Travelling to the Cape

Sounds to me that you have enough gear. Try and arrange a travelling mate, shouldn't be too difficult to arrange. Good luck on your trip.

Tim
It really depends on the weather and which route you want to take. If you are happy to stick to the Developmental Road you probably won't need anything else. Except maybe a boat if the wet runs a bit late. The main road is almost a highway these days. As long as the wet is over and the graders have had time to get through you should be fine.The govt is spending a fortune on it because the indigenous leaders now refuse to fly after the big air crash. If you want to go up the OTL probably the thing you would need most at that time of the year is someone to travel with. It can be a bit hairy and having someone with you for an occasional snatch job, or to help guide you through some of the obstacles makes life a lot easier. I can't help with the rental side of things, but I would be surprised if that facility was available in Cooktown. Probably get everything you need in Cairns.
I hope this helps.

teege

Tim, you should be fine with the gear you have although as previously mentioned it is best to find a travelling partner. Another concern is being early in the season how deep the crossings are.

Spare pair of thongs, chair, fishing rod, hat and sunscreen. Its not that bad.

Many suggested a travel partner.

I agree it is better to have someone with you, but as an alternative (what we always do)

When travelling alone, 90% of the way is quite ok on the OTL. But when we got to Nolans Brook, Gunshot and Palm Creek, we simply waited for another party to turn up. Everybody (most anyway) get out of their vehicles, check it out, walk the creek, etc. You then team up with someone and ask them to wait for you on the other side with snatch strap ready - 90% will eagerly help

CJ

I went to The Cape in May / June last year up the Old Telegraph Track and came back via the bypass. It was better to tackle the OTT from south to north. There were heaps of graders on the bypass and as we were returning and we met lots of people just starting out on their way up. So I would recommend early June at the latest.

I would also definately recommend a snorkle fitted to the vehicle as some of the creek crossings can be quite deep, but with care, no problem at all.

There seemed to be a bit of a crowd at most crossings, so you just need to watch the guy in front of you and if he makes it over without too much difficulty, follow his tracks, if he doesn't....well, pick another line. LOL

Have fun. It's a great place and not as "remote" as it once was.

Entered a few of the better camp spots up there on Lets-Getaway.comwith some pics. Link at the top.

Hi Tim,

I was also a little apprehensive about getting to the cape, but a mate of mine bought an old nissan back from up there last year and got by with using one thong and some fencing wire to hold the radiator in place, and 2 sapplings and some big zip ties ($3 each at Archer River) to put the tray back on the ute.

Just tag along behind someone else if you take the OTT.

Regards
Geoff

OTT is not that bad (this is subjective though!). Gunshot is usually the worst and there is a bypass track if you decide it is a bit much. There is a reasonable amount of traffic and if you are stuck somewhere the next person will need to get you out so they can get through. Not a thoughtful approach though.

The crossings can be deep and you won't know how deep until you start. We travelled the track with some people we met on the Batavia downs road. One of these did not have a snorkel. As it was a deisel he worried at each deep crossing. So the snorkel would be prudent if only for piece of mind. Had a great time for two weeks.

Experience counts in these things. You need to be confident of getting out of any trouble you get yourself into. I would do the OTT by ourselves these days. Back then I was a bit nervous about it. We have since crossed the Simpson by ourselfs. It is not recommended to do this but we could not find anyone prior or at Birdsville to travel with. It taught us a lot. Particularly about the usefulness of a long handled shovel and very low tyre pressures! The biggest change was the increase in confidence to think your way out of a problem.

Steve

Hello Tim

We are also looking for travelling companions.

My wife and I intend going to the top in June. We have two weeks, so will either go from 5 to 20, or 12 to 27, starting and finishing in Townsville.

Our vehicle is a fairly standard 2007 Cherokee diesel, but will be getting a snorkel fitted and am looking at getting a power winch, as an option to joining a tag-a-long tour.

Captain Billy's Landing and Chilli Beach are on my wishlist.
(Is it Chili or Chilli?)

Do you have any particular dates in mind?

Regards
John