Try blue salmon smoked after being left to soak in a brine of salt water and brown sugar overnight. Delicious.
The view from the boat ramp shows plenty of room for a couple of campers to set up along the riverbank.
Donna Ramage with a Starcke River mangrove jack.
Cape York trip – Starcke River A
RE you thinking about taking a holiday to travel around Cape York with some fishing and camping along the way?
Cape York – Part 1 by MELISSA FROHLOFF
tryside with a couple of friends, visiting parts of Cape York we hadn’t yet seen. On the Cape, the multitude of four-wheel-drive tracks can lead you to the most amazing places with ocean views, river systems and tidal creeks surrounded by the beautiful nature of this region. Our first stop was the Starcke River, an easy
If so, I suggest you start planning now, especially if you want to have a successful trip with minimal complications. My advice is to be prepared so you are able to enjoy what our harsh but beautiful environment has to deliver. In late 2016, Dwane and I had the luxury of taking a few months off work to roam around the coun-
The author with a couple of blue salmon from the creeks south of the Starcke. Starcke River
Hope Vale
Cooktown www.bnbfishing.com. au
two-hour 4WD journey from Cooktown. Access to the river is determined by the beginning and end of the wet season. This can vary from year to year, so it pays to check road conditions before you leave. The roads, creek crossings and gullies are maintained by the Cooktown Shire Council soon after the wet season subsides. Morgans Creek crossing can be the most challenging. However, residents and professional crabbers need access to this area and in general the roads are in good condition compared to the majority we have travelled in Cape York. To reach Starcke River, drive 38km west of Cooktown and then turn left onto Endeavour Battlecamp Rd. This section takes you past Isabella Falls. Then 8km along Endeavour Battlecamp Rd, turn right onto the road to Starcke River. Travel 80km along this road through farmland, several creek crossings, gullies and patches of rainforest. When you arrive at a Y junction, take the right fork to travel the final 4km to the mouth of the Starcke. River and beach camping is available here but bear in mind the only facilities are a boat ramp and skip bin for rubbish collection, both of which are maintained by the Cooktown Shire Council. Both the beach and river camping locations are nice, however the wind on the beach can be hard to handle. Fishing from the mouth of the Starcke River to 500m upstream sees an endless supply of mangroves and fallen snags. Casting into these will produce salmon and barramundi. Further upstream are
deeper holes and rocky outcrops, both of which are worthy of a troll. They can also produce good size mangrove jack when live baited with mullet and garfish. Rugged, exposed sandstone cliff faces form another part of the river’s beauty and make for picturesque scenery. South of Starcke River are numerous tidal creeks that make up a huge mangrove system with endless fishing and crabbing opportunities. These creeks hold mangrove jack, fingermark, king and blue salmon and good numbers of mud crabs. Fresh water for washing and showering can be collected from the Starcke River crossing. This water is also suit-
able for drinking after boiling. Phone service is possible from the top of the gravel pit, locally known as Phonebox Hill, with beautiful views of the southern mountain ranges that surround Starcke National Park. When coming to the Cape, don’t forget the Aerogard. Swarms of mosquitoes, sandflies and march flies are prevalent at dawn and dusk. When in and around the water, pay attention at all times because you have entered the home of the crocodile. We will continue the road trip into more parts of Cape York next month. I hope you have a happy and safe New Year and enjoy the festive season.
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Plenty of firewood is available in the area and water can be gathered from the Starcke River crossing.
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f Bush ’n Beach Fishing, January 2017 – Page 59