Bathurst Bay
Submitted: Friday, Jul 26, 2002 at 00:00
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Member - Nick
Hi everyone, We are heading up to Lakefield NP and
Bathurst Bay on the 25th of September from
Wollongong. We will be towing a camper trailer. The track we intend on taking is past Kalpower,
Bathurst Bay O.S. and onto
Bathurst Head and will also have a look at the Bay. Can we get to the bay from
Bathurst Head without going to Old Kalpower.? and has anyone got info on recent track conditions. Any info would be appreciated.Thanks Nick.
Reply By: Member - Mal - Friday, Jul 26, 2002 at 00:00
Friday, Jul 26, 2002 at 00:00
Nick, last September the track from Kalpower crossing to
Bathurst Head was OK so it probably isn't too bad now. If you get to Old Kalpower you have gone a few K's too far.The turn off is just after the Marrett River. Have a look at Topo Maps 1:100,000 Lakefield 7767 and
Bathurst Head 7768. Have a geat trip and watch out for the big marine lizards. Mal Try.
AnswerID:
5163
Reply By: rodeorider - Friday, Jul 26, 2002 at 00:00
Friday, Jul 26, 2002 at 00:00
Nick, we were up there last month, the track through kalpower is fine, you can grab a free night or 10 at the old resort..except the mossies bite worse than the lizards down
the beach.
Are you aware of how to get to
bathurst heads form princess charlotte bay?
About 1 km b4 the bay and the old
airstrip, turn right and go past a green
gate and climb a rough track up over a headland.
After a few km, it forks, the right down to the old resort, and beach, the other to what the locals call boat bay, it is generally accessable to boats even on low tide, except extreme lows, the others get rather muddy at low tide.
Its about 2.5 hrs from Kalpower crossing/
campground to the heads.
There is water available at the resort, if you have hose to syphon from a tank.
Have fun.
Andrew.
AnswerID:
5182
Follow Up By: Ray Kearney - Saturday, Jul 27, 2002 at 00:00
Saturday, Jul 27, 2002 at 00:00
Hi rodeorider,
Where are the
places you mentioned above. I've only been to Cape Mellville once and stayed at the NP end under the large shade trees. I've been told there are free
places to stay there but thought they where on private property and it was a no go. I'd really appreciate some info on the
places you mention as we intend to head back up there.
Thanks
Ray
FollowupID:
2217
Reply By: John O'GORMAN - Friday, Aug 02, 2002 at 00:00
Friday, Aug 02, 2002 at 00:00
Nick,
I have just arrived back from
Bathurst Bay (exactly 24 hrs ago, in fact!!!) The track is in pretty good condition. Between
Lakeland and
Laura, the road is in very good condition (some slight/moderate bulldust).
Laura to Lakefield
Ranger Station/camping ground is very corrugated and you will need to allow plenty of time - to travel slowly or to make repairs from going too quick!!! Lakefield
Ranger Station to Wakooka turnoff is moderately good. At the Wakooka turnoff you will probably go straight ahead. We didn't go along that road but we were told it was in moderate condition. Wakooka turnoff to Wakooka is pretty soft - bulldust and sand!!! Take it very easy. From Wakooka, we went to the
Cape Melville National Park and camped on the southern end of
Bathurst Bay. VERY WINDY!!!! It would have blown your dog from it's chain if you could take a dog into the National Park. The weather was great!!!
Be very careful of oncoming vehicles!!! It seems that the land speed record may have been relocated to that track judging by (only one or two) some of the "drivers" who came at us.
We had a fantastic time!!! Some good 4wd-ing and some beautiful countryside. If you are considering coming in September, the trip will certainly be worth the effort. Be sure to travel with someone else in case you experience difficulty in sand, etc. You probably will not need assistance but the peace of mind of having someone else available in case of difficulty makes the trip much more enjoyable.
There has been no wet season this year and all the streams are either totally dry or with minimal water in them - so you won't need to practice your fording skills!!!
Have a great trip!!!
We didn't go to
Bathurst Head. We went directly to the
Cape Melville National Park.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Nick - Saturday, Aug 03, 2002 at 00:00
Saturday, Aug 03, 2002 at 00:00
Thanks all for your advice. We will be travelling alone with a off-road trailer and boat so we are going to be taking it easy. This is only my second big trip, last year in June were up
Kakadu and
Shady Camp (2 cars) but that was all very easy going. Hopefully 2 weeks is enough time to see the countryside and do some fishing. Thanks Nick.
AnswerID:
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