Swimming and camping on Cape York

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 at 22:30

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MichaelR

We are off with the family and a few others to Cape York in September. For many of the mature travellers it is probably not an issue but for us with children they want to know 2 things: Are we there yet? and when can we swim? Does anyone have any good places where we can safely swim on Cape York? I promise I won't hold you legally responsible if one of us gets eaten by a crocodile (presumably the reason that Ron Moon does not mention any appropriate places). Any particulary good camping spots?
Thanks

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Reply By: Member - Kimberly Kruiser (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 at 22:41

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 at 22:41

G'day Michael

I suppose it begs the question: "How fast can you swim?"
I wouldn't hop into any water up there unless it is a bath or a swimming pool thoroughly checked before getting into as well!!
Probably the reason Ron Moon didn't mention any places.
Iv'e seen all manner of bities in supposedly clear waterholes up here.

Cheers

AnswerID: 103507

Reply By: Rosco - Bris. - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 at 22:46

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 at 22:46

Mike

Elliot falls and Twin falls. Fruit bat falls also. FORGET THE JARDINE RIVER !!!!!

AnswerID: 103510

Follow Up By: DARREN - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2005 at 17:34

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2005 at 17:34

Twin falls for sure in the upper rock pool, I noted with interest on a magazine DVD (4wd monthly or whatever) out not long ago that they were swimming in the deep dark river below the falls !!
Personally I would give that a big miss.

FollowupID: 361124

Follow Up By: Rosco - Bris. - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2005 at 17:50

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2005 at 17:50

You and me both !!!

Cheers

FollowupID: 361125

Reply By: Crackles - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 at 23:28

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 at 23:28

During the dry season you can swim in most of the small creeks you cross on the OTL between but NOT including the Wenlock & the Jardine. All rivers near the coast & beaches are definately off limits although we always found an isolated rock pool to swim in. Cheers Craig......

AnswerID: 103519

Reply By: Well 55 - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2005 at 07:13

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2005 at 07:13

If you are going up via the OTL you can swim at every creek crossing, and as stated above Fruit Bat & Elliot Falls which is worth a couple of days camp.

Another good camp is at the Dulhunty River and good safe swimming.

On the way up before the Weipa T/O the Archer River is a great place for kids, camp down on the river edge under the paper barks and swim all day.

AnswerID: 103538