Club 4×4 is going to Cape York in 2016, it’s going to be an awesome trip.
To help prepare for the trip we’ve collated information and links for club members. Please be aware that information does change and we will endeavour to make every effort to update this post prior to the trip leaving.
If you have any queries about the trip or the information then please contact the Club Events Manager.
Trip Details/Itinerary
The trip will officially start at Cooktown and finish at Laura. This will allow Club Members to take advantage of making their own plans for getting there and back. It makes it easier if you want to take your own holidays before or after this trip.
Start Date: Saturday 1st Oct 2016
End Date: Monday 24th Oct 2016
Start Location: Cooktown
End Location: Laura
Trip Distance: 10,000 km, while the trip will not start or finish in Melbourne the total distance covered (return to Melbourne) should be no more than this.
No. of Vehicles: At this stage we’ve set this at a maximum of 10.
Itinerary: An itinerary is currently being worked on. If you have any suggestions of places you would like to go or see please contact the Club Events Manager.
Camper Trailers: Sturdy camper trailers designed specifically for off-road/4WD conditions will be allowed on the trip.
Food: You will need to cater for yourself for the duration of the trip.
Fuel: Diesel and unleaded petrol are available in Cape York. However gas is unlikely to be available. Please check with the local web sites or fuel stations for availability closer to the trip.
Booking for the Trip
Booking for this trip will be using the normal booking form while bookings are still open.
Due to the nature of this trip and the requirement to book annual leave and camping/accommodation in advance there will be fairly long lead times for booking on the trip.
General Information about Cape York
There is lots of information about Cape York out on the interwebs, however here’s a few links to get you started.
- Cape York – Parks and Reserves (Visitor Guide)
- Tourism Cape York
- CapeYork.org (Information)
- Cape York – Wikipedia
- Cook Shire – Web Site
- Cape York Trek – ExplorOZ
- Cape York Travel Guide
- Moreton Station
- Bramwell Station
- Cooktown and Cape York
- Mulleys Market and Fuel (Coen)
- Laura Roadhouse
- Quinkan Cultural Center (Laura)
- Little Laura River
- Ferry to Thursday Island
National Parks
We will be staying in a number of National Parks in Cape York, here’s some quick links to the parks pages.
- Cape Melville National Park
- Jardine River – National Park
- Black Mountain – National Park
- Annan River – National Park
- Endeavour River – National Park
- Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL)
- Mount Cook – National Park
- Oyala Thumotang – National Park (CYPAL)
- Rinyirru (Lakefield) – National Park (CYPAL)
Camping and Accommodation
A few links relating to accommodation and camping fees. We’ll update these with more information as the trip planning progresses.
Please note that not all campsites will have toilets though the large majority of them will. Some campsites will have showers and we will endeavour to pop into these places on a regular basis.
Trip Preparation
Long trips to remote areas require a carefully planned trip and well set up vehicle. Here are some links to web sites containing information on how to prepare your vehicle for a remote area trip.
If you are bringing along a camper trailer there will be additional spares that you will be required to carry (e.g.: spare set of wheel bearings and grease).
Road Conditions
Permits
From: Cape York Permit Information
The only permit currently required to access the tip of Cape York is one from the Injinoo people. This is however included in the cost of the ferry across the Jardine River. A small information booklet is also normally provided. The ferry charges include your return trip, so make sure you keep your ticket. Be warned that the old vehicle crossing is now too deep to cross. The Jardine Ferry shop can be contacted on (07) 4069 1369. Camping at the very nice camping ground adjacent to the ferry and shop on the south bank of the Jardine is available at $5 per person per night as at January, 2009. Some contact details for camping at the Tip include: Loyalty Beach (07) 4069 3372; Seisia Camping Ground (07) 4069 3243 and Punsand Bay (07) 4069 1722.
From: Jardine River Ferry
NPA Regional Council also operates the Jardine Ferry service, connecting Northern and Southern stretches of Peninsula Development Road.
Ferry Hours: 8am to 5pm
Enquiries: Northern Peninsular Area Regional Council – Bamaga
Phone: 07 4090 4100
Ferry: 07 40691369 Fax: 07 40692808
Prices effective Wednesday 1st May 2013
Single Vehicles $129 return
Vehicle with Trailer/Van $145 return
Motor Bikes $67 return
Fishing
Queensland has its own set of rules for recreational fishing. Information is provided at Recreational fishing rules and regulations for Queensland.
The new “Qld Fishing App”, which features fishing rules in Queensland, including size and possession limits, is now available for download from Google play and the iTunes App Store.
Alcohol Restrictions
There are currently alcohol restrictions in 19 communities across Queensland. This trip will be travelling through some of them.
It is your responsibility to be aware of the restrictions and to adhere to them. Severe fines and penalties apply if you break the laws.
More information can be found on the QLD Government website and/or the links below: