Camping in Maytown Area

G'day Alan,

We did this trip in '93 and recall that there were 3 tracks going in from Laura, we miistakingly took the old Cobb and Co coach track which took us something like 7 hours to do 50 k building the track as we went. Most scary thing we have ever done in a 4WD, we managed to get lost going in and going out a map and compass were of no use as there were many tracks etc. The bride nearly gave up on 4wding the kids thought it was just great.

We camped on the river then as there was limited room anywhere. On reflection it was a trip that certainly helped me decide on getting a GPS and long range tanks.

It was a great place to camp. Good to hear that it has become a little easier now.

Kind regards

Thanks Alan. I haven't done this trip before as we got told to bugger off in 2004 by the Palmerville Stn owner....we were approaching from Chillagoe side. This time I'm hoping to get through this time around and with the convoy just hoping that I can get everyone to fit into a campsite. There will be 4 x off road campers among the group.

Thanks for the help Rockape

G'day Patrol22.
Rockapes photo is of Dog Leg Crossing.
There is a large camping area just on from this on a near permanent waterhole. It's quire a pretty bottlebrush lined waterhole with a nice hill for a backdrop.
It's a huge area & if there aren't a heap of people already there it will definitely accommodate you.
The dog leg camp-site has a good covering of cooch early in the season & no shade. The shade isn't so much of a problem if it is in the cooler months.
Here is the address for DRM info on the camp-sites.

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/palmer-goldfield/camping.html#dog_leg_crossing_camping_area

I see they don't allow fires there anymore. I think a lot of people ignore that rule though.
I haven't camped on the North Palmer before so I can't help you there. Surely someone else can.

Fatso

Thanks Fatso....you wouldn't happen to know the coordinates for Dog Leg Crossing would you?

Not a clue about the coordinates sorry Patrol22.
It is the most common entry point to the reserve. The river here is the boundary of the reserve.
If you come in from the Mulligan Highway (was Peninsular Dev Road) about 15 km South of the Palmer River Roadhouse (at Whites Ck I think) you will come to Dog Leg Crossing.
If you are going out through the North of the reserve it gets a bit serious. There are some good rocky steps that you have to get up. Lots of low range.
Don't take on Dog Leg Crossing if it is running deep. I've heard that when it is up on your bonnet depth it has a mongrel of a bottom.
In rockapes photo it would be the place to take a swim & wash some dust off.

There is a forum that talks predominately about Cape York. That might have something.
This is the address. Sorry, I don't know how to make a link yet.

http://capeyorkforums.com/forums/index.php

Fatso

Thanks Fatso much appreciated.

Hey Pete,
The waypoint for Dog Leg crossing is S16 05 28.9 E144 19 48.8
May I ask when you intend going up?

Thanks Gold Miner

No Worries!!
The only reason I ask as to when you intend to go up is that right now, obviously, it can be treachorous with the creeks etc!!
Sth Palmer, Firey, Granite are just a few of the 'creeks' I could name that can ruin your day!! And we aint even got to the big river yet!!

The Whites creek road now is somewhat of a freeway compared to a few years ago, the 'Fitzy crew' along with Cook Shire have made Maytown a more accessable place to all.... but the wet (when it comes...????) can turn things around quickly.

Everything you no doubt have read about this area via U-tube & google is true!! Its a true paradise. Its an off road 4wd heaven! Things break and you're 100ks from anywhere!! Good stuff eh?

Last year, we picked up nigh on a truck load of crap left by 'visitors'.
The best bit Danny picked up, was a tucker box freezer, thrown in the bush, wasnt much wrong with it, $5 or 10 got it going I think......not the point though eh?

I suppose what us miners in the area are concerned with is that people treat the area with respect!!

Yeah can understand where you are coming from Gold Miner. Our plan is to be there around the 2nd week of August this year....and I can assure you that we will leave nothing but our footprints in the dust. We are an older bunch with the pup amongst us being in her late 40s. In a former life I was what you might call and "almost local" - I grew up in Mossman, did my apprenticeship with the then CREB and worked for Comalco in Weipa for a year or so. I've spent that last 4 decades working for the Navy....32 years of that in uniform.
Cheers and thanks again for your advice.
Pete

Good stuff Pete!
A perfect time to go up there! A bit cold at night though!
You will pass through one of our leases when you go along the Maytown/Laura track, I'll keep an eye out for your 'convoy' and give ya a call! (most of the miners and road crew etc are on channel 40 uhf)

Cheers mate.....I'll give a call for the Gold Miner if'n I can remember.

Ha Ha!
That'd be choice eh? Heaps of blokes digging dirt wondering if the 'Gold Miner copy???' call is for them!!!

My nickname is Simmo, we have a camp lease at Jessops creek. Our mining activities are closer to German bar and Maytown itself.

Many a time we sit at home watching people come down the hill to the dam heading to Laura and they would not know that we are out there in the bush looking on!!

I know you will love your trip!

Simmo

Much appreciated mate.....I've got the files and responded via email. Thanks again.
Pete

Thanks Bill. Is that right in the heart of the old Town? I'm told that DERM has made a few rule changes in the last couple of years and now have just 2 designated campsites. That said we make a habit of making minimal impact anywhere we go so if push really comes to shove we'll set up where we can. I will give the local ranger a call and have a chat with him/her just to make sure we don't step on anyone's toes. Thanks again.
Pete

Yeah Scott the Cook Shire took compulsory acquisition action to reclaim the road. See here for more info

From what I remember, he wasn't adverse to taking the odd pot-shot as well.

Good news.