Stunning Fruit Bat Falls is a must-see and must-swim on the way up to the Tip. Bring a picnic and your bathers for a dip in the croc-free swimming hole…
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Cape York Peninsula
Rugged, remote Cape York Peninsula has one of the wildest tropical environments on the planet. The Great Dividing Range forms the spine of the Cape: tropical rainforests and palm-fringed beaches flank its eastern side, and sweeping savannah woodlands, eucalyptus forests and coastal mangroves its west. This untamed landscape undergoes a spectacular transformation each year when the torrential rains of the monsoonal wet season set in: rough, dry earth turns to rich, red mud and trickling creek-beds swell to raging rivers.
Generally only possible in the Dry, the overland pilgrimage to the Tip is an exhilarating 4WD trek into one of Australia’s last great frontiers, but if sticking to the main track, anyone with a 4WD and a sense of adventure can travel to the Tip.
Large areas of Cape York are Aboriginal land, almost half under Native Title, with more than 40 traditional tribal groups represented across some dozen communities.
Explore Cape York Peninsula
- FFruit Bat Falls
Stunning Fruit Bat Falls is a must-see and must-swim on the way up to the Tip. Bring a picnic and your bathers for a dip in the croc-free swimming hole…
- WWestern Cape Cultural Centre
The excellent Achimbun cultural centre in Weipa represents 11 traditional owner groups and features historical, cultural and environmental displays about…
- LLockhart River Arts
This gallery and cultural centre exhibits and sells works by acclaimed local Indigenous artists known as the 'art gang'. Browse artworks online and call…
- WWunthulpu Visitor Centre
This small cultural centre acts as the local tourist office but also has some excellent displays of local mining and Indigenous history, including photos…
- CCape York Heritage House
This old two-storey house has some fascinating displays on Coen's gold-mining past. If the gate is locked, ask at the pub across the road.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Cape York Peninsula.
See
Fruit Bat Falls
Stunning Fruit Bat Falls is a must-see and must-swim on the way up to the Tip. Bring a picnic and your bathers for a dip in the croc-free swimming hole…
See
Western Cape Cultural Centre
The excellent Achimbun cultural centre in Weipa represents 11 traditional owner groups and features historical, cultural and environmental displays about…
See
Lockhart River Arts
This gallery and cultural centre exhibits and sells works by acclaimed local Indigenous artists known as the 'art gang'. Browse artworks online and call…
See
Wunthulpu Visitor Centre
This small cultural centre acts as the local tourist office but also has some excellent displays of local mining and Indigenous history, including photos…
See
Cape York Heritage House
This old two-storey house has some fascinating displays on Coen's gold-mining past. If the gate is locked, ask at the pub across the road.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Cape York Peninsula
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.