OTT - Cape York

Submitted: Friday, Jul 09, 2010 at 20:49

ThreadID: 79963 Views:3920 Replies:4 FollowUps:7

This Thread has been Archived

Cape York

This is the true 4WD journey to the tip of Cape York following the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) and its many challenging river crossings.

Cape York

Section: Treks

This is the true 4WD journey to the tip of Cape York following the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) and its many challenging river crossings.

becboo68

Well, hubby and I have just got back from the Cape. Had a great and relaxing 3 weeks. We did the OTT but must say we were dissappointed. we expected a harder terrain and drive. We are now thinking that maybe it is because of previous experience as we have done a lot of bush driving as we lived on many cattle stations. We thought that it was like driving on a station road. We enjoyed the fact of seeing parts of Australia that we hadn't been to before. The history and interesting facts. So the next big thing for us is the Simpson as this is different terrain to what we are used too.

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: kemp family 28yrs 3- Friday, Jul 09, 2010 at 21:05

Friday, Jul 09, 2010 at 21:05

Hi guys we are heading up there in our 96 pajero over the next few weeks..
+ we have our 3 kids..

Is it a trip we can do by our self or do we need to go with others...

can you get up to the top we heard reports of roads not being open

AnswerID: 423514

Follow Up By: CJ - Friday, Jul 09, 2010 at 21:21

Friday, Jul 09, 2010 at 21:21

Kemp

I am not having a go at you but I can't believe how gullable people can be with reports that roads are closed. It is a bloody highway up there, yet every year its the same BS story.

Back to your question, I assume you are asking about the OTT. If you have some 4wd experience, common sense and walk all creeks you will be fine. If you get to a creek that you have doubt, wait for another car to see what they are doing and cross with them so they can help you if need be. This is only at three crossings - Palm, Gunshot (don't attempt alone) and Nolans. The rest is ok

I guarentee your kids will enjoy the adventure. Done it with ours and they want more.

Cheers

CJ

FollowupID: 693972

Follow Up By: Allan B, Sunshine Coast, - Friday, Jul 09, 2010 at 22:05

Friday, Jul 09, 2010 at 22:05

"do we need to go with others..."???

Don't worry, you will be with others ..... lots of OTHERS!!! At this time it is like Bourke Street.

As CJ says above, at the crossings just watch others and follow their path and heed their advice.

But you can get into serious trouble at Gunshot. My advice is to approach it to watch the mad egoists but then bypass it.

We got back a week ago and all roads were open then except the CREB track.

Check current road reports here. and have a great trip.

Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

FollowupID: 693978

Follow Up By: seven - Saturday, Jul 10, 2010 at 07:43

Saturday, Jul 10, 2010 at 07:43

Folks,
go and have a great time with your family, okay the roads may not be macho for some but when the roads are good its a great chance to see the best parts of Australia, as in other threads be careful on the rivers, take your time and you and your vehicle will have no problem

enjoy Seven

FollowupID: 693995

Follow Up By: becboo68 - Monday, Jul 12, 2010 at 12:01

Monday, Jul 12, 2010 at 12:01

Yes Kemp family, ENJOY!!! Consider it as an adventure. The good the bad the lot!

We do this with our 8yr old son so as to get him out of the town stuff. We don't take any electronic gadgets for him at all. We take a pack of cards and books. He gets to use the video camera and has a ball. We always have a good laugh at the end as there are invariably the funnies.

The OTT is easier if you go South to North. We went north to south. There are camping spots along it and some you can swim at. A good spot to stop at the northern end is Nolans brook. Fantastic for big and little kids and the water tastes sweet! We stayed there for a few days.

Like I said before, Enjoy it as it is the adventure that counts. And your kids will remember it. We have a 22yr and a 20 yr daughters as well which we did similar things with and they remember the trips and the highlights. They have grown up into very competent women. So enjoy your time up there