Cape York Road Conditions

Brendon, I think Easter is 20 something of April this year??!!! Cheers, Kanga.

Historically mid May is the usual time from when reliable travel starts to the Cape. I doubt anyone can forecast the weather for April at the moment.
Cheers Craig.............

We went up last year, which of course does not help you, but before we went I kept in touch with the Department of Primary Industries at Coen, as they have a fruit inspection station there and know exactly what is going on.

I also rang Lockhart River Police station for information about the Chilli Beach road. Normally I ring RACQ, but when I rang a couple of times last year before I went I found they knew nothing about the Cape. I don't know if I just got a couple of dills the both times I rang, but on both occasions I was completely disgusted with their knowledge and assistance about the cape roads, in fact their advice was completely wrong and one of the guys said he came from there.

You will enjoy your trip, but you have to be aware that while some of the gravel roads will be quite good, some will be shocking and it is a long way to the top. My only other suggestion is that you divide your trip up into detours on the way up and detours on the way back, because if you are like us once you turn for home you will be so sick of the rough roads and want to go straight home and not detour to your other unvisited locations. I will also add that I am an experienced rough road person with good vehicles, but the cape is a long way over some very rough roads. Having said that, some of the roads are quite good, particularly to Weipa, where I believe the mine puts a share in for the maintenance.

Brian DJ

I can only speak from my own experience.

In 1998 people arrived at the tip on ANZAC Day. In 1999 I was in Cairns a week after that and the Archer was 7m above the causeway.

We were the second group to get to the tip that year, that was on the 25th of May.

What will happen this year is anyones guess. The wet does appear to be a bit late and there does seem to be a lot of low pressure systems still developing in that part of the world so I would guess Easter will be a bit too early for a reliable trip to the tip.

Duncs

It is my understanding that the shire council based in Cooktown is responsible for maintenance of roads on the Peninsular, so you may find this URL handy. A specific enquiery would probably get you an informed answer. The municipal authorities in the area are very aware of the value of tourism.

http://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/cook/roads

Kevin