Camping in the Cape

Deb & Tim,
We went up 2 years ago and are going again this coming September. We used our camper trailer and only stayed at recognised camp sites (Seisa, right near the beach). There was no worries with crocs at these type of places, but I wouldn't recommend camping away from the masses (not that there were many people where we were anyway).
Have a great trip.

Hi Deb and Tim
I will be leading a group of 7 vehicles from Canberra to the Cape in July - departing 24 Jul. Some will be using campers others (me included) will be in a tent or swag. I have done this trip a couple of times and provided you are sensible where your set up camp you will not have to worry about crocs - mossies are more of a problem. Enjoy the trip and if you see a big red GU patrol with 6 other vehicles in tow - stop and say hello.

Cheers
Pete

Good question and good answers guys, I was planning a Capespedition soon also and thought the swag would be honky dory, might do as one venerable C ape explorer did recently and use the swag on the roof rack.

Hi Guys,

I have been up to the cape twice now Barra fishing and we go into the rivers by boat and camp on the riverbanks (Skardon and Ducie rivers) behind the Mangroves. We choose spots that are a bit elevated from the river and we were fine just with normal tents set up about 20 metres apart. (spacing allows for "night noises")

We saw many crocs on the riverbanks as we fished from boats for about a week or so each time but they are very wary of humans and will zip off into the water as you get within about 100 yards. It is very rare for them to enter a properly sited camp.

I am not saying to ignore the risks. You need to be careful, particularly at the waters edge (keep the boat between you and the water at all times) but once you are up over the top of the riverbank you should be OK. We were a group of 8 in about 6 tents and there was always alot of noise in camp (talking, cooking etc). Apparantly they are not keen on this and really only hunt in the water or at the waters edge.

You probably have more to fear from dogs and pigs, snakes, spiders and scorpians!

Just don't do something really stupid like swimming in croc areas and you will be fine. If you are not boating then just DO NOT go near the water!!!!

Cheers

Steven

Deb and tim the above replys have summed it up pretty well .

Might see you there Ill be up that way for about 10 weeks.

Have a good one
Eric