Cape York Turtle Rescue

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I be involved in?

What are the facilities at Camp Chivaree?

What is the accommodation like?

Can we swim?

Can we fish?

Are alcoholic beverages available?

How do I get to Weipa?

Who will meet me at the airport?

How far is Mapoon from Weipa airport?

What fitness levels do I require?

How many people are on program?

Can weather affect the program?

What about meals?

What do I need to bring?

What Not To Bring

Is travel insurance included?

 

What activities can I be involved in?

  You will work with the Indigenous Rangers to assist with:

  • Identifying nesting turtles
  • Installing Feral Pig Exclusion Devices (FPEDs)
  • Collecting and compiling data to develop a sustainable management strategy
  • Assisting Rangers with the removal and disposal of ghost nets
  • Cultural walks and talks with camp staff

What are the facilities at Camp Chivaree?

Toilets (composting), showers, screened dining area, bush kitchen, BBQ, reference library, DVD player & monitor for viewing research DVDs.

What is the accommodation like?
You will sleep in new 3m x 3m insect proof canvas tents located on raised timber platforms. There are two fold-out single beds in each tent and a bedside table and lamp. Bed linen and a bath towel are supplied.

Can we swim?
Unfortunately not. Saltwater crocodiles frequent the beaches of Western Cape York Peninsula and we often see them during our activities. Our campsite has crocodile proof fencing around the boundary.

Can we fish?
Yes you can. Hand lines are available and you are also welcome to bring your own fishing tackle. Western Cape York Peninsula provides some of the best fishing in Australia with up to 32 different species including the north's famous Barramundi.

Are alcoholic beverages available?
All of the Aboriginal Communities of Cape York Peninsula have alcohol management programs in place which are overseen by community justice groups within each community. Bringing alcohol into these communities is forbidden.

How do I get to Weipa?

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

The following airlines operate regular flights to Cairns from major cities in Australia

Qantas airways www.qantas.com.au or 13 13 13

Virgin blue www.virginblue.com.au or 13 6789

Jetstar www.jetstar.com.au or 131 538

Who will meet me at the airport?
Cape York Turtle Rescue staff will welcome you at Weipa Airport and transfer you to Camp Chivaree at Mapoon.

How far is Mapoon from Weipa airport?
It is around one and a half hours on dirt roads to Mapoon and then 30 minutes drive along the beach by 4WD vehicles to Camp Chivaree.

What fitness levels do I require?                                    

Tours require a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to be comfortable traveling to a remote location. If you have any issues regarding your fitness for particular activities please check when booking.

How many people are on program?          

Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 people

 

Can weather affect the program?

The turtle conservation research camps are operated during the dry season. However this is a remote area program. From time to time weather and other factors beyond our control may impact a program or planned activities.

                                                                    

What about meals?

All meals are provided during the program. Meals are primarily meat based. However, a vegetarian or special diet can be arranged with prior notification. An example of the meals you might expect in the field include:

  • Brekfast - cereal, milk, toast and juice
  • Lunch - cold meat and salads, salad sandwiches, fish
  • Dinner - good healthy meals with an emphasis on carbohydrates to fuel the evening's activities
  • Snacks - dried fruit, cookies/biscuits, self-saucing pudding, fruit cake, tinned fruit, bread, fresh fruit

Please bear in mind that variety depends on availability.

 

What do I need to bring?                                                         

Once you have confirmed a booking you will receive a detailed information pack which includes a comprehensive list of what we recommend you bring. In general however, the following items are recommended:

  • Day pack and personal drink bottle
  • Your camera, re-charger, batteries or film
  • Wet weather and warm clothing as it does get cool at night
  • Head lamps for Cape York Turtle Rescue for working at night
  • Long sleeved shirts and long trousers
  • Wide brimmed sun hat, sunscreen (30+) and sunglasses 
  • Sturdy and enclosed pair of comfortable walking shoes
  • Toiletries
  • Insect repellent and any personal medication your require

What Not To Bring

  • Alcohol: Please note that Mapoon falls under the Alcohol Management Program. Bringing in alcohol into these areas is forbidden. Bag checks can and will happen and severe fines are imposed if people are caught. Limited beer and wine are available at the location.
  • Mobile Phones: Unless your mobile phone is a satellite phone, it will not work in Mapoon.
  • Large pieces of luggage. Storage areas at Cape York Turtle Rescue are limited. Baggage restrictions will also apply on the air charters.

 

Is travel insurance included?

Personal travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, including a cancellation policy.

 

Contact Us :

Freecall in Australia 1800 032 501

Phone: + 61 3 5330 2600

Fax: + 61 5330 2922

Email: bookings@conservationvolunteers.com.au

www.conservationvolunteers.com.au