Cape Melville

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012 at 14:11

ThreadID: 91295 Views:1924 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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Kelvin R

Good morning all

I am in the process of plotting a trip up to the cape in July / August this year. There will be 3 vehicles in the group with 2 towing off road camper trailers with tinnies. I was thinking of going up to Cape Melville and Bathurst Bay via Starcke and rejoining the development road at Lakefield and would be interested to know other peoples thoughts. In research that I have done to date I believe that there are a number of rather deep river crossings and swampy area's now I don't mind water crossings but do not believe in swamping the inside of the vehicles. Or would it be more sense to take the Battlecamp Road and rejoin the development road at the Old Laura ruins I know that it depends on the previous wet as to the depth of water but if any one who has been that way in past years could give me their views as to weather it was worth it or not that would be greatly appreciated.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Kelvin

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Reply By: nick - Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012 at 20:49

Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012 at 20:49

We went into Cape Melville last year mid June, fantastic spot. In fact it was the whole familys favorite spot for our three month trip.
We went in at Kalpower Crossing as the Starke track was still closed(but found out later that it wasnt), its a long drive in, look at about 4-5hrs from the Starke trk junction. There were a few boggy patches and testing spots but take your time and its all good. We had four days in there and could have spent a month or more. GReat fishing, fresh water stream, isolation......fantastic spot.
Just before you hit the beach(large marshy area), hang a right and travel about 3kms along a tight sandy track then drop down a steep rock base drop into a creek, continue on along here and you'll come to a fresh water stream just before opening up to the beach. Then there is about 3kms of beach front camping.

AnswerID: 475360

Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Thursday, Jan 19, 2012 at 07:39

Thursday, Jan 19, 2012 at 07:39

I pulled a drowned petrol Musso out of Barramundi Creek in 2009.
Proper 4WDs will be OK. :-)
There are some tight spots getting in if towing, but it is worth the effort.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome.

AnswerID: 475383

Reply By: vk1dx - Thursday, Jan 19, 2012 at 08:53

Thursday, Jan 19, 2012 at 08:53

Hi Kelvin

We went up along the Starckie Track in July 2010. Mostly dry as the video will show. It is an easy drive but a long one. The bit in the video was abouit the worst there is. It is an excellent drive. Eight hours from Elim, east of Hope vale, to the Cape melville and Kalpower intersection. Only met one vehicle, the grader, and we stopped and had a cupper with him. There were three cars, 2 x 100 series and aGQ patrol. No worries if you have a trailer. We were not towing.

Enjoy.

Phil

On the Starckie]Starckie Track[/url]

AnswerID: 475386