CREB Track

[Teabag]

For those interested the CREB Track is now officially open. It was advertised tonight on the Cairns local channel 7 news. Not sure how much longer anyone will be able to drive the CREB as there are whispers that maintenance will get handed over to the Council which will then more than likely get closed for good....This was discussed at the Cairns 4wd Club meeting last week and they are trying to keep it open though time will only tell????.........

Now, for any Cairns locals. I'm heading out this Sunday the 24th August for a day trip if anyone is interested to check it out and your more than welcome to tag along?????
Cheers.....
__________________

[the tractor]

how long does it take to get from daintree to bloomfield along the creb?

[Teabag]

CREB Track open as of 18 August 2008

The Wet Tropics Management Authority and Ergon Energy advise that the CREB Track will be open from 18 August 2008. The track has been closed since the wet season.

The CREB Track is the service access track for the old Ergon Energy powerline to Cooktown. It traverses a spectacular yet sensitive part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from the Daintree River through China Camp to Bloomfield.

Motorists are reminded that the CREB Track is only suitable for 4WD vehicles and those with 4WD and vehicle recovery experience. It is not suitable for trailers and can become treacherous after any wet weather. Caution must be exercised and motorists should be vigilant for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

The public is also reminded that a permit to visit Roaring Meg Falls is required from the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency in Atherton. For a permit telephone (07) 4091 1844.
For further information contact Bill Carrodus at the Wet Tropics Management Authority on (07) 4052 0546.

[Teabag]

how long does it take to get from daintree to bloomfield along the creb?

This is a rough guide depending on Road conditions etc

Ayton to Daintree 62 km 1 hr 45 min

Here is further info if required?

http://www.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/FNQ/CREB_Track.aspx

[goandmo]

It is not suitable for trailers

We are heading to the Cape in 2 weeks and were contemplating the CREB track. I have heard that the track is not suitable for trailers but some say they are prohibited. Can you traverse this track with trailers? We will be there on Monday Sept 8 with 3 vehicles (2 with campers), winch and recovery equipment and experience.

Geoff...

[Teabag]

We are heading to the Cape in 2 weeks and were contemplating the CREB track. I have heard that the track is not suitable for trailers but some say they are prohibited. Can you traverse this track with trailers? We will be there on Monday Sept 8 with 3 vehicles (2 with campers), winch and recovery equipment and experience.

Geoff...

No worries, I will give you a sit rep but I assure you it's one of those few advisable don't do with a trailer.........You could and will more than likely make it but a trailer will/can make it all the more difficult??????

[Teabag]

Just got back from a great drive along the CREB Track. Weather was a little windy but the temp was spot on.

The start of the CREB:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240001.jpg

The Bloomfield River Crossing, Depth was about Hub height:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240003.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240004.jpg

Large gate at Southern Entrance:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240008.jpg


More to follow.......

[Teabag]

Typical Hilly Parts of the CREB:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240013.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240020.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240021.jpg

More to Follow....

[Teabag]

Some more pictures of the typical creek crossings:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240015.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240023.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240025.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/CREB%20Track%2024Aug2008/P8240027.jpg

[Teabag]

I couldn't take any pictures of Roaring Megg Falls as there is a sign requesting people to refrain from taking pictures as this sight has cultural significance to Indigenous Australians (must respect their wishes). All I can say is it was/is awesome and well worth the 1.2km walk.......

[ant]

Teabag- Nice work mate. Good to see people out and about while I sat here all weekend doing layout!!

Looks like a beautiful drive. What was the total time of the drive? I presume you didn't stay overnight?

[Teabag]

Teabag- Nice work mate. Good to see people out and about while I sat here all weekend doing layout!!

Looks like a beautiful drive. What was the total time of the drive? I presume you didn't stay overnight?

I left Cairns at 7am and got home at 5.30pm though we stopped for morning and afternoon tea plus obviously an 1hr and half for lunch at Roaring Megs Falls.......A very good day out....

[Teabag]

We are heading to the Cape in 2 weeks and were contemplating the CREB track. I have heard that the track is not suitable for trailers but some say they are prohibited. Can you traverse this track with trailers? We will be there on Monday Sept 8 with 3 vehicles (2 with campers), winch and recovery equipment and experience.

Geoff...

IMHO, I wouldn't for two reasons.

1. Whilst it isn't difficult without the Trailer it will with due to the very steep climps in places that would only need a little moisture to make it near on impossible to get through......

2. The track is very, very narrow in places so if you meet a vehicle coming the other way it will make it interesting though there are several turn off areas.....

If there is the look of any rain or it has just had good rain you will have extreme difficulty getting through, the clay can be very, very slippery....

[batesy]

Nice pics ...

[goandmo]

Thanks for the feedback. Looking at your pics makes it a hard decision but I think we might err on the side of safety considering it will be the 1st day of our Cape trip from Cairns. We can always come back up one day and do the CREB without trailer. (if it's still open!)

Only 12 days to go and we're off!!!!

Geoff...

[ant]

Geoff- I may see you up there- I am heading off again this Sunday and will be away for 10 days.

[goandmo]

I may see you up there- I am heading off again this Sunday and will be away for 10 days.

Sounds good. We'll be in 2 x 120 series Prados with camper trailers and a Hilux. I'll be in the Silver one in front!

Geoff...

[Tuff80]

Nice pics Teabag, hope the creb track is still open when I get up there, heading off on saturday from brisbane, can't wait to get up there.

[campdog]

Ive always hit the area too early in the dry and the Creb Track has always been closed.Maybe might get there one day.

[yowie]

Howdy all,
Myself and my missus traveresed the CREB track in late August. We obtained the permit and camped at Roaring Meg then headed south. Whilst we were camping at the Roaring Meg we had about 15mm of rain. I decied to push on and have a crack at the track as i had wanted to do it for some time........in hindsight i would NOT do it again in the wet. To qoute my missus "that was the most exciting yet totally dangerous thing i have ever done". Any rain and it is a VERY VERY slippery out of control drive. I have a 2007 V8TD landcruiser ute with front and rear air lockers and 33' BF Goodrich mudterrains. At times when i was going down hill i was in 3rd gear low range on the rev limiter, this was the only way i could maintain any steering. I ended up crossed up on the track once peering over the edge of a drop off. I was following a patrol for a while until it slid backwards down Big Red, this is when he decided to call it quits......we should have also. I had to hit it that hard with both lockers in and the mud tyres deflated to 16psi, that i lost some of my camping gear out the back. I would not recommend towing a trailer due to the nature of the clay, very steep terrain and propensity for rain in the tropics. From Roaring Meg to the river at the end of the track is 30km's and it took us 3 hours!. Attached are several photos.

Cheers

Andrew

[yowie]

And finally the missus and myself totally relieved that we made it safely!!. It was an absolutely awesome experience though, it left me with a real sense of achievment.

Cheers

Andrew

[PradoD4D]

I have only ever seen the CREB on DVD.

Just recently I watched the Gall Boys latest DVD and they did the CREB with a Kedron Caravan. Looked pretty full on.

We are heading back up in June 09 with a group of forum members from MySwag.org and would love to do the CREB, though not sure whether it will be open in June. It was open last year in July. Anyway, see how we go. Great pictures guys.

[Emujim]

Hi Teabag,
We did the Creb on the 18th Aug it opened on the 17th i think, 8 cars and no problems, It was very dry it would be a nightmare in there after rain. We were a bit disapointed we found it very easy. Everyone expected it to be challenging.

[Teabag]

Hi Teabag,
We did the Creb on the 18th Aug it opened on the 17th i think, 8 cars and no problems, It was very dry it would be a nightmare in there after rain. We were a bit disapointed we found it very easy. Everyone expected it to be challenging.

I agree, the wet would make it near on impassable no matter the rig/tyres IMO......Our trip was much the same......

Cheers,

Teabag

[geoffjy]

I agree, the wet would make it near on impassable no matter the rig/tyres IMO......Our trip was much the same......

Cheers,

Teabag

I used to drive the Creb with the folks a fair bit back in the 90's. Dad owned the resort their on the mouth of the Bloomfield River back then. We had all year round access to the Creb and drove it a fair bit. I can tell you, it was just a touch harder then. I havnt been on it for the last 11 years though so i have no idea what it is like now.

[geoffjy]

We had one close call back in 94' when we rolled a landcruiser onthe Creb. We had just gone through a creek and we think a stone or something nicked out brake line and as we going up one of the clay hills a storm come across suddenly. Tyres started spinning and went to put on the brakes and all of a sudden they went soft. There was a steep drop off both sided of the road too. We started rolling back and the towballdug into a hole and we flipped the landy end for end 2 times and side to side 2 times and rammed about a metre and a half of clay up the muffler.

The cab was flattened from the top of the bullbar to the top of the bar on the canopy. We were lucky enough that the car finished up on its wheels and we just punched holes in the muffler abovr the clay and drove home.

We were a bit sore after that little episode i can tell you.

[geoffjy]

Not sure if everyone knows but Ergon are removing the power lines along the Creb Track and there was talk of closing it down this year. Luckily they have decided to keep it open and maintain it to its current level.

The article as follows-



A plan to keep CREB track open


15 April 2009


A management strategy to ensure the upkeep of the popular off-road CREB track between the Daintree and Bloomfield will be developed in consultation with linked parties.


The CREB (Cairns Regional Electricity Board) track was originally intended as a service road for the power line which provided electricity to Cooktown.


The track provides access from the south to the Burunga Community at China Camp and has become a popular 4WD and motorcycle route for off-road enthusiasts.


Originally built to service electrical power line to Cooktown, the steep rough track traverses a spectacular, yet sensitive area of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from Daintree River through China Camp to Wujal Wujal at the Bloomfield River.


The Cooktown service is now fed by an inland route as the section of power line from Daintree to the McDowell Range has been de-energised and Ergon has advised that it will no longer maintain the track.


The options for Council to consider were maintaining the track to current level of service, upgrading the track to reduce risks to users costing approximately $25 million, or closing it completely.


Councillor Julia Leu said although the track is closed for approximately six months each year, there is a high community desire for it to remain open.


"The track is a gazetted road and the maintenance responsibility sits with Council once Ergon has removed its infrastructure.

"Do we take on the cost and responsibility of maintaining the track or do we close it? These decisions are never easy," Cr Leu said.


"Council agreed that this is a key recreational link for residents and tourists and that it should maintain it.


“Consultation with trail users, conservationists and indigenous people took place to reach this outcome and it has proven successful.


"A management plan will be developed in association with Ergon, Wet Tropics Management Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, Burungu Community, Wujul Wujul Council, 4WD and motor Cycle user groups and local tourism representatives.

[Smithyworld]

Not sure if everyone knows but Ergon are removing the power lines along the Creb Track and there was talk of closing it down this year. Luckily they have decided to keep it open and maintain it to its current level.

The article as follows-



A plan to keep CREB track open


15 April 2009


A management strategy to ensure the upkeep of the popular off-road CREB track between the Daintree and Bloomfield will be developed in consultation with linked parties.


The CREB (Cairns Regional Electricity Board) track was originally intended as a service road for the power line which provided electricity to Cooktown.


The track provides access from the south to the Burunga Community at China Camp and has become a popular 4WD and motorcycle route for off-road enthusiasts.


Originally built to service electrical power line to Cooktown, the steep rough track traverses a spectacular, yet sensitive area of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from Daintree River through China Camp to Wujal Wujal at the Bloomfield River.


The Cooktown service is now fed by an inland route as the section of power line from Daintree to the McDowell Range has been de-energised and Ergon has advised that it will no longer maintain the track.


The options for Council to consider were maintaining the track to current level of service, upgrading the track to reduce risks to users costing approximately $25 million, or closing it completely.


Councillor Julia Leu said although the track is closed for approximately six months each year, there is a high community desire for it to remain open.


"The track is a gazetted road and the maintenance responsibility sits with Council once Ergon has removed its infrastructure.

"Do we take on the cost and responsibility of maintaining the track or do we close it? These decisions are never easy," Cr Leu said.


"Council agreed that this is a key recreational link for residents and tourists and that it should maintain it.


“Consultation with trail users, conservationists and indigenous people took place to reach this outcome and it has proven successful.


"A management plan will be developed in association with Ergon, Wet Tropics Management Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, Burungu Community, Wujul Wujul Council, 4WD and motor Cycle user groups and local tourism representatives.

Well that is good news! Does anyone know if the CREB is open as yet? Meant to be going up that Tuesday the 19th.....

[Smithyworld]

I think I have just answered my own question!! Doh

The Wet Tropics Management Authority and Ergon Energy advise that the CREB Track will remain closed until June 2009 while Ergon Energy removes landslides and repairs the road after wet season damage, as well as removing the powerline along the road.

In that case we will have to do the CREB on the way back in June. I was looking forward to that as the start to our CApe adventure...;0(

[plucker]

I agree that it would be good to leave open. It is on my to do list of things and incidentally is pretty high particularly now.

[geoffjy]

I would love to do it again as im sure it would have changed a little over the last 14 years.

Last time i was there, they were filming Bush Tucker Man abseiling down the face of the Roaring Meg Falls . What they didnt show on the movie was that there were concrete steps about 3 metres to his left put in a few weeks prior to that day.

[geoffjy]

CREB Track remains closed until mid-July 2009

The Wet Tropics Management Authority and Ergon Energy advise as of 3 July that the CREB Track will remain closed until mid-July 2009 (weather permitting) while Ergon Energy removes landslides and repairs the road after wet season damage, as well as removing the powerline along the road. Workers have been frustrated by motorcyclists ignoring the signs and continuing to ride through the construction site. This is highly dangerous as conductors are being lowered onto the track.

The CREB Track was the original line up the east coast to Cooktown. This section of the line was switched off in June 2007 and replaced by a new inland line from Mareeba to Lakeland. However the northern section from Bloomfield south to the Telstra tower on the McDowall Range will remain and be fed from the Cooktown end.

Ergon Energy says that the track will be closed until mid-July 2009 while the 18km section of line from the top of the Daintree to the McDowall Range is dismantled. It is a difficult logistical exercise involving both vehicles and helicopters in extremely rugged terrain, so for public safety the track has been closed. The 68 poles and eqipment would be flown out by helicopter. The intention is to complete the work before the onset of the wet season, though any rain during the work could bring it to a halt, given the nature of the access.

The CREB Track is the service access track for the old Ergon Energy powerline to Cooktown. It traverses a spectacular yet sensitive part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from the Daintree River through China Camp to Bloomfield.

Motorists are reminded that the CREB Track is only suitable for 4WD vehicles and those with 4WD and vehicle recovery experience. It is not suitable for trailers and can become treacherous after any wet weather. Caution must be exercised and motorists should be vigilant for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

The public is also reminded that a permit to visit Roaring Meg Falls is required from the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency in Atherton. For a permit telephone (07) 4091 1844.

For further information contact Bill Carrodus at the Wet Tropics Management Authority on (07) 4052 0546.

[Slopokin]

For someone who has not been here before the pictures speak a thousand words and the area is beautiful.

From the pictures I cannot see any difficulty in taking a trailer through these tracks. Are there more rugged areas that would stop a trailer.
Is this the track that the boys from Kedron Caravans took their van through a few years ago.

Again the pictures are great and very informative.
Thanks
John

[RippinRutman]

For someone who has not been here before the pictures speak a thousand words and the area is beautiful.

From the pictures I cannot see any difficulty in taking a trailer through these tracks. Are there more rugged areas that would stop a trailer.
Is this the track that the boys from Kedron Caravans took their van through a few years ago.

Again the pictures are great and very informative.
Thanks
John

Slopokin, have a read through some of the previous posts and you will find the answers you are looking for.

I have done the CREB on my trail bike and the conditions were unbelievably slippery and down right dangerous in a 4WD. I certainly would NOT have taken my Prado in there.

We were lucky to get out on the bikes.

Great drive but do yourself a favour and leave the trailer behind....

Also, dont forget about the ZigZag Track that turns East towards Cape Trip just near the turn off to Roaring Meg falls....

[Luke001]

Is the zig zag passable this year. Went a couple of years ago but there was an impassable washout toward to roaring meg side of the track?

[Slopokin]

Thanks RippinRutman

That is the advice I was looking for.
It is good to get proper advice from someone who has experienced these areas and knows first hand on the conditions.

Regards
John

Slopokin, have a read through some of the previous posts and you will find the answers you are looking for.

I have done the CREB on my trail bike and the conditions were unbelievably slippery and down right dangerous in a 4WD. I certainly would NOT have taken my Prado in there.

We were lucky to get out on the bikes.

Great drive but do yourself a favour and leave the trailer behind....

Also, dont forget about the ZigZag Track that turns East towards Cape Trip just near the turn off to Roaring Meg falls....

[RippinRutman]

Is the zig zag passable this year. Went a couple of years ago but there was an impassable washout toward to roaring meg side of the track?

I did it last year and it was passable. I am going to do it again when i get back from my Cape Trip and again i will be doing it on the bike so i will let you know.

Should be around Early September.... Stay Tuned!

[dingo]

Just got this off another forum


Have just spoken to Fiona at CRC Works and Services Committee and she assures me that there is no plan to charge any fee for entry to CREB track. (recent rumours)

Ergon are still up there taking down lines and have been slowed a bit by recent rains and it is up to them to reopen the track when they are ready.

They have taken out most of the poles and other structures but will be in there until late September/ October. This does not mean it will take this long for the track to open as once the pole are removed from the ground they will be doing most of the lifting by helicopter and there will be no trucks or heavy machinery on the track itself, so it is still more than likely that it will be open by then end of August. Fingers crossed.

After this time it will be open as it always has and you will only need the necessary permits to visit/camp at Roaring Meg Falls. (available from EPA in Cairns or Atherton)

The CRC does not actually take over management of this track until November and before then there will be a management plan issued for public comment. From what I have been told so far this plan is to keep the track as is and not change the track in any way as far as grading or cementing hills as on the Bloomfield track.

This is obviously great news and I will be informed of any changes via CRC as to when the management plan is open to discussion as will local 4wd clubs, businesses and DSMRA.

[dingo]

Now I'm happy, just got this from here.:D

http://www.wettropics.gov.au/media/med_issues.html#creb

CREB Track re-opened from Saturday 29th August 2009

CREB track creek crossing The Wet Tropics Management Authority and Ergon Energy advise that, as of 29th August , the CREB Track will re-open. Ergon media release

The CREB Track was the original line up the east coast to Cooktown. This section of the line was switched off in June 2007 and replaced by a new inland line from Mareeba to Lakeland. However the northern section from Bloomfield south to the Telstra tower on the McDowall Range will remain and be fed from the Cooktown end.

Ergon Energy said that the track was closed until the end of August while the 18km section of line from the top of the Daintree to the McDowall Range was dismantled. It was a difficult logistical exercise involving both vehicles and helicopters in extremely rugged terrain, so for public safety the track has been closed. The 68 poles and eqipment were flown out by helicopter. The intention was to complete the work before the onset of the wet season, though any rain during the work brought it to a halt, given the nature of the access.

The CREB Track is the service access track for the old Ergon Energy powerline to Cooktown. It traverses a spectacular yet sensitive part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from the Daintree River through China Camp to Bloomfield.

Motorists are reminded that the CREB Track is only suitable for 4WD vehicles and those with 4WD and vehicle recovery experience. It is not suitable for trailers and can become treacherous after any wet weather. Caution must be exercised and motorists should be vigilant for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

The public is also reminded that a permit to visit Roaring Meg Falls is required from the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency in Atherton. For a permit telephone (07) 4091 1844.

[loxsmith]

Latest news (yesterday) DERM Atherton advised the track was still closed and could not give an expected date it would be open.

I have permits to camp at Roaring Meg Falls for 26th August and was hoping it would be open by then, fingers crossed!!

Glen

[RippinRutman]

The CREB will remain closed for the next 4-6 weeks while 'maintanence' is carried out. I was going to ride from Daintree to PK's for my bucks but it now looks like its a pub crawl..... think i can handle that too :D

[tomzilla]

Still closed:

27 May 2011
The CREB track is currently closed. Once it is safe to do so, Council Officers will assess the situation and schedule the appropriate repairs.

It is expected that the CREB track will remain closed until the end of June/early July 2011. This website will be updated to advise of works underway and accessibility.

[aquilla1]

According to wet tropics, it opened on the 10th. We will be tackling it on the 20th, so will be interesting....

[loxsmith]

We did it last year, organised permits for Roaring Meg and the Track. Total waste of time and energy. We were the only ones at Roaring Meg with permits, and no one around to enforce the permit system anyway.

I would recommend group travel, and anyways make sure you can drive back out the way you came in incase it starts to rain. The clay surface is as greasy as shit.

Very scenic route and well worth the effort

I remember the words from the bloke running tourist info at the Southern end saying, did you just drive the CREB? Who me? with mud on the bonnet, the roof, roof rack and everywhere else!!! We just got out as it started to pour down, phew!!!

Glen

[tomzilla]

haha sounds like a lot of fun!

[aquilla1]

No permit required to Traverse, and permit no longer required for Roaring Meg Falls. However, you are required to contact local to let them know you are coming. It is a respect of the landowners thing, which I fully support.

DERM at Mossman has the info on (07) 4098 2188 - Faye is lovely and very helpful - she even emails through maps and information!
I am not sure about camping however, as we are not camping there - continuing on for a coldie at the Lions Den.

And yes - we are group travelling - 7 cars, all of us have done the cape trip before, and various other adventures. I think one or two have done the CREB, but I know 3 of us haven't.

[rooboy98]

Just did the CREB track on the weekend. Nice drive. A bit of light rain during the night before we set out made the drive interesting in places. Wouldn't take alot of rain to make that track near on impassable in places I'd reckon.

Cheers,
Roo.

[RippinRutman]

I was planning on taking the old man up there on Monday but its been pouring here in Cairns for the last few days :(

Lucky for me i am heading back up to the Cape for 3 weeks on the Tuesday. Hopefully it will dry out as i have friends coming up from Canberra that missed out 5 years ago....

I will call in and have a chat to Max at the Lions Den and see what other travellers have been saying but i was lucky to get out on my trail bike one year... the slightest bit of rain can make it very dangerous...