Cape York Peninsula...Enjoying Australia

G’day all,

The day had finally arrived…our chance to enjoy being at the most Northern Tip of Australia, Cape York Penninsula, QLD…yeah!!!

Video: Cape York Peninsula_Northern Tip of Australia_QLD

The plan was to travel to Punsand Bay, drop the camper trailer off, take the 4WD track up the coast through to the main access road to the Cape. 

At the turnoff to Punsand Bay is the Croc Tent.  For me it was an overpriced junkyard of Cape memorabilia.  Don’t get me wrong I have no problem with people selling memorabilia for people to take home…but be reasonable…I reckon you could have bought gold cheaper, it was that ridiculous.  I also reckon that the items on offer were poor quality.  You can spend your dollars on many other different memorabilia places along the way so just look out for the right one…with the right price!

We left Sieisa mid morning and were soon bouncing around on the corrugations towards Punsand Bay.  These were the worst of the corrugations thus far and limited us to very slow speeds.  It took us about 45 mins to travel 17 klms to the turnoff.

Turning left we made better time and arrived at Punsand Bay around lunch time.  We secured a beach front camp ground which was sandy but not the same red dust dirt bowl we had experienced at Sieisa.  Quickly, the amenities here were pretty poor but at least there was a bar.  Hey if you could have transported the amnities from Siesa here it would have been near perfect…in fact, perfect if the fish were biting.

We were excited to get to the Cape and quickly set up the camper and were on our way.  Leaving the campsite we turned left along the scenic 4WD track towards the Cape.  This was a great alternative and keeps you away from the shocking corrugations.  The track meanders through bush scrub and rain forest on a sandy base for most part…some areas soft.

After about 14 klms you pop out about 10 klms from the Cape.  Turn left out of the track and mark your spot if you want to return this way. 

We finally arrived at the car park and set off on the Cape Track (which is not easy to find…mind you it doesn’t take Einstein to work out which general direction to head in.  The walk seemed to be about 1klm to the tip, with great views of the Cape throughout the walk.  We went up over the headland.  The last few hundred metres you drop down from a high point and the nostalga of the journey catches up with you as you descend on your final destination.  For me, my hair was standing up on my neck such was the excitement of being at this place.  The last few hundred metres is awesome with the scenery of the Cape and nearby islands,  the whole Cape region is a fascinating place.

Finally we were there and what a great place to take in the moment once more.  I am an emotional person and the feelings of being at the Cape were like scoring a ton in a closely fought out cricket match or the exhileration of shoooting a massive whitewater rapid in a raging river.  It was simply awesome to be at a place I had dreamed of for many years.  What made it better is the adventure we could all share as a family to get there.  

The camera ran hot with the number of pics we took.  The tripod was setup and we all enjoyed the various poses, some silly, some funny, some serious, strange and some just plain crazy.  It was just a great experience and beautiful memory for the family to recapture.  We all set some amazing goals for the future at this spot and recorded them all on video.

This is a place of breath taking beauty and one where you just have to sit and take in the moment.  How many people would love to be in the very spot you are right at that moment.  We had the place to ourselves for the rest of the afternoon which is unbelievable given the amount of traffic around the Cape.  We were certainly blessed to enjoy this special spot to ourselves with the sound of ocean wind and nature doing its thing.  We just soaked up the feelings, sounds and sights of being at this special, iconic, great Australian place – the Northern Tip of the Australian Mainland – you beauty!!

The Cape will linger forever in my memory (until next time I return) not only for the adventure and amazing scenery of the place but more so the family time we spent there that afternoon making plns for the future and deciding on our next great adventure.  Travel has brought the whole family together, it is such an amazing voyage of discovery and I know for us has built foundations for joyous times in the future.

Leaving the Cape was tough but we decided to take the beach track back to the car.  This can only be done at low tide and the mangroves look a little dodgy for crocs so always be on the lookout.  It is a great contrast to the headland walk so if you can…do it.

Back in the car and back to Punsand Bay for dinner and watch over the ocean as the sun sets in the West.  Perfect day in a perfect place.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

What a great spot to camp is Gunshot Creek.  You just have to camp on the Northern bank of the creek and just soak up the moment of being there.  Put it this way…you travel how far?? to get there and to spend only a few moments there is sacrelidge.  I had to withdraw myself, take a cold beer down to the creek with a chair and just enjoy.  When you are there imagine how many other 4WD enthusiasts would do anything to be there right at that moment…and if that doesn’t get the hairs standing up then you probably don’t enjoy the great outdoors with 4WD in tow as much as me!  Take my advice, take a moment, take a stroll, kick back have a beer, swim and whatever else you need to do to just reflect.

Taking A Moment...Gunshot Creek

Ok, all of that said we left Gunshot about 10:00am with the plan of heading towards Fruit Bat Falls.  We passed through a couple of creeks before coming out at the Northern Bypass.  6klm’s further and you go straight ahead and onto the Northern section of the Telegraph Track.  Within 5klm you hit Fruit Bat Falls and a little further on Elliot Falls and Twin Falls.

Fruit Bat Falls...Great Place For A Swim

Fruit Bat Falls is located about 2klms further off the Telegraph Track and is a great place for a swim…and that is exactly what we did.  The water was beautifully clear and sooooo refreshing.  Any thoughts of crocs passed quickly by and me and the kids had a ball swimming and playing around.  The falls themselves…lest we forget…are certainly worth a visit and again cause you to think about the vast array of changing landscape and vegetation you travel through on a trip to the Cape.  Fruit Bat Falls is worth a visit and, yes bring the bathers.

A quick stop for lunch and on our way again.  We passed the turnoff to Elliot Falls as we planned to stay there a night on our return trip. 

The next stop is Canal Creek…and you can very easily get this one wrong.  There are a multitude of different entry and exit points here and the other tricky thing is the large potholes, really sticky clay and crystal clear water (which hides big holes).  Tread very carefully here and go for a look or a walk before crossing…you might save yourself some pain.

We entered the creek on the left hand side and then did a constant zig zag up the far bank avoiding pot holes and sticky clay.  This proved difficult with a trailer having to take constant care not to end up dropping the front or rear end into a big hole…phew safely across and on our way again.  This crossing is fun and a different kind of challenge and one you will enjoy for sure.

We continued on along the track until we reached the bypass (just before hitting Mistake Creek and Cannibal Creek and the infamous log bridge).  At this point the decision was to take the bypass track and head for the ferry.  We made the decision to pick up the Telegraph Track from the Jardine River on our return trip.

Hitting the developmental highway we travelled another 40klm to the ferry crossing of the Jardine River.  It cost us $88 for the car and another $16 (I think for the trailer).  Fuel here was $1.85 P/L which was cheaper than anywhere we found North of the ferry.

Across the ferry we headed for Siesa and a camp for the night.  We arrived there about 4:00pm set up camp and had a look around.  Must say the caravan park here is just a big dustball and the amenities average…but remarkably probably among the better ones we saw on the Cape side of the ferry.

The camp ground is right on the ocean and the view is spectacular.  I took the time to take a walk along the beach chatting to one local who gave me the thumbs up on a few fishing spots.  He was having a chuckle at a dinghy which had just returned to the beach with very few fish.  He noted that the dinghy should be over flowing and almost sinking if they knew what they were doing.  We both anjoyed a good chat and laugh before we continued along the beach to the jetty.

The jetty is reknown for a good fishing spot.  Again I had a chat to a few locals on the jetty about the fishing who told me that at the right time the jetty is awesome…but had been slow for a good few weeks.  They said the best times around here were in the wet.  They also said that without live bait around the jetty you are wasting time.

Must say, I saw very little caught here and on the beach which kind of reiterated what the locals had been saying.

We walked back along the beach and enjoyed one of the prettiest sunsets I have witnessed.  The sunset over the western ocean with the back drop of many small islands that make this area glorious.  It was about this time that I was really annoyed that I hadn’t bothered to bring the dinghy…next time huh.

With darkness all around and early night and trip to Cape York beckoned for tommorrow.  Can’t wait…a dream come true.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

We left Cairns at lunchtime on 29/7 and headed for the Daintree.  The idea was to stop near the Daintree Village and make an early attempt on the Creb Track the next morning.  We ended up camping just outside Mossman after a black top drive lasting a few hours.  Time for a feed and early night…time to see if we could put up the camper trailer in under an hour too!!!

Well, the camper trailer proved to be easy and within ten minutes we were sat having a cold ale and enjoying the surrounding rainforest before an early night.

Waking up this morning (30/7) we were packed quickly and headed to the Daintree Village and towards the start of the Crebb Track.  Unfortunately, the track was closed after recent rain and more rain forecast for today.  It is not the place you want to be when it rains with very slippery and steep clay hills…in fact someone rolled their car there two weeks ago.

So it was with a little sadness that we turned around and headed for the Bloomfied Track via Cape Tribulation and onto Cooktown…we will tackle the Crebb Track on our return trip…one way or another.

The Bloomfield Track proved to be relatively easy.  It starts with a ferry crossing over the Daintree River (and a fee of $16), a number of klms of winding bitumen and then some very steep and winding (in places) dirt roads – nothing too slippery and where it may have been slippery it was concreted.  The scenery was however spectacular with coastal glimpes of palm beaches and gorgueos rainforest with much to see and do…for another trip.  There were a few small creek crossings which were shallow and really quite simple.  It was an enjoyable drive but unfortunately not the challenge we were expecting.

Leaving the Bloomfield Track we hit the highway into Cooktown for a final shower, top of the fuel and food supplies and get ready for the real adventure to begin.

Tommorrow we hit Lakefield National Park and then onto Lockhard River and the Telegraph Track.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

After the Southern Forests trip with the Land Rover Club we have been camped at Hobart Show Grounds due to a wearing clutch on the Patrol.  We have ordered a replacement which gets fitted tommorrow and then off we go again.

Our time here hasn’t been wasted though, we have spent a few days exploring the city, purchased some much needed thermals, checked out the popular Salamanca Markets and caught up on some schooling.

Once we get the Patrol back on the road it will be a night run on the Jefferies Track with the Trekka 4WD Club, a trip along the East – West Track near Mt Wellington (perhaps in snow now), then out to Port Arthur, perhaps a trip onto Bruny Island and some more exploration of the Southern Forests near and around Huonville.

After that over to the West Coast and Strahan.  There will be plenty to see and do here and hopefully we can catch up with a 4WD Club heading in that direction to show us around.  In the background is a mud run near Burnie with the Ulverstone 4WD Club, a chance to catch up with the No Limits 4WD Club, a catchup and presentation for the Braddon 4WD Club and much, much more of Tassie to explore.

Keep tracking along with us as we hit the road again in search of 4WD tracks, great 4×4 action and remote, secluded free camping spots.  We will also be following some offroad tracks with the tough offroad Kedron caravan…so…stay tuned.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

Did I mention icecream…well it is better than that…in fact melt in your mouth honey icecream in many fruity and nutty flavours all reasonable priced…awesome you have to check this out on the way past Mole Creek.

Well I had a selection of Bosenberry and Mango icecream, that’s right two scoops.  It was a treat for losing over 13 kgs during the last 3 months and boy oh boy was it a worthwhile treat!  Joey Jess and Orangatang Amy settled for some very tasty vanilla tasting honey icecream.

After that it was time to walk off the treat with a trip to Alum Cliff Gorge.  This can be found on a turnoff between the honey farm and Mole Creek on the Mersey Hill Road and is well sign posted.  To get to the Alum Cliff Gorge it is a short 800m walk traversing a very well maintained pathway.  It is an easy walk for young and old, the fit or unfit so make sure you give it a go.

It takes about 10 mins to complete the 800m walk one way to the lookout.  The lookout is on two levels and looks out on the Alum Cliffs which are part of a g0rge cut by the Mersey River.  The river itself cascades over numerous rapids cutting its way through the forest below and the gateway of the Alum Cliffs.  It is a beautiful lookout with brilliant scenery of river, forest and the imposing and attractive Alum Cliffs.  Well worth the detour if passing through Mole Creek, so turn the car up Mersey Hill Road, put on the walking shoes and give it a go!

After an entertaining walk and some fun playing hide and seek with the kids along the trail…sorry to the couple I scared the living daylights out of thinking it was the kids passing by…oops…it was back to camp.  We briefly followed a fire break for a few klm which we thought may take us to the Mersey River but it ended abruptly.  We also checked in on our flooded camp to find that the river had receded slightly…but with another front heading our way I am thinkin we are better in the caravan park for tonight…no more close misses for me tommorrow morning…at least I will sleep peacefully!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXKSvkVpLeA

We headed to a spot I promised I would keep a secret…so just sit back and enjoy the adventure.

It was a wet day as we turned off the bitumen down an partially overgrown track.  Within 500m we were crossing a muddy creek which due to the rain was a little slippery in and out – not too deep though.  The forest surrounds where overflowing with the colours and sounds of a well established temperate rain forest.  Another 500m and we were crossing a very rocky river crossing.  One car had been stuck here the day before…just briefly though after some good driving by Dick got himself and his camper back on track.  A little wiser and better informed we dropped into the river crawled across the the many boulders and slowely out the otherside. 

<Youtube Video Uploaded Later Today>

The Patrol enjoying the challenge but doing it easy in the end.  A sharp right hand turn had us following the river for some distance through beautiful forest with the river gurgling away in the background.  Up and down, round sharp bends, ducking under tree canopies and through two more creek beds, one with a steep exit which had the wheels spinning slightly.  The track although not really challenging on the day was full of colour and ever changing landscape.  Sometimes in heavily wooded forest and other times in the higher plains scrub land.  On its day, with plenty of rain the track would be quite slippery in parts.  After driving for a good hour we cam across the clubs beautiful camping ground.  We can see why they want it kept a secret…and rightly so…they have spent a lot of time and effort in keeping the track and camp in good order.  What a delightful spot on the river it was, perfect for fishing, swimming or just lazing around with a cool ale of your choice – awesome and a sure indication that the love of the great outdoors and 4WDing, camping and relaxation is alive and well.  It sure reminds you of the finer things in life. 

The people in the club are awesome and very welcoming.  Steve had a coffee on the boil within 5 minutes of hitting the camp – how nice is that hey. That’s why I love finding 4WD clubs to catch up with, they are full of great people who share the same interest and have a common respect for the place we call home…the bush that is for those city dwellers.

Unfortunately we had a small mishap which had us heading back to Ulverstone a couple of hours later…nothing to be alarmed about for those who care!!!  We left in the opposite direction to complete a loop back around to Leven Canyon.  One small crossing with steep banks to get around a badly broken down bridge and one final, very rocky crossing of the Leven River was negotiated (initally not so well, we kept stalling over boulders, running out of steam and wondering why we were slipping around so much…yes we forgot to put the “Beast” back into 4WD…doh…) before we hit roads more travelled on and eventually, despite many wrong turns got to Ulverstone around 4:45pm. 

We had been hoping to get back to camp after sorting out the mishap but whilst writing this blog now at 5:20 pm it seems unlikely given the time it takes to travel down the track.  Shame because a home made stew, cheese and bickies and some dessert was on the menu.  Of course a good night drinking around a camp fire is always refreshing to the soul.

Another time indeed and a very enjoyable day nonetheless 4WDing, having a gas bag at camp and…as the rain comes down heavier…a nice dry bed to enjoy tonight!!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

We are almost packed and ready to join up with the Ulverstone 4WD Club this weekend for some fun around Black Bluff.  Jenni, Garth, Dick & Trish stopped at Leven Camp earlier today and showed us the river crossing to their secret camping spot…and with respect for the 4WD the camp will remain a secret.  Well the river crossing turned out to be a whole of fun, with some big boulders and equally big holes.  Garth & Jenni were across first taking a few boulders with them – no damage and safely across though.  Trish on the other hand decided she would walk the river crossing for some photos and half way across ended up slipping on a smooth rock and taking a nice swim.  I was really impressed that she kept her camera dry using her arm as a periscope.  Then went Dick in his Troopie towing a camper trailer.  Unfortunately Dick got hooked up on some rocks and spent 10 mins rocking back and forward until he finally freed himself, picked a new line and made it across.  That’s what 4WDing is all about – good fun, with good people giving the great outdoors some time out – awesome.

We turned back and are looking eagerly forward to the river crossing tommorrow when we head to camp.  Hopefully watching the two other cars will set us on the right line.  The real shame was – we forgot the video!! 

Apparently it is 10 klm or so of good 4WD to the camp after the river crossing so we are looking forward to the adventure.

Being remote will probably mean we are off line for a couple of days…don’t worry we will be having fun!!!

Looking forward to updating you on the weekend.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia