Planning for trip to Cape York

[PaulH]

Hi all! I have decided to do the Cape York trip. My wife is not into 4 wheel
driving anymore. In fact, even at her most adventurous she was only ever
what you could call a "white knuckle" four wheel drive passenger. We have
owned a few Landcruisers over the years. I normally replace the panic bar
twice before I replace the car!
So I always thought it was not really an option to go to the Cape because
she would not come (Well there was a time when it was a possibility, way
back when we were both younger.)
Anyway, recently I was having a few drinks with a mate who lives in Batemans
Bay. We are good friends but don't get to see each other much any more. We
were talking about it and we agreed that we would both like to do it but our
wives are not into it. So, we have decided we will do it together and leave
the wives at their respective homes.
He will fly here, to Mackay, and start the trip with me here.
At this stage my thinking is to do it in about July or August next year.

He is 50, a city bloke, a biker, never owned a 4WD in his life. I dont
think he even has a lot of camping experience. He is one of these blokes
that his missus does everything for him.
We have been friends since we lived next door to each other when I was 15
and he was 17.
I'm 48. Grew up in the city, did a trade as a Motor Mechanic. Moved away to
a mining town in the Mackay Hinterland. I was into the whole hunting,
camping, fishing scene for years. I still fish and still have my rifles.
Although my 5 year gun licence is almost up for renewal and the only shot I
have fired in the time I have had this licence and the one before was to put
my dog down last year. My wife knows I like camping so she comes with me
once a year to a place just north of here where there are toilets and hot
showers. Its not my ideal type of camping but its better than not going and
my wife is with me.
Some times I go off to places a little more remote as well, but I tend to
find I am the only one in my circle of friends who is interested, and
although I enjoy my own company, it's not as much fun to go alone all the
time so I tend to do other things that I can do with my mates or family.

I have a '95 HZJ 75 diesel drop side ute. It's fitted with an aftermarket
Garrett turbo.
Its the first Toyota I have owned that I didn't buy new. It has 340,000ks
on it but the engine was done up 140,000ks ago. I have put 40,000 on it in
the 2 years I have owned it. I have just had the Turbo O/hauled, Gearbox
O/hauled, and a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing fitted, and
the flywheel machined.
It's a nice tight vehicle. I've had them before and with less miles on them
than this one they are often loose, particularly inside the cab and they
rattle.
This one isnt like that. My assessment of it is it's a reliable vehicle
and I'm confident it will be up to the trip.
My reason for posting this is that over the next few months I'm going to be
planning my trip away, and I would really appreciate any advice from anyone
who has done the Cape Trip. I'd be happy to hear what people have to say
about any aspect of it at all, things to avoid, things to must do, don't
bothers, must carrys, whatever!
Id also be happy to receive direct emails on the topic if you want to do
that.
I think the "reply to" email address should work .... I may have munged it
... I hate spam! Anyway if it dosen't work you will be able to get me if you
send anything to ***@hotmail.com and just remove the text that
is in capitals.

I don't have a canopy on the ute at the moment.
I'm a bit worried about my stuff being knocked off out of the back of an
open ute. I've never felt the need to enclose any of my utes in the last 25
years of bush and coast camping, but I think unfortunately there are a lot
of different people who go to the Cape, different to the ones I have run
into over my time in the bush and on the remote coastal camp areas that I
have frequented. So, I think I'll build one before I go.
I'd be happy for any design suggestions on that as well.

I have a mate who is a boilermaker and he has a mig and a TiG welder. He is
happy to weld it up for me if I buy the materials.
I have read that its reccomended that you should do the trip in the company
of another vehicle. I think that is a good idea so if someone else would
like to join up with me Id be happy to get to know you and see if we want to
do the trip in similar ways that we could team up and maybe not double up on
some of the stuff that we have to take.
I'll probably build a file of information relating to my Cape trip from here
and other sources over the next few months. If anyone has a file like that
that they have made and that they are prepared to share with me I would
appreciate that. I will probably share mine (if I think it will be useful)
after I get back.
Regards to all,
Paul.

[Jim]

Post by PaulH
Hi all! I have decided to do the Cape York trip. My wife is not into 4
wheel driving anymore. In fact, even at her most adventurous she was only
ever what you could call a "white knuckle" four wheel drive passenger. We
have owned a few Landcruisers over the years. I normally replace the panic
bar twice before I replace the car!
So I always thought it was not really an option to go to the Cape because
she would not come (Well there was a time when it was a possibility, way
back when we were both younger.)
Anyway, recently I was having a few drinks with a mate who lives in
Batemans Bay. We are good friends but don't get to see each other much any
more. We were talking about it and we agreed that we would both like to do
it but our wives are not into it. So, we have decided we will do it
together and leave the wives at their respective homes.
He will fly here, to Mackay, and start the trip with me here.
At this stage my thinking is to do it in about July or August next year.
He is 50, a city bloke, a biker, never owned a 4WD in his life. I dont
think he even has a lot of camping experience. He is one of these blokes
that his missus does everything for him.
We have been friends since we lived next door to each other when I was 15
and he was 17.
I'm 48. Grew up in the city, did a trade as a Motor Mechanic. Moved away
to a mining town in the Mackay Hinterland. I was into the whole hunting,
camping, fishing scene for years. I still fish and still have my rifles.
Although my 5 year gun licence is almost up for renewal and the only shot
I have fired in the time I have had this licence and the one before was to
put my dog down last year. My wife knows I like camping so she comes with
me once a year to a place just north of here where there are toilets and
hot showers. Its not my ideal type of camping but its better than not
going and my wife is with me.
Some times I go off to places a little more remote as well, but I tend to
find I am the only one in my circle of friends who is interested, and
although I enjoy my own company, it's not as much fun to go alone all the
time so I tend to do other things that I can do with my mates or family.
I have a '95 HZJ 75 diesel drop side ute. It's fitted with an aftermarket
Garrett turbo.
Its the first Toyota I have owned that I didn't buy new. It has 340,000ks
on it but the engine was done up 140,000ks ago. I have put 40,000 on it in
the 2 years I have owned it. I have just had the Turbo O/hauled, Gearbox
O/hauled, and a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing fitted,
and the flywheel machined.
It's a nice tight vehicle. I've had them before and with less miles on
them than this one they are often loose, particularly inside the cab and
they rattle.
This one isnt like that. My assessment of it is it's a reliable vehicle
and I'm confident it will be up to the trip.
My reason for posting this is that over the next few months I'm going to
be planning my trip away, and I would really appreciate any advice from
anyone who has done the Cape Trip. I'd be happy to hear what people have
to say about any aspect of it at all, things to avoid, things to must do,
don't bothers, must carrys, whatever!
Id also be happy to receive direct emails on the topic if you want to do
that.
I think the "reply to" email address should work .... I may have munged it
... I hate spam! Anyway if it dosen't work you will be able to get me if
that is in capitals.
I don't have a canopy on the ute at the moment.
I'm a bit worried about my stuff being knocked off out of the back of an
open ute. I've never felt the need to enclose any of my utes in the last
25 years of bush and coast camping, but I think unfortunately there are a
lot of different people who go to the Cape, different to the ones I have
run into over my time in the bush and on the remote coastal camp areas
that I have frequented. So, I think I'll build one before I go.
I'd be happy for any design suggestions on that as well.
I have a mate who is a boilermaker and he has a mig and a TiG welder. He
is happy to weld it up for me if I buy the materials.
I have read that its reccomended that you should do the trip in the
company of another vehicle. I think that is a good idea so if someone else
would like to join up with me Id be happy to get to know you and see if we
want to do the trip in similar ways that we could team up and maybe not
double up on some of the stuff that we have to take.
I'll probably build a file of information relating to my Cape trip from
here and other sources over the next few months. If anyone has a file like
that that they have made and that they are prepared to share with me I
would appreciate that. I will probably share mine (if I think it will be
useful) after I get back.
Regards to all,
Paul.

Paul, have been there a few times, one of my favourite treks. My experience
suggests
Stick to the main drag and you shouldn't have any worries, even going solo.
There's usually plenty of people around.
Make sure that you have a UHF radio at the very least. A HF can be handy if
you're on your own. They can be hired or bought.
Taking anyone who doesn't enjoy camping and remote areas is a recipe for
disaster, believe me. They neither appreciate nor enjoy the experience at
best. You are better off on your own, you'll meet like minded people along
the way.
The Cape is creek crossing and scrub. Be well prepared as mechanical
breakdowns are usually expensive.
Stay away from the crocs, stingers and spiders. Not difficult if you stick
to swimming in the pool at Weipa, and Fruit Bat falls.
You are more at risk from stupid tourists who think that they're the only
ones within 100k, and who drive accordingly.
Forget the hairy chested stuff (top end of the OTL, Gunshot etc) unless in a
group who know what they're on about. The Gun is worth looking at, but
there's a 20k bypass track.
Much of the area is aboriginal land, with strict ink a hol restrictions.
Observe them.
Don't think you can do it in three weeks from Sydney or Melbourne, it
doesn't work that way. Plan to have a few days up your sleeve, you'll need
them.
Finally, the Cape is a unique 4wd experience. Take it easy and enjoy :))

Cheers
Jim

[PaulH]

Post by Jim
Paul, have been there a few times, one of my favourite treks. My
experience suggests
Stick to the main drag and you shouldn't have any worries, even going
solo. There's usually plenty of people around.
Make sure that you have a UHF radio at the very least. A HF can be handy
if you're on your own. They can be hired or bought.
Taking anyone who doesn't enjoy camping and remote areas is a recipe for
disaster, believe me. They neither appreciate nor enjoy the experience at
best. You are better off on your own, you'll meet like minded people along
the way.
The Cape is creek crossing and scrub. Be well prepared as mechanical
breakdowns are usually expensive.
Stay away from the crocs, stingers and spiders. Not difficult if you stick
to swimming in the pool at Weipa, and Fruit Bat falls.
You are more at risk from stupid tourists who think that they're the only
ones within 100k, and who drive accordingly.
Forget the hairy chested stuff (top end of the OTL, Gunshot etc) unless in
a group who know what they're on about. The Gun is worth looking at, but
there's a 20k bypass track.
Much of the area is aboriginal land, with strict ink a hol restrictions.
Observe them.
Don't think you can do it in three weeks from Sydney or Melbourne, it
doesn't work that way. Plan to have a few days up your sleeve, you'll need
them.
Finally, the Cape is a unique 4wd experience. Take it easy and enjoy :))
Cheers
Jim

Thanks for the reply Jim. Because this is my first time I was only planning
on doing the main road. I think there is a lot to see up there but I would
prefer to not try to see "too much".
Time isn't really an essence to me ...its more goverened by how many
supplies I can carry. Ive got a UHF radio in the ute but I am thinking of
hiring a HF, or even buying one if I come across one at the right price.

As for the inexperienced camper bit, yeah Russells a good mate and he is
keen to do the trip but I must admit to more than a moderate concern that he
will sit back and wait for me to mother him like his wife does. That said he
is a pretty tough character and I think if I spell the rules out to him
before he is committed he will know what to expect. I dont think its so much
that he doesn't enjoy camping as that he hasnt done much (or any.... surely
he must have done some, though...... every one has done some camping,
haven't they???? )
We are good mates and I will talk to him about my concerns and give him an
understanding of what will be expectted of him. I dont really want go on my
own though. I don't mimd not being in the company of other vehicles,if that
is what happens but I don't really feel like doing it without someone to
share it with.

Stingers Crocks Spiders??? I live in Mackay, mate. we have all of them
...and Taipans as well !!! I think they only have Brown snakes and Black
snakes up there. It will be nice to get away from the Taipans!!!! LOL

I'm not going to run the top of the OTL or Gunshot, but I am going to go to
the Gunshot for a look.

Russell is from Batemans Bay, NSW and he has never been further north than
Noosa. He is flying to Mackay. We won't have time to do every thing between
here and the Tip but I was hoping to show heim a little of the sights that I
have already seen on the way up. So, leave about 8.00 am first day, drive
to Townsville. Have a look around for the afternoon. Head to Cairns the next
day. I'm thinking at the moment that Cairns may be a good place to plan to
have a couple of days ...for Russell to have a look around but also to let
us stock up on the more perishible things. I'm not really talking about milk
and things like that (I'll be using packet and dried stuff as much as
possible, And I can get that here) but Fruit and veg, and I thought we would
take some fresh meat with us for the first couple of days, use it up then go
on to tinned and packet food. What about a fridge? I've only used eskies
before but Iwas thinking about buying a Waeco, but I've gone a bit cold on
the idea because I've heard some stories of the Waecos not working well in
the tropics. Also does any one have any idea how to work out how big is big
enough?

After we get away from Cairns, we will head to Cape Trib and stop there for
a night, doing the sights on the way. Then, I was thinking we might spend a
couple of days in Cooktown, So I reckon we will spend the first week going
from Mackay to Cooktown. From there I'm in unfamilliar country (never been
north of Cooktown), so I'm still working it out in my head.
Cheers,
Paul.

[Jim]

Post by PaulH

Post by Jim
Paul, have been there a few times, one of my favourite treks. My
experience suggests
Stick to the main drag and you shouldn't have any worries, even going
solo. There's usually plenty of people around.
Make sure that you have a UHF radio at the very least. A HF can be handy
if you're on your own. They can be hired or bought.
Taking anyone who doesn't enjoy camping and remote areas is a recipe for
disaster, believe me. They neither appreciate nor enjoy the experience at
best. You are better off on your own, you'll meet like minded people
along the way.
The Cape is creek crossing and scrub. Be well prepared as mechanical
breakdowns are usually expensive.
Stay away from the crocs, stingers and spiders. Not difficult if you
stick to swimming in the pool at Weipa, and Fruit Bat falls.
You are more at risk from stupid tourists who think that they're the only
ones within 100k, and who drive accordingly.
Forget the hairy chested stuff (top end of the OTL, Gunshot etc) unless
in a group who know what they're on about. The Gun is worth looking at,
but there's a 20k bypass track.
Much of the area is aboriginal land, with strict ink a hol restrictions.
Observe them.
Don't think you can do it in three weeks from Sydney or Melbourne, it
doesn't work that way. Plan to have a few days up your sleeve, you'll
need them.
Finally, the Cape is a unique 4wd experience. Take it easy and enjoy :))
Cheers
Jim

Thanks for the reply Jim. Because this is my first time I was only
planning on doing the main road. I think there is a lot to see up there
but I would prefer to not try to see "too much".
Time isn't really an essence to me ...its more goverened by how many
supplies I can carry. Ive got a UHF radio in the ute but I am thinking of
hiring a HF, or even buying one if I come across one at the right price.
As for the inexperienced camper bit, yeah Russells a good mate and he is
keen to do the trip but I must admit to more than a moderate concern that
he will sit back and wait for me to mother him like his wife does. That
said he is a pretty tough character and I think if I spell the rules out
to him before he is committed he will know what to expect. I dont think
its so much that he doesn't enjoy camping as that he hasnt done much (or
any.... surely he must have done some, though...... every one has done
some camping, haven't they???? )
We are good mates and I will talk to him about my concerns and give him an
understanding of what will be expectted of him. I dont really want go on
my own though. I don't mimd not being in the company of other vehicles,if
that is what happens but I don't really feel like doing it without someone
to share it with.
Stingers Crocks Spiders??? I live in Mackay, mate. we have all of them
...and Taipans as well !!! I think they only have Brown snakes and Black
snakes up there. It will be nice to get away from the Taipans!!!! LOL
I'm not going to run the top of the OTL or Gunshot, but I am going to go
to the Gunshot for a look.
Russell is from Batemans Bay, NSW and he has never been further north than
Noosa. He is flying to Mackay. We won't have time to do every thing
between here and the Tip but I was hoping to show heim a little of the
sights that I have already seen on the way up. So, leave about 8.00 am
first day, drive to Townsville. Have a look around for the afternoon. Head
to Cairns the next day. I'm thinking at the moment that Cairns may be a
good place to plan to have a couple of days ...for Russell to have a look
around but also to let us stock up on the more perishible things. I'm not
really talking about milk and things like that (I'll be using packet and
dried stuff as much as possible, And I can get that here) but Fruit and
veg, and I thought we would take some fresh meat with us for the first
couple of days, use it up then go on to tinned and packet food. What about
a fridge? I've only used eskies before but Iwas thinking about buying a
Waeco, but I've gone a bit cold on the idea because I've heard some
stories of the Waecos not working well in the tropics. Also does any one
have any idea how to work out how big is big enough?
After we get away from Cairns, we will head to Cape Trib and stop there
for a night, doing the sights on the way. Then, I was thinking we might
spend a couple of days in Cooktown, So I reckon we will spend the first
week going from Mackay to Cooktown. From there I'm in unfamilliar country
(never been north of Cooktown), so I'm still working it out in my head.
Cheers,
Paul.

Hi Paul. Sorry I thought both of you were from the South Coast...I can
understand why you don't need to worry about the wildlife :)
However you are more likely to meet a snake than a croc. Unless you wander
into the water of course.
Good luck with your mate. The main point to push home is that you both need
to work together and look after one another. Set out a scheme for settling
any arguements before setting off.
Yep, frequent stops and photo ops are essential for both of you. As I said,
take it easy. I've done Cairns to Archer River in a day but wouldn't
recommend it. There used to be a spot on the river bend north of Cohen about
10K. Good camping , as is Archer River and Bramwell etc etc. If going
through Lakefield, say gooday to the Rangers.
Weipa is well worth a stop. (fishing off the wharf is usually great) Green
grass and supermarket etc. Remember that Cooktown is really the last place
of any substance (well...Cairns is depending on what you need:).
Take just enough to have a comfortable camp. Fuel is readily availiable, and
most supplies can be bought (although more expensive of course).
Take the time to chat to the locals when you stop. People make the trip.
Don't forget the sunscreen etc. I took a senior St Johns ambulance guy (my
bro) up there once and he promptly went troppo and got sunstroke !
It's long and it's corregated, but the track is interesting. You could be
lucky, the grader might have been through. Cooktown Council would know the
details. Oh and don't trust anyone who tells you that the bypass track is as
smooth as a baby's bottom...it is nearly always rougher than the OTL :-))
Not sure if it's open for traffic after the cyclone yet, but a trip out to
Portland Roads and Chilli Beach can be a high point. Use the turnoff just
north of Archer River, not the French Track. The French Track is more remote
traffic wise, and crossing the Pascoe can be difficult with one vehicle.

Cheers
Jim

Cheers
Jim

[Jim]

Post by Jim

Post by PaulH

Post by Jim
Paul, have been there a few times, one of my favourite treks. My
experience suggests
Stick to the main drag and you shouldn't have any worries, even going
solo. There's usually plenty of people around.
Make sure that you have a UHF radio at the very least. A HF can be handy
if you're on your own. They can be hired or bought.
Taking anyone who doesn't enjoy camping and remote areas is a recipe for
disaster, believe me. They neither appreciate nor enjoy the experience
at best. You are better off on your own, you'll meet like minded people
along the way.
The Cape is creek crossing and scrub. Be well prepared as mechanical
breakdowns are usually expensive.
Stay away from the crocs, stingers and spiders. Not difficult if you
stick to swimming in the pool at Weipa, and Fruit Bat falls.
You are more at risk from stupid tourists who think that they're the
only ones within 100k, and who drive accordingly.
Forget the hairy chested stuff (top end of the OTL, Gunshot etc) unless
in a group who know what they're on about. The Gun is worth looking at,
but there's a 20k bypass track.
Much of the area is aboriginal land, with strict ink a hol restrictions.
Observe them.
Don't think you can do it in three weeks from Sydney or Melbourne, it
doesn't work that way. Plan to have a few days up your sleeve, you'll
need them.
Finally, the Cape is a unique 4wd experience. Take it easy and enjoy :))
Cheers
Jim

Thanks for the reply Jim. Because this is my first time I was only
planning on doing the main road. I think there is a lot to see up there
but I would prefer to not try to see "too much".
Time isn't really an essence to me ...its more goverened by how many
supplies I can carry. Ive got a UHF radio in the ute but I am thinking of
hiring a HF, or even buying one if I come across one at the right price.
As for the inexperienced camper bit, yeah Russells a good mate and he is
keen to do the trip but I must admit to more than a moderate concern that
he will sit back and wait for me to mother him like his wife does. That
said he is a pretty tough character and I think if I spell the rules out
to him before he is committed he will know what to expect. I dont think
its so much that he doesn't enjoy camping as that he hasnt done much (or
any.... surely he must have done some, though...... every one has done
some camping, haven't they???? )
We are good mates and I will talk to him about my concerns and give him
an understanding of what will be expectted of him. I dont really want go
on my own though. I don't mimd not being in the company of other
vehicles,if that is what happens but I don't really feel like doing it
without someone to share it with.
Stingers Crocks Spiders??? I live in Mackay, mate. we have all of them
...and Taipans as well !!! I think they only have Brown snakes and Black
snakes up there. It will be nice to get away from the Taipans!!!! LOL
I'm not going to run the top of the OTL or Gunshot, but I am going to go
to the Gunshot for a look.
Russell is from Batemans Bay, NSW and he has never been further north
than Noosa. He is flying to Mackay. We won't have time to do every thing
between here and the Tip but I was hoping to show heim a little of the
sights that I have already seen on the way up. So, leave about 8.00 am
first day, drive to Townsville. Have a look around for the afternoon.
Head to Cairns the next day. I'm thinking at the moment that Cairns may
be a good place to plan to have a couple of days ...for Russell to have a
look around but also to let us stock up on the more perishible things.
I'm not really talking about milk and things like that (I'll be using
packet and dried stuff as much as possible, And I can get that here) but
Fruit and veg, and I thought we would take some fresh meat with us for
the first couple of days, use it up then go on to tinned and packet food.
What about a fridge? I've only used eskies before but Iwas thinking
about buying a Waeco, but I've gone a bit cold on the idea because I've
heard some stories of the Waecos not working well in the tropics. Also
does any one have any idea how to work out how big is big enough?
After we get away from Cairns, we will head to Cape Trib and stop there
for a night, doing the sights on the way. Then, I was thinking we might
spend a couple of days in Cooktown, So I reckon we will spend the first
week going from Mackay to Cooktown. From there I'm in unfamilliar country
(never been north of Cooktown), so I'm still working it out in my head.
Cheers,
Paul.

Hi Paul. Sorry I thought both of you were from the South Coast...I can
understand why you don't need to worry about the wildlife :)
However you are more likely to meet a snake than a croc. Unless you wander
into the water of course.
Good luck with your mate. The main point to push home is that you both
need to work together and look after one another. Set out a scheme for
settling any arguements before setting off.
Yep, frequent stops and photo ops are essential for both of you. As I
said, take it easy. I've done Cairns to Archer River in a day but wouldn't
recommend it. There used to be a spot on the river bend north of Cohen
about 10K. Good camping , as is Archer River and Bramwell etc etc. If
going through Lakefield, say gooday to the Rangers.
Weipa is well worth a stop. (fishing off the wharf is usually great) Green
grass and supermarket etc. Remember that Cooktown is really the last place
of any substance (well...Cairns is depending on what you need:).
Take just enough to have a comfortable camp. Fuel is readily availiable,
and most supplies can be bought (although more expensive of course).
Take the time to chat to the locals when you stop. People make the trip.
Don't forget the sunscreen etc. I took a senior St Johns ambulance guy (my
bro) up there once and he promptly went troppo and got sunstroke !
It's long and it's corregated, but the track is interesting. You could be
lucky, the grader might have been through. Cooktown Council would know the
details. Oh and don't trust anyone who tells you that the bypass track is
as smooth as a baby's bottom...it is nearly always rougher than the OTL
:-))
Not sure if it's open for traffic after the cyclone yet, but a trip out to
Portland Roads and Chilli Beach can be a high point. Use the turnoff just
north of Archer River, not the French Track. The French Track is more
remote traffic wise, and crossing the Pascoe can be difficult with one
vehicle.
Cheers
Jim
Cheers
Jim

Forgot to mention fridges. I've been there without one but never again.
Driving is hard thirsty work :)How well they work there depends on a lot of
things including installation, how often you open it etc. I've had good
service from a 35L Waeco, but a bigger one would be nice if you could
justify it, say 60L. Seperate freezer and fridge compartments would be great
if possible. Make sure you get the insullation cover, they do work. Use the
largest dia wire you can to hard wire the fridge. Connectors come loose etc
(don't forget a circuit braker) and run 2 wires , dont depend on the chassis
for an earth.

Cheers
Jim

[Jim]

Post by PaulH
Hi all! I have decided to do the Cape York trip. My wife is not into 4
wheel driving anymore. In fact, even at her most adventurous she was only
ever what you could call a "white knuckle" four wheel drive passenger. We
have owned a few Landcruisers over the years. I normally replace the panic
bar twice before I replace the car!
So I always thought it was not really an option to go to the Cape because
she would not come (Well there was a time when it was a possibility, way
back when we were both younger.)
Anyway, recently I was having a few drinks with a mate who lives in
Batemans Bay. We are good friends but don't get to see each other much any
more. We were talking about it and we agreed that we would both like to do
it but our wives are not into it. So, we have decided we will do it
together and leave the wives at their respective homes.
He will fly here, to Mackay, and start the trip with me here.
At this stage my thinking is to do it in about July or August next year.
He is 50, a city bloke, a biker, never owned a 4WD in his life. I dont
think he even has a lot of camping experience. He is one of these blokes
that his missus does everything for him.
We have been friends since we lived next door to each other when I was 15
and he was 17.
I'm 48. Grew up in the city, did a trade as a Motor Mechanic. Moved away
to a mining town in the Mackay Hinterland. I was into the whole hunting,
camping, fishing scene for years. I still fish and still have my rifles.
Although my 5 year gun licence is almost up for renewal and the only shot
I have fired in the time I have had this licence and the one before was to
put my dog down last year. My wife knows I like camping so she comes with
me once a year to a place just north of here where there are toilets and
hot showers. Its not my ideal type of camping but its better than not
going and my wife is with me.
Some times I go off to places a little more remote as well, but I tend to
find I am the only one in my circle of friends who is interested, and
although I enjoy my own company, it's not as much fun to go alone all the
time so I tend to do other things that I can do with my mates or family.
I have a '95 HZJ 75 diesel drop side ute. It's fitted with an aftermarket
Garrett turbo.
Its the first Toyota I have owned that I didn't buy new. It has 340,000ks
on it but the engine was done up 140,000ks ago. I have put 40,000 on it in
the 2 years I have owned it. I have just had the Turbo O/hauled, Gearbox
O/hauled, and a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing fitted,
and the flywheel machined.
It's a nice tight vehicle. I've had them before and with less miles on
them than this one they are often loose, particularly inside the cab and
they rattle.
This one isnt like that. My assessment of it is it's a reliable vehicle
and I'm confident it will be up to the trip.
My reason for posting this is that over the next few months I'm going to
be planning my trip away, and I would really appreciate any advice from
anyone who has done the Cape Trip. I'd be happy to hear what people have
to say about any aspect of it at all, things to avoid, things to must do,
don't bothers, must carrys, whatever!
Id also be happy to receive direct emails on the topic if you want to do
that.
I think the "reply to" email address should work .... I may have munged it
... I hate spam! Anyway if it dosen't work you will be able to get me if
that is in capitals.
I don't have a canopy on the ute at the moment.
I'm a bit worried about my stuff being knocked off out of the back of an
open ute. I've never felt the need to enclose any of my utes in the last
25 years of bush and coast camping, but I think unfortunately there are a
lot of different people who go to the Cape, different to the ones I have
run into over my time in the bush and on the remote coastal camp areas
that I have frequented. So, I think I'll build one before I go.
I'd be happy for any design suggestions on that as well.
I have a mate who is a boilermaker and he has a mig and a TiG welder. He
is happy to weld it up for me if I buy the materials.
I have read that its reccomended that you should do the trip in the
company of another vehicle. I think that is a good idea so if someone else
would like to join up with me Id be happy to get to know you and see if we
want to do the trip in similar ways that we could team up and maybe not
double up on some of the stuff that we have to take.
I'll probably build a file of information relating to my Cape trip from
here and other sources over the next few months. If anyone has a file like
that that they have made and that they are prepared to share with me I
would appreciate that. I will probably share mine (if I think it will be
useful) after I get back.
Regards to all,
Paul.

Paul, take a peek at this...big file but worthwhile as its made by people
who went.
http://ivansanders.server101.com/CapeYork06.wmv

Cheers
Jim

[PaulH]

That's a good set of pics Jim,
Thanks
Paul.
"Jim" <***@bigpond.com> wrote in message news:ftKUg.41130$***@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
<snipped>

Post by Jim
Paul, take a peek at this...big file but worthwhile as its made by people
who went.
http://ivansanders.server101.com/CapeYork06.wmv
Cheers
Jim

[just us]

Hello Paul.
We have been to the tip a few times. It is amusing to see what preparations
people make isnt it?
- I really think a HF radio is overkill - in July each year the Cape is
literally swarming with 4wds and unless you are seriously going to get
"offroad" and alone you would be wasting your money. Finding somewhere alone
is almost impossible unless you have some "inside info".
- I would have a look at the old OTL - it is the only bit of 4wding left on
the Cape - the rest is really just corrugations and traffic. I wouldnt do
Gunshot though! (I am merely a girl afterall)
- If you are going to Cooktown you would be robbing yourself if dont go via
there to Battlecamp and into the Lakefield NP, join the annual rush to the
tip at Musgrave. You will be amazed at the traffic. LOL
- Portland and Chilli are now open, but who is to know whetther they will be
next July? Usually they are, but this year has just been nuts.
- Have some freinds with Waecos and they all have had problems once they hit
the rough roads. We have a Evercool which seems to be fuss free in the heat
and the bumps.
The northern area of the cape from Cockatoo Creek up is just beautiful -
take days to do it. Take your rods, walk down or upstream at the creeks and
you will be rewarded. Lie under a tree away from the road and watch as Palm
Cockatoos land above you and show off. Swim in the shallows (very very
shallow!!!) Find some magic little waterfalls - all there if you just want
to get out of your vehicle and walk.
We are actually taking 4 people on a bushwalk from Weipa cross country to
the very tip of CY in July next year :):):). Hubby and I did this incredible
walk in 2002, it was 306kms , took 23 days of blood , sweat and tears, we
didnt see a soul for ther first 9 days and then it was 9 days before we saw
another. To do it again with people is just very exciting and we cant wait.
Now that is the way to really experience the Cape.We are looking for someone
to take a food drop to Cockatoo Creek for us *HINT HINT* as this is the only
crossing of the road we will do and last time there was a food box for 9
days of tucker waiting for us there.
Good luck with your preparation - dont get too carried away. A lot of folks
spend a hell of a lot of money which they need not have spent and take just
too much crap LOL. Just think of it - we carried 20kgs each on our backs,
ate copious amounts of food each night, slept in a tent on a mattress, so
really why do we burden ourselves with so much crap in a car????
If you want some more info, just email
Kathy.

[Terryc]

Post by PaulH
Hi all! I have decided to do the Cape York trip.
At this stage my thinking is to do it in about July or August next year.
He is 50, a city bloke, a biker, never owned a 4WD in his life. I dont
think he even has a lot of camping experience. He is one of these blokes
that his missus does everything for him.

Okay, some comments from someone who has never driven it, just riden a
bicycle and wet nursed paying customers with a support vehicle.

Make sure your mate brings his air fare home from the top. That way, if
it gets too much for him, you can let him bail. OTOH, if you don't mind
cooking, then he can do other chores, like get fire wood, water. Lets
face it, if he expects you to get his beer, far better to drop him at
the next air strip, but don't condem him without giving him a little
training, which may be all he needs.

Practical things are more like; can he squat to shit? If not, tell him
to invest in a shitting stool.

Does he expect a shower? or will a washer wash do? Not being able to
just jump in for a swim was about the most anoying things about Cape York.

Not allergic to mossie repellant is he? I can recommend Citronella over
spray on stuff.

As to traffic, there was stacks of 4WD convoys dong the trip, so you are
definitely not going to be alone. I think I rode more off the track then
on it due to traffic. It was certainly easier than ploughing the churned
up sand of the OTL.


OTL track has three bads creeks. One you dropped into down a steep bank
(10'), another you went in a curve upstream to avoid the deep pool (walk
them all before hand) and another needed 100 metres of cable to haul
your vehicle by winch across a massive churned up sand bed on the
northern side.

The rest is basic creek crossing stuff.

Refrigeration; We found that it was easy to buy frozen meat and simply
put day three in easy and never open, wrap day two in sleeping
bags/other insulation and leave dat one in sun and hope it thawed for
diner. Day four was just none meat or tinned. And day five you were at a
shop selling meat again. (Of course, I wasn't providing a cool beer or
wine like the folks in the air-con unimog were probably getting)

Can recomend Lakefield section.

Strongly recommend you give yourself time for side trips and go look at
interesting things. A vintage car went up and back in a day from
Cooktown when we were there, so it isn't that hard on the main road.

Post by PaulH
This one isnt like that. My assessment of it is it's a reliable vehicle
and I'm confident it will be up to the trip.

The 2c followed by our support vehcle driver was just to know who to
telephone in Cairns to get stuff air freighted to the next strip.

OTOH, I was the one who phoned his wife three time to go into the garage
and post another bicycle seat to Coen, Bamaga, etc (a pair of new ones
both failed and we didn't even do the corrugated main road)

[Jim]

"Terryc" <newsonespam-***@woa.com.au> wrote in message news:452770d3$0$4670$***@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
. A vintage car went up and back in a day from

Post by Terryc
Cooktown when we were there, so it isn't that hard on the main road.

I find this extremely difficult to believe. I drove from Cairns to Archer
River in a day and it was an extremely long day. And that was before the
last cyclone went through !

[Blue Heeler]

om.au... . A vintage car went up and back in a day from

Post by Terryc
Cooktown when we were there, so it isn't that hard on the main road.

I find this extremely difficult to believe. I drove from Cairns to
Archer River in a day and it was an extremely long day. And that was
before the last cyclone went through !

That bloody Doctor Who, disguising the Tardis as a vintage car now is
he!

--

[Jim]

Post by Blue Heeler

om.au... . A vintage car went up and back in a day from

Post by Terryc
Cooktown when we were there, so it isn't that hard on the main road.

I find this extremely difficult to believe. I drove from Cairns to
Archer River in a day and it was an extremely long day. And that was
before the last cyclone went through !

That bloody Doctor Who, disguising the Tardis as a vintage car now is
he!

Must have been. It's a bit like saying that a bloke told me he rode a
pushbike from Melbourne to Cairns in a day, and was there in time for lunch.

[Blue Heeler]

Post by Jim
Must have been. It's a bit like saying that a bloke told me he rode a
pushbike from Melbourne to Cairns in a day, and was there in time for lunch.

Many years ago I was living in cairns and courting a lass in Mackay, I
used to hop on my trusty Motorcycle and blast down there Friday
afternoons and come home Monday (the joys of being a public servant).

Anyway, I used to set pretty good times, being young, owning a
powerful, long-legged bike (R100RS) and having scant regard for speed
limits.

On this particular trip I had some very brief business to conduct in
Townsville and I parked up in front of the NORQEB building for all of 4
minutes. I didn't bother to feed the meter and to my annoyance I had a
ticket on my return.

Still, I put all that behind me and set sail with a will, and at a pace
that would have seen me with my feet under my beloved's dinner table at
around 8:00.

Unfortunately at almost exactly 7:00pm the police had a speed trap at
Kuttabul, and they got me....

The copper and I had a funny conversation which went like:-

Copper "Where have you come from?"

Me "Cairns".

Copper "What time did you leave"

Me "12 Midday".

Copper "Strewth you have been flying".

Me "And this is the second time today I've been pinched into the
bargain".

Copper "Got done for speeding somewhere else did you?"

Me "Nuh! Overstaying a parking meter in Townsville".

I left at that point, the copper's eyes were still boggling.

--

[Jim]

Post by Blue Heeler

Post by Jim
Must have been. It's a bit like saying that a bloke told me he rode a
pushbike from Melbourne to Cairns in a day, and was there in time for lunch.

Many years ago I was living in cairns and courting a lass in Mackay, I
used to hop on my trusty Motorcycle and blast down there Friday
afternoons and come home Monday (the joys of being a public servant).
Anyway, I used to set pretty good times, being young, owning a
powerful, long-legged bike (R100RS) and having scant regard for speed
limits.
On this particular trip I had some very brief business to conduct in
Townsville and I parked up in front of the NORQEB building for all of 4
minutes. I didn't bother to feed the meter and to my annoyance I had a
ticket on my return.
Still, I put all that behind me and set sail with a will, and at a pace
that would have seen me with my feet under my beloved's dinner table at
around 8:00.
Unfortunately at almost exactly 7:00pm the police had a speed trap at
Kuttabul, and they got me....
The copper and I had a funny conversation which went like:-
Copper "Where have you come from?"
Me "Cairns".
Copper "What time did you leave"
Me "12 Midday".
Copper "Strewth you have been flying".
Me "And this is the second time today I've been pinched into the
bargain".
Copper "Got done for speeding somewhere else did you?"
Me "Nuh! Overstaying a parking meter in Townsville".
I left at that point, the copper's eyes were still boggling.
--

Crikey, must have been some girl !! :)))))))

[Blue Heeler]

Post by Jim
Crikey, must have been some girl !! :)))))))

Is.......Still with her.

--

[Jim]

Post by Blue Heeler

Post by Jim
Crikey, must have been some girl !! :)))))))

Is.......Still with her.

Now how did I know you were going to say that ? :))

Congratulations. In these days of throw away goods and relationships, that's
nice to hear.
My better half and I have been married for 35 years. They told us it would
only last 6 months top.