Archer Point, Far North Queensland, is a tiny kiting spot, just outside Cooktown. The upside is that during winter it is blessed with trade winds thus you can expect 20+kns pretty much every day. However, the downside is that it is small and can get crowded quickly. Observing local rules of kiting is a must.
The spot is accessible via unsealed road and you can park right next to the beach but there are no amenities and no water either so you better come prepared. Like said earlier, SE trade winds are ideal for this location and the shallow lagoon in front will fill up during high tide. There is another lagoon around the rock outcrop and you can kite there should you feel confined in the first one.
The high tide will chew away the setup space so be mindful of that, and don’t forget the corals that can lurk in some areas. Ask the locals where they are so you can stay clear.
In Queensland it is always a good idea to wear long sleeved rashie or wetsuit, despite deceiving warm waters. The long sleeves will protect you from sunrays, stingers and sandflies (midgies). I like to call that 3S protection. 😉
The locals didn’t report on any crocs but this is Far North Queensland and keeping an eye out is never a bad idea. We did see plenty of turtles though. 😊
The girls absolutely adored this spot as they were splashing in the warm shallow waters the whole day, there was plenty of other kids to play with and the nook behind the mangrove offered a respite from the wind. We also picked up Nautilus shells from the beach. What a find!
During our stay we were lucky enough to camp on the beach however it has been closed since for dune restoration. With that in mind, we would like to say that taking care of nature should be responsibility of us all. Pick up your trash, take three for the sea, leave only your footprints in the sand.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/5G4i41p611NuSPJK7
More info about the beach visiting restrictions here: http://www.archerpoint.com.au/visiting-archer-point/
Comments