Cape York - Suitable for a novice?!

Very do-able, you would be crazy NOT to do it, but get a bit of experience towing your trailer off road, if you havn't done so by now, before you go.

Mate.. This year is the year to go if you are a little inexperienced...
The rivers are down,,, people are crossing The Archer as we speak...
The hardest part is 115kms of Old Telegraph Line....
Mate just go.... 100's of other will be there too..
The OTL will be a snack this year with your vehicle..

During the dry season the Cape is an easy straight forwad drive almost anyone could do particually in a capable vehicle like yours. My 70 year old man with virtually no offroad experience went on his own in early May. He was told he was the sixth person to go up the Telegraph track that season & despite no snorkell, winch or suspension lift drove all the deep water getting through unaided, even towing a couple of others out on the way. If he can do it then I'd suggest anyone with a drop of common sense can. We even took Subaru's up in the 80's when it was far tougher with few issues.
Before you go gain a little offroad experience towing your trailer particually through creeks & in soft sand. Have your vehicle checked prior by a 4x4 specialist & fit the gear you have listed to make it a bit more comfortable & safer.
Get Ron Moons Cape York guide book to do your planning which will give a better idea on what to expect enroute.
If you are still a little unsure tag along with one of the many tour opperators working the Cape. A couple of good one's lurk on ExOz & take the risk out of doing it on your own.
Cheers Craig................

Go for it. It is a great trip with the family and not too tough. You just need to be prepared.
1. Ron and Viv Moons book is a must
2. Take you time up there and enjoy. There is too much to see so make the most of what you do see. Have plenty of rest days.
3. A 4WD course will give you the basics and some confidence.

Enjoy. It is one of the best things we have done as a family.

Hi David
When are ya thinking of doing The Tip trip?? I'm going mid-July if that can fit into your schedule !!
Have a good one
David

Hi David
Going out to the wilderness and the bush-bashing is like being on drugs and the cost is fairly similar - my guess.
Only bloody druggies have a rehabilitation centres sponsored by our governments and paid by us.
We just have to pack-up and go “walkabout”(“drive-about”).
We started many years ago and by now we should have seen it all, but forget that………..more than 10years later still doing it. We “must” see this and that and haven’t been there and there……….
Cape York is beautiful. Try your family to be as quiet as possible and only then you will see lots of wildlife. If they open wide their city eyes, and look properly, (sometimes up to the tree canopy) flora & fauna there is really magic.
Wish you good luck
Dana

Don't waste money on the bull bar - go the snorkel instead. But as many have said, you can do it without a snorkel.

Suspension upgrade would be worthwhile, but again not essential unless when loaded the vehicle is sagging. Maybe you can fit some air bags in the rear coils. Get a Prodigy brake controller. Use a Redarc isolater and 8ml B&S cable to charge up the battery in the camper.

With only 6 weeks I suggest a rapid transit from Melbourne to Cairns and take your time from there.

Cairns is a nice spot to stay for a few days and refresh.

Do a search for the trip report by Ivan of Canberra and follow their tracks.

When you are contemplating a river crossing on the OTL, watch a few others going through, and ask for help - there is always help available on this track.

Thankyou everyone for your response and advice. Its great to hear everyones views. I think i am crazy if I dont do it! Definately planning to get Ron Moon's book.