82-712: Download coordinates as: The Pennefather River is a river located on the western Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland , Australia. Formed by the confluence of a series of waterways including the Fish Creek in the Port Musgrave Aggregation estuarine wetlands , the Pennefather River flows due west, joined by the Turtle Creek from the north and Dingo Creek from the south, before emptying into
164-676: A lawn bowls green. Port Hinchinbrook (also known as Cardwell Marina) is a 10.6-hectare (26-acre) marina in Front Street ( 18°16′42″S 146°02′42″E / 18.2783°S 146.0449°E / -18.2783; 146.0449 ( Port Hinchinbrook (Cardwell Marina) ) ). Port Hinchbrook boat ramp and floating walkway is in Foxtail Avenue ( 18°16′59″S 146°02′39″E / 18.2830°S 146.0441°E / -18.2830; 146.0441 ( Port Hinchinbrook boat ramp and floating walkway ) ). They are managed by
246-460: A complex mosaic of intact tropical rainforests, tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannahs, shrublands, heath lands , wetlands, wild rivers and mangrove swamps. The savannah woodlands consist typically of a tall dense grass layer and varying densities of trees, predominantly eucalypt of which the most common is Darwin stringybark ( Eucalyptus tetrodonta ). These various habitats are home to about 3300 species of flowering plants and almost
328-839: A disproportionately high biodiversity including flora of Gondwanan and New Guinean origin, the rainforests are of high conservation significance. The largest contiguous rainforest area on the peninsula occurs in the McIllwraith Range- Iron Range area. The Gondwanan flora of this area includes Araucariaceae and Podocarpaceae conifers and Arthrochilus , Corybas , and Calochilus orchids. In all, this rainforest contains at least 1000 different plants, including 100 rare or threatened species, and 16% of Australia's orchid species. On poor, dry soils tropical heathlands can be found. Northeast Cape York Peninsula supports Australia's largest areas of this highly diverse ecosystem. The extensive wetlands on Cape York Peninsula are "among
410-489: A large percentage (~60%) are Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders . The administrative and commercial centre for much of Cape York Peninsula is Cooktown , located in its far southeastern corner while the peninsula's largest settlement is the mining town Weipa on the Gulf of Carpentaria. The remainder is extremely sparsely populated, with about half the population living in very small settlements and cattle ranches. Along
492-405: A low-lying land link. Another link existed between Arnhem Land and New Guinea, at times enclosing an enormous freshwater lake (Lake Carpentaria) in the centre of what is now the Gulf of Carpentaria. Australia and New Guinea remained connected in this way until the shallow Torres Strait was last flooded around 8,000 years ago. Today the peninsula has a population of only about 18,000, of which
574-531: A multitude of Australian Aboriginal sign languages . Some of these languages are being acquired by children or are spoken by all generations in remote communities. Most Wik languages are being quickly absorbed by Wik-Mungkan , which seems to be the only aboriginal language on the peninsula that is developing very quickly, as it is the second language of the Wikalkan , Wik-Ngathana , and Wikngenchera . Djagaraga (also known as Yadhaigana, Dyagaraga and Yagulleone)
656-686: A native title claim that was lodged seven years prior. The landmark ruling was delivered by Justice Debra Mortimer of the Federal Court of Australia , sitting at the Supreme Court of Queensland in Cairns . In December 2022 the Federal Court recognised the native title claims for the Kaurareg , Kulkulgal , Kemer Kemer Meriam , Ankamuthi , and Gudang / Yadhaykenu peoples. Cape York Peninsula supports
738-710: A rescue party to the other two who had been unable to continue. The tip of the peninsula (Cape York) was finally reached by Europeans in 1864 when the brothers Francis Lascelles (Frank) and Alexander William Jardine , along with eight companions, drove a mob of cattle from Rockhampton to the new settlement of Somerset (on Cape York) where the Jardines' father was commander. En route they lost most of their horses, many of their stores and fought pitched battles with Aboriginal people, finally arriving in March 1865. The first known contact between European and Aboriginal people occurred on
820-597: A result, from its geological history, "the flora and fauna of Cape York Peninsula are a complex mixture of Gondwanan relics, Australian isolationists and Asian or New Guinean invaders" (p. 41). Birds of the peninsula include buff-breasted buttonquail ( Turnix olivii ), golden-shouldered parrot ( Psephotus chrysopterygius ), lovely fairywren ( Malurus amabilis ), white-streaked honeyeater ( Trichodere cockerelli ), and yellow-spotted honeyeater ( Meliphaga notata ) while some such as pied oystercatcher are found in other parts of Australia but have important populations on
902-596: Is a branch of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard . The Cassowary Coast Regional Council operates a public library at 4 Balliol Street ( 18°16′03″S 146°01′43″E / 18.2675°S 146.0287°E / -18.2675; 146.0287 ( Cardwell public library ) ). Cardwell Post Office is at 1 Brasenose Street ( 18°15′58″S 146°01′40″E / 18.2662°S 146.0278°E / -18.2662; 146.0278 ( Cardwell Post Office ) ). Our Lady Star of
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#1732844761309984-492: Is a long narrow strip hugging the coast with Greenwood Hill immediately to the west of the town ( 18°15′50″S 146°00′55″E / 18.2638°S 146.0153°E / -18.2638; 146.0153 ( Greenwood Hill ) ) rising to 64 metres (210 ft) above sea level. West of Cardwell the rugged topography of the Cardwell Range intercepts the trade winds resulting in high rainfall. The coastal escarpment
1066-524: Is an Australian Aboriginal language from the tip of Cape York. The language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council . Traditionally the language was spoken on Eastern Cape York particularly in the localities of Albany Island and Mount Adolphus Island . Linngithigh (also known as Winda Winda and Linginiti) is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken by
1148-662: Is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken on Western Cape York in the Weipa area taking in Albatross Bay and Mission River . The language region includes areas within the local government boundaries of Weipa Town Council and Cook Shire . Uradhi (also known as Anggamudi, Ankamuti, Atampaya, Bawtjathi, and Lotiga) is an Australian Aboriginal language of the Western Cape York Peninsula. The traditional language region includes north of Mapoon and Duyfken Point and east of
1230-518: Is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken on Yupanguthi country. The Yupanguthi language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Shire of Cook . The river mouth was a site of the first recorded landfall in Australia by a Dutch explorer, by Willem Janszoon in 1606. Janszoon named it R. met het Bosch ("River with
1312-613: Is an Australian Aboriginal language. Its traditional language region is in Western Cape York within the local government areas of Aboriginal Shire of Kowanyama and Shire of Cook , in the catchments of the Coleman River and Mitchell River . Following the removal of Aboriginal people from their traditional lands, it is also spoken in Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama . Kuuku Ya'u (also known as Gugu Yau, Yao, Ya'o, Koko Ya'o and Koka-yao)
1394-507: Is an Australian Aboriginal language. The traditional language area of Kuuku Ya'u includes landscape within the local government boundaries of the Cook Shire : Eastern Cape York, Uu'ungun south to Claudie River and hinterland. Kuuk Thaayorre (also known as Koko-Daiyuri, Kuku Yak, Thayorre, and used as a generic name for several related languages/dialects) is an Australian Aboriginal Language spoken on Western Cape York Peninsula, particularly in
1476-469: Is apparent today (classified in USDA soil taxonomy as orthents ). It is because of this extraordinary soil poverty that the region is so thinly settled: the soils are so unworkable and unresponsive to fertilisers that attempts to grow commercial crops have usually failed. The climate on Cape York Peninsula is tropical savanna in the south, with a heavy monsoon season from November to April, during which time
1558-468: Is at 2 Panos Street ( 18°16′00″S 146°01′35″E / 18.2667°S 146.0264°E / -18.2667; 146.0264 ( Cardwell Fire Station ) ). Cardwell SES Facility is in Gregory Street ( 18°15′27″S 146°00′43″E / 18.2576°S 146.0119°E / -18.2576; 146.0119 ( Cardwell SES Facility ) ). Cardwell Community Health Centre
1640-458: Is at 226 Victoria Street ( 18°15′20″S 146°01′00″E / 18.2555°S 146.0168°E / -18.2555; 146.0168 ( Cardwell Community Health Centre ) ). Cardwell Ambulance Station is at 222–224 Victoria Street, adjacent to the health centre ( 18°15′21″S 146°01′01″E / 18.2557°S 146.0169°E / -18.2557; 146.0169 ( Cardwell Ambulance Station ) ). Cardwell Cemetery
1722-558: Is bordered by water on three sides (north, east and west). There is no clear demarcation to the south, although the official boundary in the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 of Queensland runs along at about 16°S latitude. At the peninsula's widest point, it is 430 km (270 mi) from the Bloomfield River in the southeast, across to the west coast just south of the aboriginal community of Kowanyama . It
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#17328447613091804-700: Is covered in rainforest which transitions to the west to eucalypt woodland and tropical savanna . Cardwell Range biodiversity has been protected by the introduction of Forestry Reserves, National Parks and Queensland World Heritage Wet Tropics Areas. Seaward lies the Hinchinbrook Channel ( 18°16′26″S 146°03′47″E / 18.2738°S 146.0631°E / -18.2738; 146.0631 ( Hinchinbrook Channel ) ) and Rockingham Bay ( 18°14′18″S 146°03′37″E / 18.2384°S 146.0604°E / -18.2384; 146.0604 ( Rockingham Bay ) ) which are both are part of
1886-591: Is currently poised to protect 13 of Cape York Peninsula's wild rivers under the Wild Rivers Act 2005. The peninsula is formed from the northern part of the Great Dividing Range, folded during the Carboniferous period some 300 million years ago, when Australia collided with what is now parts of South America and New Zealand. The range has experienced significant erosion since. Around 40 million years ago,
1968-632: Is defined by Language Groups; the boundary of the Dyirbal and Warrgamay lies between Cardwell and Tully in the north. Warrgamay (also known as Waragamai , Wargamay , Wargamaygan , Biyay , and Warakamai ) is an Australian Aboriginal language in North Queensland . The language region includes the Herbert River area, Ingham , Hawkins Creek , Long Pocket , Herbert Vale, Niagara Vale, Yamanic Creek, Herbert Gorge, Cardwell, Hinchinbrook Island and
2050-497: Is high, ranging from over 2,000 mm (79 in) in the Iron Range and north of Weipa to about 700 mm (28 in) at the southern border. Almost all this rain falls between November and April, and only on the eastern slopes of the Iron Range is the median rainfall between June and September above 5 mm (0.2 in). Between January and March, however, the median monthly rainfall ranges from about 170 mm (7 in) in
2132-504: Is in Gregory Street ( 18°15′25″S 146°00′39″E / 18.2570°S 146.0107°E / -18.2570; 146.0107 ( Cardwell Cemetery ) ). It is managed by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council . Cardwell Coast Guard is at 1 Victoria Street ( 18°16′19″S 146°02′03″E / 18.2719°S 146.0342°E / -18.2719; 146.0342 ( Cardwell Coast Guard ) ). It
2214-563: Is managed by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Cardwell Bush Telegraph Heritage Centre is one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland, and part of a precinct of heritage buildings operated as a museum at 53 Victoria Street ( 18°16′03″S 146°01′47″E / 18.2676°S 146.0296°E / -18.2676; 146.0296 ( Cardwell Bush Telegraph Heritage Centre ) ). Cardwell Lookout
2296-627: Is punishable by death". However, within the same month the Native Police forces of Sub-Inspectors Crompton and Johnstone completed a punitive mission and returned to Cardwell with three young Aboriginal children from the island. The eldest of the children was ten and "they were given away in Cardwell to domesticate them." Cardwell Provisional School opened on 1 October 1870, becoming Cardwell State School on 22 August 1887. Murray River Provisional School opened circa 1893 and closed in 1904. Its location
2378-525: Is some 660 km (410 mi) from the southern border of Cook Shire, to the tip of Cape York. At the tip of the peninsula lies Cape York, the northernmost point on the Australian mainland. It was named by Lieutenant James Cook on 21 August 1770 in honour of Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany , a brother of King George III of the United Kingdom , who had died three years earlier: The point of
2460-527: The Duyfken was the first European to land in Australia, reaching the Cape York Peninsula. In February 1606, Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon landed near the site of what is now Weipa , on the western shore of Cape York Peninsula. This was the first recorded landing of a European in Australia, and it also marked the first reported contact between European and Aboriginal Australian people. Edmund Kennedy
2542-483: The 2021 census , the locality of Cardwell had a population of 1,320 people. Cardwell has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: Cardwell also has a granite monument erected in memory of Walter Jervoise Scott , a pioneer of the Valley of Lagoons . The monument was sent from Great Britain by his brothers intended for his grave at Valley of Lagoons. On arrival at Cardwell, it was found to be too large to transport up
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2624-782: The Cassowary Coast Region , Queensland , Australia. In the 2021 census , the locality of Cardwell had a population of 1,320 people. The Bruce Highway National Highway 1 and the North Coast railway line are the dominant transport routes; connecting with the Queensland provincial cities of Cairns and Townsville . Cardwell railway station in Bowen Street serves the town ( 18°16′04″S 146°01′42″E / 18.2679°S 146.0282°E / -18.2679; 146.0282 ( Cardwell railway station ) ). The town
2706-608: The Coral Sea . The Great Barrier Reef is further off-shore to the east. Islands are visible from Cardwell including protected areas i.e. Hinchinbrook Island , Goold Island and the Brook Islands Group . Oyster Point is one kilometre south of Cardwell ( 18°16′38″S 146°02′58″E / 18.2773°S 146.0494°E / -18.2773; 146.0494 ( Oyster Point ) ). This location experienced one of Australia's important conservation battles . With
2788-510: The Gulf of Carpentaria south of Mapoon . The river descends 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) over its 11-kilometre (6.8 mi) course . At its widest point, the river is approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) wide. The river has a catchment area of 3,009 square kilometres (1,162 sq mi), of which 349 square kilometres (135 sq mi) comprises wetlands. Yupanguthi (Yuputhimri, Jupangati, Yupangathi, Nggerikudi, Yupungati, Jupangati)
2870-753: The Indo-Australian tectonic plate began to split apart from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana . As it collided with the Pacific Plate on its northward journey, the high mountain ranges of central New Guinea emerged around 5 million years ago. In the lee of this collision zone, the ancient rock formations of what is now Cape York Peninsula remained largely undisturbed. Throughout the Pleistocene epoch Australia and New Guinea were alternately land-linked and separated by water. During periods of glaciation and resulting low sea levels, Cape York Peninsula provided
2952-572: The McIlwraith Range on the eastern side around Coen . The backbone of Cape York Peninsula is the peninsula ridge, part of Australia's Great Dividing Range . This mountain range is made up of ancient (1.5 billion-year-old) Precambrian and Palaeozoic rocks. To the east and west of the peninsula ridge lie the Carpentaria and Laura Basins, respectively, themselves made up of ancient Mesozoic sediments. There are several outstanding landforms on
3034-507: The dry season , those rivers are reduced to a series of waterholes and sandy beds. Yet, with the arrival of torrential rains in the wet season , they swell to mighty waterways, spreading across extensive floodplains and coastal wetlands and giving life to a vast array of freshwater and wetland species. On the Eastern slopes, the shorter, faster-flowing Jacky Jacky Creek, Olive, Pascoe, Lockhart, Stewart, Jeannie and Endeavour Rivers flow towards
3116-591: The Cassowary Coast Regional Council. There is a boat ramp in Sheridan Street ( 18°15′24″S 146°01′16″E / 18.2567°S 146.0210°E / -18.2567; 146.0210 ( Sheridan Street boat ramp ) ). It is managed by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Cardwell jetty is opposite 315A Victoria Street at the north end of Hinchinbrook Channel ( 18°15′48″S 146°01′33″E / 18.2632°S 146.0257°E / -18.2632; 146.0257 ( Cardwell jetty ) ). It
3198-918: The Coral Sea, providing important freshwater and nutrients to the healthiest section of the Great Barrier Reef . On their way, those wild, undisturbed rivers are lined with dense rainforests, sand dunes or mangroves. The floodplains of the Laura Basin, which are protected in the Rinyirru and Jack River National Parks, are crossed by the Morehead, Hann, North Kennedy, Laura, Jack and Normanby Rivers. The Peninsula's river catchments are noted for their exceptional hydrological integrity. With little disturbance on both water flows and vegetation cover throughout entire catchments, Cape York Peninsula has been identified as one of
3280-738: The Forest"). In 1802 the British explorer Matthew Flinders mistook the river for the Coen River , which had been named by Dutch explorer Jan Carstensz in 1623 (now the Archer River ), so that the Bosch / Pennefather River was named Coen River on maps in the 19th century. In 1880, Captain Charles Edward de Fonblanque Pennefather established that there were now two Coen Rivers, and in 1894 Queensland authorities named
3362-608: The Linngithigh people. The Linngithigh language region includes landscape within the local government boundaries of the Cook Shire Council : Western Cape York, Winda Winda Creek, Mission River , and Archer River . Luthigh (also known as Lotiga, Tepiti and Uradhi, see also Uradhi related languages) is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken by the Luthigh people. The traditional language area for Luthigh includes landscape within
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3444-704: The Main, which forms one side of the Passage before mentioned, and which is the Northern Promontory of this Country, I have named York Cape, in honour of his late Royal Highness, the Duke of York. The tropical landscapes are among the most stable in the world. Long undisturbed by tectonic activity, the peninsula is an extremely eroded, almost level low plain dominated by meandering rivers and vast floodplains , with some very low hills rising to 800 m (2,600 ft) elevation in
3526-714: The Sea Catholic Church is at 121 Victoria Street ( 18°15′53″S 146°01′35″E / 18.2648°S 146.0263°E / -18.2648; 146.0263 ( Our Lady Start of the Sea Catholic Church ) ). It is within the Tully Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cairns . Cardwell Country Club is at 23 Gregory Street ( 18°16′09″S 146°01′31″E / 18.2693°S 146.0254°E / -18.2693; 146.0254 ( Cardwell Country Club ) ). It has an 18-hole golf course and
3608-542: The Valley of Lagoons largely by expanding already existing native paths. A few miles inland from the landing site was an Aboriginal village and bora ground surrounded by native banana plantations that reminded Dalrymple of villages in Ceylon. The Warrgamay people in the area and on nearby Hinchinbrook Island were described as numerous and having some of the largest spears, shields and wooden swords ever recorded in Australia. Having told
3690-411: The adjacent mainland. Girramay (also known as Giramay, Garamay, Giramai, Keramai) is a language of Far North Queensland , particularly the area around Herbert River Catchment taking in the towns of Cardwell and Ingham . The Girramay language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook Regional Councils. The first Europeans settled in
3772-631: The adventurous, but rewarding, drive to the tip of Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia. Some of the world's most extensive and ancient Aboriginal rock painting galleries surround the town of Laura, some of which are available for public viewing. There is also a new interpretive centre from which information on the rock art and local culture is available and tours can be arranged. Over 30 Aboriginal languages are spoken on Cape York Peninsula, including Linngithigh , Umpila , Wik Mungkan , Wik-Me'nh , Wik-Ngathan , Kugu Nganhcara , Guugu Yalandji , Guugu Yimithirr , Kuuk Thaayorre and
3854-521: The area around Pormpuraaw ( Edward River ). The Thaayorre language region includes the landscape within Pormpuraaw Community Council and the Cook Shire Council . Kugu Yi'anh is a language of Cape York. The traditional language area of Kugu Yi'anh includes areas within Cape York. Kugu Nganhcara (also known as Wik, Wiknantjara, Wik Nganychara, Wik Ngencherr) is a traditional language of
3936-643: The area in January 1864 in order to create a port initially called "Port Hinchinbrook". Subsequently, the town was renamed Cardwell later in 1864 by explorer George Elphinstone Dalrymple after Edward Cardwell, 1st Viscount Cardwell , the Secretary of State for the Colonies at that time. Cardwell was the first port settlement on the Queensland coast north of Port Denison ( Bowen ). The first party of non-indigenous people to settle at Rockingham Bay arrived in January 1864 and
4018-419: The area which includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Cook Shire . Kugu Muminh (also known as Kuku-Muminh) is one of the traditional languages which includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Cook Shire . Kunjen (also known as Koko Wanggara, Ngundjan and Olkola) is a language of Western Cape York. The Kunjen language region includes the landscape within
4100-464: The bogus information specifically named the Al Shalalah mosque as the source of the complaint, but such a mosque does not exist in Cardwell. The information contained within the post was also debunked by fact-checking websites such as snopes.com and Hoax Slayer . Although the original post was deleted, screenshots of the post continue to be shared on social media. Contrary to the sentiment shared in
4182-730: The coast strip to the north of Port Musgrave (Angkamuthi country) incorporating the mouth of the Ducie River , the lower reaches of the Dulhunty River and the upper reaches of the Skardon River in the north. Following the displacement of Indigenous people by British settlement, it was also spoken in the Northern Peninsula Area Region including the communities of New Mapoon , Injinoo and Cowal Creek . Yir Yiront (also known as Yiront, Jirjoront, Yir-yiront, and Kokomindjan)
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#17328447613094264-414: The entire area of Cape York Peninsula (99.6%) still retains its native vegetation and is little fragmented. Although abundant and fully functioning on the peninsula, tropical savannahs are now rare and highly degraded in other parts of the world. Cape York Peninsula also contains one of the highest rates of endemism in Australia, with more than 260 endemic plant species found so far. Therefore, parts of
4346-471: The establishment of Port Hinchinbrook, the Marina Public Boat Ramp provides year-round access to the protected marine environments of Hinchinbrook Channel, Estuaries, Islands and Great Barrier Reef. The Cardwell Jetty is an important infrastructure asset, where visitors can socialize and view the coastal scenery; and anglers can enjoy both day and evening fishing activities. The Aboriginal heritage
4428-568: The fake post, the then Cassowary Coast mayor Bill Shannon said that he had received phone calls from Muslim leaders from as far away as Sydney encouraging Cardwell to continue with their Christmas light displays. In the 2016 census , the locality of Cardwell had a population of 1,309 people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 8.9% of the population. 72.5% of people were born in Australia and 83.0% of people spoke only English at home. The most common responses for religion were No Religion 25.6%, Catholic 22.6% and Anglican 20.6%. In
4510-535: The few places where tropical water cycles remain essentially intact. Cape York Peninsula contributes as much as a quarter of Australia's surface runoff . Indeed, with only about 2.7 percent of Australia's land area, it produces more run-off than all of Australia south of the Tropic of Capricorn . Tapping those heavy tropical rainfalls, the peninsula's rivers are also of particular importance for replenishing central Australia's Great Artesian Basin . The Queensland Government
4592-405: The forest becomes almost uninhabitable, and a dry season from May to October. The temperature is warm to hot, with a cooler climate in higher areas. The mean annual temperatures range from 18 °C (64 °F) at higher elevations to 27 °C (81 °F) on the lowlands in the drier southwest. Temperatures over 40 °C (104 °F) and below 5 °C (41 °F) are rare. Annual rainfall
4674-454: The hands of our countrymen, who employ native troopers, commanded by white men to hunt down and destroy the offenders when the opportunity offers". In January 1872, two British dugong fishermen named Henry Smith and Charles Clements were killed at nearby Goold Island by resident Aboriginals. Wet weather prevented an immediate punitive expedition of four boats of armed local white men who were eager that "the blacks" be "taught that what they do
4756-452: The land and would shoot any who approached, that we were strong and that another party would soon follow", and he also described how a group of Aboriginals "were set upon suddenly by Dalrymple's men and rather cut up." Cardwell Post Office opened on 10 July 1864. In March 1865, Lieutenant Blakeney and seven troopers of the Native Police spent two days clearing the area around Cardwell of Aboriginal presence by "burning camps and dispersing
4838-739: The largest, richest and most diverse in Australia". 19 wetlands of national significance have been identified, mostly on the large floodplains and in coastal areas. Important wetlands include the Apudthama Complex , Rinyirru systems and the estuaries of the great rivers of the western plains. Many of these wetlands come into existence only during the wet season and support rare or uncommon plant communities. The peninsula's coastal areas and river estuaries are lined with mangrove forests of kwila and other trees. Australia's largest mangrove forest can be found at Newcastle Bay. The peninsula harbours an extraordinary biodiversity , with more than 700 vertebrate land animal species of which 40 are endemic. As
4920-445: The local government boundaries of Kowanyama Community Council and Cook Shire Council . The Cape York Land Council, established in 1990 as a land council , has fought for native title rights, and has won such rights over 45% per cent of the region by around 2018. On 25 November 2021, 2,188 km (845 sq mi) of land on the eastern side of the peninsula were handed back to the Kuuku Ya'u and Uutaalnganu peoples, in
5002-508: The local government boundaries of the Cook Shire : Eastern Cape York, Ducie River , Northern Peninsula , New Mapoon , Injinoo , and Cowal Creek . Teppathiggi (also known Tepithiki and Teyepathiggi) is an Australian Aboriginal language of Western Cape York, Middle Dulcie River, Lower Batavia River, Ducie River , and Mapoon . The language region includes areas within the local government boundaries of Cook Shire Council . Thaynakwith (also known as Awngthim, Tainikuit and Winduwinda)
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#17328447613095084-402: The local people through his interpreter that he had come to take possession of their lands, Dalrymple bizarrely expressed frustration at the supposed inability of the aboriginals to understand the concept of "Thou shalt not steal". James Morrill was more factual in his account of the founding of Cardwell writing that "I then said to [the natives] that they must clear out ... as we wished to occupy
5166-435: The mainland are at Bamaga and Seisia . A completely sealed inland road links Cairns and the Atherton Tableland to Lakeland and Cooktown. The road north of Lakeland Downs to the tip of the peninsula is sometimes cut after heavy rains during the wet season (roughly December to May). The peninsula is a popular tourist destination in the dry season for camping, hiking, bird watching and fishing enthusiasts. Many people make
5248-489: The marina. In 2013, the Cardwell community began being the target of an online hoax, which claimed the town's Christmas lights competition had been cancelled to appease the local Muslim community, forcing Cassowary Coast Regional Council to publicly debunk the rumours. Despite this, the hoax continues to circulate on social media. The hoax originated from an Islamophobic post on the "Meanwhile in Australia" Facebook page, which subsequently went viral. The post detailing
5330-464: The natives." In the late 1860s and early 1870s, Cardwell became a transport hub for prospectors heading to the Etheridge Shire goldfields 200 kilometres (120 mi) inland from the town. Captain John Moresby visited Cardwell in 1871 and wrote that "various tribes of aborigines roam about the vicinity, and not unnaturally regard the white men, who are rapidly dispossessing them of their homes, as mortal enemies. They ... suffer terrible retaliation at
5412-421: The peninsula developmental road, there are small service centres at Lakeland , Laura and Coen . About 30 km (19 mi) offshore north of the tip of Cape York, there is a sizeable service centre on nearby Thursday Island . Aboriginal communities are at Hopevale , Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama, Aurukun, Lockhart River , Napranum, Mapoon, Injinoo , New Mapoon and Umagico . Torres Strait Islander communities on
5494-415: The peninsula have been noted for their exceptionally high wilderness quality. The flora of the peninsula includes original Gondwanan species, plants that have emerged since the breakup of Gondwana and species from Indomalaya and from across the Torres Strait in New Guinea with the most variety being found in the rainforest areas. Most of the Cape York Peninsula is drier than nearby New Guinea which limits
5576-414: The peninsula remains pristine, with a diverse repertoire of endemic flora and fauna , some of its wildlife may be threatened by industry and overgrazing as well as introduced species and weeds. The northernmost point of the peninsula is Cape York . The land has been occupied by a number of Aboriginal Australian peoples for tens of thousands of years. In 1606, Dutch sailor Willem Janszoon on board
5658-412: The peninsula. The peninsula is also home to the eastern brown snake , one of the world's most venomous snakes. Mammals include the rodent Cape York melomys , related to the extinct Bramble Cay melomys , which was found only on Bramble Cay in the Torres Strait and confirmed extinct in 2016. Cardwell, Queensland Download coordinates as: Cardwell is a coastal town and rural locality in
5740-486: The peninsula: the large expanses of undisturbed dunefields at the eastern coast around Shelburne Bay and Cape Bedford-Cape Flattery, the huge piles of black granite boulders at Kalkajaka National Park and Cape Melville , and the limestone karsts around Palmerston in the peninsula's far south. The soils are remarkably infertile even compared to other areas of Australia, being almost entirely laterised and in most cases so old and weathered that very little development
5822-461: The present town of Cardwell in May 1848, and it turned out to be one of the great disasters of Australian exploration. Of the thirteen men who set out, only three survived. The others died of fever or starvation, or were speared by hostile Aboriginal people. Kennedy died of spear wounds almost within sight of his destination in December 1848. The only survivor to complete the journey was Jackey Jackey , an Aboriginal man from New South Wales . He led
5904-455: The rainforest plants of that island from migrating across to Australia. Tropical rainforests cover an area of 748,000 ha (1,850,000 acres), or 5.6 percent of the total land area of Cape York Peninsula. Rainforests depend on some level of rainfall throughout the long dry season, climatic conditions that are mostly found on the eastern slopes of the peninsula's coastal ranges. Being almost exclusively untouched, old-growth forests and supporting
5986-644: The river after him, although the British Admiralty Chart for the Gulf of Carpentaria kept the name Coen River until 1967. Cape York Peninsula Cape York Peninsula is a peninsula located in Far North Queensland , Australia. It is the largest wilderness in northern Australia. The land is mostly flat and about half of the area is used for grazing cattle . The relatively undisturbed eucalyptus -wooded savannahs , tropical rainforests and other types of habitat are now recognised and preserved for their global environmental significance. Although much of
6068-504: The roles of the regulatory processes of the three levels of government in the approval for the development and what might be learned from the experience and how processes might be improved. The Cardwell Library opened in 2008. Cardwell suffered significant damage from Cyclone Yasi , a category 5 cyclone, in February 2011. The marina and the boats within it were destroyed. As at 2019, ongoing legal disputes have prevented work on rebuilding
6150-493: The rough track to Valley of Lagoons, so it was erected in Cardwell instead. Cardwell State School is a government primary (Prep–6) school for boys and girls at 43 Victoria Street ( 18°16′07″S 146°01′51″E / 18.2687°S 146.0308°E / -18.2687; 146.0308 ( Cardwell State School ) ). In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 108 students with 6 teachers (5 full-time equivalent) and 6 non-teaching staff (5 full-time equivalent). In 2018,
6232-554: The school had an enrolment of 80 students with 5 teachers (4 full-time equivalent) and 6 non-teaching staff (5 full-time equivalent). There is no secondary school in Cardwell. The nearest government secondary school is Tully State High School in Tully to the north. Cardwell Police Station is at 49 Victoria Street ( 18°16′04″S 146°01′48″E / 18.2679°S 146.0299°E / -18.2679; 146.0299 ( Cardwell Police Station ) ). Cardwell Fire Station
6314-450: The south to over 500 mm (20 in) in the north and on the Iron Range. The Peninsula Ridge forms the drainage divide between the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Coral Sea. To the west, a series of large, winding river systems including the Mitchell , Staaten , Coleman, Holroyd, Archer, Watson, Wenlock, Ducie and Jardine catchments empty their waters into the Gulf of Carpentaria. During
6396-422: The west coast of the peninsula in 1606, but it was not settled by Europeans until the 19th century when fishing communities, then stations and later mining towns were established. European settlement led to the displacement of Aboriginal communities and the arrival of Torres Strait Islanders on the mainland. The west coast borders the Gulf of Carpentaria and the east coast borders the Coral Sea . The peninsula
6478-538: Was described as "via Cardwell". In 1985, it was proposed to build an integrated marina and resort called Port Hinchinbrook at Oyster Point south of the town. The proposal encountered many environmental objections and financial collapse of one of the development companies, before construction commenced in 1999. The long-running controversy led to the Australian Senate establishing an inquiry in May 1998 to try to understand
6560-424: Was led by George Elphinstone Dalrymple . They were 20 in number including James Morrill, William Alcock Tully , botanist John Dallachy , Arthur Jervoise Scott, Lieut. Marlow of the Native Police and his troopers Norman, Archy and Warbragen. Dalrymple also brought his "black boy" servant, an Aboriginal man from Stradbroke Island that he called "Cockey". They came from Bowen on the small schooner Policeman which
6642-520: Was the first European explorer to attempt an overland expedition of Cape York Peninsula. He had been second-in-command to Thomas Livingstone Mitchell in 1846 when the Barcoo River was encountered. The aim was to establish a route to the tip of the peninsula, where Sydney businessmen were attempting development of a port for trade with the East Indies . The expedition set out from Rockingham Bay near
6724-563: Was under the command of ex- Native Police officer Captain Walter Powell , with the 3 ton cutter Heather Bell in tow. Dalrymple's main purpose in establishing a settlement in Rockingham Bay was to create a port as close as possible to the Valley of Lagoons Station of which he was part owner. Very soon after disembarking from the Policeman , he endeavoured to create a road from the coast to
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