Cape York advice

Thanks for your input. I would be going to Cape Melville on the way back down so would be heading South-ish on the Stracke Track. I just want to see as much as I can while I'm there rather than going back via Kalpowar Crossing.
I'm not a veteran although I did serve, so I don't consider myself in the same league.

WBS

Thanks for the advice.
Have no fear, I won't be doing the OTT with that setup. It is strictly the Bypasses for me although I might park the camper trailer somewhere like Eliot Falls and just have a look at bits of it. Its the Tip and its surrounds that I'm wanting to look at, not the challenge of the OTT. I will be heading out to Captain Billy Landing and going up to Portland Roads,not on the Frenchmans Track.

WBS

Thanks for all your advice. It is appreciated. I think your experience of 47 trips beats my 10 years of dreaming and research by quite a bit. Research is all well and good but doesn't come close to hands on experience.
I set out to do the Cape in 2006 in an 80 Series but could only get as far as Cooktown. All roads heading north were closed. The signs at Lakeland made it pretty clear. We couldn't even get into Lakefield NP thanks to Cyclone Larry. This is the first chance I've had since then to actually give it another shot.
It sounds like a good idea to do the OTT in two stages how you suggest but to be honest I'm not sure I'm brave enough to tackle it. I 'm confident I've got the driving ability but not the courage. I certainly would not try Gunshot or Nolans Brook. Cypress Creek and other notorious creek crossings worry me greatly too. The "Chicken Runs" seem very appealing to me but I doubt all the obstacles would have them, nor would they be easy either.
A Sat Phone and a SPOT Gen 3 personal tracker are definitely on my shopping list, as are the MaxTraxs, recovery gear, winch, shovel etc, but I would prefer not to use any of them if I don't have to.
Thanks again for all your info
WBS

Agreed Tony, speed and high pressures can lead to a sad ending. We saw 3 rollovers last time up.

The guy at the Servo at Bamaga said about accessories and Trailers, "if its genuine Toyota it doesn't break, aftermarket stuff ends up like this" he pointed to the paddock full of discarded Trailer and the like. Apologies to owners of other makes but this was his statement. Back then.

I heard a full size caravan made it through, photos and all.

Cheers

dad

There is nothing coming out of the NPARC at this stage to confirm access, just a lot of speculation from people hoping it will, on the other hand, if it does you would be advised not to go as it would be standing room only, and yes it is the bridge over Crystal Creek that has been deemed unsafe. I have been to Vrilya many times, and it was an absolute beauty of a spot, but in the last 5 years or so I have seen it deteriorate to resemble a smelly rubbish dump by the people who have camped there. This is a great disappointment that people can be so disgusting and disrespectful.

Hiya dad I hope Kimberleys are not ruined too much but heard Jacks Waterhole closed and now official camp ground at Mitchell Falls .I was there in 1997 only maybe 6 people and annoying Helicopter spoiling the tranquility.Wondering what is fascination of Cape York. I went as far as Cooktown.But had to come back to work in Adelaide.cheers