Preparing for a trip to Cape York

[idlegossip Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idlegossip]

Hi everyone,

We are planning on doing a trip to the tip of Cape York next year. There will be 2 adults and 2 kids going. I have an 06 GXL which I have had the second tank replaced with an LPG tank which gives on average about 23lt per 100 on gas and about 21lph on petrol when loaded and camper in tow.

What I would like to know from others who have been there is if I based my fuel usage at about 25 lph would an additional 3 jerry cans be enough or should I be calculating more? We will be travelling the OTL so it will be slow going I am guessing. I am trying to base my calculations on lpg NOT being available anywhere past Cooktown. so the vehicle will have 90lt on board and I will have 60lt in jerry cans. Is this overkill? I know alot depends on detours but on the assumption that we are not detouring off the main track whilst on the OTL would that be enough to get us between the longest fuel points?

What else would I need to take into account on such a trip?
What is drinking water availability like along the way? I will have 60lt in the camper and about 50lt in the car?
Also what spares should be a standard on a trip like this?

I am in the planning stages and looking at what I will need to change/add to vehicle and camper for a trip like this.

Any additional advise would be appriciated.

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

Re: Preparing for a trip to Cape York

HI Idlegoss,

Fuel shouldn't be a problem, provided you fill up at each roadhouse and just before you start the telegraph track at Bramwell junction. I didn't notice any lpg after Cooktown, and the Hema map agrees. I would think two jerry cans would be sufficient. My son only used one in his surf on our trip. If you look at the map, fuel is available (at a price) about every 100 km. Interestingly the ferry is one of the cheaper fuel stops.

Your water supply sounds good. You can fill at a number of the camping sites.

As I have said in other posts a decent set of tyres eg Cooper ST style is really essential if you don't want to get into any trouble.

I'll leave the spares etc for others to suggest at this stage.

Cheers

Greg

[idlegossip Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idlegossip]

Re: Preparing for a trip to Cape York

Thanks for the advise Greg.
I didn't think it would be a problem but rather ask now while I have the time to do something about it.

Theo

[Scotto Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Scotto]

Re: Preparing for a trip to Cape York

I have found these trip reports to be a good read ...

1. http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic....t=3879&p=54652

2. http://www.ivanlea.net/photos/CapeYork/default.htm

3. http://forums.overlander.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=63319

4. http://www.slunnie.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=26

Hope this helps,

Scott
Cairns, QLD

[idlegossip Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idlegossip]

Re: Preparing for a trip to Cape York

Hi Scott,

thanks for the leads. Look like great reading.

Much appriciated

Theo