Owning a four wheel drive allows us to access some remote and diverse places.
Cape York is a must do on many off road enthusiast’s radar.
Members of the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club recently embarked on the epic journey to the top of Australia to explore what the Cape has to offer.
The end of the wet season signals the start of the great Northern Procession.
Thousands of vehicles from around Australia head to the far-flung reaches of Queensland.
Corrugations, dips, washouts and creek crossings take their toll on the vehicles and trailers.
Our group of five vehicles had breakages and mishaps, but you dont do a trip like the Cape without coming back with some battle scars and stories to tell.
The Old Telegraph Track follows the original telegraph line through the Peninsula, and for much of the Cape’s history, was the only available route.
Creek crossings along the track are the challenge.
Gunshot Creek is one of the hardest spots to traverse.
It’s nearly vertical four meter drop has a bypass if you are not keen on putting your vehicle through the descent.
The tourist hot spots on the track are Eliot and Fruit Bat falls.
Weary travelers can sit in the crystal-clear waters and soak up the natural beauty of the area.
Punsand Bay Campground proved an excellent base to explore the very top.
Day trips to the various tourist spots like Somerset, the five beaches loop, Mutee Head, Thursday Island and of course the very tip of Australia to get the obligatory picture at the sign.
Cape York trip filled with adventure
The trip gave members an insight into early European settlement and many of World War Two historical sights that are scattered across the cape.
The Old Coach Road, from Laura to the Palmer River Goldfields and Maytown, the deserted sight of what was the capital of the peninsula at the time of the gold rush is one of the hardest tracks to do at the Cape.
It’s rocky jump ups, creek crossings and mountainous terrain will test vehicle and driver.
It may be only 70 kilometres in length but takes about nine hours to do. High clearance and four wheel drive experience is definitely suggested.
Roadwork on the Peninsula Developmental Road, the main access to the tip, is ongoing.
Large sections of bitumen are taking over the dirt.
If you’re thinking of doing the Cape do it soon, before it becomes two wheel drive access all year round and loses it’s appeal as one of the challenges on offer to four wheel drivers.
To find out more on the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club and activities we have on, contact us via email at info@bundaberg4wdclub.com, on the website www.bundaberg4wdclub.com or catch or on Facebook or Instagram.
Brad Praed, Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club
