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Have just returned from a trip to the top camping with friends (they have a Rodeo twin cab)- we both have stock vehicles (apart from snorkels, but with original tyres), so our trip was not hardcore.
Met them in Innisfail, (fuel is 3c cheaper than Cairns), and drove to Cooktown via Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track - road was a bit wet, but no problems for either vehicle apart from the red mud sticking to everything. The next morning, headed out to Lakefield National Park, where we spent 2 nights at Kalpowar Crossing. Road to Cape Melville is closed about 30k from the campsite. Went croc spotting at night, and found 1 set of eyes in the pool above the causeway where the "Recent crocodile sighting" sign is located, and another set in the pool downstream from the causeway.
Roads in the park were reasonable with no major corrugations, and not much traffic. Drove out to Musgrave Station, and the roads were so good, although with more traffic, that we headed on to Coen, where we stayed in the park behind the store/post office - there is also a free camp beside the river about 4k north of Coen. Fuel about $1.50 in Coen.
Next day was onto Weipa, where we tried to pre-book our campsites at the campground, but were told they do not take bookings for powered sites because they have plenty of space. However if you want a good site, get in early. Did the mine tour, tried fishing without success, topped up our fuel at $1.48, and headed back across via Batavia Downs. Road was still okay, with work being done at the other end.
Arrived at Bramwell Junction and followed the small sign at the left to the OTL. Went in about 2k and found the dropoff into Palm Creek too steep for our stock vehicles to remain undamaged. Stopped to watch a Cruiser ute and Troopie go through, and the Troopie did it again for the gathered crowd. We weren't the only ones to turn back, but 1 of the guys who went through advised some others to take off their running boards and mudflaps if they wanted to try it.
Headed up the main bypass track to Twin Falls, and found the corrugations pretty bad for 30 - 35k from the Captain Billys Landing turnoff - road was narrow with many corners , reducing our speed. This was the worst section of road in the whole trip. Although there were corrugations elsewhere, they were only for short distances, and we could keep up a good speed (80 - 90k) over them (just watch out for the dips). The Twin Falls/Elliott Falls camping area is a good size, but gather your firewood before you get here.
Next day was on to Seisia, which we used as our base. Did the trip to T.I. ($134 per head) and book about 2 days in advance. Drove to Loyalty beach, and then followed the unmarked road north to meet up with the main road. This way is shorter than following the main road back through Bamaga, and the track was in good condition. Went on to Somerset, then on to the top. Walking track is not signposted, but if you find a blank sign at the edge of the car park, just follow the board walk out to the the climb up the rocks to the markers and the very tip. You should be able to drive around to the right of the Pajinka lodge ruins to get closer to the walk up the rocks. We went at the end of the day to watch the sunset - not as busy then, but if you do this, don't forget some torches, and take your Telstra 3G phone with you - should be able to get reception from T.I. so you can text everyone.
Had planned to go to Chilli beach on the way back, but were warned it was full of human waste, so decided to skip it. Headed back down via Laura and Lakeland (fuel surprisingly cheap at $1.30), and then headed for home, where I am still trying to get the red dust off the car and camping gear.
In short, an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, with majority of roads being good.
Nev
Met them in Innisfail, (fuel is 3c cheaper than Cairns), and drove to Cooktown via Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track - road was a bit wet, but no problems for either vehicle apart from the red mud sticking to everything. The next morning, headed out to Lakefield National Park, where we spent 2 nights at Kalpowar Crossing. Road to Cape Melville is closed about 30k from the campsite. Went croc spotting at night, and found 1 set of eyes in the pool above the causeway where the "Recent crocodile sighting" sign is located, and another set in the pool downstream from the causeway.
Roads in the park were reasonable with no major corrugations, and not much traffic. Drove out to Musgrave Station, and the roads were so good, although with more traffic, that we headed on to Coen, where we stayed in the park behind the store/post office - there is also a free camp beside the river about 4k north of Coen. Fuel about $1.50 in Coen.
Next day was onto Weipa, where we tried to pre-book our campsites at the campground, but were told they do not take bookings for powered sites because they have plenty of space. However if you want a good site, get in early. Did the mine tour, tried fishing without success, topped up our fuel at $1.48, and headed back across via Batavia Downs. Road was still okay, with work being done at the other end.
Arrived at Bramwell Junction and followed the small sign at the left to the OTL. Went in about 2k and found the dropoff into Palm Creek too steep for our stock vehicles to remain undamaged. Stopped to watch a Cruiser ute and Troopie go through, and the Troopie did it again for the gathered crowd. We weren't the only ones to turn back, but 1 of the guys who went through advised some others to take off their running boards and mudflaps if they wanted to try it.
Headed up the main bypass track to Twin Falls, and found the corrugations pretty bad for 30 - 35k from the Captain Billys Landing turnoff - road was narrow with many corners , reducing our speed. This was the worst section of road in the whole trip. Although there were corrugations elsewhere, they were only for short distances, and we could keep up a good speed (80 - 90k) over them (just watch out for the dips). The Twin Falls/Elliott Falls camping area is a good size, but gather your firewood before you get here.
Next day was on to Seisia, which we used as our base. Did the trip to T.I. ($134 per head) and book about 2 days in advance. Drove to Loyalty beach, and then followed the unmarked road north to meet up with the main road. This way is shorter than following the main road back through Bamaga, and the track was in good condition. Went on to Somerset, then on to the top. Walking track is not signposted, but if you find a blank sign at the edge of the car park, just follow the board walk out to the the climb up the rocks to the markers and the very tip. You should be able to drive around to the right of the Pajinka lodge ruins to get closer to the walk up the rocks. We went at the end of the day to watch the sunset - not as busy then, but if you do this, don't forget some torches, and take your Telstra 3G phone with you - should be able to get reception from T.I. so you can text everyone.
Had planned to go to Chilli beach on the way back, but were warned it was full of human waste, so decided to skip it. Headed back down via Laura and Lakeland (fuel surprisingly cheap at $1.30), and then headed for home, where I am still trying to get the red dust off the car and camping gear.
In short, an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, with majority of roads being good.
Nev
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