To visit Lockhart River or not.

I say yes just for the areas of Chilli Beach and Portland Roads.

Check out some photos of when I was up there in 2009 -

http://www.ozmatrix.com/gallery3/index.php/holidays/cape09

Hope this helps,

Scott

Hi there. I live at Portland Roads about 45 minutes from Lockhart River.
LOCKHART RIVER
Lockhart has a supermarket and an automated petrol station -- you need a card with a pin number to get petrol.
The indigenous Art Centre with the Lockhart River Art Gang just as you drive into Lockhart.
There is Quintel Beach with spectacular large rocks in the water. This is a local fishing spot and a jetty for the Barge brings supplies in.

CULTURAL TOURS
If you are interested in indigenous culture we could put you onto some local elders who would take you on a bush tucker walk.

CAMPING
There is no free camping, though I hear it was listed in the NRMA or RACQ booklet, this was incorrect.
This is the Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park famous for it's tropical rainforest full of unusual birds and wildlife only found here and in New Guinea.

You need to book with National Parks over the internet, there is limited phone access once you get there, The ranger station is near Lockhart, I am not sure if you can get internet at the ranger station. It is best to book before you get there as it can get booked out at the peak of the tourist season (July).
Before you get to Lockhart there is a Y intersection you turn left down the road to Portland Roads to find the campgrounds.

There is Cook's Hut (with toilet) and neighbouring Gordon Creek and Rainforest camping areas in the rainforest popular with birdwatchers.
Further on their is Chili Beach which has a long coconut lined beach which has very shallow (knee high) water much of the time so you can paddle in the water without fear of crocs.
It can be windy but beautiful if you get the right day, the camp sights are set among the trees which keep you out of the wind.

Local traditional owners are working on setting up a couple of more campgrounds on their land as well as cultural tours.

PORTLAND ROADS
Portland Roads is past Chili Beach
It overlooks Weymouth bay and is a favourite with fishermen.
If you want a break from camping there is ACCOMMODATION at Portland Roads Beach Shack, - one self contained shack/bungalow. 1 bedroom with a double and two singles and a deck with kitchenette and bathroom, (our place) with an amazing view over the Bay, there is also Portland House which is larger and often gets birdwatching groups.

FOOD
There are no shops at Portland Roads, you need to bring your own or get it from the Supermarket at Lockhart River.
The Out of the Blue Cafe has exceptional seafood fresh from the fishing boats and legendary baked cheesecake (we are not affiliated with the Cafe, just love the food)

GETTING THERE
It is about 2 - 2.5 hrs off the Development road turning off near the Archer River Road house. Ask at 'The Archer' for road conditions if it has been raining a lot. Their are two river crossings the Wenlock has just been upgraded with a causeway. The Pascoe is a wide sandy crossing, it is a good idea to follow someone.

see our sites www.portlandroadsbeachshack.com.au www.capeyorkblog.com and also www.lockhart.qld.gov.au