Cape York Tours

We tripped to the Cape in 89 and again in 95. During the last trip we stayed at Punsand Bay which I believe is ideal for kids. We also took a criuse to Thursday Island which was most enjoyable. Make sure you travel the Old telegrsaph Track on the way up as it is a must and gets you away from the ratrace of the new track. Chilli Beach and surrounding areas are definately worth a look.

We may see you on the track Andrew, I am planning a trip there at the same time. Still doing my research though. I will keep you posted.
Julian

Andrew, Go to the ExplorOz shop and buy Ron Moon's book on the Cape and the Cape York Hema map (you might even win the Hema trip prize?), then copy the trek notes for the Cape. You will then have plenty of info. Might even see you up there as we are planning to do the trip sometime this year.

Andrew,

Take a day trip out to Usher Point (though overnight would be better). From memory I think it's only about 80 km's one way but a bit of a goat track (not boggy when dry, just tight and winding) so fairly slow going. Best thing is the beach combing. Thousands of thongs, bouys, hundreds of feet of rope, netting and all sorts of paraphenalia. We spent hours poking through the flotsam and jetsum - very entertaining.

Beach fishing there is also very good and there is a nice cliff top drive as well.

:o) Melissa

Andrew we returned from Cape York in July 02.Definatly travel the telegraph up and back, the corrigations on the by pass are horrendous.Also well worth sticking to the telegraph above Twin Falls and then head across to the By pass to the Jardine Ferry.Chilli beach is well worth the slow drive in, they have new toilets but there are no shower facilities and no fresh water.
We chartered a boat form the jetty at Seisha for the whole day which took us to Thursday Island and we intended to fish all the way back to Seisha but we didn't get much fishing done as it was unusually rough and we spent too long in the pub on TI.Can't think of the name of the boat company but the captains name was Tim (great guy).

Yes, If there are a few of you in one group it is the way to go. We had 7 in our group which was good.
Have a great trip!
Wheely

Andew , we just got back Sept 2002 tips
- Punsand bay Must do
-Southern and Nthern by-pass road try to aviod ( bleep )
-Telegraph track must do ( Both ways if poss )
-Summerset Must do
-If your up at the time the local football grand final is on its MUST GO
great experance
- buy your fishing gear before you go at Bamaga $25 for a $7 plastic hand real
-If you get the chance talk to Raymond at the Jardine river ferry he`s a local with some great local stories
We took two kids 4 & 6 great stuff
We planned to go back 2005
All the best
Craig.

Andrew,
You will need all of your six weeks to travel from Melb. We took 2 weeks from leaving Atherton which was too rushed. We did Chilli beach then up to the top back to Weipa and then down through Lakefield Nat Park to Cooktown. I would recommend at least 3-4 weeks to see and enjoy everything the Cape has to offer.

Wheely

Hi Andrew.I have done two trips to the Cape (Aug 2000/June 2001)In June there was a constant 25to30 knot wind which made serious fishing amost impossible on the east side while the west side was`nt too bad in close. In august the weather was glorious calm day after day.I would seriously consider this if you are a keen fisho. Try Captain Billy Landing on the east and Vrilya Point on the west both are beautiful spots and great fishing on their day.All the other well documented places are well worth visiting.Also on the first trip fuel was 95c a litre at the Jardine on the second it had jumped to a $1.20. But thats still better than last years trip to the Kimberly where we paid up to $1.45. If I can be of further help please email me. Regards Mick

Hi 3weeks is not a lot of time for a trip like this how ever there is still a
lot you can do. We went north along the coast from Cairns to the Daintree then the ferry across the Daintree River and through the old road to Cooktown from there to Laura and on up the Developmental Road to Weipa. Stayed there for a few days then back across the Batavia Downs shortcut and up the telegraph track we went up the old track (the lower section)there are numerous falls and creeks to see and most of the crossing are reasonably easy if you take it steady.Around thirty kays south of the Jardine there is a track of to the left which takes you to Virlya Point a top spot, there is plenty of water there, it bubbles out of the sand in one spot. At the turnoff there is an iron rusty triangle setup. Its about a 30 kay run in.Also pay a visit to Captain Billy Landing another great place.The rest of the Cape is fairly well documented and it depends on your personal preferences. Thursday Island,Somerset and of course the Cape itself. I hope this gives you some ideas. Ive no idea what you`re driving, but fuel consumption gos out the window on these types of trips so make sure you keep topped up. the is no problem getting fuel you just pay through the nose for it . Regards Mick