Attractions
There’s plenty to see and do at Pajinka, the Tip end of Australia, and we think it’s the best part of the country (of course, we’re a little biased). Below are some of the highlights we recommend for every traveller visiting Cape York Peninsula Lodge. We can assist you to organise private tours visiting these places, or give you a friendly point in the right direction if you’d prefer to explore on your own terms.
pajinka
The jagged tip of the Australian mainland has always been a lightning rod for adventurers, and nothing compares to standing right at the edge of the water and knowing you’re on the roof of this vast land. A selfie beside the iconic sign is a must for visitors, and we think is up there with the Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu and Grand Canyon.
Getting to Pajinka is a 45-minute drive from Bamaga on the red dirt to Frangipani Bay. There are three roads to get there. The first is directly up and over the rock face, the second, which can only be reached at low tide, involves a walk along the beach past the mangroves, and the third sees you walking the high side of the mangroves.
If you can’t do it yourself, we offer day trips to Pajinka that also visit plane wreckages and Somerset Beach. Click here to find out more
WWII Plane Wreckages
As the most northerly part of Australia, Cape York played a vital role in the country’s defensive efforts during WWII. A radar station was based at Mutee Heads and an Advanced Operational Base was built at Higgins Field, which also serviced fighter planes and bomber squadrons.
Just outside Bamaga, visitors can see the remains of two unfortunate aeroplane crashes. The first, an air force courier DC3, can be found less than five kilometres from town. A further two kilometres past this you’ll also find a second wreckage – a Beaufort Bomber.
It’s not recommended visitors explore the area too broadly from the immediate crash sites, as there may still be unexploded bombs in the area.
Somerset
Somerset was the first Cape York administration centre, prior to being relocated to Thursday Island. It then became the home of the original Jardine family station where the family graves can still be seen - the historic site is on the Queensland Heritage Register. The Jardine brothers left a dark legacy in the Northern Peninsula region, having been responsible for a significant number of deaths among the region’s Indigenous population.
A short stroll north will take you to caves featuring Aboriginal rock art paintings. Please take care when visiting these ancient works and try not to disturb the bats.
Mutee Head
Mutee Head is a scenic camping spot on the water’s edge, around 35kms from the Jardine Ferry. It’s a relaxing spot, and while you can string up a hammock or drop a line in the water, you can also uncover a slice of the region’s WWII history here too. On the top of the western head sits the old WWII radar installation, and from here you can see the remains of the old jetty in the water. In the area you’ll also find the first graves of settlers from Saibai Island, who relocated to Bamaga in the years following WWII.
Photo credit: Explore Cape York
Thursday and Friday Islands
Thursday Island was once the centre of the Torres Strait pearling industry, but over time this industry has diminished and the focus is now on tourism and the crayfish industry. Other attractions worth seeing include Green Hill Fort, whose cannons once protected the island, and the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, which houses historical artefacts and contemporary Aboriginal art. On Friday Island you can visit an operational pearl farm at Kazu Pearls, which offers three-hour tours.
Photo credit: Explore Cape York
Want to explore more?
If you’re looking to learn more about Bamaga and the Cape York region, we highly recommend Explore Cape York, which is written by a Bamaga local.