The highest elevations are in the Great Dividing Range, which runs along the eastern side. The vegetation is diverse and includes patches of rain forest along the eastern coast and extensive tropical grasslands, heathlands, and mangroves. The main rivers are the Mitchell and the Gilbert, which empty into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The northern half of Cape York is largely undeveloped. Economic activities in the peninsula include bauxite mining at Weipa, tin mining, and cattle grazing.
Tourism is also important.