The development road is a wide open dirt road. Depending on conditions can be corrugated. There are no major river crossings. You come across a myriad of small channels running across the road that can catch you out if you don't slow down for them. The other major issue is dust and rocks thrown up from vehicles passing you at speed. I suggest you wife has seen vision of people driving the Old Telegraph Track. This is an option for serious 4 wheel drivers who are happy to put their cars at risk. If the purpose is to visit the Tip then your car is well suited. There are road houses that offer fuel food and camping. Weipa has a supermarket and so does Bamaga.
Bobdown said
02:24 PM Oct 31, 2022
Collo,
Have a look at my old mate Laurie Kibblewhite's video of trip to Cape York, the link is for part one and part two is also there on Youtube. He does a bit of both tracks, a bit long to watch all at once but may be benefit to the missus.
We haven't done that road, but plenty of corrugated rock strewn roads.
1. Get TPMS.
2. Let your tyres down.
3. Carry second spare wheel.
4. Have quality compressor & repair kit.
5. Wife can clean car if you have triple compressor setup.
Plain Truth said
03:40 PM Oct 31, 2022
We took the Battlecamp Rd. from Cooktown out past the Old Laura Homestead then on to the Peninsula Development Rd.just before Laura. Interesting drive, look it up on you-tube.
If the wife is a bit apprehensive just take the Peninsula Development Rd.
rgren2 said
05:38 PM Oct 31, 2022
You can drive it in a commodore or falcon, just dont do the Old Telly track. There is a ferry across the Jardine that only operate at certain times.
Ivan 01 said
05:49 PM Oct 31, 2022
rgren2 wrote:
You can drive it in a commodore or falcon, just dont do the Old Telly track. There is a ferry across the Jardine that only operate at certain times.
Yes, there can be a little wait for the ferry at times so pack your lunch. It can be quite a few hours.
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Monday 31st of October 2022 05:52:38 PM
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Monday 31st of October 2022 05:53:33 PM
Cuppa said
05:58 PM Oct 31, 2022
You have been well advised by previous respondents. A few further points.
Letting down tyres is not necessary for traction, but it will make driving on corrugations easier on both you & the car.
It's not as remote as many people think ie. You don't need long range fuel tanks , but you do need to plan ahead & carry sufficient water & provisions in case you break down somewhere. We consider a PLB & a Satphone to be sensible things to carry, but we are up here at times when there is not a car passing every few minutes like there is during tourist season. Definitely a PLB at a minimum though.
And a well serviced car with good tyres (ie, no more than half worn).
The PDR goes to Weipa & to get up to the NPA & the tip you turn right at what is know locally as 'Three ways'. This then becomes the Bamaga Road (sometimes referred to as the Telegraph Road (as distinct from the the Old Telegraph Track which is the 4wd track which everyone knows about).
A Visit to Weipa is worthwhile, caravan park is on the beach, & it has the only full size supermarket north of Cooktown, but there are also 3 supermarkets up in the NPA. Several caravan Parks. Our favourite was at Somerset (donation) - lovely little beach in a sheltered spot, but Alau beach at Umagico had a nice feel to it as well.
Whether there are water crossings or not depends upon how early in the Dry season you go, & how late the Wet has been. Generally it's safe to assume there will be little to nothing in the way water crossings from End of May/beginning of June.Same can be said of early May if you get lucky, but the certainty is less.
To be honest, unless the prospect of a long drive on dusty dirt roads is what you seek, then just driving to the tip & back imho holds little attraction. Most of what is interesting are the side trips, many of which need 4wd, but that is not to suggest that it's break your car or Omigod we're gonna die/get stuck type 4wding. Eg there is some wonderful country to explore in Rinyirru (Lakefield NP), much of it via narrow 2 wheel tracks, but not difficult 4wd'ing. Best later in the season though, as Rinyirru remains wet later than much of the Cape & is generally closed until at least July. We spent a wonderful 10 days, camped at several different locations there in late August last year & wouldn't have crossed water anywhere more than 6" deep max & no mud.
If wildlife interests you the side trip up to the Iron Range rainforest near Lockhart River (where I am at the moment) is not to be missed & mid to late dry season would be easy in your car, & takes you through country different to anywhere else on the Cape, including mountain 'glens' reminiscent Scotland! Chili beach is wonderful .... except in the dry season when the south easterly winds never let up. Still worth a visit though.
Captain Billy's landing gives you access to easy beach walks with lots of rock pools & sea caves to explore when the tide is out & is in a spectacular setting. Accessible to 2wd's along a forest track where the hardest things to negotiate are the 'speed bumps' put in by the parks department to control erosion in the wet.
Driving out to Mutee Heads takes you to on another good dirt road (relief from the corrugations of the main Bamaga Rd) through forest to a nice little beachside free camp. All good road & hard standing or sand to camp on plus a few historical sites within walking distance. Continue on to the mouth of the Jardine - absolutely stunning vistas, but that requires confident , tyres down , soft sand driving to get there.
The only time you will likely have to cross water more than a couple of inches (or indeed at all, depending when you go) is shortly after turning left at the Croc Tent to head toward Punsand Bay resort or Roonga Point (Free camping), but it is less than wheel height & straight in straight out with a good solid bottom.
There is a great deal more to see up here than many realise, although much does require 4wd'ing. The places I have mentioned could all be managed in a 2wd with good ground clearance, so would be fine for what you want (without scaring your wife!), whilst providing you with some of the reasons which make the Cape special.
Bottom line - as early in the season once the roads are open or September are the times I would advise to minimise crowds. The former more chance of water on roads, the latter more chance of corrugations, but you can get lucky as we did to find roads recently re-graded when headed south from the Jardine ferry in late September last year.
If cultural stuff interests you, you cant go past the the Quinkan Laura Dance Festival, - held every two years - next one is 7th -9th July 2023. We volunteered there in '21. Magic!
We have been up here for most of the past two years & still have much we would like to see. We will be leaving after the 22/23 Wet to return home to Vic, but I think we'll be back again.
-- Edited by Cuppa on Tuesday 1st of November 2022 07:33:36 AM
Ivan 01 said
06:06 PM Oct 31, 2022
Hi Collo,
You may want to refer to this sight regarding fees if you were not already aware of the costs.
Dry season is the only time to travel to Cape York. In the wet season many places are closed. For example Moreton Telegraph Station is now closed and won't re open until May next year at the beginning of the dry.
I traveled the PDR 6 weeks ago...the corrugations were atrocious in places...up to 6" deep in some sections. in fact locals say they the worst they have encountered in years. The reason for that apparently is the late "Wet" season which delayed or just didn't allow the road to be graded.
I did the Old Telegraph Track on the way up, would not recommend that unless you are very well prepared both vehicle wise and provisions wise, and have some 4wd experience. There were a number of camper trailers traveling the OTT so it can be done. The southern half is easier than the northern half, though both sections throw up serious challenges.
But, do visit Fruit Bat Falls and Elliot Falls, well worth it and just a few k's off the PDR. Though when we pulled in to Elliot Falls it was chockers and there was no where to park...
Scattered sections of bitumen give a break from the mindless corrugations as well as to allow safe overtaking without a dust screen. There were roadworks outside Archer River roadhouse which will see a good long stretch of sealed road leading up to and past Archer River within months...weather permitting.
As they seal more of the road the unsealed sections will get shorter until eventually it will be sealed the whole way to Bamaga. I doubt they will ever seal the final 30 odd k's from Bamaga to the tip.
If you do head up that way, make sure you have time to enjoy the scenery and time to pull up to take a break now and again....
Mike Harding said
02:00 PM Nov 2, 2022
Ivan 01 wrote:
You may want to refer to this sight regarding fees if you were not already aware of the costs.
On average what is the peninsula development road like in the dry season? i.e. Cooktown to Cape york.
How many water crossings? Do you need to take extra fuel? Is it nessecary to let tyre pressure down?
We will be in a 2019 4x4 Parjero...no caravan.
My wife has been watching you tube, and reckons its too scary.
Collo.
-- Edited by Collo on Monday 31st of October 2022 01:42:41 PM
See www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/queensland/cooktown-to-cape-york-4wd
Collo,
Have a look at my old mate Laurie Kibblewhite's video of trip to Cape York, the link is for part one and part two is also there on Youtube. He does a bit of both tracks, a bit long to watch all at once but may be benefit to the missus.
Cheers Bob
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdxuHzzf4XM&list=UUtAmNBTEzz_dJHCCsD0VlgA&index=169
We haven't done that road, but plenty of corrugated rock strewn roads.
1. Get TPMS.
2. Let your tyres down.
3. Carry second spare wheel.
4. Have quality compressor & repair kit.
5. Wife can clean car if you have triple compressor setup.
We took the Battlecamp Rd. from Cooktown out past the Old Laura Homestead then on to the Peninsula Development Rd.just before Laura. Interesting drive, look it up on you-tube.
If the wife is a bit apprehensive just take the Peninsula Development Rd.
Yes, there can be a little wait for the ferry at times so pack your lunch.
It can be quite a few hours.
https://youtu.be/HumvJd72qzM
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Monday 31st of October 2022 05:52:38 PM
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Monday 31st of October 2022 05:53:33 PM
You have been well advised by previous respondents. A few further points.
Letting down tyres is not necessary for traction, but it will make driving on corrugations easier on both you & the car.
It's not as remote as many people think ie. You don't need long range fuel tanks , but you do need to plan ahead & carry sufficient water & provisions in case you break down somewhere. We consider a PLB & a Satphone to be sensible things to carry, but we are up here at times when there is not a car passing every few minutes like there is during tourist season. Definitely a PLB at a minimum though.
And a well serviced car with good tyres (ie, no more than half worn).
The PDR goes to Weipa & to get up to the NPA & the tip you turn right at what is know locally as 'Three ways'. This then becomes the Bamaga Road (sometimes referred to as the Telegraph Road (as distinct from the the Old Telegraph Track which is the 4wd track which everyone knows about).
A Visit to Weipa is worthwhile, caravan park is on the beach, & it has the only full size supermarket north of Cooktown, but there are also 3 supermarkets up in the NPA. Several caravan Parks. Our favourite was at Somerset (donation) - lovely little beach in a sheltered spot, but Alau beach at Umagico had a nice feel to it as well.
Whether there are water crossings or not depends upon how early in the Dry season you go, & how late the Wet has been. Generally it's safe to assume there will be little to nothing in the way water crossings from End of May/beginning of June.Same can be said of early May if you get lucky, but the certainty is less.
To be honest, unless the prospect of a long drive on dusty dirt roads is what you seek, then just driving to the tip & back imho holds little attraction. Most of what is interesting are the side trips, many of which need 4wd, but that is not to suggest that it's break your car or Omigod we're gonna die/get stuck type 4wding. Eg there is some wonderful country to explore in Rinyirru (Lakefield NP), much of it via narrow 2 wheel tracks, but not difficult 4wd'ing. Best later in the season though, as Rinyirru remains wet later than much of the Cape & is generally closed until at least July. We spent a wonderful 10 days, camped at several different locations there in late August last year & wouldn't have crossed water anywhere more than 6" deep max & no mud.
If wildlife interests you the side trip up to the Iron Range rainforest near Lockhart River (where I am at the moment) is not to be missed & mid to late dry season would be easy in your car, & takes you through country different to anywhere else on the Cape, including mountain 'glens' reminiscent Scotland! Chili beach is wonderful .... except in the dry season when the south easterly winds never let up. Still worth a visit though.
Captain Billy's landing gives you access to easy beach walks with lots of rock pools & sea caves to explore when the tide is out & is in a spectacular setting. Accessible to 2wd's along a forest track where the hardest things to negotiate are the 'speed bumps' put in by the parks department to control erosion in the wet.
Driving out to Mutee Heads takes you to on another good dirt road (relief from the corrugations of the main Bamaga Rd) through forest to a nice little beachside free camp. All good road & hard standing or sand to camp on plus a few historical sites within walking distance. Continue on to the mouth of the Jardine - absolutely stunning vistas, but that requires confident , tyres down , soft sand driving to get there.
The only time you will likely have to cross water more than a couple of inches (or indeed at all, depending when you go) is shortly after turning left at the Croc Tent to head toward Punsand Bay resort or Roonga Point (Free camping), but it is less than wheel height & straight in straight out with a good solid bottom.
There is a great deal more to see up here than many realise, although much does require 4wd'ing. The places I have mentioned could all be managed in a 2wd with good ground clearance, so would be fine for what you want (without scaring your wife!), whilst providing you with some of the reasons which make the Cape special.
Bottom line - as early in the season once the roads are open or September are the times I would advise to minimise crowds. The former more chance of water on roads, the latter more chance of corrugations, but you can get lucky as we did to find roads recently re-graded when headed south from the Jardine ferry in late September last year.
If cultural stuff interests you, you cant go past the the Quinkan Laura Dance Festival, - held every two years - next one is 7th -9th July 2023. We volunteered there in '21. Magic!
We have been up here for most of the past two years & still have much we would like to see. We will be leaving after the 22/23 Wet to return home to Vic, but I think we'll be back again.
-- Edited by Cuppa on Tuesday 1st of November 2022 07:33:36 AM
Hi Collo,
You may want to refer to this sight regarding fees if you were not already aware of the costs.
https://www.nparc.qld.gov.au/services/travel-transport/ferry-ticket
I traveled the PDR 6 weeks ago...the corrugations were atrocious in places...up to 6" deep in some sections. in fact locals say they the worst they have encountered in years. The reason for that apparently is the late "Wet" season which delayed or just didn't allow the road to be graded.
I did the Old Telegraph Track on the way up, would not recommend that unless you are very well prepared both vehicle wise and provisions wise, and have some 4wd experience. There were a number of camper trailers traveling the OTT so it can be done. The southern half is easier than the northern half, though both sections throw up serious challenges.
But, do visit Fruit Bat Falls and Elliot Falls, well worth it and just a few k's off the PDR. Though when we pulled in to Elliot Falls it was chockers and there was no where to park...
Scattered sections of bitumen give a break from the mindless corrugations as well as to allow safe overtaking without a dust screen. There were roadworks outside Archer River roadhouse which will see a good long stretch of sealed road leading up to and past Archer River within months...weather permitting.
As they seal more of the road the unsealed sections will get shorter until eventually it will be sealed the whole way to Bamaga. I doubt they will ever seal the final 30 odd k's from Bamaga to the tip.
If you do head up that way, make sure you have time to enjoy the scenery and time to pull up to take a break now and again....
I see they are clearly trying to discourage tourists... for reasons best known to themselves?
A 12 hour or sometimes longer wait can be a bit discouraging at times but they still get many hundreds of folk that are compelled to go to the top.
Yes Mike, if you venture that way a bag or two of money may make your trip easier. The other crossing is to drive in the water.