My first trip

[Stew]

Planning my first trip to cape york next year. More than likely July/August for 5 weeks. No set dates yet.

Driving from NSW Central Coast straight up to Cairns. I plan to spend a day or two in Cairns and then head north. Current plan is as follows:

1) Cairns to Cooktown via either the CREB track or Bloomfield track. Not sure how long this will take so your help is needed. I assume I will need to camp over night for this section of the trip. Any good spots I should consider.

2) Will spend a couple of days in Cooktown having a look around. Where should I stay. Ca,ping preferred to keep costs down.

3) Cooktown to Musgrave. More than likely by going through Lakefield National Park. Any good camping spots along this route. Things to see etc. How long will it take.

4) Musgrave to either Weipa or Chili Beach. Will go to both but one on the way up and the other on the way back. I will more than likely go to Chili Beach while heading north and Weipa heading south.

5) Assuming I head to Chili beach I will then head north via Frenchmans Road and go up the Tele track. Will do both South and North sections but bypass gunshot.

6) After reaching the Jardine River will will go to the tip and spend a few days having a look around and relaxing. Where is the best camp spots up there.

7) Will then head south.

What do you think. Any suggested changes. What have I missed and what should I make sure I see on my current route.

We will be travelling alone so don't want to go too far off the main tracks so if we have trouble someone will come along (within a day or two).

Was thinking of going out to Bathurst Bay. What are the tracks like to there. Not to sure abou this one though as we are going alone.

Most impotantly I have never travelled where the local wildlife can jump out of the water and eat you. What croc safety advice do you have. How do you walk creek crossings when there are crocs around. With camping what should you do to ensure you are not going to end up a croc meal. This part is freaking my wife out so advice would be good.

I know there is alot of questions above but anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

Thanks

[ant]

Planning my first trip to cape york next year. More than likely July/August for 5 weeks. No set dates yet.

Driving from NSW Central Coast straight up to Cairns. I plan to spend a day or two in Cairns and then head north. Current plan is as follows:

1) Cairns to Cooktown via either the CREB track or Bloomfield track. Not sure how long this will take so your help is needed. I assume I will need to camp over night for this section of the trip. Any good spots I should consider.

2) Will spend a couple of days in Cooktown having a look around. Where should I stay. Ca,ping preferred to keep costs down.

3) Cooktown to Musgrave. More than likely by going through Lakefield National Park. Any good camping spots along this route. Things to see etc. How long will it take.

4) Musgrave to either Weipa or Chili Beach. Will go to both but one on the way up and the other on the way back. I will more than likely go to Chili Beach while heading north and Weipa heading south.

5) Assuming I head to Chili beach I will then head north via Frenchmans Road and go up the Tele track. Will do both South and North sections but bypass gunshot.

6) After reaching the Jardine River will will go to the tip and spend a few days having a look around and relaxing. Where is the best camp spots up there.

7) Will then head south.

What do you think. Any suggested changes. What have I missed and what should I make sure I see on my current route.

We will be travelling alone so don't want to go too far off the main tracks so if we have trouble someone will come along (within a day or two).

Was thinking of going out to Bathurst Bay. What are the tracks like to there. Not to sure abou this one though as we are going alone.

Most impotantly I have never travelled where the local wildlife can jump out of the water and eat you. What croc safety advice do you have. How do you walk creek crossings when there are crocs around. With camping what should you do to ensure you are not going to end up a croc meal. This part is freaking my wife out so advice would be good.

I know there is alot of questions above but anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

Thanks


I will give a couple of these points a crack...........

2) If camping is your preference, then do your self a favour and get in touch with Endeavour River Escape (07 4069 5084). Both Terry and Leanne are wonderful people and the area is perfect.

3) You can spend weeks in Lakefield. Make sure you book ahead as it can be busy at that time of year.

4) Watch the winds at that time of year for Chillie Beach

5) Gunshot has a few 'bypass' tracks at the moment. You can 'do Gunshot' without 'doing Gunshot' if you know what I mean. Think of it like the Claytons drink. Its the drink you have when you're not having a drink. A lot of people lately have been going through Gunshot by actually going around it.

6) Stay at the Seisia campgrounds when you are at the pointy end. It is very relaxed and one of the best value camping spots in the area. Good amenities too.

Crocs: They can be a worry when you are 'new' to the Cape. Treat all areas with the caution and respect they deserve, but look at it sensibly. The crocs are usually cautious and will not stalk you out and charge you down. If they were like that, then there would be a lot more attacks on people. I have seen a lot of really silly people in my time up there and all of them have walked away (unfortunately, as they have probably then gone on to contribute to the gene pool).
What I am saying is that you do not let them (crocs) spoil the time away for you and the wife, but treat it all with care and respect. Do not camp too close to the water. Do not swim in water you cannot see into clearly and do not swim after dark. Do not wash food/clean fish at the waters edge. Do not turn your back to the waters edge and always have someone else with you just in case.
I had an incident early this year when a mate of mine was stalked (in fresh water) by a saltie. They were walking the banks of the Wenlock about a metre above the water line. If it wasn't for another mate walking behind him and spotting the croc approaching him, then he may not be here to laugh about it now. Crocs are 'generally' more active (and angry) from November through to February).

Hope this all hasn't confused things for you.