Explore Cape York creator Tracy Sands and her four-legged navigator, Cape York Kevin, are urging locals and tourists to stop and say hello to the pair as they embark on an epic northern road trip this dry season. Photo: Supplied.
She’s the exuberance and passion behind Cape York’s unofficial travel “bible”, and Tracy Sands has some exciting news for fans of her work – exploring the region is about to become her full-time addiction.
After launching the Explore Cape York website and first publishing the must-read guidebook of the same name four years ago while holding down a “proper job”, Ms Sands has announced she will be turning her focus towards developing the resource tens of thousands of tourists rely on each dry season as they embark on their northern adventure.
“I’ve chosen to do Explore Cape York full-time,” she told Cape York Weekly.
“While I’ve been working for other places, I haven’t had time to do Explore Cape York anymore than I do now; I haven’t had time to visit everybody each year – I’ve been too busy.”
As she prepares to hit the road for the 2025 dry season with her trusted road trip companion, Cape York Kevin – a “cattle dog pug cross with a tonne of personality” – Ms Sands reflected on her catalyst for creating the website and guidebook now synonymous with trekking around the Cape.
“I just wanted to build a website because I felt sorry for people,” she said.
“They were coming up here for a holiday and just didn’t know anything about the place; there are some people who only want to go to the tip, that’s it, but they really miss out on so much.
“I think they don’t realise how much is up here; they get so confused and there’s so much misinformation out there on Facebook, so when they get the book, they’re just blown away, because they can read it and see it and get the facts.
“I absolutely love it, and it’s not an ego thing for me, but I absolutely love it when people come to me and tell me they’ve bought the book and love it; the fact they’ve been to places they would have never been to and seen without the book is great.”
With plans for new eBooks, blogs about the Cape’s colourful history and exploring the region on the cards, Ms Sands urged locals and visitors to stop for a yarn if they saw her and Cape York Kevin out and about.
“Look out for us,” she said.
“My plan was to spend a month driving up; I want to be approached and I want people to feel like they can come up and ask questions, take photos, and share photos.
“We’ve got a new Facebook page being launched this month as well – Cape York Kevin; Kevin’s the cutest dog in the word; everyone falls in love with him, and he’s allowed to give a dog’s eye view and perspective of the Cape I can’t.
“Basically, I just love the Cape and love sharing the Cape.”
And where does someone so passionate about an area as diverse as it is spectacular single out as her favourite spot?
“I call the NPA home, so it’s the NPA,” Ms Sands said.
“If I go away for six months or 12 months, or however long it is, it’s hugs, it’s excitement and it’s ‘I haven’t seen you in so long’ when I arrive back,” she said.
If you’ve been hiding under a rock while planning your Cape York adventure, you can get a feel for Ms Sands’ passion for the far north of the state – and get your hands on a copy of the book – by visiting the Explore Cape York website.
The Explore Cape York guidebook is a must-consult for anyone wanting to learn more about the northernmost part of Queensland – and that includes locals. Photo: Facebook (Explore Cape York).
