Signaling the end of additions to this gallery, my journey home was a 1.5 hour flight on this 36-seater from Lockhart River to Cairns.

My base for these surveys was the Iron Range Research Station near Lockhart River. I am grateful to Keith Cook for hosting me there.

Lockhart River is an Aboriginal community of about 750 people. During the Wet season, it is often cut off by road from the rest of the world, relying on its weekly supply ship ( https://pbase.com/donfranklin/fartropicalcoast ) and daily flights.
Even in the Dry season, the road is rough in places and a 4WD is more or less essential. However, it has a fine airport tarmac courtesy of having been a major military base in WW II.
I believe the tarmac is maintained as a contingency to air force standards, though no military are stationed there.