Cape York communites are scattered along the Peninsula's coastline and the main access route, the Peninsula Development Road which has numerous roadhouses that provide access to fuel and consumables and are a welcome stopping point for locals and visitors.
Prior to European settlement, Aboriginal communities were divided into two main groups on the west coast and east coast of the cape and this remains relatively the same today with the addition of two larger settlements Weipa, a modern mining town, on the west coast and Cooktown on the east coast at the base of the Cape.
The communiites of Arukun and Mapoon are within easy access of Weipa, while Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale, Lakeland, Laura and Coen can be accessed from Cooktown.
The Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) is located on the tip of the Cape York Peninsula, approximately 950 km by road north of Cairns and 25 km south east from Thursday Island. The NPA comprises three Aboriginal communities, Injinoo, Unagico and New Mapoon and two Torres Strait Islander communities, Bamaga and Seisia within a 20 km radius of each other.
Palmer River Goldfields Roadhouse
The Archer River Roadhouse is located 66 kilometers north of Coen on the Peninsula Development Road.
The roadhouse is open seven days a week selling fuel, meals and takeaways and Eftpos is available. There are four motel units and campers are also catered for with toilets and hot showers. Dogs are allowed (but must be kept under control). Travelers can use the shower facilities for a fee. The roadhouse also has its own airstrip. Tyres and minor mechanical repairs are also available.
Telephone: (07) 4060 3266
With with a population of approximately 1200. the shire of Aurukun covers an area of 7,500 km2 and is situated about two-thirds of the way up the western side of Cape York Peninsular between the communities of Pormpuraaw and Weipa. It is bound by the Holroyd River and Pormpuraaw Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) lands to the south, Cook Shire and Archer Bend National Park to the east, the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cook Shire to the west and Cook Shire to the north.
Aurukun Shire has a permit system in place (no charge) to manage travelers on Aurukun peoples lands. On reporting to the Shire Council offices the visitor will be briefed and given a mud map indicating where it is possible to spend time. The Council has indicated though a preference for applications to be made in advance of arrival. There is generally regulated camping and fishing possible in the Watson River area. Wetland areas are generally the province of Homeland residents and reserved for outstation activities only.
Council has a guest house for visitor accommodation with eight rooms, it’s advisable to book in advance. The community has a general store (closed Sunday), tavern and library. Banking and post office facilities available at the Council offices with EFTPOS and all other major services accessible at nearby Weipa.
Contact Aurukun Community Council on 07 4060 6800.
www.aurukun.qld.gov.au
Information on Aurukun's alcohol management plan
Bamaga, a Torres Strait Islander community, was first established at Muttee Head in 1947 with the relocation of people from the island of Saibai just off the coast of Papua New Guinea. By 1954, the community had been relocated to its present site. The Bamaga community is the largest of the five Northern Peninsula Area communities, and is the commercial and administrative centre for the Northern Peninsula Area.
Bamaga has a population of approximately 885 people (as of June 2001), with about 88% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
The Community boasts reticulated town water, which is pumped from the Jardine River. All of Bamaga's internal and main roads are sealed. The major industry is tourism mainly during the drier months of the year. This runs from May - October (The Development Road is impassable during the wet season and the ferry across the Jardine River does not operate).
There is some cattle production and small business retailing. The Community owns Resort Bamaga. Bamaga Island Council is the biggest employer with 200 staff. Modern supermarkets can be found at Seisia and Umagico. There is a general merchandise/clothing store, a video store, Post Office, Service Station/workshop, snack bar, pub and bakery in Bamaga.
Telephone Bamaga Island Council on 07 4069 3211
The Bramwell Junction Roadhouse is located on the junction of Bamaga Road and the Old Telegraph Line Peninsula Road.
The roadhouse has fuel, a takeaway with souveneirs and maps, camping ground and two basic rooms for rent.
Telephone (07) 4060 3230
Coen is a town of about 300 people, situated roughly halfway between Cairns and the tip of Cape York. A town born out of the gold rush, it is now a central hub of Cape York and a focal point for the local indigenous peoples with all essential facilities in a pleasant surrounding.
Coen is an important supply point on the Peninsula Development Road and is popular stopping point for tourists driving up to the tip of Cape York. It has a visitor information and inspection centre run by the State Government to slow the movement of unwanted pests, weeds and diseases to southern centres.
It has an airstrip (24 km north of the town), hotel/motel, guest house, two general stores and fuel outlets, hospital, post office, police station, camping grounds, primary School, kindergarten, Ranger base and more.
For more information contact
Cook Shire Council Telephone 07 4069 5444
The largest European settlement on Cape York Peninsula, Cooktown's history has been etched by the 1770 careening of James Cook's Endeavour and the town's later role as a supply port for the Palmer River goldfields.
Today, Cooktown is an important service centre for tourists by road, sea and air, the harbour provides safe anchorage for vessels and with the dredging of the Endeavour River, the promise holds for an economic renaissance focused on Cooktown's marine values. Cooktown's wharf is integral to the lifestyle of a town that has been described as a 'wharfies' town.
Cooktown is situated on the Endeavour River and has year round access on sealeds roads. Cooktown is a 330 km drive north from Cairns and has numerous natural, cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore.
Contact Cook Shire Council on 07 4069 5444
Visitor Information Tel: +61 07 4069 6004
Info Line: 1800 174 895
Email: info@cooktowns.com
www.cook.qld.gov.au
http://www.cook.qld.gov.au/community/communitydirectory2007.pdf
http://www.cooktownhostel.com/information.html
Just 76 km north of Laura this roadhouse with campground and mechanical workshop is a great stopping point if you want to throw in a line and catch your dinner or fix your vehicle! If the fish aren’t biting the roadhouse will serve you up a meal between 7.30am and 10pm (7 days a week) as well as sell you souvenirs, maps and supplies. EFTPOS and public phone available.
Telephone: 07 4060 3242
Fax: 07 4060 3394
Hope Vale is situated 46 km north of Cooktown and about 10 km off the Battlecamp Road that leads to Lakefield National Park and Laura.
Hope Vale was established as a Lutheran Mission in 1949. The community covers an area of 110,000 hectares and is a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) land.
Today's population is estimated at 830 (2001), with approximately 94% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin from various clans including the Dhuppi, Nukgal, Binthi, Thitharr, Dharrpa, Ngayumbarr-Ngayumbarr, Dingaal, Ngurrumungu, Thaanil, Gamaay, Ngaatha, Burunga .
In addition to these clans, the community is made up of the Kuku Yimidhirr speaking peoples, the Yiidhuwarra (traditional owners of Barrow Point, Flinders Island, and the South Annan), the Bagaarrmugu, Muunthiwarra, Juunjuwaara and Muli peoples plus the Gan Gaarr and Bulgoon peoples to the south, the Kings Plain's Thukuun Warra and the Sunset Yulanji peoples in the Maytown area.
Visitors requiring access to the Hope Vale area including Elim Beach can obtain a permit from the Hope Vale Council administration office. Hope Vale has a good general store (with ATM) but is closed Sundays. Post office and banking services are available at the Council Administration Offices during regular office hours.
Contact Hope Vale Community Council Telephone 07 4060 9133
Information on Hope Vale's alcohol management plan
Around the turn of the century the remains of the semi-nomadic family tribes occupying the last 200 km of Cape York Peninsula came together and settled at the mouth of Cowal Creek or Small River now known as Injinoo. These tribes shared a common language with different dialects. The coming together of these survivors from the impact of non-aboriginal settlement saw the establishment by themselves of a community that brought together five major groupings:
The Chief Protector of Aborigines discovered this settlement in 1916. The community is the homeland of most of the traditional owners of all the land on which the five Northern Peninsula Area communities are situated.
Injinoo has an estimated population of 440 (as of June 2001), with about 98% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin and is located on the river mouth of Cowal Creek.
There is a service station, a health clinic, healing centre, cement works and Injinoo operate the Jardine Ferry which provides access to Pajinka at the tip of Cape York. Camping is available and visitors can contact the Council Office to arrange accommodation.
Contact Injinoo Community Council on 07 4069 3252
The name Kowanyama means "The place of many waters." The community is situated on the banks of the Magnificent, a tributary of the Mitchell River 20 km inland from the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Kowanyama is accessed by an all weather airstrip, as well as unsealed roads in the dry season from Pormpurraw to the north, Normanton to the south and Cairns to the east.
Kowanyama is a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) land which comprises the direct descendants of the Indigenous habitants of the Lower Mitchell and Alice Rivers and neighbouring areas now held by pastoral tenants. These include the Kokoberra, Yir Yorant (or Kokomnjen) and Kunjen clans.
The Kowanyama community has a population of approximately 1,200 (2001), with about 93% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
There is a designated tourist season, which extends from June 1st to October 1st. Kowanyama provides four public camping areas, with two campsites apiece.
Kowanyama has a small supermarket that sells fresh foods, packaged and frozen foods, and hardware items. The store is similar to a medium sized IGA store. The store is operated by DATSIP, and the manager is able to obtain any goods that are not normally kept for sale.
The coffee shop operated by the Anglican Church, a fully air-conditioned Coffee Shop stocks take away food, entertainment media and small goods. There is a guest house in the community. The Kowanyama Canteen operates Monday to Friday, from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Patrons may buy light beer only.
For access to Kowanyama lands contact the council office.
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Telephone 07 4083 7100
Information on Kowanyama's alcohol management plan
The community of Lakeland marks the junction of the Peninsula and Cooktown Development Roads and is an important service point for travellers to southern Cape York Peninsula and those travelling to the rest of the Peninsula. Fuel and repairs, coffee house, food, pub and general supplies, caravan, camping grounds and basic cabin accommodation are all available here.
The road is bitumen through to Lakeland and it is a good point to leave caravans and trailers that are not suited to off road travel before continuing up the Cape.
Gold mining and pastoralism are the industries which have given birth to the townships of Coen and Laura which are now significant service centers for travellers. These townships are home to a number of third generation pastoral families with historical association within the area and Aboriginal clan groups including Gugu Ballanji, Ayapathu, Gugu Minni, Lama Lama - Port Stewart, Lakefield Gugu Thaypan, Northern Kaanju, Gugu Warra, Olkolo, Gugu Yimithirr, Southern Kaanju, Gugu Yulanji, Umpila, Olkolo and Wik Peoples.
With a population fewer than 100, Laura is a small town that boasts a hotel, general store, two service stations, a school, police station,and a health clinic. Visitors can take in the Quinkan Cultural Centre which depicts indigenous, pioneering and contemporary life in Cape York and veiw the world's largest known Aboriginal rock art gallery. The district is home to dozens of Aboriginal art gallery sites, only a few of which are open to the public and some only after formal application to the Aboriginal Ranger at Laura.
Contact Cook Shire Council on 07 4069 5444
Open seven days a week selling fuel, meals and takeway food with EFTPOS facilities and an ATM. Bookings are taken here for nearby camping spots (dogs allowed). Travellers can use the shower facilities for a fee.
Replacement tyres are available at Laura shop.
Telephone/fax : (07) 40603419
Formerly an Anglican Mission and a centre for Sandalwood trade, today Lockhart River is a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) covering 354,071 hectares with an approximate population of 800 people (2001) about 86% being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
The Lockhart River Community comprises the Kuku Ya'u, Wuthathi, Umpila, Kanju and Uuthalganu peoples plus a number of smaller clan groupings is located on the northeast coast of Cape York Peninsula (directly opposite to Weipa) and approximately 800 kilometres North of Cairns.
Lockhart has a vehicle repair and service centre, health clinic and a retail store where EFTPOS is available (maximum of $100 cash out). It stocks sufficient foods for day to day living and diesel and unleaded fuels are available at the bowser.
The airstrip is run by the Lockhart River Airport Corporation.
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council Contact 07 4060 7144
Information on Lockhart River's alcohol management plan
Moreton Telegraph Station
This roadhouse has a fantastic website to read all about them.
The Musgrave Roadhouse is 169 kilometers north of Laura. Serving fuel and food 7 days a week from 7.30am – 10pm this roadhouse also serves a cold beer in its licensed restaurant. With EFTPOS and two public phones, overnight here in one of the 14 cabins (shared showers and toilets) or in the campground with bbq facilities.
Telephone: 07 4060 3229
The Napranum Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) covers 201,447 hectares and is approximately 700 km from Cairns. The Napranum community has a population of approximately 789 people (2001), with about 95% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
Napranum has a clinic, tavern with minimart and EFTPOS, preschool, workshop with fuel. There is a camping ground for visitors. Evans Landing, a twenty minute drive from Napranum has a cultural centre.
Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council Telephone 07 4069 7855
Information on Napranum's alcohol management plan
The New Mapoon Community is situated between Bamaga and Seisia. The community was relocated to its present site in 1963/64 from Mapoon (known as Old Mapoon) and is the traditional country of the Gudang people. New Mapoon has an estimated population of 348 (2001), with about 97% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
New Mapoon has historical association and administrative responsibility for the DOGIT area. A ranger service works closely with the Injinoo and other Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) community rangers to undertake land management practices in the NPA.
Major initiatives of the community include: the Loyalty Beach campground and a bait, tackle and ice retail outlet. EFTPOS is available through most the general store and council offices. There is a Crocodile shop on the road to Punsand Bay which is thirty minutes drive from New Mapoon.
Contact New Mapoon Council 4069 3277
Information on Mapoon's alcohol management plan
Mapoon is situated approximately 960 km north west of Cairns, with the last stretch consisting of an all year access road, a distance of 86 km from Weipa on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Mapoon was declared a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) in 1998 and is held by a group of nominated trustees. An August 2001 Census stated that 197 persons gave their address of usual residence as Marpuna Community, with about 92 per cent of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
If you’re heading north to Cooktown on the inland road, 80 km north of Mt Carbine you will come across this historic roadhouse (turn right just over the Palmer River bridge). Stop here for fuel and the usual supplies but stay longer and enjoy the accommodation, camping, bar restaurant and barbecue facilities.
Telephone: 07 4060 2020
Telephone: (07) 4060 2020
The Pormpuraaw Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) occupies 466,198 hectares and is approximately 700 km west of Cairns, on the west coast of Cape York.
Pormpuraaw has a population of approximately 630 (as of June 2001), with about 90% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
Pormpuraaw Community lands are being increasingly exposed to tourism, especially through traffic travelling up through the Alice and Mitchell Rivers National Park from the Gulf Savannah and south, rejoining the Peninsula Development Road at Musgrave Roadhouse. Pormpuraaw Council envisages a capability to deal with the recreational fishing fraternity who may not be able to be accommodated on Kowanyama lands.
They have established two official camping areas, (both with septic and showers) one at the mouth of the Mungkan River, one at the mouth of the Chapman River at either end of the Pormpuraaw airstrip and are considering a freshwater base for visiting anglers. There is also a guesthouse within the village which is used mainly by itinerant contractors and public servants.
There is a council fuel pump, community store, kiosk and a coffee shop. There is a health clinic and the council workshop does basic mechanical repairs. Contact Parmpuraaw Community Council on 07 4060 4600.
Information on Pormpuraaw's alcohol management plan
Seisia, a Torres Strait Islander community, was first part of the Bamaga settlement which was established at Muttee Head about 50 years ago with the relocation of people from the island of Saibai just off the coast of Papua New Guinea. By 1954, the community had been relocated to its present site.
Then a family group consisting of six brothers established their own settlement at what was then called Red Island Point. This settlement was created as its own DOGIT council in 1984. Seisia is a small community with a heavy emphasis on economic development through tourism with fishing off the wharf is regarded as some of the best in Australia.
Seisia has an estimated population of 139 (as of June 2001), with about 88% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
Seisia has a holiday park with camping grounds and cabins, a restaurant and snack bar, a service station, supermarket, a shipping depot that is regularly serviced by shipping supply companies and a ferry service to the Torres Strait.
Contact Seisia Island Council Telephone 07 4069 3133
Umagico, known locally as ‘Alau', was originally established in 1963 for Aboriginal people relocated from Lockhart River Mission and is an area of 5340 hectares approximately half way between Bamaga and Injinoo.
In 1974, people from Moa Island in the Torres Strait were resettled here. More recent arrivals have settled from Kubin on Moa and other Torres Strait Islands. Umagico administers DOGIT and recent major initiatives of the community include a campground and accommodation development and supermarket development.
Umagico has an estimated population of 278 (2001), with about 97% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
The Umagico Aboriginal Council operate the campground at Alau Beach which is one of the most picturesque in the Northern Peninsula Area.
Contact Umagico Aboriginal Council on 07 4069 3266
Information on Umagico's alcohol management plan
Weipa Township is located on the north western coast of Cape York. It is the service centre for the communities of Napranum, Mapoon, and to some degree, the Aurukun community. It is located some 850 km from Cairns and is accessible by dirt road only during the dry season. Weipa is 317 km by 4wd road access from the tip of Cape York. Weipa Township is located in the separate Weipa Local Authority area with a Town Office administering local government functions.
The Weipa community was developed around the Comalco Bauxite mining lease with the township development commencing in 1965. Aboriginal people have inhabited the Australian continent for an estimated 60,000 years. Apart from the occasional contacts with Dutch and English seafarers, a traditional hunting and gathering existence continued until the early 20th century.
Willem Janz, Captain of the Duyfken made the first recorded sighting of the Australian coast approximately 40km north of Weipa at the Pennefather River in 1606, Captain Matthew Flinders sailed the Investigator into Albatross Bay on the 8th November in 1802. He noted in the ships log "some reddish cliffs" south of the Bay at Pera Head which were identified in 1955 by a geologist Harry Evans to be a significant bauxite deposit.
Wujal Wujal was formerly known as the Bloomfield River Mission and the traditional owners are Kuku Yalanji. The community has an estimated population of 470 (2001) and can be found approximately 30 km north of Cape Tribulation and 60 km south of Cooktown on the Bloomfield Development Road.
Wujul Wujul has a community store that operates Monday to Saturday. There is a camping ground at Ayton which is fifteen minutes from Wujul Wujul. There are two fuel stations. There is a health clinic staffed by community nurses and a small supermarket and a police station.
Contact Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council on 07 4060 8155
Wujal Wujal alcohol management plan.