Cape York Track Conditions

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 15:30
ThreadID: 53008 Views:2740 Replies:3 FollowUps:0
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Just doing some forward planning for our next trip, so we watched the Gall boys DVD to Cape York.
1. Is the telegraph track still as bad as depicted in their DVD or has it improved or does it just depend upon the year and the time of year?
2. Is all the development road corrugated or just in places?
3. Any suggestions on weaving in between the two to reduce stress on the driver, the vehicle and the camper trailer?
Thanks
Bob
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Reply By: Crackles - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 16:30

Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 16:30
1......The track is not as difficult as it looks on the DVD. If your camper is a true offroad version & you keep the weight down it's challenging but not stressfull. Walk the handfull of difficult crossings 1st to choose the appropiate line.
2...... The condition of the Development road changes from week to week but for most of the tourist season it's going to be rough. Lower both tyre pressures & your speed & it's no big deal.
3...... Suggest drive up the Telegraph track to Bamaga then come back the Developmental road taking in the numerous side trips to the coast. That way you will see more new country.

Unless you strike a particually wet year, you'll be surpised how little 4 wheel driving there is, more like a long rough road with 30 odd challenging creek crossings. If you are used to driving in the Vic High Country you'll see more 4 wheel driving in a day than 2 weeks on the tourist routes of the Cape.
Cheers Craig............
AnswerID: 279219

Reply By: Member - Poppy (QLD) - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 17:13

Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 17:13
Hi Bob
Cackles is right on the money with his response.
A lot of people get all stressed about the cape trip, just drive to the conditions and enjoy the journey, you will love it
Just don't tackle it until the wet is over and don't leave it too long either as the road will be all sealed to Weipa soon, the way they're going.
Have a great journey Bob
Cheers Ray (Townsville)
AnswerID: 279232

Reply By: Voxson - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 23:08

Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 23:08
Been there three times this decade and if i was to go next year (which i am not),,,i could easily drive a 4x4 and a camper along the OTL without even getting out to walk the creeks....
BUT,,, i would probably take the bypass around Gunshot which is easy to find b4 you get there and i would DEFINATELY walk Bridge Creek or Nolans Brook (whichever it is called nowadays)....
It would probably be a cointoss as to whether you cross that one with a camper or not depending on how early you get there...
Very soft and deep....

PS.. I dont condone crossing creeks without walking them,,, it was just an example of how easily managable they are.
AnswerID: 279292

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