June 2009 Itinerary

[vic100]

Hi guys,

coming up from geelong in victoria. Will be in cairns on 24th june , leaving for the cape on the 26th. The proposed itinerary is

Cairns , Bloomfield

Bloomfield , Coen

Coen , Chili beach

Chili beach , Moreton telegraph
station

Moreton telegraph , Elliot falls
station

Elliot falls , Seisha
Siesha Bramwell junction

Bramwell junction , Weipa

Weipa , Laura

Laura , Cairns

Approx 17 days from cairns to cairns and very flexible on places to stay and see. Any feedback on our itinerary would be greatly appreciated.
We have 4 vehicles

2002 105series cruiser diesel and camper trailer
1992 GQ patrol petrol/gas with rooftop tent
2005 GU 4.2 patrol t/diesel and camper trailer
2009 Ford ranger diesel tenting it

Is it advisable to book anywhere and is there anywhere that is a must see that we might not know about.
Can't wait to get there!!!!
Thanks
Nigel

[Nedly]

Hey vic 100,

Obvious comment is that you haven't allowed enough time, but then again you'll always wish you had more.
Bookings, given the time of your trip I'd book Seisia, it's probably the only one you can book ahead going by your itinerary. Weipa does not take bookings.
At Coen camp at the bend, it's about 3km north of Coen, though there is camping available in town.
I prefer to stay at Bramwell Station, good camp meals and licensed bar.

You won't be able to get gas north of Cairns.

[pmack2711]

Hey Nedly not trying to hijack Vic100's thread but is Auto gas availabe at Coen as you suggest that would be fantastic if it was

[Nedly]

Hey Nedly not trying to hijack Vic100's thread but is Auto gas availabe at Coen as you suggest that would be fantastic if it was

No AutoGas at Coen, ULP and Diesel only.
I believe Cairns is the furthest north you can get the stuff, you may be able to get it at Mareeba, but that won't help.

Hopefully some of the locals will correct me if I'm wrong.

[vic100]

Thanks for the feedback Nedly
I was expecting the comment of not enough time. Would love to spend a lot longer but unfortunately reality bekons. I was aware of no gas but have allowed for that
A few more queeries for those in the know
The 2 vehicles without trailers are hoping to do the CREB track whilst we will go the coastal route. Is the CREB open at the moment or likely to be late July?
There is a track to the right 25 kms north of the Y that is unamed on the map I have. It crosses rocky creek and pascoe river. Would it be suitable to go this way to chili beach and then back along frenchmans?
Fantastic friendly forum
Thanks again
vic100

[geoffjy]

Nedly is correct in saying that there is no Autogas north of about Cairns.

[geoffjy]

Thanks for the feedback Nedly
I was expecting the comment of not enough time. Would love to spend a lot longer but unfortunately reality bekons. I was aware of no gas but have allowed for that
A few more queeries for those in the know
The 2 vehicles without trailers are hoping to do the CREB track whilst we will go the coastal route. Is the CREB open at the moment or likely to be late July?
There is a track to the right 25 kms north of the Y that is unamed on the map I have. It crosses rocky creek and pascoe river. Would it be suitable to go this way to chili beach and then back along frenchmans?
Fantastic friendly forum
Thanks again
vic100

You will find that no matter how long you go for you will always say it was not long enough. I know i do.

CREB track is currently shut but i would expect it to be open late July. Its best to keep checking just in case it does open a bit earlier than expected as it would be a shame not to do it.

I thought the track you are desribing is Frenchmans? I have never done it before so would not know. I will most likely be doing Frenchman's next week so will let you know what its like.

[barney]

Thanks for the feedback Nedly
There is a track to the right 25 kms north of the Y that is unamed on the map I have. It crosses rocky creek and pascoe river. Would it be suitable to go this way to chili beach and then back along frenchmans?
Fantastic friendly forum
Thanks again
vic100

Hi Vic100,
The track you are describing is south of Frenchmans? It is a private track that goes through Batavia Downs, and then through the old Pascoe River Outstation. You turn off this track about halfway in to get to Wenlock Falls. Unfortunately you won't get permission from the land owner to use this track - should really be marked private on the map. I wouldn't recommend it anyway as it is very, very slow going, very rough, and not maintained at all. You're better off to go in the main Lockhart River Road, which is a beautiful drive through Iron Range with several creek crossings, and then out Frenchmans Track, which was a bit slippery last weekend, but lots of fun!

[vic100]

Thanks for the info. Looks like lockhart river road it is. Just saw that other track and thought it might be an alternative way . Is gunshot passable with a camper? I am led to believe there are now many alternatives adjacent the the famed crossing. I dont really want to go around the bypass if at all possible. 34 sleeps to go but who's counting !!!

[geoffjy]

Thanks for the info. Looks like lockhart river road it is. Just saw that other track and thought it might be an alternative way . Is gunshot passable with a camper? I am led to believe there are now many alternatives adjacent the the famed crossing. I dont really want to go around the bypass if at all possible. 34 sleeps to go but who's counting !!!

The way it is at the moment i wouldnt hesitate in taking the camper through. Just dont decide to try the harder routes through it, go the easy way.

[vic100]

Getting close now!!
Setting off on fri 19th .We will be staying in cairns from 22nd till 26th and then heading up the bloomfield track. We have decided to travel through lakefield to musgrave. Any idea how long to do the lakefield track?. We will be heading to chili beach then old telegraph track to loyalty beach. We are intending to spend approx 1 week on old telegraph track and the top end areas. Then back to weipa and so on . Part of the group will spend longer and do palmer river and chilligoe areas before heading home. Cant wait till next week. You have no idea how depressing the weather in here at the moment!
14degrees wind and showers. Bring on the tropical winter I say
See ya soon
Vic100

[Nedly]

Getting close now!!
Setting off on fri 19th .We will be staying in cairns from 22nd till 26th and then heading up the bloomfield track. We have decided to travel through lakefield to musgrave. Any idea how long to do the lakefield track?. We will be heading to chili beach then old telegraph track to loyalty beach. We are intending to spend approx 1 week on old telegraph track and the top end areas. Then back to weipa and so on . Part of the group will spend longer and do palmer river and chilligoe areas before heading home. Cant wait till next week. You have no idea how depressing the weather in here at the moment!
14degrees wind and showers. Bring on the tropical winter I say
See ya soon
Vic100

How long is a piece of string?
I'm assuming you'll be stopping at Cooktown for the night at least, there are some great sights to be had along the Bloomfield.
Cookton to Musgrave can be done in a day if you just drive, but why wouldn't you stop and have a look around.
Take your time through Lakefield, there are some great spots to be found, check out some of the waterholes etc.
Maybe spend the night at Kalpower or Hann Crossing or one of the many other camping spots.

[vic100]

thanks nedly
We will be definately staying in lakefield np area and having a good look around.
vic100

[plucker]

Dont know if you are aware but one of the main attractions to Lakefield is the crocodiles - so keep you wits about you.

[Nedly]

Dont know if you are aware but one of the main attractions to Lakefield is the crocodiles - so keep you wits about you.

Plenty of croc's, check out twelve mile waterholes.