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General => Previous Member Trips => Trips, Tracks, Touring and Reports => 2012 Cape York Members Trip => Topic started by: McGirr on July 11, 2011, 03:33:12 PM
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23rd June / 8th July 2012 holidays
Day 1 Sat: Cairns to Lions Den via coast Rd.
We start our great adventure leaving Cairns, time to be advised, and travel along the coast road to the Daintree River. Here we cross the Daintree via the ferry and continue along the coast, through Bloomfield and emerge from the rainforest at the Lions Den Hotel. Overnight Lions Den
Day 2 Sunday:Lions Den Hotel
Spend the day exploring Cooktown, the history and museum. Also the opportunity to meet fellow travellers and go over the trip ahead.
Day 3 Monday:Lions Den via Battlecamp Rd to Archer River.
We leave Cooktown and head via the Battle Camp rd. We will travel to Laura and head up the main rd to Musgrave. From here we travel along the development rd and stop at Coen for fuel and refreshments then continue onto Archer River.
Option. Some members may wish to travel via Lakefield National Park and then join up at Musgrave.
Day 4 Tuesday: Archer River Roadhouse to Dulhunty River
We head along the Developement Rd to Bramwell Junction. Stop for fuel / lunch and then the adventure begins as we tackle the southern part of the OTL stopping at Dulhunty River. A great camping area with croc free swimming.
Day5 Wednesday: Dulhunty to Twin Falls.
We leave Dulhunty cross Bertie Creek and head towards the mighty Gunshot Creek. After the fun of conquering Gunshot we head towards Cockatoo Creek which is nice and easy and arrive at Twin Falls.
Day 6 Thursday: Twin Falls
This would have to be the best place at the Cape. There are a number of swimming areas which are croc free.This was the most popular spot from the last trip.
Day 7 Friday: Twin Falls to Jardine River
We tackle the northern part of the OTL and camp on the Jardine River.
Day 8 Saturday: Jardine River to Seisa
We then head inland back to the Developement Rd across the ferry onto Seisa.
Day 9-10-11-12 Sunday - Wednesday: Enjoy the Cape
Plenty of time to enjoy what the Cape can offer with bushwalking, fishing, tours and trips to the Islands.Oh and drinking.
Day 13-14-15-16 Wednesday to Sunday:
Options Stay another day at the Cape or explore Vrilya Point in the Gulf. The choice is yours as on the last trip everyone wanted to explore in different groups.
As per the last trip this intinerary can change depending on the road conditions.
Thats what makes the Cape such an adventure the uncertainty of what to expect and the challenge of taking it on.
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Have the dates changed? I thought it was going to be in the June/July school holidays?
If it was in the September school holidays it would much better for us.
The intinery looks great, depending on work I will be there minus the bells.
Cheers Rod.... 8) :cheers:
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I reckon we should go in March.
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I reckon we should go in March.
A bit ealry for us and I reckon most vehicles unless they are Nissan badged will get through.
Cheers Rod.... ;D
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sounds good to us dates wont be an issue casue we.re cancelling all holidays next year to do this trip.
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Dates loook good to me as well, just need to book my long service leave and then work out the way to go up and back, how many sleeps ;D
GG
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447 sleeps GG but i;m not counting yet ;D
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447 sleeps GG but i;m not counting yet ;D
I might do a few all nighters, that means a few less to count >:D
GG
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Sorry guys it's the June / July holidays. I will have to start drinking again !!!
Mark
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Just hope i can all the days off work I need, long way from Tassie :)
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just means less sleeps now :D :D
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For all travelling from Victoria you will need to allow 4-5 days of decent driving just to get to Cairns. And if you are planning on a stopover at Emerald prebook accomodation as it is very hard to get when you roll up due to the mine workers and motels are an absolute rip off.
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For all travelling from Victoria you will need to allow 4-5 days of decent driving just to get to Cairns. And if you are planning on a stopover at Emerald prebook accomodation as it is very hard to get when you roll up due to the mine workers and motels are an absolute rip off.
Im waitin till they sort out what month it is before I put in for holidays and shiz. ;D
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I'm in.
Bert
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You buggas, i will see you on the way back down, we will be there one month ahead of you guys
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You buggas, i will see you on the way back down, we will be there one month ahead of you guys
Your our scout ;)
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no chance of throwing mellville on that itinery ???
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no chance of throwing mellville on that itinery ???
It's a very rough track to get there and can get very windy. But other members can add a trip on after the Cape.
Mark
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It's a very rough track to get there and can get very windy. But other members can add a trip on after the Cape.
Mark
has anyone done bathurst bay/ cape melville?? i'd love to see a bit of a report on the area to see if it's worth the extra effort on our trip next year.
AJ
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has anyone done bathurst bay/ cape melville?? i'd love to see a bit of a report on the area to see if it's worth the extra effort on our trip next year.
AJ
we will be doing it next year if all goes well, on the way up or down not sure yet
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i will look at putting in leave tomorrow
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oh yeah cant wait ;D
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Hi Mark,
If you split us into 2 groups, what will the itineray be for the second group?
Any chance of driving through Lakefield next year? I wouldn't mind seeing crocs in the wild but from a safe distance.
I would like to be able to do a bit more fishing next year.
Is there anywhere the whole lot of us could camp together for a night before the OTL?
Bert
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Bert
I have yet to decide how I will do the groups. We will all be camping together before the otl at archer river .
You can do lake field next year as it meets up at Musgrave.
Mate you can fish as much as you like you decide
Mark
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Hi Mark,
I would like to have a yarn with you about an idea I have for next years trip. RE the big numbers going. Could you pm me your phone noumber or call me on 0439962280.
cheers duggie.
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Hi Mark,
If you split us into 2 groups, what will the itineray be for the second group?
Any chance of driving through Lakefield next year? I wouldn't mind seeing crocs in the wild but from a safe distance.
I would like to be able to do a bit more fishing next year.
Is there anywhere the whole lot of us could camp together for a night before the OTL?
Bert
I wanna do cape melville , I wanna do cape melville ,I wanna do cape melville
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I wanna do cape melville , I wanna do cape melville ,I wanna do cape melville
It's along rough drive in and gets very windy on the coast, but you are more than welcome to drive up and have a look. It's a 2 day drive from Cooktown to get there.
Mark
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Due to the large group going I may adjust the itineray. I have modified information below.
23rd June / 8th July 2012 holidays
Day 1 Sat: Cairns to Lions Den via coast Rd.
We start our great adventure leaving Cairns, time to be advised, and travel along the coast road to the Daintree River. Here we cross the Daintree via the ferry and continue along the coast, through Bloomfield and emerge from the rainforest at the Lions Den Hotel. Overnight Lions Den Plenty of room for everyone to camp
Day 2 Sunday:Lions Den Hotel
Spend the day exploring Cooktown, the history and museum. Also the opportunity to meet fellow travellers and go over the trip ahead.
Day 3 Monday:Lions Den via Battlecamp Rd to Archer River.
We leave Cooktown and head via the Battle Camp rd. We will travel to Laura and head up the main rd to Musgrave. From here we travel along the development rd and stop at Coen for fuel and refreshments then continue onto Archer River. Plenty of room for everyone to camp
Option. Some members may wish to travel via Lakefield National Park and then join up at Musgrave.
Day 4 Tuesday: Archer River Roadhouse to Dulhunty River
We head along the Developement Rd to Bramwell Junction. Stop for fuel / lunch and then the adventure begins as we tackle the southern part of the OTL stopping at Dulhunty River. A great camping area with croc free swimming. This will be tricky as it depends on who else is there. we could be lucky and all fit in as there are numerous camps on both sides.
Day5 Wednesday: Dulhunty to Twin Falls.
We leave Dulhunty cross Bertie Creek and head towards the mighty Gunshot Creek. After the fun of conquering Gunshot we head towards Cockatoo Creek which is nice and easy and arrive at Twin Falls.
This will also depend on who else is there camping but there also is camping spots across the creek.
Day 6 Thursday: Twin Falls
This would have to be the best place at the Cape. There are a number of swimming areas which are croc free.This was the most popular spot from the last trip.
Day 7 Friday: Twin Falls to Jardine River
We tackle the northern part of the OTL and camp on the Jardine River.
No problem here as there are plenty of spots.
Day 8 Saturday: Jardine River to Seisa
We then head inland back to the Developement Rd across the ferry onto Seisa.
Day 9-10-11-Sunday - Tuesday: Enjoy the Cape
Plenty of time to enjoy what the Cape can offer with bushwalking, fishing, tours and trips to the Islands.Oh and drinking.
Day 12-13-14-15-16 Wednesday to Sunday:
Options Stay another day at the Cape or explore Vrilya Point in the Gulf. The choice is yours as on the last trip everyone wanted to explore in different groups.
As mentioned finding places will depend on what other campers are there but we only have 2 places that we will be in this position. All other places are fine. Also if members wish to camp in other places or go ahead that is ok as its your holiday. We may break up into small groups as when doing the OTL i normally send peole forward so we dont bunch up.
I will be discussing options with J.K, Symon and Duggie further down the track.
Mark
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Hi Mark,
If you split us into 2 groups, what will the itineray be for the second group?
Any chance of driving through Lakefield next year? I wouldn't mind seeing crocs in the wild but from a safe distance.
I would like to be able to do a bit more fishing next year.
Is there anywhere the whole lot of us could camp together for a night before the OTL?
Bert
Bert i am a pretty keen fisho might be able to split up a bit on the way up or back head to the coast , see what happens
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Bert i am a pretty keen fisho might be able to split up a bit on the way up or back head to the coast , see what happens
I'm pretty sure there will be a few others keen to do some fishing out of 30 odd vehicles.
Maybe someone will take a tinny or we can hire one at Seisa if need be.
Bert
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Pete and I are mad on fishing and will be taking our Tinny
Jayne
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Unfortunately the reality is that we really don't know how many will be coming along until we all meet up in Cairns, so it is too early to lock in the plans as yet.
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Looking at that itinerary I will be lucky enough to catch up with you all at the Lions Den, Twin Falls and up at the Tip. We are combining a work trip (Weipa, Scheger, Thursday Is) with a family holiday (4 kids under 10), so if you see a Landrover Defender towing a Trak Shak please come and say g'day to us.
Our itinerary is below if anyone is interested in the return leg.
Cheers
Chris
Day Date Origin via Destination Km's
Friday 22-Jun-12 Townsville Cardwell Cairns 350
Saturday 23-Jun-12 Cairns Black Mountain Rd Lions Den Hotel 360
Sunday 24-Jun-12 Lions Den Hotel Cooktown Laura River 170
Monday 25-Jun-12 Laura River Lakefield N.P Musgrave Roadhouse 162
Tuesday 26-Jun-12 Musgrave Roadhouse Coen Scherger 370
Wednesday 27-Jun-12 Scherger Weipa Scherger 50
Thursday 28-Jun-12 Scherger Batavia Downs Twin Falls 260
Friday 29-Jun-12 Twin Falls Twin Falls 50
Saturday 30-Jun-12 Twin Falls Jardine River Loyalty Beach 130
Sunday 1-Jul-12 Loyalty Beach Tip Loyalty Beach 100
Monday 2-Jul-12 Loyalty Beach Thursday Island Loyalty Beach 40
Tuesday 3-Jul-12 Loyalty Beach Jardine River Captain Billy Landing 200
Wednesday 4-Jul-12 Captain Billy Landing Frenchmans Track Chilli Beach 300
Thursday 5-Jul-12 Chilli Beach Lockhart River Archer River Roadhouse 180
Friday 6-Jul-12 Archer River Roadhouse Coen Laura 320
Saturday 7-Jul-12 Laura Mareeba Lake Tinaroo 270
Sunday 8-Jul-12 Atherton Innisfail Townsville 350
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23rd June / 8th July 2012 holidays
Day 7 Friday: Twin Falls to Jardine River
We tackle the northern part of the OTL and camp on the Jardine River.
Hey Mark,
have been going over the map, on the above day, do we veer left at Fruit bat Falls to the ferry or is there a access track from the southern side of the river to the ferry, my map doesn't show it if there is, so does that mean we will be taking the bamaga access road to the ferry?
thanks
Diksta
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I'm pretty sure there will be a few others keen to do some fishing out of 30 odd vehicles.
Maybe someone will take a tinny or we can hire one at Seisa if need be.
Bert
just bought a 3.7quintrex a fishing we will go ;D
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just bought a 3.7quintrex a fishing we will go ;D
dibs on Jaycamrie as a fishing buddy.....
just watching some you tube clips
http://youtu.be/NY0p0rYMCAQ (http://youtu.be/NY0p0rYMCAQ)
he has his porta bote on, still don't think i will be taking mine, well i know i won't be
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have been going over the map, on the above day, do we veer left at Fruit bat Falls to the ferry or is there a access track from the southern side of the river to the ferry, my map doesn't show it if there is, so does that mean we will be taking the bamaga access road to the ferry?
From memory after you do Nolan's Brook you can turn left to meet up with the development road which will take you to the ferry, or you can continue straight ahead and it will take you to the Jardine a bit south of the old crossing.
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From memory after you do Nolan's Brook you can turn left to meet up with the development road which will take you to the ferry, or you can continue straight ahead and it will take you to the Jardine a bit south of the old crossing.
There are 2 bypass tracks to the development rd off the otl. One after Sams Creek and one after Nolans Creek.
The last night on the otl we camp at the Jardine and backtrack to the bypass rd.
Mark
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Mark,
The itinerary has us getting to the tip. What are your thoughts on the return trip?
Mal
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We will be going to Vrilya point and the wife wants to have a look at Wiepa i would not mind looking at Elim beach aswell
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Mark,
The itinerary has us getting to the tip. What are your thoughts on the return trip?
Mal
On the return trip members can do whatever they like. Most trips people head off in small groups with new friends.
Mark
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I have similar thoughts as you Jaycamrie.
We will have to see if there are any others wishing to go to Vrilya Point, etc.
Bert
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we'll be keen to see which way everyone is going back... but we will be of to weipa then home through Richmond and inland back to brisbane.
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There is a short cut to Weipa through Batavia downs. You can travel from Seisia to Weipa in a day. There is a woolworths and the only caravan park is just a short walk from there. Good fishing in the rivers and they hire boats at the van park.
Mark
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weipa also has mine tours if thats your thing and pennefarther river is only a day trip from weipa well worth a look at
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Yep im keen, we were planning to go at around that time anyway and we were going without any other vehicles so it will be good to know there will be help if we need it!!
Cant wait!!!!!!
Bring on the Cape ;D
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Leanne has family there do dropping into see him and also go and check out his favorite fishing spots
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Just a heads up for those wanting to go out to Cape Melville, the DERM website says that it's not likely to re-open until August. You may want to cross fingers and hope for a short wet season.
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So far I would have to say, what wet season.
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jclures - lets hope you're still saying that come June/July.
I think your wet season has been diverted south.
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Hi
You can count me in re trips to Vrilya point, Weipa, Elim beach, and anywhere else if you want some company.
Mauri.
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Hi
You can count me in re trips to Vrilya point, Weipa, Elim beach, and anywhere else if you want some company.
Mauri.
Mauri
Bert's gets lonely at night and would love some company ;D
On a serious note a lot of members will look at different spots on the way back and the more the merrier.
Mark
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We have never been this fair up north and would also love to go to Vrilya point, Weipa and Elim beach so would also love travel with others. It will be terrific to meet so many other people who are keen on camping, 4 wheel driving, fishing, hiking and photography. For us it will be ONE whole month without work and that is fantastic.
Jayne & Peter
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After I take every one along the tough OTL track you will want a holiday to get over it !! ;D
Mark
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Do we roll up and take a chance for a site or have to book in asap.
Mauri
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Do we roll up and take a chance for a site or have to book in asap.
Mauri
For what areas !!
Mark
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Wednesday 4th July is State of Origin night.. Might have to stay another night :cup:
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Wednesday 4th July is State of Origin night.. Might have to stay another night :cup:
Last year we drove to archer river roadhouse and watched it on a big tv at the bar. Gee we drank !!
Mark
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I remember being a bit wobbly on the way back to the Tent. Yogis and Tims fault for leading me astray. Where was the revovery team when I needed them.
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I thought I'd just grab my stretcher and visit you Mark when I was lonely.
Bert