bloomfield track

Planning a trip up north this September and just wondering if it is possible to tow a semi off road caravan on the bloomfeild track from Cape Tribulation to cooktown.
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Reply By: Member - DW Lennox Head(NSW) - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 05:05

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 05:05
Dom

I have been over twice in the past 2 winters but with an off road van and can see no problem if you take it very carefully.

From Cape Trib' you hit the gravel/dirt and it can be rough. There are some very steep patches on it.

If your van has excellent clearance and the departure angle is good it may be possible. If it is a dual axle van I would not be keen to do it.

You should get more info from here.

DW
AnswerID: 474782

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 07:19

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 07:19
Although sections of the track have been resurfaced, there are a few steep sections to asend or desend and there are some creek crossings that may be a bit deep, depending on weather and tide conditions.

The problem is, you don't know until you get to a potential obstruction and it would be very difficult to turn around towing a van.

Although I haven't driven the bloomfield for a few years, I wouldn't be attempting it with a caravan. Departure angles into and out of one or two of the creeks may be an issue and if there is any rain about, that may turn a relatively "docile" track into something more sinister.

Bill


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Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 09:08

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 09:08
Wise words from Sandy in my view - I've towed a HD offroad camper up there a few years back in fine weather and it was a great drive - if it was wet and slippery, though, the very (very) steep sections may be a real problem, and if you meet oncoming traffic with a van in tow you may not have enough track to pass on - backing up might not just be difficult for you and the oncomer - it could be near impossible in some spots. PS: It can rain at any moment up there, even in the 'dry'.
AnswerID: 474802

Reply By: Member Andys Adventures - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 09:17

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 09:17
Hi Dom, If you are heading from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown the descent in 2 spots are now concrete but very steep and have a sharp turn in them. How big is the van as you would have to have extremely good brakes to hold it back and if it started to push you down the hill could land you over the edge. I would take a run up first to the creek crossing to see if you think it ok. As after that it mostly flat but narrow. As said before it is narrow and turning around would be difficult if not impossible. Going the other way forget it, the hill is to steep and a normal 4WD spins there wheels on the concrete, black rubber all over it as you lose traction on the bend.
Andy

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Follow Up By: Dom lc100 - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 17:59

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 17:59
Thank you for your feed back the van has very high ground clearance and is only single axle 16 footer. If the track is wet there will be no chance l would even consider it anyway. I will be towing with Toyota landcruiser 100 seriesTD. I guess on the steep hills i will just go in low 4. Thank you all for your replies Dom.
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Follow Up By: Member Andys Adventures - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 19:52

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 19:52
Just one more thing, when you get to the concrete weir at Wujai Wujai if you can not see 5 concrete stumps on the side of the weir do not cross it. It is not the depth but the speed of the water that will sweep you away, that's from locals who live there. again wet or dry the steep section is more that 45 deg with a left hand turn in the middle of it, strongly suggest looking first as recovery is not possible from their, it will be their forever. Camping at Cape Tribulation on Noah's beach is great and can be per booked on the web.
Andy

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Reply By: Motherhen - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 15:00

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 15:00
I recall the bends crossing the range near Cow Bay being pretty tight and may even be three point turn stuff with long rig (if your van is long). You could frustrate other motorists coming the other way. Likewise, when on the concrete ramp section, ascending traffic expects descending traffic to be the one to leave the ramps (of two thin concrete strips) so they do not lose traction. We were tenting for that trip (Cairns to Cooktown then return via the Tablelands) and it was some years ago.

Motherhen
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Follow Up By: Member - Eric H1 - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 19:08

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 19:08

We drove up the Bloomfield Track lin 2010 with a Slide on camper on a Toyota Cab Chas tray. We would not take the caravan along it. The two hills are long steep ribbedconcrete with tight bends.
marg
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Reply By: Member - Eric H1 - Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 19:13

Friday, Jan 13, 2012 at 19:13
Image Could Not Be Found
One of the downhill bends on the concrete
marg
AnswerID: 474850

Reply By: Member - Bucky - Saturday, Jan 14, 2012 at 04:32

Saturday, Jan 14, 2012 at 04:32
Dom lc100

Dom It is only a bit steep, and narrow in places, so make sure you have a UHF, and call ahead, when necessary
I would not consider it rough

Cheers
Bucky
AnswerID: 474874

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