Three vehicles over nearly 5 weeks, took to the Cape ex Melbourne we were looking for adventure. Our biggest concern was road conditions. Despite numerous calls to various roadhouses and the Queensland Roads website, the best advice to hand was to keep the speed down, watch out for washouts, dust and dust holes, and the inevitable speedsters with little regard for other drivers. The road conditions do change from time to time, depending on weather, and availability of government funds to keep the roads graded. The road surface consists of a variety of surfaces, from first class bitumen to badly corrugated and potholed gravel roads. At times the dust from other vehicles can be so thick as to blind the drivers vision.
The roadhouses offer a variety of facilities for the avid camper, some with hot showers, hot meals, and reasonable camp grounds.
The Cape can still be considered a challenge for many, and the top of Australia is still seen by many as a right of passage.
On completion of a safe and exciting time on the cape; the best advice we had was to plan and research, be prepared, have a reliable and well serviced vehicle. Of course a good sense of humour can make even the worst situation bearable.
Good to hear your opinion we are heading up there in two and a half weeks , itching to hook up n go .
Woody n sue
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When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
Hi Woodie and Sue. We planned to be off the Cape before the Qld school holidays, as the road can get fairly chopped up with the high numbers at this time of the year. We hope you have fun, and safe travels. Cheers
I went up to Cape York in July 2017 without any problems. Left the van at Mount Carbine and took the tent etc. Yes the roads vary considerably. I let the tyres down to an appropriate level and NEVER when faster than 80km on the dirt and especially on the sealed sections. The dust holes especially through the National Park to/from Cooktown can be horrendous if unprepared. Worst section of road was coming into Archer River Ferry heading North. It was just so bad we slowed down to 20kph and searched both sides of the road for some relief. Best advice I can give ...... let the tyres down ..... don't be in a hurry ..... when extreme dust from approaching vehicle e.g.. truck.... move off the road as best you can, stop, turn off the engine and keep windows closed until vehicle has passed and the dust has settled. Always travel with your lights on. Again ... just take your time.
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Cheers
Col
(Picture of my beloved Molly (2003 - 2016) who loved the travels as much as I do. RIP old girl. Gone but never forgotten).
