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Offline McGirr

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An over view of what to expect !!
« on: January 19, 2012, 03:19:11 PM »
Fact Sheet… Cape York
23rd June / 8th July 2012 holidays


Day 1 Sat: Cairns to Lions Den via coast Rd.
We leave Cairns and travel the coast road to Port Douglas where we will do a detour into Port to have a quick look. We continue to Mossman for a toilet break. Members who wish to do the Creb Track will head off to Daintree Village. All other members will continue to the Daintree Ferry.

Leaving the ferry we will travel through the rainforest to Cape Tribulation where the tarred road becomes dirt. This part is pristine as we cross some small creek crossings under the canopy of the rainforest. Some hills are tarred due to the steepness so select the right gear going up.

Crossing the Bloomfield River we turn left and stop for lunch. There are toilets available. After a quick bite we continue along the dirt rd and arrive at the Lions Den hotel for 2 nights. Easy travel and some good tracks to explore around Cooktown.

Note: Be wary of any road trains on the Development Rd. If one is heading towards you slow down and try and turn your car to face the bush as if a rock hits it will hit a side window.
Note: Be very careful of the dips and any cause ways as last trip an easy looking cause way had 2 feet of water in a hole that bent a rim. Always slowdown!!

Day 3 Monday: Lions Den via Battle camp Rd to Archer River.
We leave the Lions Den Hotel and travel through Cooktown to the turn off to Battle camp Rd. We will be on dirt roads from now on. This road can be corrugated but is an easy drive. We will stop at old Laura homestead for a look. At the intersection just past the homestead we turn left towards Laura. Approx 25 klm we turn right onto the development rd and head towards Hann River roadhouse and then onto Musgrave homestead for lunch.

We then head towards the Coen Range and into Coen. The road is tarred for 20klm heading out of Coen to Archer River for our next stop. We have a large area to camp in a spot away from the main stream and there are showers and toilets as well as walking distance to the main showers and toilets.   

Note: I WILL NEED HALF THE VEHICLES TO GET FUEL HERE AT COEN.  THE OTHER HALF TO FUEL UP AT ARCHER RIVER ONCE THEY ARRIVE AND THEN PROCEED TO THE CAMPING AREA.

The reason is that even though Archer River has fuel they do not open till 8.00am and this will put us behind especially with 30 vehicles. 
« Last Edit: January 19, 2012, 03:23:11 PM by McGirr »
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Offline McGirr

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2012, 03:22:07 PM »
Day 4 Tuesday: Archer River Roadhouse to Dulhunty River

NOTE: We will be tackling the OTL track so make sure all recovery gear is ready.

The day we have been waiting for!! We head towards Bramwell Junction and stop for an ice cream before heading on the OTL track. Palm Creek is only 4klm up the track. As there are only so many spots to park we will send the recovery vehicles up first to evaluate the crossing and go from there.

After crossing Palm Creek we head towards another water crossing that is easy and onto Dulhunty Creek. Great safe swimming in the clear water. Bush camping nil showers and toilets. 

Note: The OTL is slow going and we will send the recovery vehicles ahead to claim as many spots as possible.


Day 5 Wednesday: Dulhunty to Twin Falls.
A short trip and we cross Bertie creek which you travel along the rocky edge and cross up the creek. A very easy crossing and safe.

Note: We may use this Creek as a back up camp area if we cannot get everyone in at Dulhunty.

We continue on to Gunshot Creek, the road can be rough with washouts, and also not much area to park. So again the recovery vehicles will go ahead. Please have shovels and chainsaws handy in case we need to modify a crossing. This is one of the toughest crossings and fun.

Hopefully we are not held up too long. From here we head towards Cockatoo creek which is an easy crossing. Once across we head towards the By pass road and follow that for approx 10klm where a sign post will indicate Fruit bat / Twin falls. Head down this road, which will be corrugated, across a no name creek and continue till you see a sign saying Fruit Bat falls. Due to the new camping regulations we would have to book in and would not fit so we camp 50mtres down the road from the turn off. There are numerous camping spots here near Canal Creek.       

Note: Recovery vehicles will be sent ahead to secure spots.

We camp here for 2 nights and enjoy the crystal clear waters and relax. Explore Indian Heads falls and also Fruit Bat falls. There are toilets approx 500mtres at Fruit Bat falls.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2012, 03:25:52 PM by McGirr »
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Offline McGirr

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2012, 03:29:10 PM »
Day 7 Friday: Twin Falls to Jardine River

Note: All recovery gear for water crossings must ready!!

Today we tackle the Northern OTL the toughest section with deep water crossings. We cross Canal Creek and head towards Sams creek which are both easy crossings. After Sams creek there is a bypass rd to the Development Rd if needed. We continue on to Cannibal Creek which has a steep drop in, a sharp right turn and a steep drive out. After that we cross the log bridge which has a very sharp right hand turn. Next crossing is Lagoon creek which was a little deep last trip.

We then hit Nolan’s Creek the deepest water crossing. Support vehicles will be on hand across the other side. As there is very little room, after each vehicle has crossed continue up the track to find a parking spot off the road. It may be a couple of klms to find one but it saves holding up everyone. 

Once all across we then head towards the mighty Jardine River to camp our last night on the OTL and celebrate.


Day 8 Saturday: Jardine River to Seisa

Today we back track to the bypass which is 8klms to the development road and head towards the Jardine Ferry. Once across we travel towards Bamaga for our camp at Seisa. We should arrive around 11.00 to 12.00 if nothing holds us up. 

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Offline McGirr

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2012, 03:32:03 PM »
More of the Northern OTL
« Last Edit: January 19, 2012, 03:34:19 PM by McGirr »
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Offline McGirr

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2012, 03:36:44 PM »
More
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Offline McGirr

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2012, 03:41:41 PM »
Over view

1: When camping over night set up simple as no use doing awnings etc. We try and get to places with plenty of daylight left to set up camp, have 12 drinks and prepare tea.

2: Prepare simple meals for these overnight stops as there is nothing worse than spending hours cooking a roast and then cleaning up. You will have more time to enjoy the surrounds and drink more beer.

3: Carry heavy duty rubbish bags as there are very few places that have bins. I double bag and then tie it onto the draw bar.     

4: The roads can be good, great to badly corrugated as we will not know until we get there. Enjoy the drive as there is no rush.

5:When we pull up look at each others vehicle to see if there is anything out of place. Fresh eyes work wonders.

6: Take plenty of photos as the tracks change every year.

7: And last of all have a fantastic trip.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2012, 03:44:28 PM by McGirr »
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Offline jk

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2012, 09:39:49 PM »
Well put together Mark, that gives a great insight into the trip ahead  :cup: .    That's another beer we all owe you  :cheers:
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Offline Malcur

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2012, 06:17:12 AM »
Mark, an excellent writeup. Thanks for all the effort you have put in todate. I am sure we will have a great trip.

Mal
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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2012, 05:57:08 PM »
McGirr,

you have to stop posting that sort of porn get me real excited ;D
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Offline Glenno

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An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2012, 06:43:15 AM »
McGirr

Just wanted to acknowledge my thanks for your info even though I'm not on your actual trip.

I am going to be up there at a very similar time, but as a part of an 8 month Aust trip. With a 2 yo and 3 yo, traveling as part of your trip would be a challenge.

I am however VERY much appreciating all the info I am gleaning from your post!!!  you have great knowledge of the area and what it takes.

Great organizing, and thanks again ( from afar )
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Offline McGirr

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2012, 07:00:41 AM »

Thanks Glen.

Yes the more information people have it makes it easy to plan.

We may see you on the track.

Have a safe trip.

Mark
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Offline bert56

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2012, 08:01:25 AM »
Quote from: Diksta on January 20, 2012, 05:57:08 PM
McGirr,

you have to stop posting that sort of porn get me real excited ;D

x2

bert
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Offline brocky05fj

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #12 on: June 02, 2012, 09:12:06 AM »
Great write up, wish we were going.
If you keep planning these trips we will make it one day.

cheers
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Offline avotrol

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #13 on: June 02, 2012, 09:45:49 PM »
We too have been gleaning info for our Cape trip in 3 weeks, so thanks for the info Mark, its great  :cup: (and thanks [in advance] for making the Gunshot crossing easier for us  >:D). Hey brocky, nice to see another Berowrarite on the forum.  :cheers: Avo
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Offline Chippy76

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #14 on: June 03, 2012, 07:29:51 AM »
nice write up! Im as jealous as f**k now!

Cheers Chippy :D
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Offline TroyE

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #15 on: June 03, 2012, 07:19:04 PM »
I'll be looking for a full report, as we leave on the 17th of July for the tip, can't wait ;D

troy
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Offline brocky05fj

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #16 on: June 05, 2012, 07:22:41 PM »
Quote from: avotrol on June 02, 2012, 09:45:49 PM
Hey brocky, nice to see another Berowrarite on the forum.  :cheers: Avo

Avo, agreed more Berowraite's needed  ;D ;D

What coulour GU should I be on the lookout for around here?
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Offline avotrol

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Re: An over view of what to expect !!
« Reply #17 on: June 08, 2012, 08:28:16 AM »
Brocky - PM sent
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