THE POINTY END

Bring a sense of adventure to the very tip of Australia

WORDS BY EMILY HUMPHREY

Is this Australia’s last frontier? Pajinka, the hardto-reach tip of Cape York, is as much about the journey as the destination – red dirt roads, waterfalls and deserted coastline make for a rugged jaunt through the wilderness.

See the tip by air or with a 4WD adventure. Taking to the skies means you’ll see parts which aren’t easily accessible by vehicles, such as Cape Melville, the silica sands of Cape Flattery and Bathurst Heads. Tackling this landscape by 4WD is heaven for off-roading enthusiasts, with plenty of rocky terrain for the full experience. The Old Telegraph Track is a must-do in the dry season (the cooler months, between May and September). Once you reach Frangipani Beach, Australia’s northernmost beach, the last stretch is on foot before you find yourself standing on the northernmost tip of the continent. Take in the bold turquoise waters of Torres Strait and snap a selfie with the iconic sign.

The rest of the Cape York Peninsula is a delight to explore. Cool off and wash the red dust away with a swim in the croc-free waters of Fruit Bat Falls (aptly named, given their winged shape) or nearby Elliot Falls. Look for iconic Australian flora and fauna, especially birdlife: red palm cockatoos, sunbirds, jabirus.

You’ll find more national parks in the region than anywhere else in the state, and be prepared to go off grid. A haven for camping, fishing and swimming; there’s no better place to deal with limited phone reception.

Make sure to grab an obligatory selfie with the much-photographed sign you’ll find at the northernmost tip of Australia

MAIN IMAGE: A bird’s eye view of Pajinka, the tip of the Cape York Peninsula