Back from the Tip in one piece.

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 18:52

ThreadID: 71213 Views:4385 Replies:5 FollowUps:6

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Member - Old Girl (QLD)

Image Could Not Be FoundWell the old girl made it up and back around 7500km. I kept thinking where is the famous Nth Qld corrugation's. Found them not too bad on the way up lots of road works. We took the Cockatoo Creek Crossing part of the Old Tele track up. On the way back we took the main road. That part of the road was shocking. Found the dust worse cause of traffic. My Navy was up there 10 years ago and said this is nothing. Only broke a rear sway bar bracket, swag strap and one can of drink. Bamaga wreckers comes highly recommended. They have all sorts of parts for sale. Took a packed lunch over the rocks to the tip. Saw two dolphin's checking us out. Then took the side track down to the beach. So many stories what a great place to travel to. So much to see up there will have to return again when the Creb is open.

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Reply By: L & S plus 4 - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 18:58

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 18:58

That sounds awesome. Great shot too.
We are keen to go on our first trip to Cape next year. We're planning to go in June/July. I'm interested to know if I can pick your brain for a sec, how long did you take to go up and back? We've just started planning, and are trying to weigh up whether to go with a hard floor trailer or a camp van, so beds are up off the ground. We have 4 kiddies. Any tips?

AnswerID: 377548

Follow Up By: Member - Old Girl (QLD) - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:33

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:33

You will sell your self short if you don't take a couple of weeks up there not including getting there. We were part of a rally so it was a quick one couple of weeks including getting there from Toowoomba. We swagged it but would prefer to take a real off road camper with kids. I was surprised to see so many jayco campers up there but was also told a couple vans thrashed their suspension to bits. If I was to take a camper through the Old Tele Track either go with some one else or have a winch. Like any exciting towing holiday if you take it easy you'll make it home safely. Been told early June/July the roads are not as bad. Seisia holiday Village was excellent we stayed on the fore shore with a roof kitchen sink and power. Didn't get any mozzie bites. The locals are very friendly. I would next time spend some time over Thursday Is and camp at Elliot and Twin Falls and Old Laura Station. My husband drove the rally car a Ford Falcon. I drove the cruiser all the way up and back. I was realy nervous before leaving but in hind site I was worrying for nothing.
Cheers

FollowupID: 644918

Reply By: Member - Josh (VIC) - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:05

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:05

Glad to hear you made it safely, I was wondering how the trip was going? Sounds like you had fun, love the photo. Hard not to have fun up the top though. Sounds like the car made it ok. What an amazing place it is up there. We were already planning another trip up there before we had even left. We will have to catch up somewhere one day seeing we missed you up the top.

Josh

AnswerID: 377551

Follow Up By: Member - Old Girl (QLD) - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:36

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:36

Josh are you still travelling?

FollowupID: 644919

Follow Up By: Member - Josh (VIC) - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 22:03

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 22:03

Kinda still on the road. We are in Echuca for the next 3 weeks (mum and dad live here) then head to melbourne/warragul for 3 weeks catch up with family and friends. Then we catch the boat to Tassie on the 13 sept and start looking for a house. Once we find a house we then start planning for when we head of on our next big trip lol. A while ago we where feeling like stopping but after being to the tip we are not sure how we will settle. What are your plans now that the tip is over.

Josh

FollowupID: 644946

Reply By: Members Paul and Melissa (VIC) - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:25

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:25

Well Done, we would have seen it last july/august but the cruiser blew the motor up in birdsville hence we didnt get there. we will have to wait untill 2011 now as we are building a new house and another bub on the way but thats life!!

AnswerID: 377556

Follow Up By: Member - Old Girl (QLD) - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:42

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 19:42

Hey Paul ours had a heart attack in the Vic High Country in January. Many other problems still ironing out like Josh we went any way. Rebuilt it just in time. Good luck with the house and bub on the way. You'll get there.
Cheers

FollowupID: 644920

Reply By: L & S plus 4 - Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 20:07

Tuesday, Aug 04, 2009 at 20:07

We have planned about 5 weeks, leaving from Newcastle and wondering if we can fit Uluru in as well. We'll see, have only just begun with the plans. How did you go with the kids in swags?? Did you always stay at van parks etc or did you do a few overnighters on your own? I was bit concerned about the kids being close to the ground that far north. Have lived for several years in Mackay and even there the crocs are a bit likely to travel about and wind up on the main beach etc.

Have heard that the Jayco ones aren't really up to it. Would love to go all out and buy a nice new cape yorker or cub etc. But have to stick to budget as well. So, perhaps a secondy or even a hire one if times get tough. Whatever it takes...

Thanks for the tips and will log them in to the memory bank for future reference.

AnswerID: 377559

Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Wednesday, Aug 05, 2009 at 10:31

Wednesday, Aug 05, 2009 at 10:31

From the photo it looks like your navvy was holding another steering wheel tighter than you were. Good Pic. Glad you had fun. Man we would have passed each other a few times I bet, I have just come back from Cairns last night after being up there on business for a week. I drove up and back (maybe low flew up and back hehe) so probably passed you on the hwy once or twice.

The cape is the most wonderful trip and one I would dearly love to do again.

Glad both "Old Girls" made it back safe and well (you and the truck of course)
;-)))).

Cheers, Trevor.

AnswerID: 377616