Elim Beach – April 2010
The boats on an Elim Beach high tide
Four couples away for the Anzac Day long weekend in one of the most spectacular sand dune environments on Cape York. The scenery is breathtaking!
Last time we visited Elim Beach was in June 2009 and we camped on the beach itself. This time we decided to stay in Eddie’s campgrounds which are to the right when you drive down the final hill onto Elim Beach. There are beautiful shady areas right on the beach and, surprisingly, the mosquitos and sand flies aren’t too bad. Two of the cars towed trailer boats and they were easily launched from the beach in front of the campsite at high tide. Fishing options include a small wreck marked with buoys, a small river near Cape Bedford and a few close reefs. Lastly, Eddie pumps fresh water out of a natural spring and uses this to run toilets & showers for guests. These are great welcome in the humid tropics and after a few fishing trips!
Start by making your way to Cooktown either by the bitumen “inland road” or the scenic “coast road”. Continue driving a further 44km to Hope Vale Aboriginal Community. A permit is required to access lands under the control of Hope Vale Aboriginal Council. Charges are $10 per vehicle per day and are available from the Council Office. In Hope Vale there is a supermarket, take away meals, fuel and artefacts. After getting your permit take the second street on the left past the shops for the road to Elim Beach, which is 25km further. The road winds through white silica sand hills, rugged escarpments and heath lands. With its white sand and fringing reefs the beach is a remote and beautiful spot. Eddie is the caretaker of an Aboriginal-owned campsite in this area, where you can relax in a stunning location, watch the spear- fishing, or yarn with a traditional owner. Call Eddie Deemal on 4060 9223 (best after 7pm).
Access to coloured sands is along the beach at low tide. If you are in a 2WD park at the entrance to the beach. Do not block or park near dwellings. Driving on the beach should NOT be undertaken in a 2WD and only with extreme caution at low tide in a 4WD. Coloured sands is an easy 300 metre walk along the beach. The best views of the sands is reached by climbing up the soft sand hill on the north side past the coloured sands. Sands are not permitted to be collected.
As well as some well deserved rest, you can explore the beach and sand dunes with the shallow waters providing the kids entertainment with spotting small sting rays, shovel nosed sharks and starfish.
All in all, a top camping spot with picture perfect backdrops – highly recommended.
Photos here – http://ozmatrix.com/gallery/v/camping/elim2