Cape York trip late August

Submitted: Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 19:48

ThreadID: 86711 Views:2593 Replies:4 FollowUps:7

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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.

TTD1

We intend to do the Cape in a 120 2007 Prado standard with air bags in the rear,no winch and no snorkel towing an Ultimate via the development road. Do we need to upgrade the shocks (60,000K) and do we need a snorkel. We have all the other recovery gear,(H/J,M/traxs,Snatchstraps,Turfer,and spares to boot) and am experienced at remote travel.
Suggestions as to vehicle mods would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

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Reply By: kiwicol - Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 19:59

Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 19:59

The bamaga by pass road you can deive a normal car to the top, the old telegraph road you will need the recovery gear and is a more exciting road to travel.

Cheers Col

AnswerID: 456177

Follow Up By: TTD1 - Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 20:20

Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 20:20

kiwicil,
Thanks for the quick reply,we would perhaps like to visit Elliot and Fruit bat falls and stick our nose down a little of the OTT. Not interested in trying to break the truck in half,been there and are a bit too old for that..

FollowupID: 729185

Follow Up By: rumpig - Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 21:05

Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 21:05

in 2006 when we went, Elliot Falls had one waterhole on the way in which was deeper then we expected it to be (though not overly deep), so walk it first if your concerned about it's depth.
Fruitbat Falls had nothing to be worried about from memory, and you should be able to do a drive North from Elliot Falls along the OTL for a short while and peel off and meet up with the Developmental Rd again no worries before it hits the deeper creek crossings further up.

FollowupID: 729195

Follow Up By: TTD1 - Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 21:15

Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 21:15

Thanks rumpig,
The hemma map shows the track. I am not worried about having to spend the $ on the snorkel and lift but it perhaps the only time I will need that type of gear.

FollowupID: 729198

Reply By: deserter - Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 20:42

Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 20:42

I did the Dev Rd in 2007 - in a 2007 D4D - in 2 days. Had to come back in a hurry for personal reasons. Siesa to Archer River on day 1 and Archer River to Mareeba on day 2. The Dev Rd is just another dirt rd.

AnswerID: 456179

Follow Up By: deserter - Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 20:43

Thursday, Jun 02, 2011 at 20:43

BTW - the Prado was stock except for a snorkel. Went up the OTT hence the snorkel.

FollowupID: 729190

Reply By: ian - Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 00:24

Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 00:24

TTDI
Development Rd is a highway in dry weather. You just need patience with the traffic. You won't need winch or snorkel. To the 2 falls will be easy. North of the falls to the turn off should be OK. Sounds like you have all the gear you need. Chilli Beach and Lakefield NP will be easy for you also
Have fun
ian

AnswerID: 456198

Follow Up By: TTD1 - Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 08:54

Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 08:54

Ian,
Thanks for the information,we are looking forward to the trip and have plenty of time.
Regards.

FollowupID: 729237

Reply By: becboo68 - Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 06:27

Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 06:27

Hi TTD1, I would at least add a snorkel as it will be very dusty and dry up there that time of year. It will protect your engine. We are also going up there at the end of august. If you see us say hi, we will be a white 100 series a maroon 100 series a holden rodeo and a cutdown dual cab 100 series. it is a beautiful part of our fantastic and diverse country.
Cheers
Bec

AnswerID: 456203

Follow Up By: Geoff H (Q - Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 08:29

Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 08:29

We did the trip into the falls in a standard vehicle with no problems, we took an snatch strap and a small tarp for the bullbar but never used them. There is plenty of traffic so you won't be stranded.

If you pack light you don't have to wallow along the road with loaded up roof racks waiting to break something or get stuck.

At the end of the day it's just like any other country road that farmers drive on every day with commodores.

Regards

FollowupID: 729234

Follow Up By: TTD1 - Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 09:01

Friday, Jun 03, 2011 at 09:01

becboo68 & Geoff H
Thanks for the updates,I am leaning towards fitting a snorkel but having come back from Lake Eyre and 2000k of dirt the aircleaner was still like new.
becboo68 we will be in a 120 Prado silver with an Ultimate Xtrail in tow (and perhaps a snorkel)
Regards
TTD

FollowupID: 729239