False Pera Head

[Scorcher]

Hi all,

False Pera Head is a place that we have visited regularly. With the new alcohol laws (as I understand them), you cannot even travel the section of the Aurukun Rd leading to the turn off as it has a zero alcohol limit within the community.

Is that how others read it????

Has anybody been out there in the last few years? What is it currently like? I'm guessing pretty quiet with the above restrictions.

Permits used to be obtained from the camping ground at Weipa. Does this still apply?

It's another great spot (trying to deflect TOO much interest from Vrilya Point ;) ), good camping, great fishing & even more remote than Vrilya & the like.

[ant]

Scorcher,
You are dead right with the AMP regs. Travel into any part of Aurukun land has a zero limit of alcohol. The mines were also doing a bit of work in the area last year and there were some restrictions to travel and also staying in the area. I am unsure how that is for this year though.
If you are still allowed to camp there, the permission now rests with the Aurukun Council and permits must be given before you head in.

[batesy]

I'm pretty sure a large part of that area is ear-marked for mining in the not to distant future. The camp is still out there apparently, but I'm unsure how welcome anyone is to use it.

[Scorcher]

I'm pretty sure a large part of that area is ear-marked for mining in the not to distant future. The camp is still out there apparently, but I'm unsure how welcome anyone is to use it.

Thanks Batesy,

I've emailed the Aurukun Council to get some info. Will post when they reply (having said that, I'm still awaiting a reply from the email I sent them 2 years ago !!:confused:

Must be working to "Cape Time" !!

[Scorcher]

Just an update regarding access to the False Pera Head area.

The area from the southern side of the Embley River, to the northern side of the Ward River, has just been gazetted as restricted public access, due to drilling being carried out by Rio Tinto Alcan (The Western Cape Bulletin 11-17 June).

It appears that access will only be given to stakeholders, including Traditional Owners. Access to fishing & camping facilities look like they are finished (for the time being, anyway).

I also heard on the radio that there is a plan to move much of the Bauxite mining operation over time, to the south of Weipa, presumably to this area.

Hopefully, somebody will put in a side track around the site, to help access this area again one day ?? Here's hoping.

Scorcher

[batesy]

Rio has approved a $30 million dollar feasibility study for that area. The new $1billion dollar mine is going in there.

This is going to double the mine's capacity in a few years - plus chalco will eventually mine Aurukun area and Cape Alumina and Matilda have leases running from Pennefather to the tip ... don't worry about bitumen, at this rate you should be able to drive the whole western cape on a haul road in a mine truck by the end of the next decade.

It has to be done though .... hell, China has a billion people and god knows the poor buggers need to make coke cans with something. May as well export the Cape to them.

As you can see, I have a love/hate relationship with mining... actually not so much mining, just the way some of the so-called management aspects are initiated. Very short term philosophies to creating wealth, with very little balance. Most of the managers are moving through the chain of command to go somewhere else.


Okay, best I stop my rant now! :)

[Scorcher]

One big Hip, Hip, Hooray to Rio !!!! :rolleyes:

Now, what about us little people??

At some stage the tourist dollar should have some say.

With Cape York being many things for many people, and fishing being an important drawcard to the area, it would be nice for even just a speck of consideration to be given to the rest of us.

Yes, I visit Cape York regularly (just completed my 10th trip in 21 years) to see and enjoy the sights, but fishing plays an important part in my decision to go.

I haven't fished down here in Sydney for near on 20 years, not only because the fish are getting scarcer, but the average size fish down here wouldn't even be considered big enough to be bait in a crab trap up in the Cape !!

If (road) access to areas like False Pera Head, Pennefather, Vrilya Point etc become no go zones, due to mining, the appeal to go up there would certainly diminish (imho anyway).

I heard recently that access is again available to Skarden River, provided that you have the necessary permits from the local Land Council, which is at least a step in the right direction. Mining in that area is obviously not as extensive as around Weipa (yet), which helps.

Hopefully, sense will prevail, and permitted access (albeit regulated) will remain in some of these pristine areas. Then it is up to us, as visitors, to look after the areas - don't get me started on "Rubbishing the Cape" - another thread, another day !!

As our "man on the ground" up in Weipa, Batesy, it looks like it is up to you !!

Scorcher

[plucker]

If the Skardon is open, it would almost be worth my while to go back up there.

[Scorcher]

If the Skardon is open, it would almost be worth my while to go back up there.

Yes, I was told that it was accessable again, but guess that it is being regulated as to where to camp, and how many people are allowed in (via a permit system) at any one time.

Somebody else out there might be able to clarify this.

Scorcher

[ant]

Here we go........

[Scorcher]

Here we go........

Hey Ant,

Do I takle it that False Pera is still (currently) accessable ??

And what's with the dive boat sign? Is that operating out of False Pera ?

With the proposed mining, I wonder how long it will be before the area is closed off completely.

Lastly, what are the current access requirements ? Who through, costs etc

Scorcher

[ant]

Scorcher,
The 'dive boat' was there for the Comalco workers as they stay aboard during their shifts.
As far as I know, the area is still 'open' but it is a real challenge finding out who to talk to. Access should still be through Aurukun Shire Council, but it is also up to the safety officer in Comalco in regards to where they are.

I have a mate of mine heading back to Aurukun in the next fortnight and I will get him to check it all out on the ground and, once I know more, I will let you know.

[Scorcher]

I'm just starting to reseach for our next trip up to the Cape in 2010.

I had a squiz at the Aurukun Shire Council website, to check out how to go about getting a permit to stay at False Pera Head (Amban) for a few days.

Here is a link to their permit application:

http://www.aurukun.qld.gov.au/camping_permit_2009.pdf

The way I read it is:For 2 adults/car/boat to camp there, it will cost $180 PER NIGHT !! This is made up of Entry Fee of $50 per person per night, Camping fee of $20 per person per night, and a fee of $20 per night for each car, and each boat.

Whilst the spot is one of Cape Yorks hidden jewels, what an outrageous cost to visit a place where camping is now restricted, and no services are provided.

Has anybody got any thoughts or differing information on this ??

Scorcher

[Stew]

I'm just starting to reseach for our next trip up to the Cape in 2010.

I had a squiz at the Aurukun Shire Council website, to check out how to go about getting a permit to stay at False Pera Head (Amban) for a few days.

Here is a link to their permit application:

http://www.aurukun.qld.gov.au/camping_permit_2009.pdf

The way I read it is:For 2 adults/car/boat to camp there, it will cost $180 PER NIGHT !! This is made up of Entry Fee of $50 per person per night, Camping fee of $20 per person per night, and a fee of $20 per night for each car, and each boat.

Whilst the spot is one of Cape Yorks hidden jewels, what an outrageous cost to visit a place where camping is now restricted, and no services are provided.

Has anybody got any thoughts or differing information on this ??

Scorcher

They can't be serious.

[plucker]

What are the fines for not paying the fee like? Maybe that is cheaper.

This cost does seem a bit high, but obviously they dont want anyone there.

[geoffjy]

No idea on this one Scorcher, it a bit outside my area.

[Scorcher]

Perhaps King Chevy or another one of our Weipa correspondents might have more info on this.

Ant, do you still have contacts at Aurukun that might be able to shed some light on this?

I guess that if you want to keep people out, that is one way of doing it !! But, if you rely on the tourist dollar like some communities do up that way, it seems a little over the top.

At the end of the day, once the mining operation in that area starts getting a wriggle on, the area will be off limits for everybody anyway. Maybe the locals might knock a new bush track in from the south??

Scorcher

[ant]

I have been trying all day to contact the Aurukun Shire but the number is continually engaged.

As far as I am aware, the area was out of bounds due to the mining so I am not sure that you could even get in there with any amount of money.

I will be in the area in late October but will be spending my time on the water in a houseboat. Certainly a lot cheaper than the option covered here........

[Scorcher]

Yes, it's a shame that mining is cutting off more & more access to these remote areas.

If it is not feasable to get out to False Pera Heads, it looks like I'll need to follow up on Option 2, which in itself has access issues due to a certain Kaolin mine ! Failing that, old faithful Vrilya Point and maybe Bathurst Bay will have to be it.

Scorcher

[geoffjy]

What is the problem with gaining access past the Kaolin mine site? I checked up on it last year and there were no issues with permits.

[Scorcher]

What is the problem with gaining access past the Kaolin mine site? I checked up on it last year and there were no issues with permits.

G'day Geoff,

I'm hoping that there are no issues. However, depending where you look for information, you may read that there is "strictly no access", or via permits as you mention.

Like False Pera, it is one of those nice, remote locations, where you can have the whole place to yourself for days on end.

Cheers

Scorcher

[plucker]

They mentioned to me about 5 years ago that they were going to stop access past the Kaolin mine. We were going to be one of the last past at that stage.

Maybe they have reopened it with a caution.

[Scorcher]

2 years ago I bumped into 2 couples that had permits to camp there.

From what I gathered, access was limited to a limited number at any one time.

[geoffjy]

I rang up earlier on in the year and was told that it would be no hassle getting permits. The people at the mine site are pretty stricty apparently and constantly check permits to make sure they are allowed to the camping site. If you look on the Hema map you will see a contact number. Just ring that and you should be fine.

[kingchevy]

I'm just starting to reseach for our next trip up to the Cape in 2010.

I had a squiz at the Aurukun Shire Council website, to check out how to go about getting a permit to stay at False Pera Head (Amban) for a few days.

Here is a link to their permit application:

http://www.aurukun.qld.gov.au/camping_permit_2009.pdf

The way I read it is:For 2 adults/car/boat to camp there, it will cost $180 PER NIGHT !! This is made up of Entry Fee of $50 per person per night, Camping fee of $20 per person per night, and a fee of $20 per night for each car, and each boat.

Whilst the spot is one of Cape Yorks hidden jewels, what an outrageous cost to visit a place where camping is now restricted, and no services are provided.

Has anybody got any thoughts or differing information on this ??

Scorcher

I think this is a ridicluos amount of money try ringing the council and negotiating a lower amount otherwise risk camping without a permit from memory the road in crosses a rio lease so keep that in mind.

[batesy]

That area was going to be poart of the mine development for expansion. Of course, there's been a little down turn in free market economes since then ... in case you didn't notice!

How's those shares going, Sam?!!


You know what, Scorcher? I'd give Sam's suggestion a shot.

Give em a call at the council (Yes, you'll have Buckley's getting through, so try the shop, try the art centre, try the cop shop) and ask if there is any chance of a cheaper deal. Explain the cost for your family and how you would love to visit but can't afford the permits for everyone.

You may strike out, but you just might find a little lee-way. Also, if you get a discount or let in for free ... remember the name of the person who you spoke to at council.

There's access to many parts of the Cape ... if you play your cards right.

Saying that, I thikn False Pera will pose some problems due to the mine interests etc.

[kingchevy]

I'm going good batesy how is youre brother going or gone in the bike race he entered it was the finke wasn't it????

And how are you I see you still hang around here making a nusiance of you're self

[batesy]

Yeah it was Finke. He came in 41st overall. Did pretty good considering there was almost 500 bikes.

Crazy fast race ... 170 km/h in the dirt ... not my kind of riding.

[kingchevy]

Yeah it was Finke. He came in 41st overall. Did pretty good considering there was almost 500 bikes.

Crazy fast race ... 170 km/h in the dirt ... not my kind of riding.

Yeah I thoguht that was the race wow I can't believe he finished 41st what a legend he is a mad bastard...