Cape York trip

If you have time available, go and explore the Atherton Tablelands, while keeping a close watch on the road reports for the Cape.
When the road reports say "Open to all traffic" you will be fine. Then is the time to travel north as soon as possible before the traffic messes it up again.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

So far the cape has not had a real heavy season. Anytime after May should see everything going along nicely. A late April cyclone can change that so keep an eye onthe weather. Safest time is June onwards...however every man and his dog are starting to head North. Depending on how you find the road (they change depending on when a grader goes through) it can be easier to leave the van at one of the roadhouses. Many leave them at Bramwell station. Weather is the deciding factor and will often throw a spanner in the works. September is crazy busy up there...worst part is the fact that so many morons in over tyred, go like a bullet, weekend warriors race along the roads with no consideration for others. The Tablelands are fine after April. Nearly all bituman and worth spending a week or two having a look for sure...probably more to see than the cape.

You will see dozens of caravans up in the Cape, so please don’t think you will be alone.

Air down your tyres and drive to the conditions.

We stayed in Weipa for a week before going right up, loved it there with lots of side trips in that area.

One thing no one ever mentions is……air filters and snorkel socks. It might look remote on maps, but far from it, with many idiot cowboys on a speed mission. That red dust will ruin a paper air filter and for that very reason took 3 snorkel socks. One on the snorkel and the others rotated at the end of every day, where I would then wash it out, re oil and put it in a bag for next use.


We stayed at Loyalty Beach lots of room compared to Punsand Bay where there were squashed in like sardines.

Also keep away during school holidays.

It’s a great trip, enjoy

There is fabulous wild camping all over the place on Cape York and north of the Jardine ferry it is all included in the ferry fee.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

Thanks everyone one for there input.
Caravan park info is very welcome.
We are used to free camping so that info is very welcome.
I hadn't thought about Atherton tablelands but is worth considering.
We will be heading of hopefully at the end of May.
We have a few months windows until the next grand child's birthday.
One of the joys of growing old.
William

Hi William B,

You haven’t actually stated when you will be doing this trip. Road conditions vary greatly depending on the time of year, the weather and when the grader has been working.

The Peninsular Development Road between Laura and Weipa is sealed pretty much all the way. The Bamaga or Telegraph Road is still gravel, and can be quite corrugated. We took our 2.6 Tonne full off road van all the way to Punsand Bay without much trouble. We stayed at Punsand Bay, but if going again, would stay at Loyalty Beach. Seems to have more room.

William, Drop me a PM if you have any specific questions & I'll try to answer them as best I can. We spent 2 years exploring the Cape, including periods of time caretaking/house sitting at several locations 2021 -2023.

Hello everyone and thanks for your advise.
The trip might be put off for a while.
I've been informed that my double knee replacement is scheduled in May.
Well see how things go .
William