Aug

Bushman Bud Hits the Telegraph Track, Palm Creek & Gunshot Creek

Bushman Bud...Enjoying Australia

G’day all,

Videos below:

Telegraph Track_Bramwell Junction_Starting Out

Palm Creek_Telegraph Track_QLD

Gunshot Creek Crossing (with trailer)_Part 1

Gunshot Creek Crossing (with trailer)_Part 3

Gunshot Creek_Guided Tour_Telegraph Track_QLD

Gunshot Creek…Enjoying the Moment of this Iconic Place

Gunshot Creek_Main Entry_Telegraph Trach_QLD

How exciting, I was finally ready to hit the OTL Telegraph Track. Gees, I have thought of this day for so long and finally it was here. Law of Attraction, what you think about comes true. This had been a dream for over 7 years and finally I was here.

We got up early and headed off with excitement and nervous anticipation. I quelled the excitement just enough to pull off the main Developmental Road and head into the Bramwell Homestead. The owners here are very friendly and when we were there the kids were treated to playing with two small puppies…they loved it. There were other animals for the kids to play with and the amenities were fantastic. We tagged this for a night on the return trip from the Cape.

We pulled out of the Homestead and within minutes were at the junction between the Telegraph Track and the Developmental Road. Carrying straight on (rather than turning right) we headed up the first part of the Telegraph Track…awesome!!! we were here…one of Australia’s iconic 4WD trips was about to start..yes!!

Along the track we went arriving at the first creek crossing after not long…Palm Creek. The entry into this creek had been well and truly washed out and the descent into this creek bed was now steep, rutted and had one very large rock right in the middle of the steepest section. This was going to be interesting with a trailer in tow. So over the edge we went 1st gear low and trying to hold up the weight of truck and trailer by tapping the brake. We managed to slowely edge our way down into the creek, gently nursing the trailer down. The car got to the bottom and with its high lift and great departure angles with little problem. The trailer was stuck higher than the car up on the track still though. Easing the trailer down it bellied out on the big rock crumpling the number plate (??? hanging down from the trailer woudl you believe…have to fix that one Johnno!). We slowely dragged the trailer down and now had trailer and car in the creek. We crossed the creek and arrived at the other side (the creek bed was firm) and looked at a somewhat steep (not as steep as entry) and slippery exit. Engaging lockers for trailer insurance the Patrol easily came up the slippery rutted section and we had completed the first major challenge of the Telegraph Track…awesome. We had been asking people along the way about the challenges ahead and they had all noted Palm Creek, Gunshot and Nolan Creek as the car crunchers this year. One creek down many to go…yipee.

Onto the next challenge. I remember many creek crossings in between, a few deep, a few shallow. The track itself was a ever winding trip around trees or skirting over and around washouts.

This section of the track is about 50 klms long, starting at Bramwell Junction and passing through Palm Creek, Dalhunty River, Gunshot Creek and a few others before coming out again on the bypass track approx 6klms South of the Northern section of the Telegraph Track and 11 klms South of Elliot Creek.

The next major obstacle I remember (or rather well known location) was the Dalhunty River. This crossing has some nice campsites on either bank..although I would favour the South bank. The Dalhunty crossing is relatively easy and generally not too deep. Not too much to watch out for other than a few rocks. The bigger challenge is the exit. When you dip into the river you can see two very steep exits, very worn out and really winch material. Luckily there is a third exit which is relatively hidden at first sight which doglegs to the right and can be easily negotiated. With a trailer in tow this was a relief…phew.

Crossing the Dalhunty, we filled up the water bottles, had a cooling dip in the water and a well timed stopover for lunch.

Leaving the Dalhunty the next creek was Cockatoo Creek. This one you need to be careful of. Approaching the creek from the South you need to follow a rocky ledge on the river bank for 30m before turning sharply left and accross the creek. A work of caution, there are some massive potholes in this crossing that would easily swamp a vehicle and at the right angle…I imagine would flip a vehicle into the water current. Get out and walk…but watch out for the crocs too…this Cape York adventure is special, creek crossings in croc infested creeks, big potholes, quicksand, bull dust, massive corrugations, beautiful rainforest, harsh open plains, etc, etc…it is awesome.

We negotiated the creek well (without walking…you decide which is more risky…car swallowing potholes or snapping crocs…I took my chances with the car swallowing potholes!) with no mishaps and were on our way again arriving at the Gunshot bypass turnoff. If you don’t want to do the iconic Gunshot Creek, exit the Telegraph Track here. It is a further 14 klms North to Gunshot and if you want to take a look a the crossing you are better to go around the bypass and have a look from the North section…not as much backtracking should you chicken out!

14 klms to Gunshot Creek and the nerves were beginnning to think of what might be. More washouts and winding around trees, plus a good 45 mins later we were at one of the most Australian iconic 4WD locations…awesome.

Looking at Gunshot Creek you can almost read the history in the air…this place could tell some awesome stories and has been the scene of many written off vehicles. In fact we were later talking to a ranger who informed us that two cars had rolled end over end here two days ago…and…they would get a dozen rollovers a year plus numerous other vehicles being damaged and needing an expensive recovery. When you look at some of the drops into the creek bed you can see why. Some of these entries are vertical in places and you would need to tie the rear end of your car down to even contemplate an attempt.

I scouted around the various options and came across a doable entry into the creek on the far left hand side as you aproach from the South. I jumped back into the car and headed nervously for the only path I could see to conquer Gunshot. Down we went…no problems…into the first part of the creek. The mud was negotiated and then a sharp 90 degree left hand bend. This proved to be difficult with the trailer in tow. We were at this spot for about 10 mins reversing and moving the trailer slowely around the bend…thanks to the help of the onlookers. Finally we cleared the bank and crossed the sandy creek bed and easily negotiated the far bank. Yes we had conquered Gunshot Creek, an iconic 4Wd location and the ultimate challenge in 4WDing…yes and with a trailer in tow…simply unbelievable to be here.

We decided to camp here the night, being about 3pm and soak up the atmosphere of this special place. This gave us time for a swim in the creek and have a cooling beer. You owe it to yourself when you get to these locations just to soak up the moment and imagine all the people who would love to be right where you are, right at that second…this way you apprecite the true significance of the moment in time and can enjoy living the dream as it should be.

We set up the tent and then watched 5 other cars attempt Gunshot. Three of the five vehicles damaged their vehicles in one way or another which just goes to show how much the right mods to your car actually prevents damage and allows you to travel so much further.

Down in the main creek bed, up in the tree are all the memoribilia that people have left behind over the years. Whether that be autographed parts of cars, spare thongs, stubby holders, etc, they add a little more depth to the experience and history of the place. Whether you choose to tackle Gunshot Creek or not…YOU MUST VISIT THIS PLACE on your way to the Cape.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia