Lockhart River
Location
Lockhart River is a coastal Aboriginal community situated on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Approximately 800 people mostly comprised of people who originate from five major traditional Aboriginal language groups (Wuthathi, Kuuku Ya’u, Uutaalnganu, Umpila and Kaanju).
The community of Lockhart River is over 354,000 hectares. It extends from the Pascoe River in the north, to Cape Sidmouth in the south, to the coastline in the east and to the west is generally defined by the Sir William Thomas Range, Wenlock River and McIIwraith Range.
Lockhart River itself is also an important provider of fresh water and nutrients to the healthiest section of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef.
Lockhart River is also the name of a river located 14 km south of the community. The river was named by explorer Robert Logan Jack in January 1880 after a close friend, Hugh Lockhart.
Iron Range National Park
Iron Range National Park is a coastal park with spectacular views from the beaches and headlands to the heath-covered Tozer Range, which rises 543m above sea level. The park is also of international significance as it contains the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Australia. A unique collection of mammals, frogs, lizards, birds and snakes can be found in Iron Range National Park.
Surrounded by drier eucalypt and paperbark forest, the rainforest is a refuge and stronghold for birds also found in New Guinea but with a restricted distribution to Australia. It supports the vibrant eclectus parrot (eclectus roratus macgillivrayi), which lives only in the Iron and McIlwraith ranges between Pascoe and Rocky rivers, the raucous palm cockatoo (probosciger atterimus) and the magnificent rifle-bird (ptiloris magnificus).
History
War History
During World War II a large American bomber base was set up at Lockhart River with 4 airstrips operating. The US bombers would fly to the Coral Sea battles and be met by their fighter escorts based at Bamaga and Horn Island further north.
Many thousands of troops both US and Australian passed through as part of their jungle training before being shipped to SE Asia. Portland Road community 40km north of Lockhart River, was the supply port for the war effort with a large jetty. This jetty has since been removed. Many old bunkers and rusting 44 gall drums can still be found in bush areas.
Restrictions
Important restrictions on the type and quantity of liquor that can be brought into various remote indigenous communities have been gradually implemented in Queensland.
Alcohol Management Plans have been developed by Community Justice Groups and contain recommendations for declaring all or part of a community area either a 'Restricted Area' and/or a 'Dry Place'.
People who live in, or are planning to visit, travel through or pass near a community which they feel may have restrictions should ensure they are aware of the laws. Bag checks can and will happen and severe fines apply if people are caught.
For detailed information by community visit the Queensland Government Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation website.
Shopping and Services
Post Office
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday 1:00pm–3:00pm
Retail Store
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday 8:00am–4:00pm
Saturday 8:00am–12:00pm
Sunday 8:00am–11:00am
Lockhart Clinic
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday 8:30am–5:00pm
- After Hours:
- Registered Nurse on call after hours
Lockhart River Art Gang
Over the years a group of contemporary artists have developed in the community. They are known locally as "The Art Gang" and are supported and work professional through the Community Arts Centre.
The Art Gang's work is a contemporary response to the environment, culture and traditions of this Aboriginal Community. The elders play a very important part at the Art Centre, having lots of knowledge in regards to traditions, languages, song, dance and history. With their teachings of traditional stories and artefact making (necklaces, baskets and spears), they inspire the artists.
Make sure you visit the Art Centre while your in Lockhart, with its large range of paintings, sculptures, necklaces it's a must see.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:00pm
More Information
For more information about Lockhart River, visit the Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council website.