Bamaga QLD
Bamaga QLD
Bamaga in QLD is a very small town on the northern tip of Cape York. It is 1,000 KM north-west of Cairns.
Bamaga is Australia’s most northerly mainland township with a population of around 2,000 residents. The town’s population is predominately Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Bamaga is 1 of 5 communities that collectively form the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) at the tip of Cape York. Injinoo, Umagico (Alau), New Mapoon and Seisia communities make up the remainder of the NPA.
Cape York Peninsula – Northern most point in Australia
Fruitbat Falls in the Jardine River National Park
A trip to Bamaga will immerse you in the remote and rugged beauty of Australia’s northern Cape York Peninsula – so don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure!
Cape York is a bucket-list destination for those serious about their fishing. With the largest diversity of fish species in Australia and the ability to fish all year round, there is something for every type of angler.
Go estuary fishing in the Jardine and Jacky Jacky River, or cast off for reef and rock fishing at The Tip. The famous Sesia Jetty continues to live up to its name as one of the best fishing jetties in Northern Australia, with the fish species on offer ranging from small, feisty jungle perch through to awesome giant marlin. Hire a boat, take a guided charter or just throw in a line from any of the stunning beaches.
History of Bamaga
European contact
During World War Two, a military airstrip was constructed inland from Red Island Point by American army engineers. The airstrip, known as the Jacky Jacky or Higgins airstrip, is still used today as the airport for the NPA. New jetties and wharves were built by the engineers at Muttee Heads and Red Island Point.
At the end of World War Two, the Queensland Government introduced measures to compensate Torres Strait Islanders for their contribution to the war effort, and to populate the north as a defence against foreign invasion. In his address to the 1947 Island Councillors’ Conference, Director of Native Affairs Cornelius O’Leary, spoke of the government’s ‘wish for the expansion of the Torres Strait Race as a healthy industrial unit in North Queensland’.
After the war, enlisted Torres Strait Islander men from Saibai, Dauan and Boigu also discussed the possibility of developing a community on the mainland. Saibai elder Bamaga Ginau supported the proposal. In 1947, king tides caused serious damage to properties and gardens across Saibai. Bamaga Ginau called a meeting regarding the future of Saibai and after much discussion a number of families made the decision to leave Saibai and move to the mainland.
Road conditions
Beware of road conditions that can change quickly
Roads and water crossings can become impassable and dangerous during the wet season. Rivers and water crossings can rise quickly and travellers should be aware of conditions prior to travel and monitor closely. Contact local Police or Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for information on road conditions.
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Bamaga QLD, AUSTRALIA
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