Renting a 4x4 from Cairns up to Cape York and back.
Discussion
Hi,
I live in the UK and am coming to Aus for 4 weeks in August, I have put aside 2 weeks rent a 4x4 in Cairns or nearby and drive up to Cape York via Cape tribulation and Cooktown.
Does this sound feasable? or is it a bit of a trek for a hired 4x4 in 2 weeks. Would probably buy a tent and camp.
I want to have a bit of an adventure but at the same time don't want to be rushed for time. 900km each way doesn't sound much but I don't know the roads.
Hopefully somebody can give me a clue of what I am letting myself in for. If it's too much then are there any reccomendations for a more realistic trip.
I have a Landrover defender so familiar with 4x4 road trips.
Thanks.
Steve
I live in the UK and am coming to Aus for 4 weeks in August, I have put aside 2 weeks rent a 4x4 in Cairns or nearby and drive up to Cape York via Cape tribulation and Cooktown.
Does this sound feasable? or is it a bit of a trek for a hired 4x4 in 2 weeks. Would probably buy a tent and camp.
I want to have a bit of an adventure but at the same time don't want to be rushed for time. 900km each way doesn't sound much but I don't know the roads.
Hopefully somebody can give me a clue of what I am letting myself in for. If it's too much then are there any reccomendations for a more realistic trip.
I have a Landrover defender so familiar with 4x4 road trips.
Thanks.
Steve
Steve you really need to check the weather out as there are 2 roads up, the old Telegraph road which can take 2+ weeks to do, and the "New Road" which is undergoing major works this year.
AFAIK the biggest factor is weather, then water crossings, then crocs then the fact that you need fuel for about 1200km/each way. There is a fuel stop 1/2 the way out, but if the crossings have been impassible, they won't have fuel stocks. If you do rent something, you're better with Diesel than petrol based on availability (or needing to beg fuel off someone if you can).
Have a look at http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php?act=home then the obvious GPS, map, food, ammunition, etc.
We're planning a trip up there, just working out the details now. We'll be driving from Sydney -> CY -> Sydney and estimate it will take us about 4 weeks all told.
AFAIK the biggest factor is weather, then water crossings, then crocs then the fact that you need fuel for about 1200km/each way. There is a fuel stop 1/2 the way out, but if the crossings have been impassible, they won't have fuel stocks. If you do rent something, you're better with Diesel than petrol based on availability (or needing to beg fuel off someone if you can).
Have a look at http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php?act=home then the obvious GPS, map, food, ammunition, etc.
We're planning a trip up there, just working out the details now. We'll be driving from Sydney -> CY -> Sydney and estimate it will take us about 4 weeks all told.
Thanks for your replies.
Done some more research after your info. and it is difficult to hire a 4x4 to take past Cooktown and it does look like 2 weeks would not be enough.
I think I will have to settle for something of a smaller scale, maybe just from Cairns to Cooktown via Cape tribulation.
Steve-B
Ammunition? are you serious is that for the wildlife or 
Steve
Done some more research after your info. and it is difficult to hire a 4x4 to take past Cooktown and it does look like 2 weeks would not be enough.
I think I will have to settle for something of a smaller scale, maybe just from Cairns to Cooktown via Cape tribulation.
Steve-B
Ammunition? are you serious is that for the wildlife or Steve
I'm serious about the ammunition -- Crocs first a rifle's always handy, and they make a nice dinner ;-)
Shotgun for snakes, and frankly a lot of other stuff is a right giggle....a 44 or 45 pistol can be almost as handy, with different slugs/powder variations as a substitute.....
Better to be forearmed and forewarned then saddened and dead. Of course, I grew up in Texas and am a certified instructor and sharpshooter, so I like guns. FWIW guns don't kill people, stupid people kill people -- never point a gun at anything you don't intend to kill, or eat.
Shotgun for snakes, and frankly a lot of other stuff is a right giggle....a 44 or 45 pistol can be almost as handy, with different slugs/powder variations as a substitute.....
Better to be forearmed and forewarned then saddened and dead. Of course, I grew up in Texas and am a certified instructor and sharpshooter, so I like guns. FWIW guns don't kill people, stupid people kill people -- never point a gun at anything you don't intend to kill, or eat.
Gassing Station | Australia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff