PDA

View Full Version : GPS Is it necessary?

YOYO
15-05-2007, 06:28 PM
Wondering if a GPS is needed up the cape. NEVER been to the cape, I have no idea what to expect as far as how easy it is to get lost. We will be travelling up the OTL and going to vrilya point and Lakefield NP.
batesy
15-05-2007, 07:08 PM
Yoyo,

You won't need GPS unless you're really heading off the beaten track. The OTL begins at the Bramwell Junction Roadhouse (to the left of the roadhouse) so you won't miss it. It's even signposted.

Vrilya Point turnoff is almost halfway between the turnoff to Elliot falls and Jardine River Ferry crossing. It's the only big road heading west.

Lakefield - has three main access roads. One signposted just past Laura on the PDR. Also has an access road north of Cooktown, heading towards Hopefale (about 25-30 km). Last access road is at Musgrave Telegraph Station. Turn right off the PDR towards Lotus Bird Lodge.

It's hard to miss any off the above turnoffs. And if you do just ask someone and you'll be redirected.
Coza
15-05-2007, 07:36 PM
I wasn't planning ot taking a GPS YoYo, because i don't have 1 anyway. I thought I would get by on a Hema Map of cape york and Ron and Viv Moon's book on Cape york, as it has lots of info on how to get around.
I reckon it's always abit of fun getting alittle lost, well untill it get dark then it's starts to rain and the fuel gauge is showing E and the wife is saying I told you we should of turn left at alberkerky.
batesy
15-05-2007, 08:07 PM
Yep, you're right Coza ... Ron and Viv's book is excellent http://guidebooks.com.au (http://guidebooks.com.au/). Same for the Hema map. I have one laminated and one that is folded and in tatters. All the major destinations are marked - they're definitely worth the 10 or so bucks you pay.
YOYO
16-05-2007, 07:37 PM
Thanks for that I have got hema maps of the cape and i will look at geting them laminated. I have a handheld GPS but still haven't learnt how to use it. As far as my Lappy GPS i won't worry about taking but i will try to figure out the handheld
matt#73
19-05-2007, 08:21 PM
that book looks good. we are ordering one now. were do you get the Hema maps?
batesy
19-05-2007, 08:41 PM
Matt,

You can buy the Hema map online at http://www.themapshop.com.au/site/index.cfm?module=STORETIGER&bit=products&product_id=154826&cart_id=0489E4E8-29AC-468E-B19645ECA5BAD551

or try most large book stores.

I think Exploreoz might have it on their website as well.

There's also a CD Rom version if you're into that.
campdog
24-05-2007, 07:04 AM
I took my magellan platinum last couple of trips, only to save waypoints of campspots and download them onto my computer at home, also gave the mrs something to do and leave me to drive. Also marked where I left my refreshments in the scrub when going to colored sands through a refreshment restricted area.
Also had good fishing tides on it.My mrs used it to check my speed on the highway, foot gets a bit heavy when im on a mission.
Mainly use Ron Moons Book and a Hema map as well,have the map on cd as well.
YOYO
24-05-2007, 07:38 PM
I took my magellan platinum last couple of trips, only to save waypoints of campspots and download them onto my computer at home, also gave the mrs something to do and leave me to drive. Also marked where I left my refreshments in the scrub when going to colored sands through a refreshment restricted area.
Also had good fishing tides on it.My mrs used it to check my speed on the highway, foot gets a bit heavy when im on a mission.
Mainly use Ron Moons Book and a Hema map as well,have the map on cd as well.

Do you take a lappy with you? if yes how and were do you store it as not to damage it.
campdog
24-05-2007, 07:45 PM
Do you take a lappy with you? if yes how and were do you store it as not to damage it.

I took one and stored it in the back of my patrol in a case beween pillows, still shook the crap out of it andthe hard drive failed when I got home.
It was about 2 inches from going under water with my fridge in nolans brook.
YOYO
24-05-2007, 07:59 PM
I took one and stored it in the back of my patrol in a case beween pillows, still shook the crap out of it andthe hard drive failed when I got home.
It was about 2 inches from going under water with my fridge in nolans brook.

Thanks C-Dog Lappy of the list Hema paper map on the list. When are we going to get some more photos. I've been looking at the other ones everyday
campdog
24-05-2007, 08:08 PM
Thanks C-Dog Lappy of the list Hema paper map on the list. When are we going to get some more photos. I've been looking at the other ones everyday

I posted a few new ons last night of no name creek etc,only took a lot of landcsape photos last trip,cant take too many photos when we only stopped for fuel or something fell of the trailer, what sort of photos do you want as i could dig some out.
campdog
24-05-2007, 08:09 PM
Thanks C-Dog Lappy of the list Hema paper map on the list. When are we going to get some more photos. I've been looking at the other ones everyday

another good hema map is lakefield national park and cairns to cooktown , good info actually running hema cape york on cd now looking at temple bay
cookie
13-06-2007, 03:42 PM
thanks guys learning heaps from you all for my trip to the cape. see ya on the road. cookie
campdog
13-06-2007, 06:08 PM
Ive been once this year and now working on a quick trip in august, if I can convice my wife its a good idea.
Coza
13-06-2007, 07:34 PM
Ive been once this year and now working on a quick trip in august, if I can convice my wife its a good idea.

you have to much time on your hands Campdog.
YOYO
13-06-2007, 08:25 PM
I posted a few new ons last night of no name creek etc,only took a lot of landcsape photos last trip,cant take too many photos when we only stopped for fuel or something fell of the trailer, what sort of photos do you want as i could dig some out.

Have you got any more photos of fish you caught at vrilya pt more around the campsite or launching the boat etc.
campdog
14-06-2007, 07:35 AM
Have you got any more photos of fish you caught at vrilya pt more around the campsite or launching the boat etc.
Ill start posting more on this forum tonight. Not mant of launching boat,just went onto beach and dug a hole behind trailer wheels to lower boat a bit and put boat in water. Just have to remember to fish the tides or be prepared to move the boat a bit as tides are strange there.
campdog
14-06-2007, 07:50 AM
you have to much time on your hands Campdog.
Not enough time, If I had too much Id still br at Virilya Point intead of thinking up ways to convince the mrs we would be better off going to the cape than the cook islands with her girlfriends.( a trade off for me going to the cape fishing in April this year).
Coza
14-06-2007, 09:04 AM
Not enough time, If I had too much Id still br at Virilya Point intead of thinking up ways to convince the mrs we would be better off going to the cape than the cook islands with her girlfriends.( a trade off for me going to the cape fishing in April this year).

I don't like your chances ther Campdog but good luck anyway.
campdog
14-06-2007, 09:28 AM
I don't like your chances ther Campdog but good luck anyway.
Probably right there ,but ill give it my best shot.