So 2 weeks of not blogging has brought us to this - our adventure to the tip of Australia! We have had such a great time, many challenges and an experience we will never forget!
It all started when Krista said to Trent, 'We are this close, we should go!' So, hunting down a Camper trailer was the beginning of our adventure. Cairns Camper Trailer Hire was the place to go, they decked us out with all we needed, gave us a few pointers and tips, advised us on places to stay and points of interest. We were on our way, not really knowing what to expect!
So our first day we headed up through Mareeba and along to Lakeland and Laura on the sealed road. We thought that this wasn't too bad, then all of a sudden it hits you, red dust and corrugations galore! It's hard going, especially on the car. Our first lunch stop was at Palmer River Road House - Some wraps were on the menu that day. We also went into the road house for some ice creams - just to keep everyone going! The roadhouses are mostly the places that you stop at along the way to the Cape. Most of them were old stations along the Telegraph Track - way back when. We came along a few stations and of course there were cattle or 'buckin' bulls' as Maurice likes to call them along the way. Musgrave Station/Roadhouse is where we set up camp for the first night. Our first attempt at setting up the camper wasn't too bad, had it all done with our chairs out and dinner ready to be cooked in just under an hour! Spag was on the menu for the first night, had no power, so with the gas cooker this was the easiest thing to whip up! It was tasty and everyone went back for seconds, so it must have been okay! We were also lucky enough to have showers to use here, so we made the most of those with the red dust all over us and the hot weather. Everyone was in bed and went to sleep with no worries.
Looking out the windscreen along to bumpy road!
Some of the locals that just wonder around.
Our camp site the first night at Musgrave Station.
Fueling up at Musgrave Station before leaving after our first night.
So, back along the bumpy track for our second day and we passed through Coen, not a hell of a lot to see there we didn't think. Then was Archer River Road house, a pit stop for all of us and some snacks for the kids! After leaving this place we had to cross a river over a bridge, but on the bridge were local Aboriginal children jumping off it into the water. We drove across slowly and they all came running up to the car, it was soooo cute. Trent put his window down and gave Hi5's to them all, Maurice did as well! They all introduced themselves to us and tried to say our names before heading back into the water. I didn't take photo's but now I wish I had of, but at the time didn't want to look rude.
Next we moved on to Moreton Telegraph Station, here we had some lunch and a chat to Kathy, she and her husband work there. She spoke to the kids and us, told us about poisonous plants and other creatures that might be lurking around and what to stay clear of. Back, 'On the road again', we headed to Bramwell Junction. It's here where you have to make the decision of taking the 'Old Telegraph Track' or taking the Bypass of the Bamaga Road up to the top. We went and had a look at the first creek crossing, Palm Creek. Once Trent and I had a good look around we came to the decision that our car really wasn't up the the challenge of the Old Telegraph Track. Our gas tank sits very low and the creek crossings were only to get worse. The approach to Palm Creek had two drop in's of about 3 meters each, very steep approaches. So, back to the bumpy road it was. We, finally got to Twin Eliot Falls at around 4.30/5pm. Set up, had dinner (BBQ), and eventually got everyone into bed. No Showers, but it's amazing what baby wipes can do for you!!!
This is us coming back out of the old telegraph track after we check out the Palm Creek crossing.
This is Trent checking how deep the Canal Creek Crossing was before we could get into Twin Eliot Falls.
So, day three we had some breaky, then headed to see the falls. They were great! So great that we spent a couple of hours there swimming and even had a wash! Then back to the camper and packed up and headed back out to the bumpy road.
Twin Eliot Falls.
Having a Swim.
Trent, Felicity, Maurice & Pheobe.
Krista & Pheobe.
Pheobe having a wash with a little help from Trent.
Maurice having a wash too!
The Canal Creek Crossing.
Entering the creek.
Half way through.
And we are there! Phew, no drama's!
Back out onto the bumpy road we go! We got the Jardine River Ferry Crossing and it was right on 12noon, guess what, they close for lunch between 12 & 1. So, we also had some lunch and took in the sites there, not that there was much to see mind you, but we can't go on the Ferry if it isn't going and especially if we haven't got a ticket!
Right on time, 1pm we got our ticket and we got the second ferry across and we were again on our way, almost there. We made it to the communities of Injinoe, then Umagica, Bamaga, Seisia and then we decided to stay at a place called Loyalty Beach. It was really the best of the parks going around to stay. We set up camp, spoke to the people who ran the show about what, when and where etc... I did some washing and it was then that we met some people who had lost there car in the last crossing on the Old Telegraph Track. Their car ended up sinking! Poor buggers, they had a new nissan navara with only 6000kms on the clock, it was decked out with everything to do this trip and they still didn't make it! Very lucky with insurance though, as the road is gazetted, they are covered. They had some great people tow them out and get them to this camp, they finally arranged flights out of Bamaga and the people who towed them out were going to tow their camper trailer which was still okay back to Cairns for them. They were really great people, so if we ever get stuck I'd like to come across them.
This night we ended up booking into the loyalty beach restaurant for dinner, it was okay, the view eating outside of course was pretty good. Watching the sun go down looking over the Torres Strait Islands.
The Jardine River Ferry.
Taking in the sites as I said, not much to look at but something to read and keep in mind while we are travelling up through these communities.
These signs are everywhere! Can't imagine why!
Waiting to put the car in the Ferry and cross the Jardine River.
Our car in the line up to go on the Ferry.
Our campsite at Loyalty Beach.
Another view of our camp site at Loyalty Beach.
Some of the locals that call past at Loyalty Beach.
Pheobe watching the horses with amazement that they don't belong to anyone and that they can just go where ever they want to go.
Hope everyone is well.
Lots of Love the Guye Gang! xoxoxoxoxo
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