Cradle Mountain
 ©  Lance Neville

Montague Island lighthouse
©   Inger Vandyke

Boroka Lookout Grampians
© Parks Victoria

Grampians Mammal
Monitoring © Parks Victoria

Wombat Lake
Cradle Mountain

Seal Colony Montague Island

Researcher with
Penguin Chick

Cape York Turtle Rescue

 

    

Program Highlights

 

  • Help save the baby turtles at Cape York
  • Work and interact with Aboriginal people on their own land
  • Tag and measure nesting turtles
  • Learn about the local ecosystem
  • Relax and enjoy gorgeous views and colorful sunsets
  • Sleep in modern bush tent-cabins on raised platforms

 

Join the indigenous people of the region and researchers to help save the Flat Back and Olive Ridley Turtle population at Mapoon on the Western Cape.

Sea turtles on Western Cape York are in decline, with nesting populations facing possible extinction within 25 years. The Mapoon Aboriginal Community has extended an invitation for visitors to participate in scheduled camps during the winter nesting season assisting Indigenous Rangers with their research work aimed at protecting the nesting turtles and, other marine life.

The camp provides you with the opportunity to assist in the preservation of Sea Turtle populations threatened by wild dogs, pigs and ghost nets. Activities involve day and evening patrols of up to 24 kilometres of beach from Janie Creek to the Pennefather River - the traditional country of the Yupungathi people. It is a beautifully remote part of Australia’s magnificent coastline. You will be transported in 4WD up and down the beach, stopping frequently to spot turtles, watch them lay and record research data.

Turtle conservation activities include:

  • Quantifying the size and structure of nesting populations
  • Monitoring trends in the nesting environment
  • Quantifying nesting turtle fecundity including clutch size, clutches per season, egg morphometrics
  • Protection of nesting sites
  • Surveying the incidence of feral pig predation on unprotected nests
  • Evaluating prototype Feral Pig Exclusion Devices
  • Identifying and recording ghost nets on beach
  • Assisting Rangers with the removal and disposal of deadly ghost nets

There will be plenty of time experience this beautiful part of Australia. Elders from the Mapoon community drop in regularly to talk and explain cultural ways. Optional activities include bush tucker walks, bird watching, fishing in Janie Creek, or just relaxing to the calm breeze flowing through the Casuarina trees.

 

For people who enjoy remote Australian wilderness, this is a special and memorable travel experience.

 

Full program details

Camp Chivaree Accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Gallery

 

Location: Cape York Turtle Rescue, Mapoon

Departs: Weipa, QLD

 

Package & Prices Adults Children
3 night package

$1,495 per person

 $1,121.25 per person
5 night package $2,125 per person $1,595 per person
Children: This experience is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Whilst every endeavour is made to keep prices consistent, outside influences beyond our control may incur price variations without notice.

What’s included

  • Turtle rescue activities led by local Aboriginal Rangers
  • Transfers from Weipa Airport to Camp Chivaree
  • Accommodation at Camp Chivaree in a spacious 2 person tent on platforms
  • Bed linen
  • 3 meals a day
  • Boat and 4WD vehicle travel as necessary
  • The satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference to turtle conservation of Cape York

 

What’s not included

  • Travel to and from Weipa
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Alcoholic beverages

 

Getting to Weipa

QantasLink www.qantas.com.au or 13 13 13 operates daily flights from Cairns to Weipa.

 

Booking terms and conditions

To secure your booking a 20% deposit is required. Full program payment is required 30 days prior to the program date.

                                

In the event of a cancellation:

  • Cancellation 30 days or more prior to the program date, a full refund less a $50 per person administration fee will be made.
  • Cancellation between 15 – 30 days prior to the program date, a 50% refund less a $50 per person administration fee will be made.
  • Cancellations less than 15 days prior to the program date, no refund will be paid.

 

Program dates for 2008

 

To make a booking simply click on the program date.
3 Night Camp
5 Night Camp
Depart - Return
Depart - Return

28 June - 01 July

12 July - 17 July

19 July - 24 July

02 August - 07 August

16 August - 19 August
16 August - 21 August *

23 August - 28 August

30 August - 04 September *

27 September - 02 October *
18 October - 23 October *

 *Fully Booked