Leaving Cairns at 11am we planned to head towards Cowley Beach, hoping that the wind would drop and we could enjoy some boating around the Barnard Group of Islands.  On the way we dropped in at Josephine Falls for a looksy and also for a slide down the rocks.  By the time we got to the Falls the weather was bright and sunny and we enjoyed the refreshing swim in the cool mountain waters.  In all we spent a couple of hours at Josephine Falls sliding to the rocks into the pool below.   Bushman Bud and the kids had a ball sliding down in multiple combinations with the waterproof camera in hand.  We had an awesome time enjoying the adventure of a beautiful place.  Josephine Creek is fed from the towering Mt BArtle Frere, QLD’s highest peak at 1,622m and by the time the cascading waters reach the bottom they are icy cool and as fresh as water can taste…beautiful!

I mention Bartle Frere because it was here just over a year ago that Joey Jess and Bushman Bud climbed the peak, twice.  Once up the Western Route, which starts at Josephine Falls and once from the Eastern side.  Therefore Joey Jess was pretty excited about her return visit and walked some of teh path reminicing about her past achievements…good on you Joey Jess, a spectacular achievement at just seven years of age.

From Josephine Falls we travelled to Innisfail for lunch at the skate park where the kids had fun on their scooters.  I ate the last of my Red Claw BBQed in garlic and butter.  Leaving Innisfail we eventually arrived at a rather windy Cowley Beach, the caravan park deserted.  The interesting thing was that the lovely beach had been decimated by drift wood, obviously the carnage of the rampaging cyclone Yarsi this time last year…what a shame that this previously unspoilt beach and gateway to the Barnard Islands was damaged in such a way.  With the wind up and the beach a mess we reviewed the maps and headed towards Bingil Bay and Mission Beach.  I am glad we did because the drive into this place is spectacular and when you get there teh drive along the beach is very special.  We missed this coastline last year and alsmost again this year so it was good to have a visit, if not a fleeting visit, to investigate a place for a holiday in the future.  We ended up staying in the Council Park right on the beach front overlooking Dunk Island.  The scenery in this place just magnificent.  Unfortunately the wind was still blowing, meaning the boat stayed on the car roof, but on its day, the boating would be sensational around these parts.

In the evening I made a Halloween pumpkin for the kids and they enjoyed an hour of more “Trick & Treating.”  They did amazingly well given the tourist season is well and truly at an end in these parts.

We will continue down the coast today and see where we get to.  We are heading to JD’s farm for the 5 November in Bundaberg and then onto Fraser Island with “Bessy” on the 7,8 &9th November.  We then head to Brisbane for teh 11 November for our course “Design Your Destiny” with Christopher Howard, a person who has been responsible for massive changes in my life and one of the reasons I am fortunate to share these experiences with you.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

With very threatening rain across the gulf we had to make the sad decision to avoid the gravel roads along the Savanah Way and bottom of the Gulf.  This decison has since proved very wise with some areas through the Gulf receiving significant rainfall…getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere is not fun!

So, we left the very hot Elliot last night and travelled through to a rest area just North of Tennant Creek.  Rising in the morning we fueled up at Three Ways and crossed the NT/QLD border early afternoon.  We have had significant problems with water in the fuel ever since leaving Darwin and have had to continually clean the fuel filter.

It is probably best to note that we had planned to fish King Ash Bay around Borroloola and Bing Bong…simply we just ran out of time, needing to be back in Brisbane by 12 November for some personal development courses.

Moving on we hit Mount Isa late afternoon and fueled up and ate dinner in town.  We left Mt Isa on dusk heading for Cloncurry and then onto Kurumba where we were hoping to get some fishing in.

We finally got to 100klm South of Normanton and stayed in a rest area overnight.  Waking the net morning we passed through Normanton and then onto Kurumba where we spent less than 2 hours.  It was very windy and was to remain that way for the next few days, combined with rain also on the way we decided that it was not the place to bunk down for a few days…boredom would have set in big time.  So, saying goodbye to the windy and hot Kurumba we headed off towards Lake Tinaroo, one of our favourite haunts.  Luckily we still had the best part of the afternoon still to travel so off we went heading firstly for Normanton and then turning left onto the Gulf Developmental Road we fueled up in Croydon and headed to Georgetown arriving there at dusk for dinner.  We were sick of the car and wanted to get as close to Lake Tinaroo as possible so the following day was only a short one in the car.  We finally pulled over into a rest area just West of Ravenshoe (nice rest area) and crashed for the night.  Next day we headed into Atherton, through Tolga and into Lake Tinaroo…finally we had arrived, 3,500 klms later.  You beauty, time to relax, swim, scurf, fish and catch Red Claw…awesome!!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

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

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

We were again on the road early after the kids had got their fill of the horses.  That is one thing that has happened on the road…the kids are loving the wildlife and any animals they come into contact with.

Soon on the road we hit the corrugations, good in most parts and really terrible in other parts.  At times we were cruising along at 90 klm/hour and at other 10-15 klm/h.  In fact at times we drove up the shoulder of the road to avoid the real massive corrugations…seems we were not the only ones taking this path given the well worn and firm tyre tracks made previously.

We passed through Coen and then onto Archer River were we stopped for lunch.  We had it on good authority from our good friend David Gall from Kedron Caravans that the burgers here were great…sorry Dave they were terrible, in fact the ones at Musgrave are the ones to stop for!!!

For a comparison of fuel prices.  Diesel was $1.60 per/L at Musgrave, $1.55 at Coen and by the time you hit the Archer River Roadhouse $1.85 p/L.  My advice fill everything up again at Musgrave or Coen.

After lunch we headed on again, bouncing around on the corrugations and by 2pm we were ready for a break.  We had just passed over the Wenlock River and stopped in at the Moreton Telegraph Station for a break and decided to stay for the night.  The camp areas are beautiful with lush grass and shady trees, great for an afternoon relax.  Unfortunately the amenities were a little ordinary and with only two showers, you need to be willing to line up for a while.  The stay cost up $25 for the family for the night.

The bonus for me was the Moreton Telegraph Station was set on the banks of the Wenlock River.  Time to pull out the fishing rods and try for the alusive Barra.  Down at the river bank I found the river to be running very fast and it was a matter of trying to keep a lure in the current whilst working it close to the snags.  This proved a little difficult and after losing two lures and no bites that was enough for me…a beer beckoned as did a shady tree.

You will also find a whole pile of merchandise for your Cape Trip and check out the photos of the Telegraph Track on the pin up board…good viewing and gets you just that little bit more excited for when you hit the track just 25 klms further up the road.

Have a look at this place on the way up…well worth a visit after bouncing around on the corrugations and only about 25klms away from Bramwell Junction and the start of the Old Telegraph Track.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

It was an early start and not long on the road before we hit the gravel and our first of many creek crossings.  The ford over the creek was just before Isabelle Falls which was time for a stop to take in the sight of the falls.  A quick check for crocs and a paddle in the cool water.  It was back on the road following Battlecamp Road through to the old Laura Homestead.  At the homestead we turned left and followed the main road through the National Park stopping at various campsites along the way and crossing many creeks and small rivers.  My initial thoughts of Lakefield National Park were nothing special but then again we pretty much drove from end to end and didn’t spend much time exploring. 

With the afternoon passing by we planned at camping at Hanns Crossing.  Unfortunately at arriving at the camping area we found it to be most uninteresting and quite baron.  We had thought about camping at Kalpower Crossing which was meant to be the pick of spots but passed there about lunchtime and needed to press on to the main reason for the trip being the Cape, Telegraph Track and Frenchman Track.  We can visit the Lakefield NP again before leaving the area.

With Hanns Crossing out for camp we took a bee line for Musgrave Roadhouse.  Musgrave Roadhouse is a pleasant surprise with a camping area far enough from the highway that is carpeted in nice green grass.  The other surprise is the quality of the food…don’t go by here without sampling a burger, they are tasty and massive…not to mention well priced.

Musgrave Roadhouse is at the intersection of the Lakefield NP and the Peninsula Development Road.  To the south is Laura and to the North is Coen, Archer River Roadhouse, Moreton Telegraph Station and Bramwell Junction (start of the Telegraph Track).  This is a good place to refuel at $1.60 per L.

We put up the camper up and cooked dinner while the kids played with the horses in the nearby paddock.  Great place to stay and good stopover to get that final shower and camp out of the dirt!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

Tommorrow the adventure starts for real.  I have dreamed of this trip for many years, read hundreds of articles on the trip to the Cape and counted the days until I could finally hit the dirt of the epic trip.

We picked up our camper trailer today for 14 days and head off tommorrow once everything is packed and the van is stored safely away.  We knew that the van wouldn’t fit threw the Old Telegraph Track and the thought of not being able to complete this section of the trip was unthinkable…so a camper trailer was the solution.

We leave Cairns and head for the Crebb Track tommorrow camping somewhere along the Creb Track.  From there it will be on to Cooktown and into the Lakefield National Park.  We plan to head through Cooktown and Lakefield NP fairly quickly as we will bring the van back to both these areas later.  We do however plan to get out to Bathurst Bay and Cape Melville on our way back from the Cape…time permitting.

Locals advise us that the Telegraph Track is the worst it has been for some years after a massive wet season.  Apparently the first creek crossing on the Telegraph Track has been completely washed away and is just one big drop off with cars dropping onto their bullbars and then requiring winching out…we will see…the challenge is definately to complete the Telegraph Track one way or another.  Going to the Cape after dreaming about the Telegraph Track for so long and missing out would be too hard to bare…we will succeed.  As my friend Mr Gadget would say “you have a winch, well use it!” …and that we will.

Stay tuned, this trip is going to be an adventure to remember.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia