Cape York - Creek Crossings

It won't be an issue on any of the "busy" crossings on the main tracks etc. However, where you need to be more careful is if you find yourself in an area where nobody usually goes.

All bar one of the crossings we did were done without walking. The only one we walked (well it was actually Annette and Barb who actually did the walk) was the section at the southern end of the top half of the OTT....just south of Edith Falls/Twin Falls.....

The crossing at Dulhunty River was a great spot to spend a night and the rocky section just downstream of the road crossing was perfect for a prolonged loll in the rock pools.

Roachie

The OTL basically crosses in the upper reaches of most of the rivers & creeks well above the range of salt water crocs. The water is often crystal clear and not very deep. You'll find people swimming in the vast majority of them.
If river levels are not abnormally high for the winter touring season there would only be 4 or 5 that should be walked and are fairly obvious when you get there. Creeks with a solid rocky bottom often have large holes washed out that one can easily drop a wheel in. More often than not there are so many people using the track you will need to wait for others to cross 1st so simply follow their line.
Greater caution should be taken around the larger rivers like the Jardine & Wenlock as well as any coastal routes.
Cheers Craig..........

Before we headed up the OTL Track, were camped in Weipa next to a guy waiting for parts for major repairs to his diesel. He did not have a snorkel, had started up the Track, waded the first two creeks; the third "looked ok" so he didn't wade. Drowned the diesel. Costly lesson. We found most of the creeks, even if tricky, narrow and often fast flowing - too far upstream for crocs. However, the Jardine is an exception to that generalization - get the ferry!!

Should also have mentioned that the latest edition of Moon's Guide to Cape York is due out in next couple of weeks - that is a pretty accurate guide to the best way to cross each of the creeks.

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Cheers Steve

Richo,

That would have to be the most asked question that we have when doing driver training.

We will not ask or except people to walk a creek or river if there is any doubt of crocs. We do however ask them to walk the creek or river before crossing. As you can see they will get as far as the first creek and that is where they will be until they can see what the crossing is like.
A vehicle coming from the other side might be alright but trouble is the person on the other side might be waiting for you to cross while you are waiting for them.

The sure way to get another vehicle to cross a creek or river that you don't wish to walk first.

When you approach the bank of the creek, stop and turn the vehicle around.
Reverse the vehicle back until the tyres are wet.
Drive forward and park on the side of the track.
Wait until another vehicle approaches the creek and you give them the thumbs up.
They see your wet wheel tracks leaving the creek and assume that it is OK to cross.
You watch very carefully which way they went. :-))

Honestly you should not drive a creek or river that you don't know what the crossing is like, and walking a creek is not advisable if crocs my be around.
Wait till some one else comes along. They might have crossed the creek earlier that day or might be a local that knows the crossing.

Enjoy your trip but keep a look out for crocs and a lot of vehicle parked on the side of the track with only there back wheels wet.

Wayne

Most of the creeks are pretty small and probably unlikely to harbour a man-eating size croc. The water is also crystal clear (unless previously churned up) so have a good look around for snapping logs before walking in.

Richo (SA)
Sure fire method!!!! as told to me by a wank@r

When you come to a creek or river you are not to sure about, reverse your car till the back wheels are in the water.
When a car comes from the other side you drive out of the water just as they can see you leave the water.
They think you have just crossed and dive straight in.
Watch them go through and if they make it across, turn around and retrace their track, Bingo no wet feet and no lizards to worry about.
Colin

I travel mostly on my own and crossing rivers is something that I take a great deal of care about.

I am also conscious of crocs.

My solution is this water depth checker thingy

I attach the sender to my fishing rod, cast it into the river and slowly reel it back in watching the depth on the receiver as i do so.

Havent drowned my vehicle (yet) havent been eaten by croc (yet)