CREB Track

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesDaintree
FinishAyton
DifficultyDifficulty 5/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance77.43 km
Minimum Days1
Average Speed21.01 km/hr
Travel Time3 hrs 41 mins
Page Updated: 28 Mar 2022

Description

The CREB track is the service access track for the Ergon Energy powerline to Cooktown. It traverses a spectacular, yet sensitive, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from the Daintree River through China Camp to Wujal Wujal. The CREB Track was originally intended as a service track for the Cairns Regional Electricity Board (CREB) power line. Heading south from Ayton, near Bloomfield, the CREB Track winds its way first through open wooded ridges to Dawnvale station, and then slowly works its way deeper into rainforest and mountainous terrain where it climbs and descends precipitously, eventually reaching the Daintree River. Lush tropical rainforest, clear flowing streams, stunning waterfalls and spectacular views from ridge tops, make this one of the most exciting journeys you can do in the Far North.

The CREB Track is typically closed during the wet season and anyone considering travelling on this track should first seek additional information such as track closure/opening dates and track conditions, etc.

For further information, click for the Douglas Shire website, however it can be late in confirming open/closed status so it is recommended you use the locally run Facebook page Local CREB Track Conditions. You can contact the publisher of the FB page on (07) 40603136.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

ExplorOz Traveller now features the NEW EOTopo 2023 mapset!

Environment

The CREB Track is located in the Daintree region. Some of the track is within the Wet Tropics Managed World Heritage Wilderness Area, other parts are on private property and in State Forest. There is an ongoing process to review use of such restricted tracks within National Parks and World Heritage Areas, so users are encouraged to not cause undue damage to the area by attempting to traverse in wet conditions. There are gates at the boundary of the Wet Tropics Management Authority area, and these will no doubt be closed when weather is not suitable for travel on the track.

The World Heritage Daintree Rainforest is the second largest rainforest system in the world. The Daintree rainforest is the centre of the wet tropics region, and as such is very rarely dry. With around one hundred and ninety wet days a year, it may be difficult to find a day when it is not wet. Travel on the CREB track is extremely treacherous when even slightly wet, due to very slippery clay soils and extremely steep slopes. The dry time in the region is June to September, but rains can fall at this time. “Winter” rain falls from April to May and sometimes into early June. Such rain is often accompanied by fresh easterly winds.

History

Aboriginal

This region is home to the Kuku Yulanji people. They have weathered some very difficult times throughout the history of their contact with Europeans, but they have managed to retain a great deal of their culture. Aboriginal guides offer tours in various parts of the area.

The Kuku Yulanji people now live mostly in communities at the Mossman Gorge and on the northern bank of the Bloomfield River. Historically the area supported a high density population, with highly developed social structures.

Contact with Europeans was very often violent with fatalities sustained on both sides. European influences undermined the aboriginal cultural system which among other things, had a heavy dependence on food prepared from toxic rainforest species, that required lengthy and involved preparation.

European

After the passage of Captain James Cook, one hundred years passed before any European explorers ventured into the steamy regions of far north Queensland. The tragic loss of Kennedy and most of his party in 1848 seemed to reinforce the notion that this land was dangerous and uninhabitable.

The discovery of gold was the key to exploration and habitation. Frederick Warner found gold on what would be named the Palmer River. The explorer and prospector James Venture Mulligan set out from nearby gold fields with the aim of finding payable gold at the Palmer. His success precipitated a huge rush to the area and lead to the establishment of Cooktown.

Hann was the first to venture into the upper Daintree where the CREB track is located. Hann came from the Mitchell river, heading for the coast at the Bloomfield River. So astounded was he with the steep terrain, that he wrote in his journal that he was thankful he had “landed safely on to the low lands”

Further European exploration eventually lead to timber getting, particularly Cedar which grew in abundance, and then to sugar plantations, first established near the Daintree river and then more successfully at the junction of two rivers near what is now the township of Mossman.

TrekID: 111

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
The CREB Track is definitely only for experienced four-wheel drivers. When dry, experienced drivers will find it enjoyable and not difficult, but steep grades will require care. During or following even light showers of rain, the track becomes quite scary and difficult, and will test even experienced drivers. Best travel times are May to September, but rain can fall anytime. Combine rainfall with red clay soils and very steep grades, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Ensure your four-wheel drive vehicle is in good working order, and that you have tyres with lots of grip. Do not tow trailers. A very heavily loaded vehicle is not recommended.

Since this track is on private property and through world heritage rainforest, do not attempt it when wet. This is a very sensitive area, being both World Heritage and private property. Track damage could well result in permanent closure of this track. It is highly recommended that you contact the authorities to check on the status of the CREB Track before travel.

Permits

Permits are not required to travel on the CREB track however restrictions and protocols apply for visiting the popular Roaring Meg Falls. Contact (07) 4098 6248 (Burungu Aboriginal Corporation).

Fuel Usage

Fuel is available further north at Cooktown and to the South at Wonga Beach and Mossman. Fuel is available at Bloomfield on Saturday’s and Sunday’s only but you will need to check for opening hours.
DieselULPLPG
4cyl 11 litres4cyl 13 litres4cyl 15 litres
6cyl 12 litres6cyl 14 litres6cyl 14 litres
8cyl 12 litres8cyl 13 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Track is closed during the wet season, generally from December to May.

Closest Climatic Station

Low Isles Lighthouse
Distance from Trek Mid Point 40.85km SE
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C32.231.730.829.427.625.925.526.728.530.431.732.3
Mean Min. °C25.525.525.124.122.821.220.420.721.923.224.525.3
Mean Rain mm401.3418.9435.8230.798.862.335.637.236.945.591.1210.0
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Daintree to Upper Daintree River Crossing
Driving: 8.84 km
Heading: 333°
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 20:52
Upper Daintree River Crossing to CREB Track - Southern Entrance
Driving: 5.01 km
Heading: 15°
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 11:50
CREB Track - Southern Entrance to Views
Driving: 9.56 km
Heading: 25°
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 22:34
Views to Roaring Meg Falls Access Track
Driving: 19.26 km
Heading: 335°
Avg Speed: 18.93 km/hr
EST Time: 01:01:02
Roaring Meg Falls Access Track to China Camp
Driving: 1.01 km
Heading: 103°
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 02:23
China Camp to Roaring Meg Falls
Driving: 4.01 km
Heading: 15°
Avg Speed: 18.93 km/hr
EST Time: 12:42
Roaring Meg Falls to China Camp
Driving: 4.01 km
Heading: 195°
Avg Speed: 18.93 km/hr
EST Time: 12:42
China Camp to Roaring Meg Falls Access Track
Driving: 1.01 km
Heading: 283°
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 02:23
Roaring Meg Falls Access Track to Dawnvale
Driving: 7.93 km
Heading: 328°
Avg Speed: 11.37 km/hr
EST Time: 41:50
Dawnvale to The Jump Up
Driving: 3.93 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 09:17
The Jump Up to Creb Track North Entry
Driving: 7.08 km
Heading: 68°
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 16:43
Creb Track North Entry to The Horse Crossing
Driving: 2.25 km
Heading: 134°
Avg Speed: 1.81 km/hr
EST Time: 01:14:35
The Horse Crossing to Ayton
Driving: 3.53 km
Heading: 33°
Avg Speed: 25.4 km/hr
EST Time: 08:20
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

Camping is not allowed anywhere along the CREB Track and Roaring Megs Falls requires special permits.

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

Related Travel Journals

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