cape york

G'day Pete
The best and scenic - from where? On the Cape itself just stick to the OTL both ways. The bypass road is boring.
Do you need a snorkel? - has been covered before - do a search. Depends on what you want to do but generally you don't NEED one although it may be handy. I've been to the Cape a few times and have never had a snorkelled vehicle. If necessary I've tarped up, sprayed with WD40 etc.

Pete, I also will be at the Cape in June and have similar questions. I'll be towing an off road trailer behind a 2001 petrol Jackaroo. I'm leaning towards fitting a snorkel, despite the cost, just for peace of mind. The depth and condition of creeks to be crossed on the OTL would vary from year to year so I'm not sure how much value to place on the experience of those who've done it before. regards, Rob.

Gaday Pete.......How long do you have? That will decide how scenic you can go.
The usual 2 weeks on the Cape trip most do is up the middle & accross to Wiepa. A bit of a look around, possibly do the mine tour then accross to Batavia Downs. Straight up the Telegraph track to Bamaga. Usually 4 or 5 days at the tip allows a drive to a few WWII sites, Somerset & the boat trip out to Thursday & Horn Islands. Heading south again take the bypass road if for no other reason than it's different & out to Captain Billy's landing. Further south accross the Frenchman's track to Chilli beach. From Musgrave most usually cut accross through Lakefield coming out at Cooktown.
With 4+ weeks on the Cape you can then add the Palmer river gold fields, Pera Heads, Mapoon,Vrilya point, Ussher point, Shelbourne dunes (may now be closed) & Bathurst Bay.
Best to get the Ron Moon Cape book. Almost everything to be seen is in there.
In June you wont need a snorkel. Far more trouble with dust than water. Just take a blind in case of unseasonal rain. Certainly not worth fitting it just for one trip as all the creek crossings are short & only two or three could have any depth that may worry you.
Cheers Craig.........

G'day Pete.
I may catch up when you are on your way back.
I don't expect to get to the Cape before July15th or there about.

I have done the trip in the past without a snorkel but feel happier with one.

Have a great trip,
Mike

Thank to all for the tips, and will be going for 6 weeks

Cheers Pete

Another alternative to consider, if you don't like the same 1100km corrugated road back to Cairns, is to load your car into a container & return back by cargo ship. It is a lovely two days relaxing, fairly inexpensive return trip. The ship is the Trinity Bay, sails every week Cairns to Siesia and return. The Cost is about $600 or so for your car plus your fare. Do a search on Trinity Bay for details. Sparky