Cape York

Ideal timeframe I think is 3 weeks from Cairns back to Cairns , it is a long way to go to rush your way through it but I suppose you could do it if that is all the time you have.

Hi Rob

Have a look at my blog from last year.

It may give you some ideas. I only traveled up and back on the PDR as I was towing a fairly heavy Kimberley Karavan and besides I did not want to wreck my rig as I saw some others damaged by going on the OTT.

I am going as far as Cooktown again this year then across to Birdsville for the races.

Enjoy.

DW

Only suggestion is squeeze a couple more days out of the boss.

I did Syd-Cape-Syd in 28 days many years back but still remember saying "wish I had another week". If it is an option look into flying to Cairns while your rig goes on vehicle transport a few days before you. This will cut out at least 3 long tiresome days behind the wheel and put you amongst the action bright eyed and bushy tailed. Some people think 2800km ( Syd-Cairns via the coast) is a piece of cake but don't kid yourself it takes it out of you if you don't do it all the time (even takes it out of you when you do do it all the time hehehe).

The Challenger should do you proud so long as you do not rush anything. My stock 3lt Pathy towing the off road trailer coped fine with the obstacles and brought us back to civilization without a glitch.

Do your homework on the area to really enjoy what should be the trip of a lifetime. Be prepared for almost anything as almost anything can and does happen up there. I would take minimal water and excess fuel to allow room for more "essential" tools and spares. Water is plentiful at pretty much every creek crossing, a spare fan belt or special tool for the Challenger will not be so readily available up there.

regards, Trevor.

Hi Rob,

I reckon less than 3 weeks isn't enough to do the Cape. Last year we spent three weeks just on The Cape alone and that was barely enough. Minimum four weeks in my opinion.

If you can't get any extra off you could consider a diferent trip. 18 to 20 days would be great to head out to Menindee Lakes, Broken Hill, Cameron Corner and Tibooburra. There's so much to see and you wouldn't have to rush. The flora and fauna that has sprung to life out in Western Qld and NSW, as well as South Australia's north east is unbelievable this year. On top of that the landscape is unique and the people are great.

I hope that helps a bit.

eighty matey.

Personally I think you would be better with more days. We went from Canberra to the Cape and back in 27 days and did not see it all. We did though stay at a couple of places for more than one night. And we also drove the slow way. As far as possible we stayed off the development roads.On the other hand we saved a whole day by taking the train with the cars also from Brisbane to cairns. Not cheap but lets face it. You cannot takle it etc etc etc.

Itnerary:
Date Accommodation
Monday, 26 July 2010 Depart Canberra, drive to Brisbane
Tuesday, 27 July 2010 Still driving
Wednesday, 28 July 2010 Stay at Ashmore Palms at Surfers
Thursday, 29 July 2010 Train to Brisbane to Cairns
Friday, 30 July 2010Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Saturday, 31 July 2010 as above
Sunday, 1 August 2010 Pinnacle Village, Vixies Road, Wonga Beach
Monday, 2 August 2010 as above
Tuesday, 3 August 2010 Cooktown Caravan Park, Hope St, Cooktown
Wednesday, 4 August 2010 as above
Thursday, 5 August 2010 Cape Melville, and Pandanus Vet Retreat
Friday, 6 August 2010 as above
Saturday, 7 August 2010 Lakefield and Running Creek
Sunday, 8 August 2010 as above
Monday, 9 August 2010 Bramwell Junction - OTL
Tuesday, 10 August 2010 Jardine River ferry
Wednesday, 11 August 2010 Seisia Holiday Park,
Thursday, 12 August 2010 As above - Scenic drives and the Tip
Friday, 13 August 2010 As above with Thursday Isl
Saturday, 14 August 2010 As above - Fishing
Sunday, 15 August 2010 Top half OTL then to Merluna Station
Monday, 16 August 2010 Merluna Station
Tuesday, 17 August 2010 Driving home
Wednesday, 18 August 2010 Driving home
Thursday, 19 August 2010 Driving home

Photos on photobucket.com

One video on youtube

Phil

Thanks to all that responded.

You all feel the same as I do, there is to little time for such a trip, Ill go back to the drawing board, and leave KY for another time.

Thanks all again.