Howd'y folks,
I am getting serious about a Cape Trip next year.
I know I have another thread on the forum about his from some time ago, so thought I would ask for updated info.
Opinions are most welcome.....
For those that have traveled this area in the last 12 months or 2 years, Just need ya thoughts on things like:-
I've been up twice in 3 years Phil, First time was just the 4wd's and went back with the boat 12 months later.
What did you take but in hindsight could have left at home ?
Heaps of spares but you could bet if I didn't take them I would have needed them
What did you leave at home and should have taken ?
Wheel Bearings for the car.....had to get them trucked in to Karumba and change out myself...not a fun exercise.....
Tent set up ?
OZ Tent 30 second tent....... wouldn't have anything else....
Cooking equipment ?
Small gas stove with 2.5kg gas bottle...... can cook for a month with one bottle.
Mapping... books ? GPS ? Maps ?
Took the Hema Australia 4wd atlas...have since put Hema mapping on a Samsung tablet.
As I am looking at taking in the East Coast as well as the West.... suggestions on whether I should take a tinnie or not ?
Wouldn't bother for the Eastcoast....the SE trade winds don't let up over winter......20knots at least pretty much everyday...... Westcoast definitely......Hence why I went back with my boat.
Roof topper or trailer mounted ?
Roof topper if you are planning on doing the OTL.
What tyres did you run... ?
BFG Muddies....wouldn't run anything else.....(Just My Opinion)
As there may be more than 4 vehicles going, should at least one have a winch ?
Only if you are doing the OTL
Did anyone really need diff locks ?
Only if you are doing the OTL....I did it without and only had trouble on one crossing (palm creek) no doubt would have got up with Diff Locks.
What sort of food did you take ? tins, cryovac, dry foods, or buy most on the way, in towns ?
Cryovac and Tins.....can buy food all the way including in Bamaga and Seisa....prices are not much different to here.... don't pack too much food
Are there any suggested places that you consider a " Must visit ". ?
Pennefather river......especially if you have the tinny.
I am hoping to take in Bathurst Head, possibly via Starke Trek.... Captain Billys Landing...... Marpoon..... Vrylia Point, Seisia and the Jardine and Lockhart rivers.
I think Vrilya is still closed
If you have url links to reports from other webpages, all good.
I have watched a fair few Youtube videos, so all good there, unless there is a stand out, but pretty sure I have seen most of them.
Any other tips or hints would be appreciated, also if you are keen to tag along.... you're welcome.
Dates............ TBA, but looks like an early run as El Nino will give us a hot, dry summer season
Cheers LP