and reburied headfirst.

While you’re there, take a wander south past the end of the
beach through the mangroves and find the original well used to
supply water to the homestead.

Around the northern headland are caves containing aboriginal
rock art paintings and possibly a bat or two. Do not attempt to
walk around the headland unless you’re on an outgoing tide!

Accommodation: Free camping
Facilities: No amenities
Heading further east past the turnoff down to the beach, you’ll
find Fly Point - a rocky headland and definitely worth braving
the extra corrugations to venture over and take in the views
and the tidal maelstrom just offshore. It’s also known to be a
pretty good place to wet a line.