Backpacker Jobs Cooktown & Cape York

Working Holiday in Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula, QLD

The top end of Australia's top end, Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula is a dazzling destination for those interested in seeing the unspoilt beauty of the Australian continent. With scores of national parks to explore, pristine secluded beaches and rich indigenous culture, backpackers and working holidaymakers should definitely include this region as one of their stops. Here are a few tips that will help you navigate the Cooktown and Cape York region and offer ideas on how you can earn some extra cash to continue on your journey.

Attractions and places of interest

1. Go croc spotting

Cape York is home to Australia's impressive saltwater crocodiles. Some tours will take you down the Endeavor River around sunset. During this time of day, there is a good chance you will spot these majestic prehistoric creatures.

2. Commune with nature

The region has the most national parks than anywhere in Queensland, so you will be spoilt for choice if you want to go bushwalking or swimming in a crystal-clear croc free pool. This is especially true of the stunning Jardine River National Park, where you can camp with breathtaking views of Eliot Falls.

3. Go fishing

The benefit of the remote region is that many natural resources are untapped or at least not under the strain of constant human presence. This makes the fishing in Cooktown some of the best in Queensland. Whether drifting lazily along a river or taking a charter out on the ocean, you will have some great stories to tell.

4. Hit the beach

There are many bucket list-worthy beaches in Cooktown and Cape York Peninsular, so make plans to visit the seashore during your visit. There won't be many opportunities to have such lovely beaches almost all to yourself.

5. Experience Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal culture is fascinating. You can experience the beauty of the ancient culture of the traditional owners of the land, including a tour of rock art that's tens of thousands of years old. All of these once in lifetime activities make Cooktown and Cape York Peninsular a bragworthy destination for backpackers.

How to get there

1. By air

The easiest way to access the region is by air. Region airlines leave from Cairns airport and connect to some of the larger communities in Cape York and Cooktown. Flights land in Bamaga, Weipa and Cooktown.

2. By bus

If you want to take the scenic route, travel by bus along Great Barrier Reef Drive and the Bloomfield Track. There are three weekly services between Cairns and Cooktown that travel along the coast. Three other services take a more inland route using the Mulligan Highway.

3. By boat

If you want, you can quite literally cruise into Cooktown by boat. You will travel along the coastline with the Great Barrier Reef as your backdrop. It is a once in a lifetime journey that will take you along 1000 km of crystal blue waters.

4. By car

If you are more interested in independent travel, you can hire a car and head down the Mulligan Highway. A four-wheel-drive vehicle Is essential, however, and planning is vital. Fuel stations are a few and far between, and assistance in the case of a vehicle breakdown may be long in coming. The journey can be taxing, so it's best to travel during the cooler months between June and October to avoid floods and an unforgiving sun.

Finding work in Cooktown and the Cape York peninsula

Far North Queensland offers many opportunities for backpackers to work and play in some of the most stunning environments in Australia. Backpackers are encouraged to take the chance to find work on farms. Harvest jobs in Far North Queensland will give you the enviable position of being surrounded by fruit like mangoes, bananas and lychees. FNQ, home to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, is a mecca for tourists visiting Australia. That means there are casual hospitality jobs available almost year-round. However, these jobs became more plentiful in the Cook Town and Cape York Peninsular during the dry season between May and October. If you are keen on adventure, beautiful beaches, unique flora and fauna, and inspiring photo opportunities around every corner, Cooktown and Cape York Peninsular should be on your must-see list.