Distances/Time

[Nedly]

Hey Campdog,
I suppose you would be in the best position to answer this, just having come back and all.
On our trip (only 65 days away) we will be heading from Bamaga direct to Weipa via the PDR and Batavia, possibly with a lunch stop at Captain Billy's.
Is this reasonable do you think.
I'm aware the condition of the PDR may have deteriorated by then and will play a big part in our plans, however your opinion would be helpful.

[Coza]

Sounds like a big drive Nedly. I have read in 1 of YoYo's threads that from Weipa to the top is 2 days up the OTL better done in 3 days not sure about the PDR.

[Nedly]

Sounds like a big drive Nedly. I have read in 1 of YoYo's threads that from Weipa to the top is 2 days up the OTL better done in 3 days not sure about the PDR.

I agree on both counts, we will be heading North via the OTL, South via PDR.
Allowing 3 days for the OTL.
I estimate the run South on the PDR to be about 400km, maybe a little more if we call in to Cap't Billy.

[batesy]

You can easily drive from Bamaga to Weipa in a day using the PDR. Last time I did it we left Bamaga at 2pm and got into Weipa around 9pm - we didn't go through Batavia though, we went the long way because I wasn't keen on getting bogged in the middle of the night.

[campdog]

Hey Campdog,
I suppose you would be in the best position to answer this, just having come back and all.
On our trip (only 65 days away) we will be heading from Bamaga direct to Weipa via the PDR and Batavia, possibly with a lunch stop at Captain Billy's.
Is this reasonable do you think.
I'm aware the condition of the PDR may have deteriorated by then and will play a big part in our plans, however your opinion would be helpful.

Even if the road deteriorated it would still be possable, but just consider what time you get to Weipa,the tourist park gets pretty busy in the arvo and you wouldnt want to miss the sunsets, me personally I would leave bamaga in the morning, have a look at the tele crossing from the northern side,leisurely drive to captain Billy, have lunch,look around the caves on the beach,and maybe stop overnight at Morton Telegraph station and have a nice drive into weipa and set up in with plenty of time to take a look around and maybe a beer or two a the albatross.But thats just me.
I just enjoy the slow pace and look around.

[campdog]

I agree on both counts, we will be heading North via the OTL, South via PDR.
Allowing 3 days for the OTL.
I estimate the run South on the PDR to be about 400km, maybe a little more if we call in to Cap't Billy.

I normally take 3 days, Weipa to tele track via batavia,camp around north alice, next day take it easy and camp along the track again and final interstin bits to the top.

[YOYO]

You can easily drive from Bamaga to Weipa in a day using the PDR. Last time I did it we left Bamaga at 2pm and got into Weipa around 9pm - we didn't go through Batavia though, we went the long way because I wasn't keen on getting bogged in the middle of the night.

I suppose when you drive a cruiser these toughts of getting bogged at night are something you get used to. Not once has a thought like that crossed my mind but the difference is that i drive-- and You know what that is batesy, don't you

[batesy]

I suppose when you drive a cruiser these toughts of getting bogged at night are something you get used to. Not once has a thought like that crossed my mind but the difference is that i drive-- and You know what that is batesy, don't you

You drive ... toyota drivers insane, Yoyo!!


Nedly, I think when you put pressure on yourself to do big distances up here you begin to hate the travel. Whether it be the corrugations on the road, the animals at dusk or the stress in the back of your head about setting up camp after dark.

If you can do like Campdog does and just take it slow and enjoy the ride then you'll love the experience.

Even 400km on bitumen leaves you feeling tired - let alone corrugations. Personally I hate the late run, where you have to make a dash to get somewhere by a certain time. Though I guess that's the nature of the beast when you have limited holiday time in the Cape.

Weipa via Batavia = Cox and Moonlight Creeks.

This is KingChevy and co. in April 2005.

[Coza]

I don't know why you do it to your self Batesy..... pics of more Toyota's Bogged. That's just asking for it hey YoYo.

[batesy]

D'oh......!!

[Nedly]

You can easily drive from Bamaga to Weipa in a day using the PDR. Last time I did it we left Bamaga at 2pm and got into Weipa around 9pm - we didn't go through Batavia though, we went the long way because I wasn't keen on getting bogged in the middle of the night.

Thanks for the info Batesy,
We will be spending 3 days at the tip, head South at about 8.00am on the 4th day, that's by the itinerary anyway, and have estimated 9 hours for the trip to Weipa, on this basis should be in town about 5.00pm.

BTW, I agree with both Campdog and yourself, I don't intend trying to make some imagined time limit in getting anywhere. As far as I'm concerned, if we like it somewhere we stay.
In the overall scheme of things, places like Cooktown & Port Douglas are easliy accessed by plane. We can fly up at a later date to see these places if need be.

Thanks for your commebts Campdog, much appreciated.

[Dipmaker]

I don't think it's a good idea for us to do any night driving Nedly, it would be a bit hard to pass the shots bottle around.

[Nedly]

I don't think it's a good idea for us to do any night driving Nedly, it would be a bit hard to pass the shots bottle around.

The only reason we will be doing night driving is because there is absolutely, positively, NO other option.
It will be strictly a last resort thing.
Can't see a real lot in the dark.