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Cape York - Camper Trailer and 4wd Hire 21 day Adventure
Cape York is truly one of Australia’s greatest wilderness areas. With a vast range of flora, fauna and a history dating back thousands of years, the Cape is a truly wonderful place to visit. The landscapes vary from lush rainforests, to open plains and beautiful isolated beaches. The Cape caters for a variety of travellers from families and couples looking to do something totally different through to the keen fisherman, cyclists and bush walkers. It is very remote, the roads can be atrocious but it is also an extremely safe and friendly environment when you have the right equipment and support.
The Cape covers a large area and you can spend months in any one section, the following three week itinerary is for those wishing to see a good cross section of the cape without rushing too much, truly the best experiences are when you can stop for a few days and really explore an area in depth.
Our Camper Trailer hire and 4wd hire vehicles have been fitted out to meet the rugged conditions of Cape York. In fact we are the only 4wd hire and camper trailer hire company that can supply the complete package to travel to the Cape in safety and comfort.Vehicle Requirements and Safety Equipment
Typical Cape York road
The tracks suggested in this itinerary cross some of the tougher sections of the Cape and it is recommended that you travel with another party. There are alternative roads that can take you to the top, but these will not get you to those truly special and remote spots. During the dry season, especially school holidays there are generally many others that would be pleased to travel in convoy and help support you through the tougher sections and river crossings. Our vehicles and trailers have all been fitted with the right equipment and tested right across the Cape. There are also advantages and disadvantages to towing an off road trailer through the Cape and we would be pleased to provide advice and suggestions for your specific requirements based on our own experiences exploring this part of our country. We will supply recovery gear, all vehicles have a winch, snorkel, dual battery system, UHF radio , two spare wheels and suitable tools for the trip. We can also supply Personal Locator Beacons and Satellite Phones.
Driver Requirements
Cape York River Crossing
To drive some of the tougher tracks you certainly need to have a good knowledge of driving a 4wd and recovery techniques. If you do get stuck especially in a river it is paramount to get the vehicle out before water can enter the cabin and potentially the engine management system or other critical electrics. As long as you walk each crossing, check the holes, have your winch cable ready , and ideally a vehicle on the other side waiting with a snatch strap every crossing will be successful. Some tracks will see you enjoying the scenery in low range for up to five days, there are some of the greatest creek and river crossings up to six in a morning. If you take it slowly you will have a ball and get through, rush things or be over confident and you will surely come unstuck. For those of you looking for some extra support or training please contact us for more information on driver training or tag-a-long tours.
Day 1-2 Cairns to Cape Tribulation – Approx 150 kms
Noah Beach is nothing less than paradise
The first leg of the adventure takes you through the Daintree, crossing the Daintree River on the Daintree Ferry. The road to the ferry is sealed all the way and accessible by 2WD vehicles - it is not until you get further north that the $WD adventure begins. You must remain in your vehicle while you are travelling on the ferry. When you drive off the ferry, pull over to the left and let the local traffic pass then have a relaxing journey experiencing this magnificent World Heritage Listed Rainforest. You will see a large range of beautiful birdlife and other fauna, if you are very lucky you may even see the delightful Cassowary. There are a number cassowary crossing points within the Daintree noted by the distinctive cassowary signs. Make sure you stop and enjoy some of the many beautiful beaches and lookouts along this beatiful coastline. The Noah Beach campsite, managed by the EPA is 25km north of the Daintree ferry and 8km south of Cape Tribulation village and is certainly a very special spot only 50m to the beach. The campsites are reasonably well spaced and toilets are provided but you must book in advance especially in peak season.
Day 2-3 Daintree to Cooktown via the Bloomfield track - 140km approx
The Bloomfield Track links Cape Tribulation and The Bloomfield River and is where your 4wd adventure really begins. The track is very scenic and travels through a diverse range of rainforest. The conditions of the road can vary a lot depending on the weather and can easily become impassable in the wet season. Always check conditions before travelling. Towing an off road camping trailer is fine especially if the road conditions are good. There are a couple of steep climbs that will require low range, Donovan's Range is 20% (1:5) and Cowie Range is up to 33% (1:3). Make sure you engage low range before the climb and keep in one gear for the duration. There are a number of creek and river crossings along the track, but many do not rise above the floodways in the dry season and it is important to walk any that are flooded. If it is muddy watch out for slippery sections and take it slowly. Lunch at the Lion's Den is a local institution and a must do on your way to Cooktown.
Day 3-4 – Cooktown
Cooktown is a delightful country town rich with history. It is well worth taking the time to stop here for a few days to really enjoy the local area. There are a couple of lovely caravan parks worth staying at providing some luxury before you head further north. Visit the lighthouse and enjoy some of the local walking trails. A walk up the main street to look at the shops and around the waterfront is a good way to mix with the locals and perhaps meet a Cape identitiy such as Linda Rowe the Croc Shop lady.
There are a number of beautiful beaches within a short walk from Cooktown including Finch Bay and Cheery Tree Bay. Finch Bay is a spectacular beach, surrounded by mountains. On the left side of the beach, where the stairs from the parking area mysteriously appear, there are dozens of massive rocks sitting at the end of the mountain as well as one boulder that rests on its side in the beach. Cherry Tree Bay is a beautiful secluded beach, accessible by a 1500 M walking track from the Cooktown botanic gardens. Another walking track also leads from
The coloured sands at Elim are well worth the visit
half way up grassy hill which has a sign on a bench on the right hand side of the road. The beach sits between two hillsides. The left hill is covered with brown grasses and is part of the infamous Grassy Hill. The hill to the right is covered with beautiful trees and rocks. On the back part of the beach, there are palm trees and other wild life, and if you go to the far left, there is a little cove, with a stream. The beach itself is beautiful and absolutely peaceful.If you have a full spare day it is well worth the trip to Elim sand coloured sands just north of Hope Vale, note a permit is required that can be purchased from the service station in Hope Vale.
Day 5- 6 Cooktown to Archer River Roadhouse – 470 km
This part of the journey takes you along the Peninsula Development Road and while it can be done in one day (approx 7 hours driving) if you have the time you can certainly break it into two. The development road can vary in conditions but is generally well graded and wide. The main focus is to keep an eye out for dips and large pot holes. Oncoming cars will throw a mass of dust and stones so take it easy whenever an oncoming car approaches. If you are in a convoy it is helpful to radio through to the trailing vehicles oncoming vehicles and significant variations in the road conditions. The Archer River Roadhouse offers warm showers, fuel, ice and grassy campsites for a small fee.
Day 6 -7 Archer River Roadhouse to Dulhunty River via the Old Telegraph Line Track
Sunset from the campground at the Archer River Roadhouse
The first leg of this day continues along the Telegraph Rd through to Bramwell junction . This 165kms is still fairly easy even though the quality of the roads will degrade a bit, the trip time to Bramwell junction should be around 2-3 hours. Make sure to stop at Bramwell for a final fuel up if required, they also make an awesome hamburger, before hitting the Old Telegraph Track. The Overland Telegraph Line Track or more commonly referred to as the OTL track or simply just the OTL runs right up the heart of the peninsula. This is the traditional route for those wishing to explore the Cape and it follows the Overland Telegraph Line that was once the only method of communication for those living on the peninsula. The Telegraph operated from 1885 until 1964 when the last message was sent. The route was still used for telephone cable until 1987 when it was finally dismantled. Keep an eye out for the old poles along the track, during the 2nd World War these were a critical component to Australia’s military communications with the rest of the world. The Dulhunty River is only around 30kms from Bramwell Junction, but you should allow around 3 hours for the journey, most of this will be slow going in low range through rough tracks and creeks. For any deep crossings make sure you have your recovery gear ready to ensure a quick extraction before water can enter the vehicle. While this is slower than taking the bypass road it is certainly a lot safer and is a lot easier on the vehicles than the corrugations of the bypass road.
The first creek crossing you reach is Palm Creek crossing. This has a steep entry which you can bottom out on if not careful. Once through the entry the actual crossing is straight forward. There is a camp site here if you wish to have a break. The drive from here is very scenic and whilst slow is a very enjoyable 4wd. The key to the OTT is to take it easy and enjoy the ride, as soon as you rush something wil go wrong. There are a number of other creek crossings before you reach the Dulhunty but these are all a lot easier than the Palm Creek crossing.Day 7-9 Camping on the Dulhunty River
At Dalhunty there are campsites on both the North and South sides, these are well spaced apart and have large cleared areas. Small fires are acceptable and there is plenty of wood along the track on the way in. It is well worth stopping here if you can for a few nights to enjoy just sitting in the creek, fishing and exploring. The creek is very shallow making it safe for a swim without fear of crocodiles. There are a few holes downstream that are good for flicking a lure into. Have a close look at the banks of the Dulhunty and you will notice the carnivorous pitcher plants, shaped like a jug 10 cm high with seductive nectar in the bottom to attract insects.
The camping spaces at Dulhunty are large and spaced well apart from eachother
Day 9-11 Dulhunty to Eliot Falls
The next leg of the trek takes you further up the OTT with a number of great creek crossings and technical sections including the famous Gunshot. Take your time and enjoy the verchanging scenery and views, the terrain changes dramatically as you move through the various gullies and plateaus. The colours of the sky against the green vegetation and changing soil colours is nothing less than spectacular. If you have the time there are a number of fantastic campsites along the way to enjoy.
The campgrounds at Eliot falls is close to the northern boundary of Heathlands Resources Reserve, at the confluence of Canal and Eliot creeks, the camp area is managed by the EPA and a small camping fee is payable. Drinking water and toilets are available and small fires are permitted when it is not a total fire ban. It is a 2 minute walk to swim in the falls with a number of other walks to explore this beautiful area. There are approximately 30 campsites some suitable for tents and others for camping trailers. It is well worthwhile also taking the time to visit fruit bat falls which is approximately 10kms south .Day 11-12 Eliot Falls to Punsand Bay
Typical creek crossing on the OTT
From here you can either head back to the bypass road or continue along the OTT. The next section of the OTT stars with with four creek crossings within a few kilometres including Sam Creek, Mistake Ceek, Cannibal Creek and Cypress Creek. All of these are fairly easy as long as you take the time to plan your crossing, note the most direct route is definitely not always the one to take. Please take note of the detailed driving notes in the Hema map atlas of the area to assit in the best crossings. The track form here becomes at stages very steep and narrow , it again presents you with magnificent and ever changing scenery. Whilst slower than the bypass road again it is well worth the extra time to really enjoy this picturesque part of the journey. Your last crossing at Nolan’s brook can be quite deep and with a soft sandy bottom. Definitely make sure you have your recovery gear ready and ideally a tow vehicle in case you get stuck. Last time we crossed it the right hand side heading north was a lot firmer than and not as deep as the middle. After approximately 27kms you make it to the bypass road where you turn left to head towards the Jardine River Ferry. The ferry runs continuously during the dry season form 8 am to 5 pm and there is fuel available at the crossing. From the ferry travel towards Bamaga where supplies and repairs can be obtained if required. From Bamaga the road deteriorates again slightly as you then travel further north to Punsand bay, but is nothing like you would have seen on the OTT.
Days 13 – 16 Punsand Bay
Exploring the beach at Punsand Bay Resort
The campgrounds at Punsand bay is right on the water’s edge looking north into the Torres Strait. The sites that front on to the beach are probably the pick but note these ones are not powered. The campgrounds are all a good size with plenty of toilets and showers. There is also a bar and restaurant, make sure you book for your dinner as they only cook for the people who have pre booked. There are a number of great day trips that can be done from Punsand Bay. Visiting the tip is a must, and there is a great little 4wd track you can take form Punsand bay as an alternative to the main road which is a bit further out of the way that is interesting but not too long, allow about an hour. Thursday Island is accessible by the ferry that leaves right off the Punsand bay beach and is another well worthwhile day trip, make sure you visit Australia’s moist Northern pub for a counter meal at lunch before wondering back to the ferry.
While this itinerary only has 3 nights at Punsand bay you could easily spend more than a week exploring the local area.Days 16 - 17 Punsand bay to Weipa – day 18 Weipa
Playing on the beach at sunset at Weipa camp ground
The next leg takes you back down the bypass road south via the Western side of the Cape. While speeds are increased it pays careful attention to road conditions and watch out for pot holes, large dips and oncoming vehicles. Once in Weipa there is only one campground which has 13 Acres of Grassed Shady Camping on Albatross Bay, a swimming pool, clean modern amenities and basic supplies. There are a number of great activities in Weipa. You can hire a boat from the campground to go out fishing, make sure to make the effort to watch the sunset over the water. The mine tour at Weipa is also a must, providing a great insight to the business of extracting bauxite in vast quantities, bookings can be made at the campground reception.
Weipa to Musgrave RoadHouse 367 kms – Day 17 – 18
Day 17 takes you further south towards cairns. Half way form Weipa to cairns is the Muscgrave roadhouse and an ideal place to stay on your journey home. Musgrave was first built as an overland telegraph station in 1887, along with Palmerville, Fairview, Coen, Mein, Moreton, McDonnell and Paterson. It was named after Sir Anthony Musgrave (1828 - 1888) who was Governor of Queensland from 1883 to 1888. Called a repeater station, it had great banks of batteries and a generator to boost the power in the telegraph line. Musgrave is the only overland telegraph station in the peninsula that remains since the old wire has been replaced with modern microwave radio systems and optic fiber. The campgrounds have hot showers, toilets and BBQ Facilities
Musgrave RoadHouse to Cairns 450 kms – Day 18 – 19
Musgrave to Cairns is the last of your journey and provides you with an easy drive to say good bye to the Cape. The roads while still rocky and rough will provide a great way to enjoy the last of the magic scenery of the Cape , until next trip !
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