Which way to the Cape

Just back from Cape (now in Karumba) we went up the OTL to the Northern Bypass then onto Bamaga and on the way back we took a turnoff 35kms south of the Ferry over to the OTL and stayed at Twin Falls (excellent) and then came back on the Northern bypass for a look - don;t know what all the fuss is about. We towed a camper trailer and out friends towed a Jayco outback van all the way.

If you want any more info just let me know. We are currently on our way to Darwin.

Paul

Yes i agree... I cant see any reason why a trailer cant be towed through the telegraph track.......
I would stick to the telegraph track the whole way in each direction....... I wouldnt go near the bypass roads ever again because "in my opinion" they are just a viscious experience of torture in the first degree..........torture to the car that is.......They are bad enough after Lakefield but i would say 2½ times them on the bypass roads......

And you will get the people that say that the bypass roads are ok.....

If you stick to the OTL you wont miss anything....."elliot, fruit bat falls etc..."
Great swimming at fruit bat falls....

PS... The wenlock ferry doesnt open till 8am if they remember to set their alarm clock..._____________________________________________

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We also returned from the tip a week ago and went up the OTL and came down the bypass road. Saw a number of trailers being towed and a few needed repairs.
A lot depends on how you drive. If you try to do 50k's + you will shake everything to bits. On the OTL, the track itself will slow you down but it is a much shorter and scenic route. Wouldn't go on the bypass ever again but we wanted to go to Capt. Billy's landing. A lovely spot but no shelter from the wind. In some way's it was better than Chilli Beach. Some good campspots at Somerset. Thursday and Horn Islands were very interesting. We looked at Seisha, Loyalty and Punsand Bay parks and although Punsand Bay is the dearest, we thought it was the better camp site. bUt that's jusy my opinion. Thought their Sat Night Smorgasboard was a bit overrated at $48 each as a lot was frozen not fresh.
Back to towing your trailer.
Make sure your suspension, tyres and everything is 110% Let your tyres on 4X4 and trailer down to about 30psi.
Keep your speed down to about 30kph and everthing should be OK. Take your time and you will have a great trip.
Fuel is cheaper at Coen than at Musgrave. Bamaga cheaper than all the others up top.
Diesel is 25cpl cheaper at Tennant Creek (Centre of Town) than 24k's away at Threeways if your going that way.
Have a great time.Alpaca

We came back from the top a couple of weeks ago. Graham most of the OTL will not be a problem for a trailer - so long as you are a reasonably competent driver and the trailer is a good unit. However if you follow the OTL all the way you're going to have some fun getting through the exit on Cannibal Creek with the trailer. Many travellers miss it (and a few others) because they turn off too soon. In my opinion those last few creeks are not to be missed (at least for those without a trailer). Also keeps you off that horrible bypass road for a bit longer.
Other places worth visiting would be Virilya Point and further south Cape Melville. Also when you go out to Sommerset make sure you do the drive around the coast - I think it's called the 3 beach track. Stunning scenery and very few other vehicles when we were there. Easy driving too. We gave Chilli Beach a miss - been there before but didn't find it that good - very windy.
If you're at Punsand Bay on the Tuesday night (if I remember correctly) they have a fish night - all you can eat for $22. Excellent value and good tucker. The owner tells a few good yarns too.

Thanks to everyone for your info, very much appreciated. We are not towing anything, and we have a pretty capable vehicle including winch. Heading off from Brissy around the 16/08, can,t wait.
Just digressing slightly, has any seen the Kedron Caravans video "Cape York Adventure" where they towed one of thier ATV vans up the OTL including Cypress Ck. Although they strongly advise that the OTL is not recommended for vans, they certainly put the van through a rugged test, not to mention the Toyota 100 series towing it. Worth a look if you can get a hold of a copy.

Might see some of you up at the tip (White Hilux with alum. canopy, roof top camper and two spares on the back)

Graham