Trip to the Cape at Easter

[RippinRutman]

G'day Folks.

I am hoping to shoot up to the tip and back over 6 days at easter (quick trip i know! but not too far from Cairns) and i am wondering what the main road up will be like? I know it will depend on how much more rain you guys get up there but i have been told by the locals that i should be right that time of year....

If i have time i might tackle a bit of the telegraph track but its more a surprise trip to take the missus up there as i never shut up about the place :rolleyes:

So waddyas think?

[geoffjy]

I think it's safe to say that the road will be officially closed to tourists. As of this morning the archer river was 1mt over and the wenlock 11mt.

[plucker]

Other options are available if you cant get to the tip.

Try Cooktown and the surrounding areas and beaches. Should keep you busy for a few days.
The road is bitumen on the inland stretch.
The coastal stretch is scenic and should be passable too.

[RippinRutman]

Well i suppose i will just have to watch wait and see... my missus works for Main Roads so that kinda helps...

Byfield could be another option but not as much fun....

[kingchevy]

People have been driving in the last few days.....

[Scorcher]

People have been driving in the last few days.....

Good to see you still popping your head into the forum KingChevy !

Any news on the current river heights at the Archer & Wenlock?

Are the people you refer to Locals or Tourists?

Cheers

Scorcher

[RippinRutman]

I have all but given up hope of heading North unless the road closures reopen between now and next Wednesday.

Plan is at this stage to head over to Karumba and have a look around there...

That is unless something changes in the next week...

[geoffjy]

The Archer River is currently .5mt under the causeway and not sure on the measurements but the water is under the bridge at the Wenlock.

[plucker]

I have all but given up hope of heading North unless the road closures reopen between now and next Wednesday.

Plan is at this stage to head over to Karumba and have a look around there...

That is unless something changes in the next week...

Keep an eye on the roads out that way as the passing cyclone went towards the Gulf and I would imagine most creeks and rivers will be swollen.

Might pay to check RACQ websites or ring some locals for more info as the time nears.

[kingchevy]

I am going to head up to viriliya over easter if I can make my brother is also driving out in the next few day we will see if he makes it...

[rehab]

I rang some of the stations today, one of the recorded messages said water is 1.5 metres over the causeway as of today, Im a bit concerned, although I am not going until the end of April, but doesnt look like much of a chance at this stage

Looks like some more rain heading your way as well........

[rehab]

Would there be less chance of water over the roads if you went to Weipa, or is it the same story?

[barney]

The PDR is still closed, open only to local traffic. You'd be taking a risk driving to Weipa with insurance, police etc if you can't show you're a local. The Archer on the PDR is still up and down, depending on how much rain they're gettin over the east coast, towards Lockhart. The Wenlock was also up over the bridge again this week by over two metres - below the bridge again now. We are sticking close to home, heading up to Pennefather for the break....along with all the other Weipa-ites who normally drive out to the Archer for the break!

[geoffjy]

I am going to head up to viriliya over easter if I can make my brother is also driving out in the next few day we will see if he makes it...

Might see you there mate. We will be heading into Vrilya then possibly onto the Cotteral River mouth on Sat, Sunday and Monday.

[geoffjy]

Would there be less chance of water over the roads if you went to Weipa, or is it the same story?

You can try applying to the police for a permit. Never know your luck.

[rehab]

Might have to apply through Cook Council, although I spoke to Seisia Holiday Park yesterday and they said a few cars from Brissy had got through to them in the last couple of days

[rehab]

Looks like we may not be going - this a tragedy....

From what Ive been told

1. The road is still closed
2. Even once it opens engineers need to inspect
3. New gravel pits need to be opened
4. Heavy earthmoving equipment needs to be moved into the roads to repair
5. Its still getting some significant rain

Sigh.... been planning for 18 months....

[ant]

Rehab, What date are you planning on leaving? If it is towards the end of April you are still in for a chance. The roads 'officially' open generally before that time.
Weipa may still also be an option for you.

I was planning of driving out of Arnhemland at the end of this month to head across to the Cape but have been told that the roads out of here won't be opened till towards the end of May and into June.
Looks like I am flying out instead.....

[rehab]

I will be leaving Cooktown on the 29th April, so theres still 3 weeks I guess, maybe a flight to Horn Island then the two ferries across the Seisia may be the last resort

[rehab]

Spoke to Coen police this morning who said the Archer should drop by tomorrow morning, then its just a matter of the large spring that is currently pumping water into the middle of the PDR, and the washouts, but they reckon it should be fine in two weeks, as long as there is not a late cyclone or similar

Excited again!!

[plucker]

I think cyclone season finishes at the end of May. But we had one in June a few years ago.
Generally there is less risk of a cyclone as the ocean temperatures are cooler.

[LEZZO]

I think cyclone season finishes at the end of May. But we had one in June a few years ago.
Generally there is less risk of a cyclone as the ocean temperatures are cooler.

G'Day Plucker, we are going up in early August - 4 week trip, how are the creeks looking at the moment?? Any info will be appreciated.

[plucker]

I could be the wrong one to answer this one as I am at least 650KM off the southern end of CYP. So I dont really know how the creeks are now but I would say by August you would be in the peak of the dry season, so they would all be passable.

The weather in the Cape is however similar to my location and rainfall has virtually stopped now in Townsville and I would assume it is similar up that way.

You will have a blast in August as the creeks will be warming up and the fishing will be good.

[LEZZO]

I could be the wrong one to answer this one as I am at least 650KM off the southern end of CYP. So I dont really know how the creeks are now but I would say by August you would be in the peak of the dry season, so they would all be passable.

The weather in the Cape is however similar to my location and rainfall has virtually stopped now in Townsville and I would assume it is similar up that way.

You will have a blast in August as the creeks will be warming up and the fishing will be good.

Thanks Plucker - any info is better than no info as i have never been up past Mossman b4.

[plucker]

I forgot to mention that the creeks around my way have cleared up after the rain so it would be similar in the Northern parts.

August will definately be clearer water conditions in the creeks which will make the sight fishing great and something to remember.