Vrilya Point Lightship
Only a little bit of a backtrack from the end of the OTT, Vrilya Point and its famous lightship is a little bit off the ‘usual’ path, but it’s absolutely worth it. There’s plenty of bush camping available on the super remote beach that runs for a few dozen kilometres. Also, the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria is one of the best I’ve ever seen in my life. This is the road that ended up killing the WWII Jeep we took on our Cape York trip, so it’s quite rugged.
Somerset Ruins
Somerset is the home to Captain John Jardine and the first permanent white settlement in Cape York. Settled in the mid 1800s, the station is a key historical element to the exploration of Cape York, and was the Jardine’s family home for some time after until their deaths. There’s fantastic camping available, and it makes for a good adventure after reaching the Tip as it’s only 40km from Bamaga.
Sharp Point
Too many people drive to the Tip and then turn around and head back. This is a good thing, because it means few people actually take the time to explore some of Australia’s northernmost beaches, and you can have them all to yourself. The drive to Sharp Point takes you across remote beaches and rocky heads before ending at a fantastic lookout. To get there, take the road to Usher Point and then head north.
Elim Beach
Located on the southern half of Cape York near the community of Hope Vale, few seem to take the extra time to head north of Cooktown to explore Elim Beach and the beautiful beaches and rocky capes that surround it. Camp at Eddie’s Campground and spend a day or two exploring the coloured sands of Elim Beach and the sandy tracks of Cape Bedford. If you can get the tides right, you’ll even be able to make a trip to Cape Flattery, though be warned – if your vehicle is too tall you won’t make it through the mining tunnel you’ll need to pass through to get there.
