Cape York - Go - No go?

Submitted: Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 13:14
ThreadID: 33882 Views:2706 Replies:6 FollowUps:2
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Hello all, particularly those in the know. (Eric from Cape York Connections I hope you read this too).

I've previously asked questions regarding travelling to Cape York in June this year towing an 18 foot off road van. I am well aware about most "off road vans" and what they are really suitable for but what I'm really after is sage advice about the road conditions now and the likely road conditions in mid June. Your advice will finally determine whether to go ahead or make other plans. I had planned to go up via the Bypass roads not the OT track.

Based on my investigations, the roads are all closed between Laura and Weipa as well as up to Bamaga. Also based on what I've read on this forum and from photos posted here too, the roads are either very badly damaged or in some places not existent. Is it likely that these roads will be repaired by 14th June which is when I leave Cairns, given its still raining up there? My feelings are that they will not, but before I make the final decision, I thought I'd get your advice because you people are the ones who would know.

I can't shift the departure times because my mate wants to hire a 4WD in Cairns for the trip so we need to know now so he doesn't lose too much money by cancelling late.

thanks in advance
Tom
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Reply By: OzRoamer - Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 13:41

Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 13:41
Spoke to Cairns last week and was told that the roads wont be open till at least 22nd July.
The people I was speaking to are operate a business out of Cairns and are fair dinkum - not darama queens.
.
AnswerID: 172629

Follow Up By: Footloose - Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 14:28

Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 14:28
I'd better let a friend know. He's taking a bike tour up. Don't know how many bikes, but there's a 12 ton truck involved :))
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FollowupID: 428265

Follow Up By: Member - Toolman (VIC) - Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 14:41

Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 14:41
Thanks Paul, I appreciate the feedback.

Tom
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Reply By: Scorcher - Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 16:54

Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 16:54
Don't give up yet Toolman !

Other threads on this forum have meantioned that the road between Musgrave and Coen should be open to 4wd vehicles within the next week or two.

The main concern presently seems to be the recent rain in the catchment area near Archer River, which has seen it rise from 1.6 mtrs over the causeway to 3.6 mtrs above in the last week, but is now falling fast.

Just keep an eye out for our "insiders" - Sam and Eric. They have the good contacts.

Might see you on the road.

Scorcher
AnswerID: 172639

Reply By: Member - Mal B - Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 21:44

Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 21:44
leaving cairns 02 06 heading up to the cape [i hope] info says rd should be open[hope so] safe driveing mal
AnswerID: 172672

Reply By: Sam from Weipa Auto Electrics - Monday, May 15, 2006 at 07:08

Monday, May 15, 2006 at 07:08
Archer was at 1.2 yesterday and is going down so will be lower today great news guys.
AnswerID: 172705

Reply By: Member - RockyOne - Monday, May 15, 2006 at 10:45

Monday, May 15, 2006 at 10:45
Yeah ! I'm another one keen (desperate actually) to do another Cape trip..Would like to go with professionals (like we did last time'89) and prefer the to do it before the roads are fixed up like highways.We were the very first rigs over the Wenlock (made a raft) in '89 and had to fix up washouts etc for the boss'es heavy laden "chuck wagon"'cruiser) Mad keen on taking pix/video and camping with a good mob of folk (never struck a bad one yet)..Catered or self catered..Any takers ?!MPG:6!
AnswerID: 172756

Reply By: draff - Monday, May 15, 2006 at 14:11

Monday, May 15, 2006 at 14:11
another one watching the road updates with great interest! hopeful departure date 10/6 from cairns. Please keep the info coming guys (particularly the insiders! thanks Sam!). fingers crossed the rain stops and the roads open in the next few weeks.
AnswerID: 172776

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