Cape York

Hi Chris
Thanks for that. If it isn't that bad, we will probably only stay at Cape Trib a couple of days and then take the trailer through to Cooktown, as we are heading all the way up to the Tip....wasn't keen having to do back tracking. Any ideas on what the creek crossings would be like in May? Also looking at the map were thinking of going from Cooktown to Laura via Endeavour Battlecamp rd, do you have info on this. Otherwise any suggestions for that part of Australia, places to see, avoid etc.

May is an unknown time for what roads will be open, it is best to keep this link - http://www.cook.qld.gov.au/current-road-status and look after the Wet Season, In May the roads could still be closed.

The Battle Camp Road likewise could still be closed, but only time and the Wet will tell :-)

Most of the Roads you will travel to the Cape are now Highways. It is no longer a 4 x 4 Trip, any high clearance vehicle will do it with ease. Any standard car will do it with ease truth be known.

Now days they keep the roads closed way after the roads are easy to drive. Then they let all the mates get in early to catch the fish. ;-(

It is a nice drive though and early is best.

Regards Tony

Cook Shire Road Conditions

Sorry forgot this site needs to post links another way?

Regards Tony

Hi Denise

Cooktown through to Laura via Battlecamp Rd was not too bad either. My thoughts on this are:

On the way up:

1. We stayed outside Cooktown at Endeavour Falls...nice little place to camp - and on the way to Laura. If you stop at Old Laura Homestead, this is a nice place for morning tea/lunch. Battlecamp Rd was corrugated in places - but nothing that a well set up - off road camper & vehicle would have trouble with. They seem to grade it semi-regularly...but early in the season you might be too early, and miss out on the work...again, it depends on the rain! The river crossing at Old Laura was wide but ok...again check the rainfall before heading off.

2. We detoured to Weipa and did a fishing charter...great fun.

3. Stayed at "The Bend" just north of Coen (free camp on the river...brilliant - but get in early).

4. Chose Bramwell Station as opposed to Bramwell Roadhouse (Junction) great hospitality and much nicer (in my opinion). Bramwell Junction seemed busy and dusty.

5. At the top we stayed at Loyalty Beach - Punsand Bay is also apparently nice. While at the Tip take a day trip to Thursday Island - great day.

On the way back:

4. Stopped at Twin Falls...again fantastic spot, and you really need a couple of nights here to take it all in.Fruit Bat falls are also close by - but you can't camp there. You also need to book all these National Parks online now.

5. Archer River - home of the Archer River Burger...best burger I ever consumed. Actually - I had one for lunch AND dinner! Camping accommodation is quite good to...next to the River.

6. Stopped a Jowalbinna (outside of Laura) to have a look at the Quinkan Rock art...the "guide" seemed a little vague...but still a nice place to stay.

We didn't stay at the Moreton Telegraph station but had lunch there...also looked quite nice, green and shady in parts.

Most of the creek crossings have bypass tracks, so depending on the conditions, you can bypass all or none. Towing a camper - you should have a good look before going in. We looked at some, bypassed some and did some...Twin Falls you have to do a couple of creek crossings to get in...but its really worth that one!

There is probably more - but that's all I can remember at present.

Cheers

Chris

Thanks Chris, that's great info. Have started looking at some of your suggestions for where to stay. Will have to invest in hema maps though as google maps is pretty useless for that far north.

Hema Maps for the iPad is brilliant...used it every day...it's nice to know exactly where you are....we also have a Hema HN5i - not so good as the screen is really small, and you can't really scroll around to see stuff.

10 hours? Maybe walking. Again it really depends on the road conditions at the time, and in early May, the roads may still be closed if there is lots of rain about. We easily cruised at 80kph on the Development Road sometimes even 100kph on the really smooth stuff, when it's straight and no oncoming traffic. Some of the Development road is actually bitumen - every now and then you get a bitumen break for a little while which allows overtaking and stopping for a rest without all the dust. Even averaging 60kph - that section will only take about 4 hours....

The Locals will do it in around 2 Hrs and that was before the road was done up, so watch your mirrors :-)

It would take no more than 3.5 to 4 Hrs

Regards Tony