And so to Cape York........

It was time to begin our big adventure in earnest. We had everything we needed to set off on our journey to the 'tip'. The cupboards and fridge were full, the tanks were full and the car was fuelled up. We said farewell to Linda and Trevor on a foggy Mareeba morning and headed north. We'll see you on the way back.

We had decided that we would drive straight up before it got too busy and hopefully enjoy our time there without the hordes. We would then take our time on the return journey visiting all the places we wanted to see.

The epic journey to Cape York traces the route of the historic Overland Telegraph Line through the Cape, to the northern most tip of Australia. Along the way you travel along the Peninsula Development Road, (PDR) Telegraph Rd (TR) and Bamaga Rd. Or of course you could do it the hard way on the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) - we didn’t!

Our first day saw us driving over familiar ground as we made our way to Laura. Expecting to run out of bitumen here we were surprised to see that it continued on for some time finally ceasing just before Kennedy River. The gravel road we continued on was in good condition. We stopped soon after and camped at a rest stop beside the Kennedy river.

The next morning we continued on to Hann River Roadhouse. The road was sealed again from Rocky Creek until just after the North Kennedy River and again for 9 km before the roadhouse. We bought fuel here and had a chat to the lady there who told us the road was pretty good all the way up. We'll see!

We stopped next at Musgrave Station, had a walk and a look around. The road had been great to there and we had crossed 10 shallow water crossings. 

 We were told here that the next section to Coen had not been graded and was very rough. A bit of an understatement I think. It was a very slow rough drive on all the unsealed sections and 8 more water crossings along the way. Thankfully the long winding climb up Bamboo Ridge had been sealed. We crossed the Great Dividing Range here again and continued on to Coen where we stayed the night at the 'S'Exchange Hotel. Not sure who added the 'S' but they seem to like it!

The next morning we had a look around before we left but as it was Sunday the Cape York Heritage House was closed. A bit of a shame but we might get lucky on the way back. So was the Quarantine Station so we couldn't pick up our information pack. I'm sure we'll figure it out before we come back down. I wasn't happy when I got stung by wasps while checking out the water taps. First time ever and boy did it sting.

We continued on to Archer River Roadhouse. We found this huge chair here saying that it was Russ Hinze chair. He must have visited. The road from here was sealed right up to the Telegraph Road turnoff. We thought we would drive to Moreton Telegraph Station but the road was so good with just 5 small water crossings on that section that we continued on and stopped for the night at Bramwell Junction Roadhouse. We camped here overnight and of course had to photograph the famous number plate tree the next morning.

We left soon after on the Bamaga Rd and today we made our only side trip along the way stopping at Fruit Bat Falls to check out the waterfall. It really is a beautiful sight and the lovely couple who were about to swim stayed out of the water so we could take photos. We would have loved to see Elliot Falls but apparently there was a huge water crossing that challenged even camper trailers so that is on the list for another time. As you couldn't camp there at Fruit Bat Falls we just had lunch and continued on toward our destination.

About 10 km out from the Jardine River the road changed dramatically and we shook and rattled our way up to the ferry. Apparently Bamaga look after this bit of road and the graders were working out at the 'tip'. We wondered what the other side would be like! We purchased our ticket to cross the river. $130.00 for a car and trailer return. It's about a 2 min ride, not a bad lark eh but as its the only way over there isn't much choice.

From this point in our journey we were travelling through the NPA, Northern Peninsula Area. Leaving the ferry we were pleasantly surprised to find the roads in good condition and about 90 mins later we arrived at our destination. 

 Alau Beach Campground in Umagico was where we had chosen to stay and what a truly idyllic place it was. We set up right on the beach front with gorgeous views of the islands and Endeavour Strait. No swimming allowed though as with a resident crocodile and marine stingers the beach is only for admiring.

We were so glad that we had arrived at last so no more big drives for a few days. Apart from the two rough patches the roads up had been in great condition with large sections sealed. Eventually the Peninsula Development Road will all be sealed right up to Weipa. The Telegraph Road and the Bamaga Development Road is partially sealed as well and I imagine they will continue with that too though maybe not as quickly.

And so for the rest of the day we settled down under the awning to watch the world go by and the sun set. We'll explore tomorrow

until then........