Cape York

Hi Beakie,

Alas, yes, there is an easier way around, you can go straight up the development road and the worst you will come into contact with will be corrugations.

Unfortunately you won't have much of a good time as all the good parts of the Cape are on the side tracks. i.e. Chilly Beach, Vrilya Beach

Having said that, in a 2002 cruiser you will handle anything it throws at you. I don't know your camper but if you take it steady over the rough it will do fine.
Remember the fun is in the exploring. You can always turn back if it gets too difficult.

Kev

The developement road is easy. Just slow down if you have corrugations. Nothing better than standing at the tip. I even swam there (well, dived in and out before I got eaten). There are heaps of things to see without full on 4wding. You can take a side track into gunshot to have a look. We took our girls up there and both are itching to get back. Take your time and enjoy. A must see is the croc tent.

Josh

I did the Tip to Mareeba in 2 days. Family problems had me coming home quick - but it was still only 2 x 10 hour drives. Its just another dirt road.

I'm at the top, at Punsand Bay right now. Went to the tip today. We did the Old Telegraph track. Great fun.
The Development Rd is a great road, but corrugated. You will have to do one water crossing to get to Elliot and Twin Falls. Not hard.

Hi beakie, we have only today arrived back at Lakeland after spending two weeks getting to the tip and back. Travelled in a 2002 Cruiser + tent. Travelled with two girls, aged 7 & 9, they had a ball. About 50% of all vehicles are towing something. We travelled the development road with some side trips to Old Mapoon and around the tip area. You can go and watch some of the OTT crossings at Bramwell Junction (Pine Creek) and a diversion on the way to the Falls (Gunshot). Stayed at the camping ground at Umagico (under new management, right on the beach, not crowded, kids camp free, $10 per adult + $5 if you want power). Checked out the other campgrounds but they were packed to the rafters and one even wanted $50 per night for the four of us!!Twin Falls and Fruit Bat Falls were favourites with the kids, but they were most excited about getting to the 'tip'. Did a day trip to Thursday Island which was expensive but worth it. We had no mechanical issues, but we did see 6 recent model Cruisers/Patrols being shipped from Bamaga to Cairns with water damage. The other most common issue we saw was smashed rear windscreens (about half a dozen) so we'd include a small tarp and masking tape next time. We also saw a few spare wheels on the side of the road that had obviously sheared off the back of vehicles. You won't believe how grubby everything will get, but you'll all love it.

Hi beakie, we have only today arrived back at Lakeland after spending two weeks getting to the tip and back. Travelled in a 2002 Cruiser + tent. Travelled with two girls, aged 7 & 9, they had a ball. About 50% of all vehicles are towing something. We travelled the development road with some side trips to Old Mapoon and around the tip area. You can go and watch some of the OTT crossings at Bramwell Junction (Pine Creek) and a diversion on the way to the Falls (Gunshot). Stayed at the camping ground at Umagico (under new management, right on the beach, not crowded, kids camp free, $10 per adult + $5 if you want power). Checked out the other campgrounds but they were packed to the rafters and one even wanted $50 per night for the four of us!!Twin Falls and Fruit Bat Falls were favourites with the kids, but they were most excited about getting to the 'tip'. Did a day trip to Thursday Island which was expensive but worth it. We had no mechanical issues, but we did see 6 recent model Cruisers/Patrols being shipped from Bamaga to Cairns with water damage. The other most common issue we saw was smashed rear windscreens (about half a dozen) so we'd include a small tarp and masking tape next time. We also saw a few spare wheels on the side of the road that had obviously sheared off the back of vehicles. You won't believe how grubby everything will get, but you'll all love it.

Thanks very much for all the replies you have all got me keen as, time to start preparing . All the little hints and tips are very much appreciated.
thanks again
beakie