Welcome to Utingu in Cape York, Far North Queensland – a place I am genuinely reluctant to tell you about.
Every now and then I get to see a property that is for sale up close, and really experience what it has to offer.
Recently, my family visited Utingu, a huge 88ha of freehold land just north of Seisia and about 18km from the tip of Australia, Pajinka.
Owned by a Sydney businessman, the property is a reluctant sale, but as he puts it, “it’s ages and stages” and he is keen to see the next owner turn it into something special.
The businessman, who asked to remain anonymous, bought the property sight unseen about 25 years ago, and set about building a two level residence, a huge shed and bush tracks that take you to the many discreet corners of the property, including a section of the iconic Old Telegraph Track, also known as the Tele Track or simply, the OTT.
Now anyone who owns a 4WD and a capable camper will have the OTT on their bucket list, and we got to drive a section of it that few people have ever traversed.
Poles from the old telegraph are still found along the same track that drawns in thousands of 4WD enthusiasts each year, but you won’t find any of them here
There are still remnants of the poles used by those frontier workers, and bushfires have uncovered porcelain telegraph insulators, which the owner described as “rarer than hens teeth”.
But it is not the only feature of Utingu that exemplifies the character of the Cape.
Sections of the property are typical Aussie bush, but there are sections of thick rainforest that harbour all manner of wildlife, from butterflies and birds to wallabies and green tree frogs.
This guy was a regular visitor at night
Huge trees stand tall as strangler figs reach for the sky, while in the more arid sections, termites build their terra firma Taj Mahals.
Flanked by two creeks brimming with fish, crabs and the odd small shark, the property boasts about 2km of white-sand beaches and views across to the pristine archipelago of 274 islands in the Torres Strait.
To fully appreciate just what this last frontier offers, we took a helicopter ride over the area with Elden from Bungie Helicopters.
We were picked up from the private helipad at Utingu and set off to survey the property, from the bush to the beach and beyond.
It is hard to describe the colour of the waters up here – if I didn’t know any better I would think the scene was digitally enhanced.
It was the first ever helicopter flight for my two youngest kids, aged 4 and 7, who got to see their dad and brother, and there new friend Harry, fishing on the vast property.
Seeing the vast property and its surrounds from the air was mind-blowing
Elden points out the various Torres Strait islands within view of Utingu, including Dayman Island and Possession Island, where we fly over the remote monument dedicated to Captain Cook who “took possession of the whole eastern coast of Australia” in the name of King George III on August 22, 1770.
We fly over the small and privately owned Roko Island, a former pearl farm that now offers glamping accommodation and day tours.
Entrance Island and Prince of Wales Island can be seen in the distance, as we fly back over Punsand and out towards The Tip.
“It is not a bad office,” Elden says, and no one is going to argue with him.
“At times you see turtles on the beaches, huge rays. It never gets boring.”
Back on land at Utingu, the kids don’t have to be asked twice to “wash the helicopter” as the adults sit back with some cold drinks and snacks.
They did not have to be asked twice. Two of the kids awash the helicopter with pilot Elden
Caretaker and chef Mark is in the kitchen when he is not relaxing with the rest of the travelling tribe.
“Time does not exist here,” the owner says. “We just follow the sun.”
My youngest firing off a few shots with the slingshot with his new mate Harry
At sunset we sit on the beach and watch that sun set over the horizon, and wait for the “green flash” – an optical phenomenon that can be glimpsed just as the very topmost part of the sun sets.
Carefully casting a bait fish net
As that happens, a casting net is thrown into the calm waters to catch some bait fish.
Chuffed with herself
Torres Strait Islanders, some of whom have makeshift humpys further up the beach, can be seen off-shore in tinnies and brandishing fishing spears.
“We all look after each other up here,” the owner says, adding he will sorely miss the easygoing lifestyle of the region.
“But it is time for someone else to enjoy this special place.”
It’s a vibe
Utingu is on the market with Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agent Lynn Malone, who describes it as ”the most significant oceanfront freehold land in the upper Cape York region, unencumbered by native title”.
Human footprints alongside bird prints
The property, which has a “climate similar to Bali and the Maldives”, currently has DA approval for an eco-resort with 67 buildings/structures, with some building works having commenced.
Already onsite is 440sq m Utingu Lodge, which includes four guest suites, a commercial kitchen, banquet dining, laundry and storage facilities.
‘Better than the Caribbean’: Huge Cape York freehold property for sale
Utingu Lodge
There is also a machinery building with a mezzanine level that includes three bedrooms, one bathroom and a lounge room.
Other features include 4WD tracks that lead into the property from Loyalty Beach, solar power, diesel generators and LP gas for hot water and cooking.
And there is always the coconuts, with Utingu previously a coconut plantation
Town water and electricity is also available.
The upstairs kitchen
Ms Malone said the possibilities for Utingu were endless, including, but not limited to, commercial opportunities such as a booster station for hydroelectricity, aerospace, or a land-based pump relay from the Torres Strait gas fields.
Just magic
“And then of course, you could just keep it all to yourself,” she said.
The huge shed
Ms Malone said that the best thing about Utingu is that few people know it is there.
She said it was modelled off Haggerstone Island, a private retreat frequented by some of Australia’s wealthiest and well-heeled people.
The helipad at Utingu, which can also be accessed by dirt road
Outside of the “cyclone zone”, Utingu offers countless opportunities, Ms Malone said.
“I’m handing over to the buyer of Utingu, one of my assets with the most potential and the ability to change the face of Australian tourism,” the owner said.
“Utingu fills the gap as one of Australia’s most exotic locations without leaving the country.”
The upstairs living area
Utingu, which means the place of tall trees, feels a bit like a lost world where if you dig in the right place you might just find something from the Jurassic era.
It is freehold country AND IS OFFERED FOR SALE BY EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST.
THere is nO native title or liquor restrictions, APPROVAL for 67 buildings/accommodation, with select buildings and facilities completed, and AN island-style life with direct access to mainland services, staffing, and transportation by land, air, and sea.
“There are no comparables,” the listing says.
Utingu
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