The Frenchmans Track

My wife and I did the Cape in June. The talk around the camps was that Frenchmans was a difficult drive then. We followed one group of 5 vehicles on Facebook who were attempting it. Only 2 made it and the other three had to be rescued. I understand it is an expensive rescue if you can't get through under your own steam. I don't recall the precise issues they had but I seem to recall there was at least one clutch and one or more CVs. It was fairly wet around the time we were there, particularly on the east coast which may have been a contributing factor. The Facebook pages we followed and found very helpful were To The Cape York Tip and Back and also Cape York Road Report. Info was current and in the main, accurate. My take on driving around the Cape generally was that inexperience, speed, poor research and under prepared vehicles coupled with limited real 4wd experience (not just a run up the beach on Fraser Is.) seemed to be the main causes of grief. Keep researching and I hope you manage to get across Frenchmans.
Ken

This site isn't current but suggests the track is on the hardcore side:
http://www.cape-york-australia.com/frenchmans-road.html
Sounds like a high clearance 4by is required.

Our Canter has very high clearance but has duals on the rear which we have been told are less than ideal in soft/slippery stuff. Add to that the weight and height of it I'm not convinced we will make it. My husband will give anything a go but im a bit more cautious. We will be travelling with 2 hiluxes but I don't think they will be able to pull us out if we get stuck.

Which way are you going? One side is steep, the other side steep and ROCKY!

Don't know yet but read it was easier west to east

When we did it a few years ago the Wenlock was OK but the Pascoe was quite a wet and rough crossing. Depends on water level.

If approached from the Pascoe end it is not far to go in and check the crossing rather than go down the French track to find the crossing not passable. There were also a couple of good holes on Frenchmans Track itself. Ripped spring hanger off one vehicle. Lucky we were able to fix it on the road.

Alan

This is the rocky side out......................

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Hi tribe of 5.

Our group of 5 vehicles completed the Frenchmans track from West/East in early June. Yes it was somewhat wet in places and rutted out, one would imagine in the wet it would be bloody dangerous. We took our time, and had no issues.
The last picture of the creek crossing needs some serious care as the last 2-300 meters down the hill was littered with very large rocks and again if wet you will need to be carefuland maybe a spotter to assist.
The exit on the other side was a little rutted but I think you will be fine given you have other vehicles to assist.
Your vehicle placement in your convoy on this track is paramount to a secussfull exit. If your going that way head to Chilli Beach evenr for a look, its worth the drive
Enjoy - Spanner