This trip is for anyone who would like to explore Cape York in late July/early August. It’s an opportunity for a pre-trip meet n greet, contribute in the trip planning (your campsite/track preferences) and gauge your comfort levels before committing fully.
Weekend theme:
relaxed....say hi, checkout each other’s rigs (warning I may get rig envy... I’m working on that), play on a few tracks and campfire yarns.
- 11am Friday: Meet up at McDonalds, Morisset
(Pacific Highway (M1)) B53 towards Morisset - Maccas is next to the Caltex garage
- Don’t panic if running late or can’t make Friday - we can meet you a the Pines Campground in the Olney State Forrest. It’s about 30mins from the M1/B53 exit.
- Head home Sunday - I’m going the long way (via Stockton Beach)
This weekend I plan to be petty relaxed on what tracks to tackle. Depending on the group that rocks up we can look at any of the short tracks all around right up to the DanielsPoint Rd - whatever your comfortable with. I like to have fun but I’m not into party camps and ripping up tracks - if that’s your thing then I imagine this, and our Cape trip later, is not for you.
Campsite
The Pines Campground is a free bush camp. It doesn’t have power, showers or water facilities and you wouldn’t want to spend anymore time than absolutely necessary in the long drop. In winter the waterfalls are pretty nice but in summer it will likely be reduced to a trickle. There are some nice Forrest walks all around and the camp accomodates tents, trailers and caravans (sorry no trailers on the Cape trip). Subject to any fire ban you can have a camp fire but ironically despite being in a forrest you may want to bring some firewood as the area around the site tends to get cleaned out.
If you’re not up for basic bush camping then you may need to think if the Cape trip later is for you.
Track & Driver Experience
If you’re a newbie to 4wd’ing - Welcome, don’t be intimidated just get out there and enjoy what Australia has to offer.
You’ll need to have had some 4wd experience but you don’t by any means need to be an ‘expert’ - yes I know the Cape can be tough and no doubt even the most seasoned 4x4’r amongst us will be challenged, but don’t be put off by those dvd’s of those big 79 series growling v8’s, flexing GU’s with 4inch lifts and big 35inch muddies.
You’re welcome to join this meet and greet weekend if you’re keen on coming to the Cape, but I suggest you join a registered club and get some basic training before hand. That way you can remain safe and get the most out of your 4x4.
A few of us are keen on doing the Creb track (if open) and even the Old Coach Track at the Cape. These tracks are not for the faint hearted. Your stock Prado with road tyres is fine for this weekend trip but will not make it on these tough tracks. You’ll need to invest in prepping.
Note: Dogs are allowed in the Olney State Forrest and at the Pines Campground. You’re ok to bring your best friend but if we head into National Parks (or a conservation area) you can’t bring your dog. No Dogs on the Cape York trip sorry. People do take their dogs to the Cape and I appreciate why they do. Suggest you plan another dog friendly trip (and I may do that) missing out spots like Fruit Bat, Eliot and Twin Falls etc.
Cape York Route
I don’t have one yet (got a good idea) but that’s what this weekend is about - eg who wants to come and where d’ya want to go.
Getting there is part of the adventure. I’m based in Sydney and will probably take the inland route via Nindigully and Clermont upto Bingil or Mission Beach. Tag- along company on-route would be ok and I may even be open to taking a passenger.
I have limited the numbers for this weekend trip so it’s manageable. If you can’t make it but are still keen on joining a Cape York trip, no a problem just let me know. I’ll be posting the details for the Cape trip after the weekend meet and greet. That way I will have a firmer itinerary and better idea of numbers. (Hilux owners will get preferential treatment of course)
Requirement