On the way back...

[Malcur]

We are thinking of going to Weipa and Chili Beach on the way south from the Cape. We are flexible and would love company if anyone has the same idea.

I do have some questions for the experienced ones:

1.  Is Seisia to Weipa OK to do in a day and what is the road like?
2.  Also Weipa to Chili Beach, OK to do in a day, and what is the road like?
3.  Would we have to book at Weipa or Chili Beach?
4.  Should we consider booking at any other places on the trip South?
5.  Any other "must see" places?


Mal

[McGirr]

1.  Is Seisia to Weipa OK to do in a day and what is the road like?
A big drive approx 10 hours as you cut through Btavia Downs going to Weipa. There are no designated spots you just pull up and camp.

2.  Also Weipa to Chili Beach, OK to do in a day, and what is the road like?
Take the normal road and also a big drive approx 8 to 9 hours. Not sure on the road currently. but should be ok.

3.  Would we have to book at  Chili Beach?
Yes if you wish to camp in the national park campgrounds. I can show you another spot where you dont have to book.

4.  Should we consider booking at any other places on the trip South?
No just turn up.

5.  Any other "must see" places?
From Weipa drive out to the pennfather river and have a look around.

Mark

[SteveandViv]

1.  Is Seisia to Weipa OK to do in a day and what is the road like?
A big drive approx 10 hours as you cut through Btavia Downs going to Weipa. There are no designated spots you just pull up and camp.

2.  Also Weipa to Chili Beach, OK to do in a day, and what is the road like?
Take the normal road and also a big drive approx 8 to 9 hours. Not sure on the road currently. but should be ok.

3.  Would we have to book at  Chili Beach?
Yes if you wish to camp in the national park campgrounds. I can show you another spot where you dont have to book.

4.  Should we consider booking at any other places on the trip South?
No just turn up.

5.  Any other "must see" places?
From Weipa drive out to the pennfather river and have a look around.

Mark

Take the normal road and also a big drive approx 8 to 9 hours. Not sure on the road currently. but should be ok.

Na, take Frenchmans Track - much more fun 

[gclan]

I am not experienced, but these are some things that I've come across in my planning:

All National Park campsites on the Cape have to be pre-booked now, so if you are planning to camp in Lakefield, or Cape Melville, Mungkan Kandju, Captain Billy Landing, Iron Range/Chili Beach itself, or go in to Maytown etc...on your way south, you're supposed to book before arriving.

Here is a link to the National Parks on Cape York http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/list.php?region=59

To help travellers on the road, and because it is a new system this year, they will have touch screen booking facilities at the ranger stations if you just want to turn up and hope that there's a vacant site.

Weipa Camping Ground's website says bookings are essential, but when I spoke with them a couple of months ago, they said that only powered campsites need to be booked.

Eddie's camp at Elim Beach, on the coast past Hope Vale, is supposed to be a great spot as well. Coloured Sands, fishing etc...
Here are his details http://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/hopevale/elimbeachcampsite

Good luck with the planning, it's half the fun

Karen

[DAZnBEC]

We did the cape last year and the Frenchmans track was right up there for us. It would be a shame to travell that far north and not do it, even if it meant a little back tracking. One other track is the Maytown track, we didn't get a chance to drive it last year and I'm kicking myself we didn't make the time.

Just my thoughts

Daz

[avotrol]

Anyone thinking of going to Cape Melville beware! We were making Cape Melville a big part of our Cape York trip untill I looked at the Qld National Parks website and discovered that its CLOSED every year till 31 July      So that changed everything. Oh well, will just have to go again in 2 years 

[Malcur]

1.  Is Seisia to Weipa OK to do in a day and what is the road like?
A big drive approx 10 hours as you cut through Btavia Downs going to Weipa. There are no designated spots you just pull up and camp.

2.  Also Weipa to Chili Beach, OK to do in a day, and what is the road like?
Take the normal road and also a big drive approx 8 to 9 hours. Not sure on the road currently. but should be ok.

3.  Would we have to book at  Chili Beach?
Yes if you wish to camp in the national park campgrounds. I can show you another spot where you dont have to book.

4.  Should we consider booking at any other places on the trip South?
No just turn up.

5.  Any other "must see" places?
From Weipa drive out to the pennfather river and have a look around.

Thanks, Mark. We probably won't make too many concrete plans for the southern leg. Might have a chat with you when we meet up and formulate some plans from there. 

Mal 

[GeoffA]

Thanks, Mark. We probably won't make too many concrete plans for the southern leg. Might have a chat with you when we meet up and formulate some plans from there. 

Mal

We'll be winging it, as well.........

Geoff

[MrCruza]

1.  Is Seisia to Weipa OK to do in a day and what is the road like?
A big drive approx 10 hours as you cut through Btavia Downs going to Weipa. There are no designated spots you just pull up and camp.


Mark

Does that mean we should allow 2 days to get back to Archer River Roadhouse to watch QLD win the second SOO?

[McGirr]

John

We can do it in one day easily with lunch at Bramwell junction

Mark

[MrCruza]

Sweet