Tip to Somerset and the 5 Beaches Drive

After reaching the top it was recommended that we see Somerset Beach and experience the 5 beaches drive whilst we were here.

A short stroll on the beach and we were heading to Somerset Beach to explore.

We snapped this Egret in flight on the beach before leaving the tip and noticed later that he was after something...

 

Not sure if he got his meal, though I wouldn't like to be the little fella in front

 

The famous thong wall at Somerset. Looks like leaving anything is OK, even your reg grundies if you're wearing any :)

 

Frank Jardines Grave at Somerset

In the late 1800s, the father of Frank Jardine was sent here from Rockhampton as the first settler of Cape York. He only lived here for a few years but then Frank took over, married a Samoan princess, had kids and lived here until he died in 1919. His wife died a few years later.

 

 

Somerset beach

The northern end leads to a sand bluff where we hoped to find some Aboriginal Rock Art

Rocky walk around the northern headland to the bluff and looking back

Nearly there!

Rough going getting there but worth it, interesting sand stone formation too.

We found the art work, not sure on its age.

 

The folowing shots we took along the way during the track called 5 beaches

Aptly named as you literally drive down onto each beach seperated by scenic headlands.

 



 

Lunch on the beach with our Punsand friends from Vic, they were camped next to us and were three months into a round Australia trip, how cool!

Some random road workers grundies nailed to a tree in the car park at Somerset.

 

 

 

Below, the Pubaju Fishing Resort, opposite Somerset beach. At around 3k pp for a 4 day stint... you would want to catch a few decent fish I think for that!

 

The locals had an interesting story about the owner, a French guy and his wife were running the resort until she ran off with some random. He just shut shop and sailed away for three yrs before returning and starting things up once more... as you do I guess.

 

Back at Punsand and time for one of Helga's frosty scooners after a long day exploring the tip, thx Helga!