Cooktown | Laura | Coen | Lockhart River | Weipa
Heading north to Cape York
Mareeba provides a natural connection between the Atherton Tablelands and the journey north to Cooktown and Cape York. From Mareeba, the Mulligan Highway leads north through Mount Molloy and Lakeland to Cooktown, with sealed roads making this section accessible to conventional vehicles.
Cape York Peninsula contains the historic town of Cooktown, remote communities, vast savannah and rainforest-clad National Parks. Beyond Cooktown and Laura, the journey changes as travellers head further into Cape York Peninsula. Coen, Lockhart River and Weipa are among the communities and stopping points across a region of savannah, rainforest, rivers and remote national parks.
For a more adventurous route, go four wheel-driving along the coastal Bloomfield Track crossing rivers and creeks through World Heritage-listed rainforest and join the highway at the mysterious pile of rocks known as Black Mountain. Cape York is Australia’s ultimate self-drive location – in fact, you’ll find more 4WDs here than anywhere else in the country. Road conditions and access vary, and a four-wheel drive is required for many routes and destinations.
Cape York travel is best planned around the season, road conditions and the time available. For travellers heading north, the Atherton Tablelands is a practical place to stock up, stay a few days and explore before continuing the journey.
