RV REVIEW
FIVE BEACHES DRIVE
Beach-driving doesn’ t get much further north on our continent than this, being just 10km south of Cape York and south of Somerset Beach Camp and lookout. The Five Beaches Drive comprises six, seven and eight beaches! Yep, these extra beaches at the southern end are much harder to reach, and most people are content with the five.
Essentially, you drive along the coastline, skipping between beaches and rocky headlands, often lined with magical deep red dirt, and Pandanus Palms, with a backdrop of deep blue oceans. Entry and exit to each beach are relatively straightforward, though tides should be noted to avoid getting caught in high water.
Fishing, so long as the trade winds are not howling, is on the money up here, but those winds blow more often than not. Basic bush camping is available en route, with no amenities. This is remote country, where a 4WD is mandatory. Being totally self-sufficient is paramount, so ensure you have the experience and abilities to tackle this amazing countryside.
MARK’ S WISE WORDS
Regardless of whether there are crocodile warning signs, I recommend that you do not swim in any of these or nearby beaches. It ' s an unfortunate position to be in; staring at the warm blue waters of a tropical beach as you wriggle your toes in the soft white sands on a hot, humid day, but not being safe to take the plunge for fear of being bitten or eaten by a Crocodylus porosus. That’ s a saltwater crocodile, or salty in case you’ re not sure.
Then there are the sharks, box jelly fish, blue bottle and irukandji, blue-ringed octopus, cone snails, sea snakes and stonefish; any of which would turn your dream holiday into a nightmare.
While you ' d be forgiven for wanting to choose somewhere far, far away from FNQ to holiday in, I still highly recommend visiting this stunning region of Australia. Just don ' t swim in it. Or stand too close to the water ' s edge …
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