Son of Mal One has just driven from
Bamaga to
Cairns. We came down in a hilux 3.0 D dual cab. The road from
Cairns to
Lakeland is sealed. From
Lakeland onwards the road is unsealed.
There is roadworks from
Lakeland to
Laura which will probably hold you up for about 15 mins. The road from
Laura to
Hann River Roadhouse is highly corrogated and full of dust holes. This is definetly the worst part of the road to the Tip. Wetravelled at about 20-30km/hr for this stretch. From
Hann River to
Coen, the road is generally pretty good, but does contain some wash outs and a number of dips. Take it easy over the dips.
The road from
Coen to Archer River is quite good. Travelled at about 80km/hr. Great camping at Archer River. Fuel is expensive, we paid $1.25 per litre diesel. The guy serving at the bowser is not exactly Mr Friendly, but his Mrs inside the Roadhouse was very nice. The river here is only a foot deep, so no dramas there.
The Peninsula Development Road is excellent. About 10kms in from the turn off to
Bamaga there is a stretch of water about 60m in length and about 4 ft high at its maximum point. Nice hard bottom, just take it easy.
Good road all the way throught to Bramwell. Good camping at Moreton Station. Steve is very friendly and helpful. Southern Bypass Road is corrogated but is a lot quicker then the Telegraph Track. Pie and coke are a must at Bramwell. We ventured onto the Telegraph track at this point. Took us about 2 and a half hours to get to Gunshot, only drama being either Alice Creek or Palm Creek (not too sure which one, but you'll know it when you see it). Have to drive down the middle of the creek - about 4 ft deep, sandy bottom, no dramas.
Gunshot creek, careful on approach from Southern side. Some mud at end of bottom of first drop, which will only get worse as tourists pass. Delhunty River - turn right along southern bank for about 50 metres before crossing the creek. It has a solid
rock base. Spoke to
Ranger from Heathlands - said Cockatoo Creek was fine. You will then come to the
intersection with the southern bypass road.
This joins up for about 10km and then splits again - left takes you to the
Jardine Ferry. About 50mins to the
Jardine. Ferry is $88 return, must pay up front. Can continue straight up the Telegraph Track - didn't go this way, but travelled it late last year and there was still a bit of water around at the end of the dry. When driving the Telegraph, be careful as some drivers think that they are experts on their return journey and drive way too fast.
DO NOT DRIVE ACROSS THE
JARDINE RIVER - MUST USE FERRY OTHERWISE YOU WILL GET BOGGED. A 16 FOOT CROC CALLS THIS AREA
HOME.
Heads up on Northern Peninsula Area Liquor Restrictions. There are signs before the Ferry. A vehicle/person is restricted to carrying one carton (24) of light or mid-strength beer and two litres of wine (not fortified wine). Be advised that your vehicles will be searched by local Police - maximun penalties include losing your car/boat. If you are caught with more than the limit, you will be sent to Court and the matter must be heard at
Bamaga - Court is only held once a month and this could impact severly on the rest of your holidays.
Remember - if you decide to pass through communities such as
Lockhart River and Aurukun (which aren't really receptive to tourists) there is a ZERO liquor carriage limit. Best bet is to call ahead to the local cop
shop to find out the restrictions before you travel. Carrying alcohol into these communities makes you a target for theft and damage to your vehicle.
Otherwise, have a great trip!!