Cape York Trip

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

Thanks plucker, once again very interesting reading. I am writing all this down and will mark the map for reference.
So you go up in September eh? Is that the best time or just the best for you? I was told June - July. Interested in your advice please mate.

[Strahan Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Strahan]

A few more nice places: Turn left just before Cockatoo creek for a great camp. Mouth of the Jardine is really nice but beware of the mozzies at dusk!! :shock:
Moreton telegraph station is a good place to camp. there is showers and a small shop. Just over the bridge on the Wenlock.

The Vrylia Point camp is really nice and the lightship quite interesting.
Will try to think of some more!

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

Will try to think of some more!

cool, thanks m8 !!

[plucker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close plucker]

Sept was good for us cause we like fishing for Barra. Generally the Cape is pretty dry then and there is not too many water crossing problems and also less people. The downside is that the roads are more corrugated and genally as bad as it gets. Also it can start to get hot, but we spend most time on the water or in the car so it is not a problem.
I have been up that way in late June early July and the weather is cool. The creeks are a bit higher but very navigatable.

I forgot to mention that Lakefield National Park is huge with dozens of different camps most of them are great. Beware that they relocate problem crocs to this area though. Most of the cape is inhabited with crocs even the beaches, TI and islands too.

[wengnuts Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close wengnuts]

This is a trip worth reading. Click here for the Cape York Report

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

Kel, That is the actual trip report that inspired me to make the decision to go. Thats a great trip eh?

[wengnuts Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close wengnuts]

Kel, That is the actual trip report that inspired me to make the decision to go. Thats a great trip eh?

Yes, it was. I still couldn't see myself sleeping in a tent and eating can food for 4 consecutive weeks. :shock:

[plucker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close plucker]

If you set yourself up well it can be quite a pleasurable time. For me I am always dissapointed when I have to go home.

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

Yes, it was. I still couldn't see myself sleeping in a tent and eating can food for 4 consecutive weeks. :shock:

Thats why you get married mate :!: :!: :!:
I don't mind sleeping in a tent at all, in fact I lived in an old marquee when I was a kid for about 3 months while we were homeless, jobless.... ops:
My point is my missus will cook just as good meals camping as she would if we were home. She will have each meal planned for the first 2 weeks, then top up in Bamaga or Weipa or wherever. The EvaCool freezer is the best purchase yet. Get married Kel, get a life mate :lol: :lol: :lol: :!: :!:

[plucker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close plucker]

If the tent thing does get annoying you can book in for luxury at Cooktown, TI, Coen has motel, Bamaga/Seisa has somewhere with a bed and so does Weipa although you will probably have to book early for Weipa. I think Punsand Bay has basic things like that too.
Most of the service stations have hot showers, as do the towns.
Hot showers are a true luxury up there.
You can get a cold beer at some of those places too, however you will be limited on take aways.
Good meals are also available at the places listed above.
I have always lived by the camp fire and gas with cooking until we reach the top where we have a few counter meals and a cold beer or two. Soon as we drive away from civilisation its back to the cold showers and camp oven meals. Just take some BBQ firestarters and the fire works everytime.
You get used to using the shovel for toilet trips so take a good one.
A good rechargable spotlight to see at night and see the crocs eyes is handy. Although I found after a week or two I could see clearly at night anyway. Just got accustiomed.

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

More good info.... Thanks plucker 8)

[TWC Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close TWC]

Ok, now i am officially jealous. I have been wanting to do that trip for 25years. Some how the lack of time and money always wins. Every time we are in Cairns, i sneak up to cape trib in the hire car and dream! Take lots of good pics Les. It should be a much better ride in the Prado than the old Surf.

Plucka - some really good info mate - i think i'll be on my hands and knees to persuade the wife that we should be living that trip, before our little guy grows too old. Any idea guys on what sort of minimum time from Cairns that can be allowed to at least make something of a trip out of it? The itch just became red again!

[plucker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close plucker]

I have always tried to do at least 4 weeks. I have been up from Townsville and back in 2 weeks but we stopped everywhere for one night only and spent most of the day driving. That trip we went to Weipa and also the tip and TI, but I needed a holiday after the holiday.

When we spend 4 weeks, we had time to explore those little tracks that vanish into the scub for miles and found some wonderfull places. Most times when we would set up camp we would stay for 2 or 3 nights. Which is much more relaxing and comfortable.
I have had a couple of trips up there for 4 weeks at a time and each time we camp somewhere different and find a new majic spot.
Generally I wont drive at night up there, as I would rather have a nice camp set up and enjoying a drink around the campfire watching the sun set.
My advice is just do it. It will be one of the best holidays in your life.

[plucker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close plucker]

Hey guys,
Dont forget the Atherton/Mareeba tablelands which have spectacular scenery and waterfalls.
I could spend a week there and still not see everything.

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

Hi plucker,
Just to let you know I bought Cape York - An Adventurer's guide along with the Hema cape map and the cd-rom version with Oziexplorer on it.
We get the laptop soon and will be looking at a gps as well. Still looking at a rooftopper, however the camping side of it is my least concern.
The Prado is ready to go, camper is almost ready for the Cairns leg of the trip. Itenery is being formulated and all your info is being collated.
Things are starting to take shape and look forward to more chats with you and eventually calling in for a beer around late July.
cheers
Les