The odds are extremely good that you are currently located somewhere south of the Jardine River. Distance from said river may vary, but your aspect won’t. That’s because the Jardine River is right at the very tip of Australia’s most northern point, Cape York Peninisula, and a world away from the hustle and bustle of everything going on south of there.
The Jardine River National park is a huge tract of diverse wilderness bordered on the eastern side by the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and intersected by the majestic and temperamental Jardine River itself.
Sometimes described as Australia’s “Little Guinea”, the national park encompasses thick rainforest, grasslands, open forest, spectacular waterfalls and savannah and is home to some of Australia’s rarest and most fascinating birds and reptiles.
Beach ?shing is allowed at Captain Billy Landing and Ussher Point but these waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park so check fishing restrictions and remember to mind the crocs.
Don’t even think about camping on the Jardine as part of a last-minute cock-a-maimy whim – there are no shops, no petrol stations, and no bottle shops anywhere within cooee. Bring plenty of food, fresh water, fuel, mossie repellent and cold hard cash – the vehicle ferry across the Jardine is currently propping up the nation’s economy, at $129 a pop!
Access: 4WD only
Best time of year: The cooler months, May – October
Best bit: Far removed from the modern world
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