Description: We are intending to spend 2.5 weeks exploring Cape York, departing from Port Douglas. We will be following roughly the itinerary that Jo and Kenny followed for their similar trip in the big green van. We are not planning on doing any of the craziest, vehicle-breaking roads and creek-crossings (though there may be the opportunity to watch others do so here and there). We will also avoid swimming through croc infested waters! The aim is to have fun and see the sights of the Cape safely and with some good company. We will have our trailer so the pace will be relaxed, and we'll see the mains sights on the way up. Plans on the return trip are flexible so those less time constrained than us could opt for a more leisurely trip back south.
More details of itinerary to follow.
Please contact Sherry or Mark if you are unsure of any of the following requirements for this trip.
Weather: Tropical environment - warm and sometimes wet - bring appropriate clothing and wet weather gear, sun-block, aerogard or similar.
Equipment: Below are the recommended vehicle requirements. If you are not sure if you vehicle is suitable for a trip, please have a chat with the trip leader.
Good off-road tyres (All Terrain, 60 profile recommended as a minimum), UHF radio (or one borrowed from the club), a well-maintained vehicle with low range (or equivalent), good ground clearance (200mm recommended as a minimum), recovery points, standard recovery gear including dampener, rated snatch strap and shackles, shovel. Drivers must have completed the RRCV club training or equivalent.
This is a long trip into remote areas so you will also need two spare tyres, puncture repair kit, spares appropriate to your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle has been fully serviced ahead of the trip, that tyres are in good condition, and replace batteries that are nearing the end of their life.
No pets or firearms
Maps and Reference Material: HEMA Cape York map, HEMA Cape York Atlas and Guide, HEMA 4WD Adventures.
Additional Equipment required: Camping gear, food and water for the trip - there will be some refuel and shopping opportunities en route. Morning tea will and lunch be in the bush each day – byo thermos, etc.
Trip Standard: Medium to Hard (relentless) - deep creek crossings, corrugated, steep or slippery tracks in places.
Fuel: A full tank ex Port Douglas. Fuel is available en route.
Distance: Port Douglas is approximately 2860 km from Melbourne. The trip distance from is km.
Duration: 2 days
Convoy limit: 10 vehicles
Meeting arrangements: We will meet in Port Douglas (location TBC) on the afternoon of Monday 28 Aug and depart at 9.00am the following day. We aim to finish Thursday afternoon 14 Sept (details TBC).
Club Guest Registration policy: It is club policy in regard to insurance cover that if a member brings any non-members on the trip they must be registered and have paid the required fee as Temporary Members BEFORE the event.
i.e. non- members can no longer register on the day with the trip leader.
Temporary Membership information and ways to register can be found at:
Temporary (Guest) Membership
Also if a non-member wishes to bring their own vehicle, the member inviting the non-member must contact the trip leader for approval to bring the vehicle. Such approval will take into account skills of the driver, suitability of the vehicle and whether or not a place within the convoy limit is available for a non-member's vehicle.
Trip Leader: Sherry Mayo & Mark Bown, phone 0437 251 645, email Mark.Bown@csiro.au
