anyone fished north of cairns-cape york

Hi Terry,

A group of us are heading up to The Cape in late May.

You mention the Cotterell River, which is a place we plan to visit (after seeing a track to the mouth on a recent Hema map).

Did you drive there, or just boat down to it from Vrilya Point. If you drove, can you provide any info relating to the track/ beach run, and also the camping opportunities at the mouth.

Any information would be appreciated.

Regards

Scott

G'day Scott,

Drove my troopy to the Cotterell River from Vrilya Point - route guide in Ron and Viv Moon's "Cape York" book.

Here goes (from memory) - instead of turning right off the track to get to Vrilya Point, keep going left - you'll pass several RHS tracks, but keep to the left. Eventually you will reach a creek crossing, (last fresh water) cross and follow track.

Track branches out a bit when you get to the coastal dunes (exit from the scrub - good place to stop and let down your tyres !) - easiest route is to the left, then to the right when the main track veers right (you pass a couple of minor tracks in this section too).

You then have to follow this track behind a small point to where you get onto the beach. From that point, you drive along the (very soft) beach for approx. 14 km. crossing one creek about halfway - this crossing can sometimes be a bit dodgy, I heard from some locals, but was OK when I was there. Don't be tempted to drive on the wet sand - it IS firmer, but it's pretty easy to get "locked in" around the numerous small points where the sand is cut away.

The section after this crossing was pretty good when I was there, but I am told this is pretty variable too. Before you round the last headland before the Cotterell, get off the beach (there's a marker in the sheoaks about 1km before this point) - if you can see the river. you've come too far !

Once on the track behind the beach, follow it around the coast - you'll find a number of good campsites there, most are reasonably shady, and quite close to the water.

If you're in the area, an easier place to get to,(I went to both) is North Vrilya Point (also an estuary), which is an 8-9km. drive along the beach (easiest exit is before the lightship wreck). Then follow the track behind the dunes. Very good camping and fishing there too.

Wish I was about to return

tight lines
Terry

Thanks for that Terry,

After sending off my reply, I realised that it was Ron & Viv Moon's book that I had seen the track note in.

This will be my 9th trip to Cape York since 1987, and we always like to visit at least one new spot each time. We have visited Vrilya Point on several occasions, and fished North Vrilya with great success.

We haven't been any further north than the Skarden River on the past 5 trips, so I am looking forward to visiting again.

Another question, do you know what the Permit issue is regarding access to this spot ? From other threads I have read, I understand that the permit we purchase at the Jardine Ferry crossing covers this area as well, however, we were planning to stop off at the Cotterell on the way north, and didn't particularly want to have to go up to the Jardine just to get a permit.

Regards

Scott

G'day Scott,

re permits: the Jardine permit does cover the area - it may be OK to get your permit retrospectively when you get up to the Jardine, I haven't tested that theory, though.

Upon reflection, it shouldn't matter much, as much of the land along the OTL is also Injinu country, and the Jardine permit covers camping there too. In any case, the Jardine is only 23km north of the Vrilya Pt. t/off, if you're concerned.

Tried to visit the Skardon River myself - drove out to the minesite, only to find ALL access to the area had been closed off by the traditional owners because some f***wits had dumped rubbish in a traditional well when visiting there !

have a good trip
Terry

Hey Rob

Ya link doesn't work :-)

Seafaris
Try this one the other link looks a bit messed up.

Cheers

Are these the guys that advertise in Sesia caravan park ?

I was kicking my own ass that we didnt take a boat away by the time we got up there !

Got a charter but . My wifes first good fish was a sizey queeny in the mouth of the Jardine , I think that may have spoiled her for catching things like bream and whiting !!

If you cant afford a tinnie start selling some stuff !!

Glenn.

Hi Alan,

Sounds like the same as mine. I have not felt too constrained but care is required. In choppy weather you can expect to get wet and that will depend on where you are planning to do your boating. Suspect that the prevailing south easterlies in the dry season will make any open water excursions on the east coast a little uncomfortable - unless you can find some sheltered water.

Would expect no problems on the west coast and the rivers.

Kind regards