Cape York Trip 2008

Day 18 - Bramwell Station to Cairns

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:53:00 +0000

I must say how great the operators are Bramwell Station are. They had a basic arc welder but didn't know how to use it and had no welding rods. Luckily I had some rods and the ability to fix it. They let us use the welder and workshop and James and I went about doing the repair.

In grinding up the 'bush weld' I noticed that it was better than the original and probably would have held fine.

We weren't going to take any chances though so we cleaned it up and welded it up properly.

We then settled in and did a massive 800km run right through to Cairns arriving at about 7pm. We gave the camper and car a bath at the local car wash to lessen the dust and dirt a bit. Dropped in to Macca's for a feed, set up the camper had a great shower and good night's sleep.

Day 17 - Punsand Bay to Bramwell

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:46:00 +0000

We paid a visit to 'The Croc Tent' before saying good-bye to The Tip and heading back South.

We fuelled up at Bamaga and dropped by for a look at the crash site of the DC-3

We chose to just drive down the Telegraph Road and not do the 'Track' again so we could knock over 500km or so and get in to Musgrave Station for the night. How things change?!

The corrugations on this section are horrendous an absolutely belted the hell out of everything. We didn't know until after we had crossed the Jardine River on the ferry again that the shocker mount weld on the camper had broken loose. Close inspection showed a very poor weld and it was not surprising that it broke.

The coil spring was still there luckily and had jammed itself between the wishbone and the chassis. We manager to get it back out and refit it knowing the safety chain would limit the travel and stop it happening again.

Well that didn't work and after fixing it twice more we decided to have a go at welding the shocker mount back up on the side of the road with some bush mechanic skills. We pulled the batteries out of the car and trailer and made up a makeshift welder with the jumper leads. Out with the inverter and I drilled a new hole for the safety chain and we were on our way again.

I managed to get a reasonable weld and it held all the way to Bramwell Station. We'd only covered 200km for the day and arrived in the dark.

Day 16 - The Tip!

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:22:00 +0000

Well today was to be the day when we finally got to put a hand on the sacred sign and stand at the Northernmost point of the Aussie mainland. This is just one of those things that you have to do at least once in your lifetime. A couple of hundred metre climb up and over a bunch of rocks and there it is in sight.....

The pointy bit at the top of Queensland!

Well, here we are all doing the obligatory poses in the howling wind and light rain. Not the way one would plan to do it but hey, we did it!

We decided to go back via the beach because the tide was low. Great move....not! We all got wet feet as we had no other choice but to walk through the little creeks. Oh well, all part of the adventure.

We jumped back in the car and decided to head out to Somerset for a look around and then do the '5 beach run' South before heading back to Punsand Bay.

Not a lot to see at Somerset but you do get an appreciation of what these early pioneers had to struggle with.

A bit of play time on the beach before we headed down the incredibly narrow track to give the car a few bush pinstripes!

Day 15 - Punsand Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:04:00 +0000

We spent today as a bit of an R&R day just bumming around the campsite. Caught up on the washing and just took it easy.

The campsite was literally about 10 metres from the sand. The weather was unseasonally overcast and humid. We even had the odd shower.

Day 14 - Sailor Creek to Punsand Bay (via OTL)

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:55:00 +0000

We woke early and had breakfast. Amelia revelling with the independence of camping and fending for herself.

We joined the bypass road for a short stint as we finished the Southern section of the Tele Track and joined the Northern section. The crossings in the Northern section were much more tricky than the Southern ones. Not far in and we stopped at Fruit Bat falls. We didn't swim because it was a little bit cool and also a bus load of tourists rolled up soon after us and it got packed real fast.

Next stop in at Elliot Falls was great. Again we didn't swim.

Once we got to Twin Falls we just had to have a dip. Nice knee deep water, no chance of crocs and a great waterfall massage.

Back on the road a tricky little crossing. We placed Leticia in a large hole so we didn't slide in. We didn't realise how hard the climb out on the other side was once we got around the corner. No photos as we were all in the car but it was hairy! A large drop off that would have easily rolled the car and the climb up had the traction control kicking in.

Cypress Creek and the old log bridge was very interesting to say the least. There is about a 5 metre drop to nothing under the bridge and no other choice than to go over. Some guidance from the crew and we crossed with no problem.

There was Nolan's Brook which is the last and the deepest crossing but in all the fuss getting across we forgot to take photos. We do have video which I'll upload here soon.

We paid the $99 and bought the return ferry ticket for the 30 second trip across. This would be a great little business to have!!

We continued up to Punsand Bay campground and set up for the night. Not a bad spot right on the beach but it does have very average facilities. What else do you do?

Day 13 - Weipa to Sailor Creek (via OTL)

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:21:00 +0000

We met a really great guy (Ian) and his son Daniel and James and I went fishing last night with them. We caught a couple of small fish but nothing significant but it was fun anyway. Ian managed to get his Troopy bottomed out on a washout and we snatched him out.

Today we packed up and left Weipa after fuelling up at $2.03/litre which wasn't too bad really.

We did the 70kms back to Telegraph Rd and then headed North. It wasn't long before we arrived at Bramwell Junction. We didn't fuel up here at the record $2.38 per litre! A quick toilet break and then up the side track led to the famous signs below...

Here are some of the creek crossings. We had a good look at them first with some of them required all hands on deck to guide the way through.

The famous gunshot was not an absolute vertical drop with the path we took. The vertical drop was exactly that - vertical - and there is no way you could drive down there. This is us going down the famous crossing.

The 20 series handed this all so easily that it was hardly a challenge and almost felt like cheating! After Gunshot Creek the rest of the crossing were relatively easy.

We arrived at Sailor Creek in the afternoon and to our surprise we found a completely empty campground. Another couple turned up later but it was nice and quiet and we relaxed by another one of James' campfires. Leticia was queen of the marshmallow toasting scoring a 9/10 for the best effort.

Day 12 - Weipa

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:28:00 +0000

We got an early appointment at the doc for Leticia and she just has the effects of a cold which was exaggerated by the flight to Cairns so no dramas.

We went shopping at what seems to be the most expensive Woolworths in Australia! Unbelievably expensive. We estimated it was about 60% higher in price on everything compared to Adelaide but it only gets worse from here so we stocked up for the next week with food and essentials.

We bummed around the campground for most of the day and James and I went out to try our luck again with the rods. I did manage to catch an unidentified flat head type of fish. We can't seem to find out what it was but it had a flat head and was black and white????

Not a lot else happened today other than some R&R which was very welcome. We are intending to head off reasonably early start our assault on the Telegraph Track as we head up to The Tip.

Day 11 - Weipa

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:20:00 +0000

We spent the day around Weipa township. Being a Sunday, it was very quiet around the place. Woolworths wasn't even open!

Leticia has had an earache since she got to Cairns so we tried the doctor but can't see him until tomorrow. We forgot to latch down the solar panel on the camper and broke off a few pop-rivets yesterday so we went to the hardware and bought a rivet gun and rivets to repair it. All ok now.

James and I went for a fish with a fellow and his son who are camping near us - they caught a Sooty Grunter but we only managed nibbles and not much. There was heaps of fish jumping in the water but without a boat we couldn't get near them

Day 10 - Musgrave Station to Weipa

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0000

We had a great campfire last night thanks to James collecting some wood and creating a masterpiece fire. We had several drinks and a reasonably late night.

We awoke to a morning dew that was like it had been raining all night. It was cool but we could certainly feel the temperature starting to warm up.

We had to line up to purchase our fuel at $2.10 per litre! Not much choice in this neck of the woods.

A good airstrip right out the front of the roadhouse.

We had a good run right through to Weipa with high speed dirt most of the way. A few little creek crossings and some bull dust but otherwise it was a 100km/h highway with the occasional stretch of bitumen for several kilometres. The road from the Telegraph Rd turnoff to Weipa is excellent and smoother than some Aussie sealed highways.

The Weipa campground is packed full and we we able to find a reasonable site up under a large tree and close enough to the amenities.

Day 9 - Cooktown to Musgrave Station

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:50:00 +0000

We packed up and had a good look around Cooktown in the morning. It was a real pity that the Captain Cook Museum was closed because it was listed as a must see. We drove up the really steep Grassy Hill and went to the lookout. Awesome 360 degree views.

Amelia loved getting out and having a look around.

James had his hand on the map checkout where everything is.

We went to the local beach, Finch Bay

We bought this backpack carrier in Cairns after seeing a few other people with them. This was the first test run and Amelia loved it.

We got on the road and headed North stopping in at the 'Old Laura' homestead for a break and look around. Life must have been tough for these guys!

Another addition to Amelia's belongings is her new chair. A bargain purchased at Cooktown. At least we all have a chair now :)

Day 8 - Cairns to Cooktown

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:08:00 +0000

Today we left Cairns. We had a great time at the Coconut Resort Caravan Park and will definitely stay here again. This is highly recommended accommodation and deserves it's 5 stars.

We went across the river Daintree River on the ferry.

We then headed up the Bloomfield Track towards Cooktown. This track has some incredibly narrow sections and some super steep sections. This tested out the Cruiser with the big V8's turbos whistling and working hard up some of the hills and even dropping back to first gear on a few occasions. A great drive and highly recommended. We stopped along the way for a bite to eat and a stretch of the legs.

We arrived in Cooktown late in the afternoon and set up camp. We had some dinner gave Amelia a bath in her 'portable' bath and crashed out for the night.

Day 6 - Cairns (Repairs & Shopping)

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:52:00 +0000

A bit out of sync because I forgot to post this day. We spent the day having the back window fixed and doing some shopping.

We now have cardboard on the window. I asked to keep the box that the new window came in so I could tape it to the window. I like the way Windscreens O'Brien kept the exact piece with the relevant information on it :)

Not much else to post about today. We just stayed around the caravan park and chilled out.

Day 7 - Cairns (Great Barrier Reef)

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:47:00 +0000

Today we went on a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef and also got to tick off seeing 1 of the 7 wonders of the world.

We were picked up at the caravan park in a coach and transferred to the wharf. Amelia even got her own seat!

A nice little boat to cruise in! It was reasonably wavy on the way out and Leticia managed to get a bit sick.

We docked at a pontoon which was the base for the day

We went in the semi-submersible first and it was really good

Then we went on the glass bottom boat

After that we had a great lunch and then it was time to get in the water. Going snorkelling was absolutely awesome. Heaps of fish and coral. We even spotted a turtle. I had my photo taken with it but I'll need to scan it before I can post it.

It will probably be a couple of days before I get to update here as we are off North today and will struggle for phone range. I reckon Weipa in about 4 or 5 days will be next.

Day 5 - Cairns

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:19:00 +0000

We were up early to catch the train up the mountain to Kuranda. A great trip up there with some incredible sights.

We visited Bird World and got up close and personal. Even Amelia fed them!

We came down on SkyRail and got close to the Rainforest from above. Again, some spectacular sights. The are two stations on the way down where you can stop and have a look around. The informative boardwalk tour at Red Peak Station was the best!

A rest at the bottom before taking the bus back to the train station to pick up the car.

Day 4 - Cairns

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:00:00 +0000

The girls arrived safe and well at Cairns airport after their 3hr flight.

We headed to camp and the kids (ok - and the parents) went off to check the place out. We had some family time playing around and a nice BBQ dinner with an early night.

Day 3 - Hughendon to Cairns

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:46:00 +0000

We packed up and set off from Hughendon around 9am. Filled up with fuel to make sure of things and off we went.

The Kennedy development Road to "The Lynd" is again mostly dirt with some bitumen thrown in here and there. Some quite rough and rocky bits but mostly in good order. The amount of travellers was now get much more noticeable.

We stopped in at The Lynd roadhouse for lunch (with a bus load of tourists heading from Cairns to Darwin!). See below....

They specialise in Toyota - the only 4x4 to have in this part of the country.

Saw the odd cow!

We kept heading North. How good is the run up to Atherton? We climbed really high and ended up in the clouds. It was cold and quite windy up there. Some nice views of their wind farm. Check out the cows who were doing a climb of their own :)

We arrived in Cairns later in the afternoon and checked into the Coconut Resort Caravan Park. Great place so far. We are all set up and ready to pick up the girls who arrive tomorrow.

We have four days here to take in the delights of Cairns before we get on the road and head up North to The Cape.

Day 2 - Bedourie to Hughendon

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:41:00 +0000

What a cold night! Nothing like near freezing temperatures to wake up to!

We packed up and headed North to Boulia (213kms) and then across to Winton (362km). Both of these roads are half sealed and half dirt. No major dramas. A few travellers around and the odd semi and road train. We kept stopping and pulling off the road to let others past. Some people have no idea how to drive and go belting past you in the dirt at 100km/h showering you with rocks.

We were in Boulia and just after we had lunch and these emus just casually wandered past up the main street checking the place out

We saw another 200 series with one hell of a bull bar!

We arrived at Winton at about 5:30 and decided to keep going up to Hughendon (213kms) which meant a bit of night driving. A few roos, sheep and cows around but no big deals. Especially when you have HID lighting!!

Low Beam

High Beam

We are set up at Hughendon Caravan Park. All showered and ready for a good night's sleep. We have an easy day of about 550km up to Cairns tomorrow.

Day 1 - Adelaide to Bedourie (QLD)

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:11:00 +0000

Well, we're off. Ok - James and I are off anyway. The girls are flying up to meet us in Cairns on Sunday.

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I had a few hours sleep and we left Adelaide and a very fresh 5 degree at midnight. Uneventful to Port Augusta where we refuelled with the last cheap fuel and headed into the Flinders Ranges towards Quorn. A few roos between Quorn and Hawker but nothing to worry about. Arrived early am at Marree for a quick breakfast. They hadn't had any bread deliveries for a few days so toasted sandwiches were out and a pie had to suffice for brekky!

Off onto the Birdsville track and headed up to Birdsvill e. Again pretty uneventful for a couple of hours. I then noticed for some weird reason after 300 odd kays of dirt that the odd stone hit the back window. Just as I was slowing down to check it out - SMASH! The back window shattered. Luckily the tinting held it together and it's still together some 1500km later!

We taped it up and it seems fine. Continued on into Birdsville. The track was being graded and was quite cut up in a lot of places due to idiots driving on it in the wet and mud. This is quite dangerous now as it has dried and there is ruts all over it.

We didn't fill up with fuel at Birdsville for two reasons. One, they have no BP so couldn't use the fleet card and two, as expected, fuel was $2.08 per litre. We bought 60lt and intended filling up later.

We rang Windscreen O'Brien (national) from Birdsville to arrange a new glass in Townsville when we get there tomorrow.

We stopped in Bedourie and set up 'free camp' and had a really good meal at the tavern. An early night

1 more sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:23:00 +0000

Only one more sleep to go before we leave. I can't wait!!!!

Although I am getting a cold and could really do without it at the moment. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Snorkel Install

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:22:00 +0000

TJM fitted up the snorkel today. It makes a good difference in lowering the intake air temperature by about 6 degrees over standard which in turn makes the intercooler more effective.

Playing at Loveday

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:05:00 +0000

Went out to Loveday 4x4 park yesterday to give the suspension a workout and a chance to settle in properly before we go. A massive difference when off road. Better wheel travel and the lift in noticeable because it stops the front end ploughing into the ground all the time.

Roof Rack Install

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Going away for 4 1/2 weeks with 2 adults and 3 kids (especially one who is 17 months) requires that we take quite a bit of stuff with us. I reluctantly decided that we had to have the roof rack on the vehicle to cope with all this. We could have probably loaded the car and the camper right up but the trouble is that it makes things so hard to get to when you need them. Anyway I went for the ARB steel bar as opposed to the TJM alloy bar mainly because it was $500 cheaper, about 600mm longer and uses a 'rail' mount with all eight captive roof mounts utilised. We'll put the spare tyre,fishing rods and gear and chairs etc up on the roof. Here's a look at the install.

Installed the rails...........

The rack installed..........

Mandatory shovel mount........

Suspension Install

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:50:00 +0000

Nearly ready for our trip now.

I had TJM (Reynella) install some aftermarket suspension in the Cruiser. I felt the front end was way too long and I didn't like the way it points downwards at the front. The put in new struts at the front which gave a 40mm lift and also compensates for the extra weight of the bullbar and winch. The rear has a 20mm lift and I also installed Polyair bags which can be pumped up to cope with high loads. I am really happy with the install.

Before the lift...........

After the lift.......

It does get plenty of suspension travel now.......

New Cooper Tyres

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:41:00 +0000

I have been debating what to do with tyres and have decided that I don't trust the standard GrandTreks enough to drive to Cape York with them. We had 5 new Cooper ATR tyres fitted today and also bought a 6th spare tyre only as a spare spare.

They are slightly noisier and a little bit harder ride but seem to handle very well so far. They certainly have a more aggressive tread pattern which will be much better for off road traction.

First Camper Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Richo) — Sun, 11 May 2008 09:12:00 +0000

Well, we went off on our first trip with the new Trak Shak.

We had everything with us (including the kitchen sink) and certainly were packed for the trip. All in all it went very well. I learnt not to try and cook chicken too fast and nearly smoked us out. We slept well but could have done with better 'bathroom' facilities.

Some friends of ours who actually put us on to the "rock the Mount" festival camped just near us.