Cape York trip,(one of many) June 2005 Cape2
Synopsis, North of Cairns. CyorkMap
This trip has become almost an annual event, starting
in 1993 by trailbikes, and by 4WD since 1999.
The tracks north of Lakeland have been dramatically
improved over the years, with a bridge over the
Wenlock river, widening and improving the bypass
tracks and "assured" petrol at Bramwell Junction and
Jardine river. This extra petrol has made trail bike
riding a lot easier, not having to carry so much extra
petrol at the expense of food and bedding.
The Telegraph Track still presents some challenges,
particularly if the creeks are deep, early in the season
eg :- Gunshot creek, in the Southern section, and you
can still come to grief on the Northern section on some
of the creek crossings. (timber logs!!)
The bypass track is now quite easy, especially after
grading, and presents no problems to any 4WD or bike.
You still strike some sections of deep soft sand, near Map
Punsand Bay resort (highly recommended) and the
track from Punsand Bay to the tip can be tricky after rain. Oncoming traffic is hard to pass here.
Its an absolute disgrace that Pajinka Lodge has been trashed by our indigenenous friends, after they
were given ownership to this delightful tropical resort. (similar to Heron Island). It doesn't appear
to be opening in the foreseeable future. Over $20 m was pissed down the drain here, deliberately!
Approach roads, from Noosa to Cairns and return.
The approach and return roads from Noosa to the Cairns district, can be very enjoyable
if you stay off the main highways. We have found the following areas worth going thru :-
1 Woodgate / Kin Kuna National parks, interesting tracks and great seaside camping.
2 Deepwater National Park,Wreck rock, Agnes Waters and 1770, all special.
3 Burdekin Dam, either going north or returning south.(check out the bush Pub!)
4 Airlie Beach, do yourself a favour with a tropical "reef" cruise in "paradise".
5 Atherton tablelands and the various escarpment drives.
6 The coast road from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, via Daintree and Mosman.
7 Cape Tribulation to Cooktown via Bloomfield river and Black Mountain. (now easy )
8 Cooktown to Musgrave via Lakefield National park.
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At home, just before departure, don't need First camp, Deepwater National Park.
roofracks for this "now" simple trip. Wreck Rock campsite, 20 m from the
Used to be much more difficult before 1995. last safe surf beach in QLD. (summer)
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Typical "low" creek crossing, 300-400 deep.
The Wenlock & Jardine fords used to be as Turnoff from Weipa Rd. to Bamaga.
deep as 800 to 1000, on occasions. Now This was where is used to get serious !
Wenlock is bridged and Jardine has ferry
($88 !!) which extends the season greatly.
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Just before tip, just as camera On Summerset beach, near tip
batteries gave up, so couldn't
show top sign in bucket, this year. We got it on video anyway.
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