Lockhart River Region Has It All

The Lockhart River region is on the east coast of Cape York.

It truly is a special place. With stunning beaches, fishing at Portland Roads and Chilli Beach, camping, cafes and culture.

Lockhart River region is rich in history. Against all odds the local Aboriginal People have kept their traditional culture alive.

There is the Batavia Goldfield Ruins and Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park.

We definitely recommend taking the time to explore this region over a few days.

 

Batavia Goldfield Ruins

North of Archer River Roadhouse on the right hand side is the Portland Connection Road turn off. This track becomes Portland Road. You follow this until the Wenlock River Crossing. Directly after the crossing turn left onto a track and which has no sign.

Head past the lonely grave of Thomas Power. And take the left fork to get to the Wenlock River. There is plenty of room to camp. Camping is free with no amenities.

Follow the right fork to the ruins and remains of the old mining machinery.

Batavia Goldfield Ruins

North of Archer River Roadhouse on the right hand side is the Portland Connection Road turn off. This track becomes Portland Road. You follow this until the Wenlock River Crossing. Directly after the crossing turn left onto a track and which has no sign.

Head past the lonely grave of Thomas Power. And take the left fork to get to the Wenlock River. There is plenty of room to camp. Camping is free with no amenities.

Follow the right fork to the ruins and remains of the old mining machinery.

Chuulangun Campground

The turnoff to the Campground is 4km past the Wenlock River Crossing. Note, alcohol is not permitted.

Accommodation: Bush Camping. Rangers will visit to collect camping fee ($10 pp, children free)

Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, pet friendly, alongside Wenlock River

Chuulangun Campground

The turnoff to the Campground is 4km past the Wenlock River Crossing. Note, alcohol is not permitted.

Accommodation: Bush Camping. Rangers will visit to collect camping fee ($10 pp, children free)

Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, pet friendly, alongside Wenlock River

Lockhart River

Lockhart River is a welcoming Indigenous community.

The Lockhart River Arts Centre is home to ‘The Lockhart River Art Gang’. It’s a collective of artists creating beautiful contemporary works.

Head through town to check out Quintel Beach. Fishing is not permitted from the beach nor the Claudie and Lockhart Rivers.

It has a grocery store, fuel and accommodation.

Iron Range Cabins

The Iron Range Cabins are located adjacent to the airport, 5km from Lockhart River.

Accommodation: Studio & 2-bedroom ensuite cabins with full kitchen, twin & double ensuite cabins with shared kitchen.

Facilities: meals available Monday to Thursday, laundry, communal BBQ area, car hire, no pets are allowed.

Greenhoose

If you are looking for birdlife, you’ve come to the right place. Birds such as the Magnificent Riflebird, Eclectus Parrot and more can be seen.

Accommodation: 20 rooms – single & double ensuite, single and family shared.

Facilities: Air con, free Wi-Fi, laundry.

Lockhart River

Lockhart River is a welcoming Indigenous community.

The Lockhart River Arts Centre is home to ‘The Lockhart River Art Gang’. It’s a collective of artists creating beautiful contemporary works.

Head through town to check out Quintel Beach. Fishing is not permitted from the beach nor the Claudie and Lockhart Rivers.

It has a grocery store, fuel and accommodation.

Iron Range Cabins

The Iron Range Cabins are located adjacent to the airport, 5km from Lockhart River.

Accommodation: Studio & 2-bedroom ensuite cabins with full kitchen, twin & double ensuite cabins with shared kitchen.

Facilities: meals available Monday to Thursday, laundry, communal BBQ area, car hire, no pets are allowed.

Greenhoose

If you are looking for birdlife, you’ve come to the right place. Birds such as the Magnificent Riflebird, Eclectus Parrot and more can be seen.

Accommodation: 20 rooms – single & double ensuite, single and family shared.

Facilities: Air con, free Wi-Fi, laundry.

Chilli Beach & Portland Roads

Chilli Beach and Portland Road

Chilli Beach and more

Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park

Follow the signs to Chilli Beach through Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park to the first of the three camping areas.

These 3 are Rainforest camping area, Cooks Hut camping area and Gordon Creek camping area. All are great for bird watching and if you want to take a hike through the rainforest.

Continue on to the Chilli Beach turn off. Then another 6km will bring you to a white beach.

Chilli Beach has 25 campsites and you will need to book. It has  toilets and beach access to launch a boat. For larger boats there is the boat ramp at Portland Roads.

Be aware, the beach can be affected by strong trade winds from February through to late November.

Chilli Beach and more

Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park

Follow the signs to Chilli Beach through Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park to the first of the three camping areas.

These 3 are Rainforest camping area, Cooks Hut camping area and Gordon Creek camping area. All are great for bird watching and if you want to take a hike through the rainforest.

Continue on to the Chilli Beach turn off. Then another 6km will bring you to a white beach.

Chilli Beach has 25 campsites and you will need to book. It has  toilets and beach access to launch a boat. For larger boats there is the boat ramp at Portland Roads.

Be aware, the beach can be affected by strong trade winds from February through to late November.

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Portland Roads

Portland Roads is a tiny community perched on the beach. Accommodation is available at Portland House, The Bloohouse and The Temple. And there is a café Out of the Blue Cafe.

Following the road to the end you’ll find a boat ramp.

Out of the Blue Cafe

Portland Roads ‘Out of the Blue Cafe’ is a small boutique cafe located on the waterfront at Portland Roads

Portland House

Portland House, located at historic Portland Roads, offers laid back accommodation with a relaxed ocean vibe.

Accommodation: 5 bedroom house with various bed set-up options for up to 9 people

Facilities: Full kitchen, open plan living areas, courtyard with pizza oven, BBQ

The Bluehoose

Exuding rustic charm, The Bluehoose sits overlooking the bay.

Accommodation: 2 bedroom beach side cottage, sleeps 7

Facilities: Open plan living, full kitchen and amenities, laundry, Wi-Fi, parking space for care and boats

The Temple

Nestled into the Iron Range hillside with a stunning panoramic view of the Coral Sea.

The Temple is a popular place to stay, so bookings are required.

Adding to a great stay are these adventures

  • 1 to 3 day dirt bike endurance ride
  • 3 day dirt bike endurance ride to The Tip of Australia
  • Blo Carts on Chilli Beach
  • 1 day fishing charter

Accommodation: 4 different styled rooms with a variety of bed options, catering for up to 12 guests

Facilities: Outdoor BBQ area, licensed bar, live entertainment, outdoor cinema

Portland Roads

Portland Roads is a tiny community perched on the beach. Accommodation is available at Portland House and The Temple. And there is a café Out of the Blue Cafe.

Following the road to the end you’ll find a boat ramp.

Out of the Blue Cafe

Portland Roads ‘Out of the Blue Cafe’ is a small boutique cafe located on the waterfront at Portland Roads

Portland House

Portland House, located at historic Portland Roads, offers laid back accommodation with a relaxed ocean vibe.

Accommodation: 5 bedroom house with various bed set-up options for up to 9 people

Facilities: Full kitchen, open plan living areas, courtyard with pizza oven, BBQ

The Bluehoose

Exuding rustic charm, The Bluehoose sits overlooking the bay.

Accommodation: 2 bedroom beach side cottage, sleeps 7

Facilities: Open plan living, full kitchen and amenities, laundry, Wi-Fi, parking space for care and boats

The Temple

Nestled into the Iron Range hillside with a stunning panoramic view of the Coral Sea.

The Temple is a popular place to stay, so bookings are required.

Adding to a great stay are these adventures

  • 1 to 3 day dirt bike endurance ride
  • 3 day dirt bike endurance ride to The Tip of Australia
  • Blo Carts on Chilli Beach
  • 1 day fishing charter

Accommodation: 4 different styled rooms with a variety of bed options, catering for up to 12 guests

Facilities: Outdoor BBQ area, licensed bar, live entertainment, outdoor cinema