Palmer River Goldfields

Only an historical site today, in the days of Palmer River gold rush this goldfield was the centre of activity of the whole Cape York peninsula.


Not only that, it was the richest alluvial goldfield in Australia, and the reason why Cooktown was established - it started out as a port town for the gold from Palmer River.


Maytown was the capital of Cape York, and if you are into history and gold rush ghost towns, this is a great place to explore.



It starts with the turnoff from the Whites Creek Road,



... and next there is the Dog Leg Crossing.



Next you come to the Queen of the North Mine.



The next one north is Ida Mine,



... and close-by are the Charocal Burners.



Further north are Comet Mine,



... and the King of the Ranges.



Next one north is Louisa Mine,



... and then, after the turnoff to the Old Coach Road,



... there are the Chinese Alluvial Workings.



Next are a couple of camping grounds,




... and then the loop road takes you to Maytown.

Maytown

Maytown was the capital of Palmer River Goldfields.



And not only that - it was the capital of Cape York peninsula at the time when the rush was on.



After the drive in you first arrive to the monument in the beginning of the main street.



If you walk down along the street, there are ruins of at least seven stores,



... at least four hotels (but there would have been more),




... a butchery, a chemist,
 


... a saddler shop and even a printing office.



There is also a replica of an old miner's hut,



... complete with a toilet and a shower,



... and a little museum inside.



And, there are the stumps of a post office, a court house and a police station.

Behind Maytown

In the end of the main street,



... there is a track,



... that takes you to the crossing ...



... of Palmer River,



... which leads to the road to Palmerville.

Plan Your Trip... the FREE Cape York Travel Pocket Guide

Get this 50 pages guide totally for FREE. It contains information that helps you getting started with planning of your trip. You get to make early-stages desicions such as when to go, how long time you should take, how to get there and get around, where to stay (general info), what will it cost.. and a short insight to what is there to see and do in Cape York.

Plan and Bring to the Trip... the full Destination Cape York Travel Guide

This complete 300 pages travel guide is all you need before and during your trip. Besides the background chapters on the peninsula's history and wildlife; and the comprehensive detail about all the places (down to prices, opening hours and full contact detail), it has invaluable information on at least 10 four wheel drive tracks, at least 30 guaranteed FREE camping spots on the Cape (and at least 150 on your way to the Cape), at least 40 best swimming holes, all mapped; as well as practical things - from fuel, roads, wireless internet and mobile phone reception, how to deal with the national parks booking rules; and Aboriginal land entrance and camping permits and alcohol restrictions - to vehicle preparation and accessories and necessary recovery gear by my vehicle-recovery-guy partner). Not to mention locals' tips on how to spot that croc and palm cockatoo ;-)

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