This is one of the most spectacular sand dune environments on Cape York. Located only one hours drive north of Cooktown, the area is accessible in dry conditions by conventional cars. For access conditions, please call Hope Vale Community Council on (07) 4031 2623.
The scenery is breathtaking. White silica sandhills, rugged escarpments and heathlands abound at Elim Beach. Coloured sands is located 400 m to the north, along the beach. Click here for a detailed map.
How to get there: Starting at Cooktown and driving out along Charlotte Street, it is 2.5km to Cooktown Pioneer Cemetary, then 4.4km to Hans Looser Lookout. Drive a further 8.7km to the Poison Creek Road Turnoff and 10.1km to Marton. You will reach the Marton Store where they offer boats for hire, fuel and a general Store. 10.8km later you will reach the Cooktown Airport, then it is 14.6km to Barretts Lagoon, where there is great birdwatching. A 31.5kmdrive from there is Endeavour Falls Tourist Park.
Access to the Falls is through the Tourist Park so please ask at the General Store for Permission to enter the falls. The Falls offer fuel, food, a general store and camping and caravan sites. From the Falls it is 35km to the Battle Camp Track Intersection. Keep going straight ahead to Hope Vale, or take a left on Battle Camp track and go to Isabella Falls, which is 5.4km along Battle Camp track. Otherwise, it is 43.8km to Hope Vale Aboriginal Community. A permit is required to access lands under the control of Hope Vale Aboriginal Council. Charges are $10 per vehicle per day and are available from the Council Office. In Hope Vale there is a supermarket, take away meals, fuel and artefacts.
After getting your permit take the second street on the left past the shops for the road to Elim Beach, which is 68.3km further.Access to coloured sands in along the beach at low tide (4WD only). If your vehicle in 2WD you can park your vehicle here. Please do not block the access track and do not park near dwellings. Coloured sands is an easy 300 metre walk along the beach. The best views of the sands is reached by climbing up the soft sandhill on the north side past the Coloured Sands. Sands are not permitted to be collected.
