CREB Track

Hey Jeff! :)

Might still be coming on this one........ hopefully will know next week.

Cheers
Chris

Jeff,
You should check with the local Rangers (EPA office Cairns) as to whether the track is still open. When I last went to CY 18 months ago, it had just been reopened. It had been closed because of fallen trees and also damage to the track by d***heads chewing up the track in the wet. You shouldn't need a permit if you just want to go straight thru, but I think you need one if you what to detour into Roaring Meg Falls. (Again check with the cairns office).
As for which is the better direction, both are pretty well much the same. Steep climbs, steep descents, and excellent views/scenery.
I'd suggest you aim to drive it on the way up, if there's any signs of rain you can take the bloomfield track and then try again on the way back.
The track only takes a couple of hours and from what I can remember, I don't think camping is allowed.
Final note... get Ron Moon's book. It's the best investment for a CY trip.

Squire.

Hi Jeff
I was leading a trip up that way last Jul/Aug and thought I like to do the CREB track again. Last time I did it was when I was a 2nd year apprentice for the CREB and we were putting the powerlines throught to Cooktown in the late 1960s. However I struck a few left hand right hand problem with the bureaucracy.
I had a chat with the Cooktown Police and they told me it was clear and open. I then rang QPWS in Atherton to arrange a permit for Roaring Meg only to be told that the track was closed (and that the Cooktown Police should get their act together). Apparently the Wet Tropics Management Authority had used their power under Qld law to slap a closure order on the track. But once I got to Mossman and had a talk with some of my rellies I did the Daintree to Roaring Meg section anyway (you won't tell anyone will you?). The road was OK if a little overgrown. I was told however that as the Energy Authority (whoever replaced the CREB) had almost completed rerouting the powerlines via Lakeland Downs from Mt Molloy that they would not be maintaining the track......and it seem that QPWS and WTMA will also not maintain it. Shame really but if they don't lock us out what's to stop us (ie the 4WD community) keeping it open anyway. Of course we will, like in the past, have to rely on Keith Reynolds' generosity and approval to cross his land to access the track.

There are gates either end of the CREB track now on the northern end at China Camp And at the southern end on the other side of the Daintree river There are notices either end telling if the track is open or closed. It has been closed for the last couple of weeks but you couldn't cross the Daintree anyway and if you could Hilda creek would be far to deep and fast, ATM the Daintree Bloomfield road is open but we have been getting a lot of rain up here, There should be no problems June - July. It is much of a muchness but after doing it hundreds of times on cars and bikes I believe it is more difficult going north. Call me for info if you like I am up there constantly thu the season 0402 329 372. Cheers Rob

I have just sent the trek notes to Juliana at this site. Assuming they are given the OK, they should be up real soon.

Hi Jeff,

I have now published the CREB Track Trek Note along with all the digital mapping data.

Click here to view it.

Enjoy your trip,
Regards,
Juliana.

WE were travelling south to north. The picture was taken looking south as you crest a ridge and get your first sign of houses close to the road . It's not very clear as it is a fair distance away.