Bloomfield Track/Lakefield NP

What kind of 2wd? Something with a bit of ground clearance?

Toria,did the Bloomfield track and Lakefield NP last year and I for one wouldnt like to take a 2wd on either.There are some real steep sections on the Bloomfield Track and if there was 1mm of rain you wouldnt make it.If you go from Cooktown into Lakefield NP on the Battle Camp track hold onto your teeth.It was really rough last year,some of the worst corrigations we had and really suited for 4WD's only.If it was dry the whole time and you took it really slow you may make it but i'd advise against it. I'd buy a 4WD and GET OUT THERE. Cheers Nick

Hi Toria,

The section between Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield River has some
extremely steep hills.
We were 2-up in a diesel troopy with minimal camping gear and it was
strictly low-range for some of the hills.
I would think anything less than a 6 cylinder Commodre/Falcon would
struggle and then it would have to have the clearance to ford the river.
And then if it rains it would become extremely dicey.
Don't want to put you off it is a fantastic drive your planning but be
careful with your choice of vehicle.

Cheers
Moz

Toria,

I'd go with what has just been said. Some of the creek crossings are quite rocky, read large round river rocks. It would be very easy to get stuck on some of these with a 2wd even a realtively high clearance one. Maybe a dual-cab ute with a good limited slip diff would be OK. If it rained you could be in trouble.

It is beautiful up there. If you are serious about seeing that ype of country, and it seems you are, hten trade the Magna on a reasonable GQ for mid teen dollars and go to it. You'll see more places, be more comfortable and safer.

Duncs.

Hi Toria (short for Vic??)

Don't place yorself in a position of risk, your asking the right q's here but there is a lot of experience required for some trips and having a properly set up vehicle is only half the equation. You can do it cheaply in a 4x4 with minimal camping gear, but don't forget to ask about the "what if's" ie. "what if" this breaks or "what if" we get stuck in a creek etc etc. I'm not trying to put you off, but it's a reallity check.
Could I suggest you find out where your nearest 4x4 Club is, have a talk with them about minimal gear and go along with them on a weekend trip to learn how to use the safety gear, tyres radios etc , properly.
Then you will have a really great and safe trip.
Good luck and safe travelling.
PS - don't buy a lemon - if you look around and make offers, there a some good buys.

Toria
Agree the comments previous, two other suggestions are:
1. Rent a 4wd from cairns and do trip. I have just done Cape and companion had hired a cruiser from http://www.4wdhire.com.au/ . It was a good set up, about $170 a day, but that included everything including roof top tent. It is less if you take your own gear.
2. dont do Bloomfield, Go up Cape Trib, then over to main roads to see laura ect. Although battlecamp was graded in July, bits are still rougth, I have a split exhaust to prove that.
Hope it helps
cheers