‘I was horrified’: Cape York vandals could ruin bucket list trip for all

A line has been drawn in the remote sands of Cape York bush tracks as vandalism and land clearing among campers reaches unprecedented levels as thousands make plans for 2022 travel.

A LINE has been drawn in the remote sands of Cape York bush tracks as vandalism and land clearing among campers reaches unprecedented levels as thousands make plans for 2022 travel.

An estimated 80,000 visitors made the bucket list pilgrimage to the Tip during the 2021 season.

It’s thought a federal biosecurity lockout in 2020 in response to the pandemic and never realised plans by the Gudang Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation to lock the gate on access to the Tip drove demand.

Corporation chair Michael Solomon previously cited a disrespect of country and lack of facilities as reason for a mooted shut down of traditional Pajinka lands.

Travel writer and Bamaga local Tracy Sands recently took pictures at Sam Creek on the Old Telegraph Track revealing graffiti carved into sandstone creek walls.

“I was horrified to see all the names carved into the walls, “she said.

Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation chair Michael Solomon stepped away from a move to ban visitation to the continent's most northern point at Pajinka in Cape York in 2021. Picture: Peter Carruthers

She warned the act of disrespecting country would lead to these pristine places being closed permanently to four-wheel-drive campers.

She believed some kind of regulation was the only solution to an escalating problem as more travellers tick the Tip off their bucket list.

“It just can’t go on like this,” she said.

Regulations to end vandalism and destruction of bushland along the Old Telegraph Track have been suggested. Fruit Bat Falls is the first waterfall on the OTT from the south.

“How are they going to fix this on the OTT? Are they going to have to give out permits or put cameras up?

“Who’s to say they don’t place a limit, if this continues they could place a limit on cars.

“They think they are entitled to see everything, go everywhere and do whatever they like.

“Tourists think it’s their right.”

Five years ago a Cairns Post Cape York visitor survey revealed Jardine River ferry fees and human faeces in the bush topped the complaints list. While ferry charges have remained largely unchanged feebly buried toilet paper is a problem not going away.

Memorial plaques at the Tip of Cape York mark the cliff face near the Tip walking trail car park have since been removed. Picture: SHANTELL KENNELL

“The bush could handle it once upon a time but the type of tourist coming up now, it’s their first camping trip,” Ms Sands said.

The author of a recently released book dubbed the Cape York bible said damage to bushland alongside Fruit Bat and Eliot Falls, Mistake Creek and the famous Nolans Brook could not go on.

“When I first visited Nolans Brook there was a couple of tracks in and now there are six,” she said.

“Every camp spot on the Old Telegraph Track crossings are being cleared, there is more rubbish and more bushland being destroyed every year.”

Originally published as ‘I was horrified’: Cape York vandals could ruin bucket list trip for all