Post by: yogi on April 13, 2022, 09:54:36 PM
Just gauging interest in who might be interested in a Cape trip 2023 June/July time frame ?
Looking to do a few sports I haven’t done yet and stay at a few that are always fun.
List so far :-
1. yogi - Hilux and swag
2. Noel_w - Patrol ute with swag
3. hainss x 2 - 4x4 and hard sided hybrid
4. Aussie Iron - Mitsubishi Canter 4x4
5. Alan Loy - Ranger and Tvan combo
6. Symon and partner + 2 teenage kids - 100 series and Kimberley Kamper.
7. JK and Julie - 100 Series and Cape York Explorer Extreme
If you have a pic or an update to your details let me know I will update / add it so we know what to look out for.
yogi
Post by: yogi on April 14, 2022, 02:40:52 PM
Stage 1
Cairns - meet and greet
Creb / Endeavour Falls - hard option
Lions den Hotel / Cook Town
Elem Beach
Old Coach Road - hard option inland
xxxx - plenty of hard options up the coast also
yogi
Post by: Bird on April 14, 2022, 02:51:34 PM
Post by: noel_w on April 14, 2022, 05:23:39 PM
In saying that my ute is far more capable than me.
Post by: yogi on April 15, 2022, 02:55:42 PM
yogi
Post by: hainess on April 15, 2022, 05:48:50 PM
I'll get around to a thread and pics one day.
We were thinkng of around august next year. Always try to miss the school hols.
But could go earlier.
Will have at least 3 weeks Cairns to Cairns.
Rod.
.
Post by: yogi on April 16, 2022, 02:55:02 PM
yogi
PS (anyone keen on being a recovery vehicle for the trip …. Lots of fun)
Post by: Aussie Iron on April 16, 2022, 07:06:06 PM
Don't have the camper on anymore just camp boxes.
Dan.
Post by: Alan Loy on April 17, 2022, 05:58:32 AM
I'm on the inexperienced side of things with a Ranger and Tvan combo.
Dates and duration are not an issue as we are retired.
Cheers Alan
Post by: yogi on April 17, 2022, 06:29:12 PM
yog
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on April 18, 2022, 10:31:40 AM
Post by: yogi on April 18, 2022, 01:22:53 PM
yogi
Post by: noel_w on April 18, 2022, 02:18:51 PM
Noel_w ….. Sounds good …. Looking to do it with the family and trailer ?Would be only me just in the patrol ute with swag. The better half will be working.
yogi
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on April 19, 2022, 08:44:55 AM
Post by: Symon on April 19, 2022, 09:21:46 AM
Post by: jk on April 19, 2022, 11:32:24 AM
Registering interest. Will have the camper with me so won't be able to help out much with the recoveries this time.
Julie and myself also, that's if the 100 series doesn't mind getting a little dusty ;D
Post by: yogi on April 20, 2022, 11:05:38 AM
Looks like a good crew for the trip :)
I have updated the first post with who is interested and what they are bringing.
yogi
Post by: Symon on April 20, 2022, 03:56:11 PM
Not sure if I'll put my hand up for the hard stuff this time around - all depends on how much prep work I can get done before the trip!
Post by: Aussie Iron on April 20, 2022, 05:42:37 PM
It will be the Wife and myself.
(http://www.myswag.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39009.0;attach=113279)
May have a second Canter aswell belonging to my sister. But it's a long time till then. Will know closer to the date.
Canter can be seen working on UTube.
Dan.
Post by: Symon on April 20, 2022, 09:00:30 PM
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on April 21, 2022, 08:47:50 AM
Post by: Symon on April 21, 2022, 09:15:05 AM
If I come I be either towing my 5m tinny , or my old 83 wind up Jayco with 3,7m tinny up on the 80s, As I get older and things get dearer to fix, Doing really rough tracks do not do it for me anymore, the cost or recoveries and lost of time fixing stuff just eats into time I could be relaxing and fishing not worth for me, I just meet up at the nicer spots not so hard to get to, Craig
Shouldn't be a problem, there are a few spots along the OTT that can be easily accessed from the PDR, you can catch up with us there and of course up at Seisia.
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on April 21, 2022, 09:56:39 AM
Post by: yogi on April 21, 2022, 09:59:38 AM
Craig …. Sounds good and as Symon said there are a heap of bypass and chicken tracks up the Cape to take.
yogi
Post by: Aussie Iron on April 21, 2022, 05:05:55 PM
Let me say that even a stock 4x4 will do the trip if you take your time and don't abuse it.
My take is there are mods that your Vehicle Needs and mods that You Want.
Vehicle Needs :- Good tyres preferably A/T's or M/T's. ( a size up helps clearance ) A snorkel ( water crossings can be deep )
This comes between Vehicle Needs and You Want :- 2" lift and Under body Armour you will scrape underneath at times. Tyre placement is important some places.
You Want :- This list is endless. Winch, Bigger lift, Bigger tyres, Etc.
Everybody should have their own recovery gear. The snatch straps for my Canter are heavier than what is needed to get lighter vehicles out. They won't stretch to get that soft pull.
I've never had anybody take a trailer that has traveled with us so that is new. But I will say that good tyres, suspension and clearance would be key.
We've never damaged a vehicle on the tracks other than the tub on a Triton that hit a bank on an exit and broke the taillight. We collect the pieces and superglued it back together and refitted it.
There is no need to damage a vehicle other than fair wear and tear. Can it happen, Yes.
Just my short spiel to those that are on the fence about coming,
Dan.
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on April 21, 2022, 07:04:02 PM
Post by: Symon on April 21, 2022, 10:23:46 PM
In my trips to the Cape and surrounds I've taken some new people who haven't really driven a 4WD. They want to know what mods do I need for my vehicle.
Let me say that even a stock 4x4 will do the trip if you take your time and don't abuse it.
I've said it before in earlier threads, but in many ways the difficultly of the OTT has been over hyped. This will be my 7th trip up there and each time the track has gotten easier, there are so many vehicles doing it now that by the time the June/July peak season starts the track is so well worn it might as well be sealed. On the McGirr trips we always had a least one vehicle that was stock. From memory one even had highway treads on it. It got through along with all the others, it just needed a little help from time to time. Trailers are not an issue as long as they aren't too wide. On the 2014 trip we had 20+ vehicles, the majority with campers on.
Post by: yogi on April 22, 2022, 09:21:53 AM
There are a couple of us on the list who have taken campers to the tip via the OTL more than once.
There is a couple of us who have also been recovery vehicles on Cape trips with one trip having 17 vehicles.
As for damage ….. mostly just chipped windscreens from on coming traffic on the development road.
There is also those who know better and get them selves into strife …. That’s life.
Most damage I have seen has been from taking things to fast …. No need with multiple vehicles.
The other must haves are CB radio, medical.
yogi
Post by: yogi on May 08, 2022, 02:59:16 PM
yogi
Post by: Aussie Iron on August 20, 2022, 06:43:26 PM
Still going at this stage,
Dan.
Post by: lloydus67 on August 21, 2022, 11:40:06 AM
Vehicle is a 3 year old Vw Amarok towing a 7 year old Modcon ff camper
Sent from me
Post by: McGirr on August 22, 2022, 07:50:20 AM
For the first timers, it's a great trip. You can make it as hard or as easy as you want.
As the creator of Cape York Adventures face book group, I have a number of contacts up there if people want to go fishing, stay on an island, fishing shirts for the trip, etc.
Mark
Post by: Moggy on August 28, 2022, 05:59:14 PM
Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
Post by: lloydus67 on August 31, 2022, 07:03:10 PM
Sent from me
Post by: NZMarkb on August 31, 2022, 07:14:14 PM
Just as a follow up, I’m becoming more likely and will probably be bringing my brother-in-law and wife. They have a 16ft caravan, but it’s not off road. What are the plans for vans? And sleep stops?
Sent from me
Don’t take it past Cook Town unless you have lots of tubes of glue to put it back together 😉
Post by: lloydus67 on September 05, 2022, 02:59:01 PM
Thanks Lloyd
Sent from me
Post by: Aussie Iron on September 05, 2022, 07:37:19 PM
As far as taking a caravan. Yes, it can and has been done. As far as meeting up for camping that can also be able to be arranged but probably not all camps on the Tele Track. If you wanted to do the Track as well you will probably be doing a lot of back tracking along the Development Road to collect the van.
The Development Road can be rough and corrugated and it will/and does shake a caravan to pieces, so that is a choice you have to make.
Dan.
Post by: Symon on September 10, 2022, 07:10:18 PM
Post by: lloydus67 on September 10, 2022, 08:41:17 PM
I’m pretty flexible and based in Brisbane.
Sent from me
Post by: yogi on September 12, 2022, 01:04:15 PM
My plan would be for more than 2 weeks but I can work around that initial period :D
These use to start on the first Sunday of the QLD school holidays with us leaving Cairns that morning.
What are peoples thoughts ?
yogi
Post by: yogi on September 12, 2022, 01:05:58 PM
Meetup in Cairns and head to Elim Beach via the Bloomfield Track / Cooktown (potential 2 days)
(Option) Meetup in Cairns and head to Lions Den Hotel via the CREB
(Option) Lions Den Hotel to Elim Beach to meet up with the rest of the members
Elim Beach along battlecamp rd to the development rd before stopping at Musgrave for lunch. From there we travelled to Coen and camped at Archer river that night (Endeavour falls is an option if Elim Beach is out)
Archer River Roadhouse to Dulhunty River. Today we tackle the start of the OTL and camp at Dulhunty River.
(Option) Dulhunty River. Enjoy a day relaxing in the clear waters of the Dulhunty River.
Dulhunty River to Eliot Falls. We tackle the remaining southern part of the OTL crossing, Gunshot creek and Cockatoo Creek.
Relax and swim in the crystal clear waters of the falls. Members must book the camp sites at Eliot falls. You use to only be able to book 6 months in advance.
Eliot Falls to the OLD Jardine River Crossing.
(Option) travel via the Development road to Vrilya Point and take a southern route along the beach to Cotterell River. Approx 28klm drive along the beach
(Option) Explore the area , fish and watch the stunning sunsets over the Gulf.
Head up to the Cape.
Explore the Cape and the surrounding areas.
yogi
Post by: yogi on September 12, 2022, 01:10:27 PM
yogi
Post by: Steffo1 on September 13, 2022, 11:17:50 AM
Just as a follow up, I’m becoming more likely and will probably be bringing my brother-in-law and wife. They have a 16ft caravan, but it’s not off road. What are the plans for vans? And sleep stops?
Sent from me
A niece and hubby went to the Cape last month, towing this. They left it at Bramwell Station (Tourist Park) for the drive to the tip. Cost was $30 for storage and overnight on return.
Post by: NZMarkb on September 13, 2022, 11:35:26 AM
Tyre pressure and finding the correct speed for your rig was the secrete
Post by: lloydus67 on September 13, 2022, 09:07:18 PM
Thanks for the info steffo
Sent from me
Post by: Aussie Iron on September 14, 2022, 09:05:14 PM
I am easy with dates .... but though given some members have kids that it might be over school holidays ?
My plan would be for more than 2 weeks but I can work around that initial period :D
These use to start on the first Sunday of the QLD school holidays with us leaving Cairns that morning.
What are peoples thoughts ?
yogi
Well I take it that since Yogi is open to dates that people post up dates that would suit them and we try and work it out amongst ourselves. I would suggest that the start date is the day we leave Cairns. So you need to figure arriving in Cairns before then. The end date is when we reach the Top. You will need to figure your time to travel home.
Itinerary :- This is only a suggestion.
Day 1. Cairns to Lions Den via Bloomfield Track. Personally we are not a fan of staying at the Lions Den and usually camp at a private camp ground a few K's away from there. Nice rain forest setting. We could split up and catch up at set time in the morning.
Day 2. Lions Den to Cook Town - BattleCamp Road to (INSERT 1) Coen. Camp north of Coen at the River. Another day could be added here if the majority wanted to go to Elim Beach and the Coloured Sands. Then Camp could be made at Elim Beach.
Day 3. Coen to Bramwell Junction Roadhouse. Start of the Track. Usually we camp there or just cross Palm Creek and camp.
Day 4. Continue North. Camp when we have had enough. But do the southern section, cross to the Northern Section - visit Fruit Bat Falls - Elliot Falls and generally Camp at Canal Creek, There is No rush , so an extra day could be spent here to back track to the Falls or walk from Canal Creek. Never done it but apparently it is there.
Day 5. Canal Creek to Nolans Brook. Great crossing - can be challenging. Will be soft if a lot of vehicles are going through. Camp there as it is fun to watch some of the antics. Another day there maybe - Good swimming as are a lot of the crossings.
Day 6. Nolans to Old Jardine river crossing. Cross here if desired (ferry costs money). Anyway/which ever way cross the Jardine and head north. We normally camp on the beach.
Day 7. Head to the Tip to get the Photo for posterity. Visit the Croc Tent.
(INSERT 1) - Laura - then the start of Old Coach Road. 1 day in and out with a little site seeing.
So you see 7 days plus it would be easy to add a few more. This may happen (add more days) if the Track is busy because there can be hold ups from traffic at some of the crossings and I'm not into traveling in the dark.
After doing the Tip we could split up. There are other things to do up here - Seven Beach run -------- East cost.
A day trip to Thursday Island and Horn Island was good value for money. A lot of Military History here. Or visit a pearl farm on Friday Island - Mum will love this.
And yes, some of us could continue on and keep touring on the return trip - Forbidden Run (this would take some planning and time and tide have a lot to do with this run.) Weipa - Penefeather River. Creb Track - Zig Zag Track - Suggest something.
All things don't suit everybody,
Dan.
Post by: Symon on September 21, 2022, 06:06:36 AM
Day 1 - Cairns to Lions Den. If your private camping spot has room we'd like to join you.
Day 2 - Lions Den to Endeavour Falls. Spend an hour or two at Cooktown looking around and then off to Endeavour.
Day 3 - Endeavour to Archer River, camp at the roadhouse.
Day 4 - Archer River to Dulhunty River. Hopefully Palm Creek will be kind to us and we get there early enough to secure a spot on the river.
Day 5 - Dulhunty River to Canal Creek. Spend a couple of hours at Fruit Bat on the way up, then set up camp at Canal.
Day 6 - Canal Creek to Nolans Brook. Camp at Nolans or at the old Jardine crossing.
Day 7 - Head up to Seisia, set up camp and then on to the tip for the Croc tent and photo.
Day 8 - Thursday Island.
Day 9 - Five beaches run for a look around and some lunch.
Day 10 - Have a look at the plane wrecks around Bamaga and visit the old radar tower
Day 11 - Head south, kids will want a swim at Fruit Bat. Camp at Bramwell, either at the roadhouse or the tourist park.
Day 12 - Decent drive down to Laura, camp somewhere nearby - maybe down a bit further and set up camp on the Palmer River. Leave the camper off, I'm not doing the Old Coach Road with a camper on again.
Day 13 - Old Coach Road to Maytown, then back to camp.
Day 14 - Back to Cairns
Post by: yogi on November 04, 2022, 02:55:28 PM
The big rock step on the Old Coach Road is after the Plamer river ?
yogi
Post by: Symon on November 05, 2022, 06:45:36 PM
Hi Symon,
The big rock step on the Old Coach Road is after the Plamer river ?
yogi
I thought it was on the northern end, up near Jowalbinna?
Post by: GeoffA on November 05, 2022, 07:08:25 PM
I thought it was on the northern end, up near Jowalbinna?
Yep. North of Palmer river
Post by: GeoffA on November 05, 2022, 07:10:32 PM
.....Leave the camper off, I'm not doing the Old Coach Road with a camper on again.
But that was what made it for me.... ;D ;D
Post by: Symon on November 07, 2022, 05:15:43 AM
But that was what made it for me.... ;D ;D
Yeah true, but I've done it twice now with the camper on - in both directions. Might have an easier run this time :)
Post by: jk on March 13, 2023, 12:19:18 PM
How's everyone else's preperations going ??
Post by: duggie on March 13, 2023, 06:56:22 PM
Post by: duggie on April 01, 2023, 07:00:33 AM
?? It's looking like the ferry won't be back in the water until at least mid July - council will be releasing a statement Monday
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/jardineriver
SORRY BUT THIS MAY BE AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE
Post by: jk on April 01, 2023, 11:53:27 AM
Hi JK , AT tyres , not intending to do the big bog holes this time ?
We'll just have to hit them with a little more pace than usual mate !!😁😁
Post by: Shaun Newman on April 11, 2023, 11:07:44 AM
Noel_w ….. Sounds good …. Looking to do it with the family and trailer ?
yogi
I could be a starter mate, unsure at the moment but I would love to do the trip
Post by: Aussie Iron on April 11, 2023, 06:16:43 PM
I could be a starter mate, unsure at the moment but I would love to do the trip
I believe the main group trip is not a goer.
We, as in Aussie Iron and my sister in our Canters (2 of) are leaving out of Cairns on the 16th July and you would be more than welcome to join us.
Also, " Symon " is apparently going earlier than us, His dates I believe are [ we are heading up on the 24/6 and back on the 7/7 ] so this is another option. You would need to message him.
Dan.
Post by: yogi on April 12, 2023, 01:36:39 PM
I am still trying to get my 4x4 ready in the vain hope I can still go this year. I haven't even been able to get out for a weekend of fishing this year so far. As advised above I know there are a few groups still planning on going and have set dates so if your keen ping them up / post here as they have all done the Cape previously.
yogi
Post by: hainess on April 12, 2023, 03:18:57 PM
Will be towing the homebuilt hybrid so will spend most of our time on the PDR with side trips.
Probably be at Alua beach around 15th or so.
Rod.
Post by: jk on April 27, 2023, 07:55:20 AM
Post by: jk on April 27, 2023, 08:01:42 AM
Post by: Aussie Iron on May 12, 2023, 06:16:06 PM
Dan.
Post by: jk on May 22, 2023, 07:07:42 AM
We're arriving at Lake Placid on Sunday 18th June ( checking out Cairns for a week ), and leaving Cairns for Lion's Den on Saturday 24th June. Might see you on the road !!
Cheers
John K
Post by: Aussie Iron on May 22, 2023, 06:14:57 PM
Dan.
Post by: xcvator on October 04, 2023, 11:01:22 AM