Cape York Virgin

Sorry about the spelling. I rushed to get it on before people answered so that we can properly guide you in your particular quest.

Phil

OT you make it sound like travelling with "know it alls" is a bad thing. Isn't the point of a novice joining a club to gain some experience from those that "know it all"? Or they could even travell in the safety of a group that may have several "know it alls" who could help set up their car, guide the beginner safely throughout the trip, recover or repair as needed.
Ironically wouldn't the offroad course you're suggesting be run by the king of "know it alls" ;-)
Cheers Craig.......

OT

I think you have made some very bad choices in clubs. Maybe you need to change your criteria when looking at them.

Our club has an extensive training regime. It includes everything from basic 4wd stuff up and down a few low grade tracks at our club property. It also includes sand and water crossing and recovery methods and much more advanced extreme driving techniques and contesting. Our senior instructor has been awarded an OAM for his contribution to 4WD training both professionally to Government Departments and socially to club members. He has been supervising the training for several decades now. The training team approach each course in a professional and business like manner. I do not believe there is one "know it all" in the group.

That's why I suggested do the club training. It extends beyond the actual course as you have access to the training team at any time. A course at the local driver training business finishes at the end of the last day etc.

Phil

Not arguing with what you are saying and I did state that I was making a gross generalisation based on my opinion. I guess it depends on the person really, some feel more comfortable with support from experienced people and some like to go alone.

Probably not surprising anyone here but I like to go it alone and to make my own mistakes and learn from them, even if it means more risk and hard work. That is after doing a lot of research beforehand though.

When I first did the Cape I was pretty inexperienced, although I had not long before completed a 4WD course. I had basic equipment and my first 4WD that hadnt seen too much offroad work. I did a bit of reading and sought advice from those that had been there before. I quickly worked out the difference between the plonkers that think they need to have every accessory under the sun and think they're bulletproof from the balancing act of taking the minimum required and using your head.

Yep, fair to say that there was some luck that I didnt cop any more than a bent step and some pinstriping but at no time did I feel I had entered something without assessing all the risks without a way out etc.

I guess for me this is the approach I am comfortable with and it certainly doesnt mean that I know more or even close to old mate OAM, but I dont need to.

I also probably wouldnt fit in well because I think dual wheel carriers, lowering tyre pressure on gravel roads, electric winches, brush guards, turbo timers, TPMS, long range tanks etc are more than often fitted as a status symbol rather than a necessity.

But again, that is just my opinion.

Thank you Phil and everyone else as well. Your thoughts are all appreciated.

Have had computer problems so responce has been delayed.

About 15 years ago I was a mechanic and still retain a basic level of competence in that area. I have completed a basic 4WD course in my current employ with a few snatch recoveries, shallow water crossing, etc, etc, but nothing too in depth. Hooking up with my local 4WD club seems like a great idea, from what I have seen on the web they have some good training drives, they are just a little slack at returning phone calls.

As for the trip, I want to be challenged, I want to be tested, I want some adventure. What I don't want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with no posibility of retreival, or worse still bust my new (2nd hand - but new to me) Prado. On this point, if anyone has spare Valium, they would be very handy to keep the wife calm the first time I brake something on the rig...or heaven forbid, dent a guard or door.

To this end, I intended to take the OTL but avoid the more difficult spots like the gunshot crossing. From what I have read there is usually an alternative to the nastier sections. Is this correct?

Thanks again
PARSO

Great

I believe what you should do is look at the following tracks. First is the CREB track which starts at the Daintree Village. But I suggest that you avoid it if it is wet. Lots of clay covered hills that make you think you are driving on ice.

There are three other tracks that you should visit. The OTL as you have already identified. I would add Frenchman's Track and as a good full day drive over 150Kms the Starckie Track. Frenchman's is quite well traversed so if you break something you should be fine. The Starcke does not get a lot of traffic but it is an easy drive if taken carefully and not rushed. Just like travelling across a station paddocks. Take it easy and you will be fine. Lots of twisty bits through the savannah bush and some washouts to look forward to. No doubt there are others. But that's all the tracks we had time for. We broke a shockie on the Starcke so you may want to put a spare in.

Now the vehicle. Being on your own you should do a few things. I would start by installing better shocks and a snorkel and UHF radio. There is only one track where you may need extra HF or Sat comms and that is the Starcke. Fuel and water are available at most places so you should n'e have to carry more then three days water. You shouldn't need a bullbar or winch. Just don't run into any animals. I do not think that you need lifts etc. But make sure the tyres are good. Muddies came in handy for us because we stuck a bit of rain. Didn't need the winch. Only used it to extract others. Put some maxtraks in.

A fire extinguisher is a must. I gather a fist aid kit is in already. You can work out the personal food and clothing stuff.

Throw in some good old fencing wire. I would also add a stiff bit of metal rod to remove the stuff that collects under the car. That is where fires can start.

Spares? Put a set of belts in. Do NOT BUY them. Use the set from the next service. Sometimes the purchased ones won't fit because maybe a previous owner (or you) made some mods. Possibly the alternator was changed or mounted in a different spot etc. A spare air cleaner wouldn't hurt either. One spare and a puncture repair kit should be fine. You can throw in an inner tube if you wish. Get a 12V pump. Either in a case or mounted, maybe in the engine bay.

There really isn't a lot to do. You can do heaps more but it is not necessary. Its your wallet. We were fully decked out but that's for future CSG and the like solo desert trips.

Is that enough for the moment?

Phil

Phil.

Thank you so much. This is exactly the type of info I was looking for. I had read a bit about the Creb track, but will look into the others you have suggested also.

As for the car, I had the dealer fit a winch, snorkel, and UHF before I took delivery so it seems I am already well on my way. If anything perhaps I have been overthinking the trip...I spent last night pricing uni-joiints, CV joints, clutch kits, ball joints, and some other pricey stuff. It would seem a couple of radiator hoses, fan belt, and a filter kit may be more appropriate and certainly more affordable.

I will be taking the EPIRB off my boat and must remember to update the AMSA with details of the trip. I have also checked hire rates for SAT Phones as I can't really justify the purchase cost for what may turn out to be a once in a life time trip.

I am looking to fit a fishing charter into the schedule, wither at Weipa, or at the tip. Any suggestions???

Thanks again
PARSO

For fishing try google for Island Breeze. The sons got the fish below on John's boat out of seissa. Email: john@capeyorkadventures.com.au.

John Charlton's Adventures