Blogs from Cape York, Queensland, Australia, Oceania - page 7

Initially we had thought to drive out of Iron Range National Park via Frenchman's track which would bring us to the PDR south of Batavia Downs Station, but we had been warned against taking that route by the family camped near us. The Rangers had also put up a sign at Chili beach suggesting that travellers not take that track as the Pascoe River crossing was deep and the track was unmaintained and hence quite rough, so it wouldn't make the journey any quicker. Since we were travelling on our own and we hadn't heard of anyone doing that track and might have ended up stranded for quite some time, we decided to travel out the way we came in. When we got to the PDR we again headed north. We stopped for lunch at Moreton ... read more

Hi All, Just a quick update before we disappear in the cape for the next few days. We fare welled our travel companions Julie and Craig at Mt Surprise as their inferior vehicle is not up to the testing conditions ahead. They have been great company and we will miss them as we travel north. The last few day has been very full. A visit to the Lava tubes in Undarra- impressive mostly for their sheer size and way they are formed. Then on to Chillagoe via a very pretty 4WD track and some bush camping by the Chillagoe creek. The cave at Chillagoe are amazing sort of like Jenolan. We also looked around the smelter site a photographers dream dilapidated buildings rusty machinery and red dirt hill and brick smoke stacks. The next day saw ... read more

We spent a couple of days at the tip. Shenton went fishing the first morning with the bikers and they had a great time, even though the water was a bit rough so they didnt catch as much as usual. They did get two beautiful fish which we all ate for breakfast the next day. The guide also took them to see some of the Islands where they fish for pearls and there are old graves of Japanese pearl divers from the past. You can still work there if you wish, they are always looking for people apparently if anyone fancies a job at the tip of Australia. The waters are extremely dangerous with various different animals from crocs to sharks and stingers etc so I wouldnt fancy a job there. The fishing guide told them ... read more

CAIRNS / CAPE YORK / CAIRNS Ja, ja in Cairns. Mit 156’000 Einwohnern nicht unbedingt klein hier im Aussie Land. Vorallem wenn man die vielen Touristen dazu rechnet. Es geht hier immer etwas. Derzeitig im Winter, die sogenannte Trockenzeit, ist hier Hauptsaison. In der Regenzeit hat die Luft hier einen extrem hohen Feuchtigkeitsgehalt. Dann dazu noch die Wärme... Ich kann mich erinnern vor ca. zweieinhalb Jahren, als ich das erste Mal für vier Wochen nach Australien kam, da waren wir auf nem Spaziergang im Kings Canyon. Das ist in der Nähe des Ayers Rocks und somit bei Alice Springs im Roten Zentrum des Kontinents. Es war 45 Grad heiss und dort hast n Sonnenbrand gekriegt schon nur vom Reflektieren der Hitze der Felsen am Boden in Gesicht! Es war dazumals Ende März, also der Sommer neigte ... read more

Left Eliot Falls via the OTT (North end) and did 2 creek crossings before heading back to the Bypass Road. A few cars let us go past them, as we took a drive and checked out the creeks before heading off. Got to the ferry at the Jardine River and there were lots of the Endeavour Rally cars waiting to go through the check point. Some had already crossed the river, and the rest were still coming. It is a very short ferry ride for $99, but includes all your bush camping and access fees. Didn’t take long to drive from the ferry to Bamaga. Had a look at Loyalty Beach, but no pool for the kids and you can’t swim at the beach. Seisia was dry and right next to the industrial estate and wharf. ... read more