Expert Guide to Cape York & Old Telegraph Track: Must Read!

Cape York and the Old Telegraph Track are a bucket list of places people want to visit. Overlooking the red dust and corrugations, it is an epic journey to reach the most northern point of the Australian mainland. Looking beyond the sense of achievement reaching this iconic destination, Cape York is a pristine and one of the last wilderness domains where rainforest, woodlands, wild rivers, heathlands, and wetlands remain in place. Cape York is an ancient landscape home to Aboriginal people since Australia was connected to New Guinea. This fantastic location in northern Australia deserves respect, planning, and a spirit of adventure to truly appreciate its rugged beauty and unique challenges.

Discover The Ultimate Guide to The Old Telegraph Track & Cape York

Epic Video Series of the Old Telegraph Track (Part One) – Cape York and North Queensland:

Why Trust Road Trips Australia?

With years of experience exploring Cape York, including living in Weipa in 2013 and visiting Cape York in 2010 and again in 2024, we are well-acquainted with this remote wilderness’s unique challenges and rewards. As experienced 4×4 drivers, we’ve successfully navigated sections of the iconic Old Telegraph Track multiple times and the Frenchmans Track and beach driving Mapoon and Pennefather. This guide is built on our firsthand knowledge of Cape York and northern Australia, offering trustworthy, practical advice to help fellow adventurers prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most remote and rugged regions.

Planning for Travel to Cape York and the Old Telegraph Track:

Planning a trip to Cape York requires thorough preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure in this remote wilderness. Allocating time between key destinations lets you make the most of Cape York’s stunning landscapes. Offline navigation tools like ExploreOz Traveller are essential as mobile reception is limited. Vehicle maintenance and preparation, along with the right recovery gear, can make or break your trip, while careful planning for meals, food storage, and carrying sufficient water is crucial. Equally important is packing the right camping gear and having reliable communication devices for emergencies.

Video (Part Two) Old Telegraph Track to the Tip, Cape York:

9-steps to Planning Your Cape York Journey:

1 – Trip Itinerary:

Allocating Time Between Destinations: Cape York is vast, with long stretches between major points of interest. Prioritise the destinations that most interest you—whether it’s the northernmost tip, waterfalls like Fruit Bat Falls, or the challenges of the Old Telegraph Track. Build flexibility into your schedule for weather or road conditions affecting travel time. Factor in an extra day for exploration or if you encounter obstacles such as river crossings or vehicle recovery. Below, I have included a detailed itinerary from Brisbane, where we travelled during June and July.

2 – Offline Navigation App:

Mobile phone reception is limited in Cape York, so offline maps are critical. Apps like ExploreOz Traveller, Hema Maps App, allow you to download maps, so you’re never caught off-guard in remote areas. A dedicated Cape York road atlas can serve as a backup, especially for those unfamiliar with navigating electronically. Having reliable navigation tools will keep you on track and help you avoid detours in this wilderness. See our full guide to offline Navigation Apps here.

3 – Vehicle Maintenance and Preparation:

Before departing, your vehicle should be thoroughly serviced. Ensure your tyres are in good condition and suitable for rugged terrain (including carrying a spare), check the suspension, and make sure the vehicle’s fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid) are topped up. It’s a good idea to install a snorkel for river crossings, diff breathers and a dual battery system to power accessories without draining the main battery. Your vehicle is your lifeline, so reliability is key.

4 – Recovery Gear and Tools:

Cape York’s tracks and roads can be unpredictable, with washouts, river crossings, sand, mud and interesting angles. Recovery gear is a must. Don’t overlook the importance of tyre pressure; carry a tyre deflator and air compressor. Other recovery items include a winch, recovery tracks (like MaxTrax), snatch straps, a shovel, and a tyre repair kit. Don’t forget to pack essential tools like spanners, pliers, a jack, a spare air filter and engine oil to handle any mechanical issues. Even travelling in a group, having your own recovery gear ensures you’re prepared for self-sufficiency.

5 – Meal Planning and Food Packing:

Plan meals that are easy to cook on a camp stove or portable hot plate, using long-lasting ingredients that won’t spoil quickly in the tropical heat. Pre-prepared meals like vacuum-sealed stews, freeze-dried meals, vacuum-packed meat and pantry items like noodles and rice can save time and effort. Be mindful of limited resupply points; pack enough food for most of your trip, plus some extra in case of delays. Store food securely in containers to avoid pests and damage from rough roads, and use a reliable car fridge.

6 – Carrying Water:

Water is vital for drinking, cooking and washing in the remote heart of Cape York. A general rule is to carry at least 5 litres of water per person daily, with extra for emergencies. Invest in durable water containers or large water bladders like a Fleximake to store your supply. Remember, access to potable water is sparse, so bringing quality water and filtration tools may also help if you need to rely on local water sources.

7 – Camping Gear:

Since Cape York is rough and remote, having high-quality camping gear is critical. A robust, easy-to-set-up and pack-up tent, a comfortable swag, or a roof-top tent with bedding suitable for humid nights are essential. Your cooking setup should include portable gas stoves, camp ovens, or grills like the Oz Braai or Biji Barbi, and ensure you bring lightweight but durable cooking utensils, plates and cutlery. Portable lighting, such as headlamps and rechargeable or solar lanterns, is essential for safety and convenience at night. And don’t forget a comfortable camping chair for relaxing in the evening by the fire and beneath the stars!

8 – Hygiene:

Bring hand soap, anti-bacterial wipes, and toilet paper, but PLEASE dispose of them responsibly! Do not leave toilet paper in the bush—it’s littering and harms the pristine environment. Pack all waste safely in a bin or burn used paper in your campfire. Pack a portable bucket toilet with a coir-peat block for a more prepared and eco-friendly approach to managing waste efficiently. A She-wee or similar device is a must-pack item for ladies, as public toilets are few and far between on the Cape.

9 – Communication Device:

In Cape York’s isolated regions, a satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) is crucial for emergency communication. A PLB can send out distress signals if you run into trouble and are beyond the reach of regular mobile networks. A UHF radio is essential for communicating with other vehicles and travellers on dusty roads with low visibility and during difficult track sections.

Cape York Road Trip – What to Expect:

Travelling to a remote part of Australia can be daunting. As repeat travellers through Cape York, we can help you prepare by telling you what to expect.

Bushfires. It is normal to see grass fires during the dry season, and it is a way of revitalising the bush. Do not camp near grass fires, and drive carefully through smoke hazards.

Dust. You may not know just how dusty the roads are until you make the trip yourself. Drive carefully through the dust and communicate with other travellers over your UHF if you overtake another vehicle.

Rough roads. The gravel roads begin south of Hahn River Roadhouse. Expect corrugations, washouts and minor water crossings along the PDR (Peninsula Developmental Road), Telegraph Road, Northern Bypass Road, and Bamaga Road. Drop your tyre pressures to help smooth the ride and preserve the road.

Limited toilet facilities. There are limited rest areas and toilet facilities on Cape York. Be responsible and carry a port-a-potty or a bucket camp toilet. For ladies, a she-wee is a valuable item to carry. Burn your toilet paper or take it with you.

Limited rubbish bins. Carry bin bags and a vehicle wheelie bin are essential for travelling through remote areas. To limit your waste, burn paper, cardboard, and toilet paper.

River Ferry pass. Your Jardine River Ferry pass can be purchased at the Jardine River Service station. The cost is $130 return. This price, I’m sure, will inflate!

Alcohol Restrictions. There are communities on Cape York that have strict alcohol restrictions though these areas are notified with signs. Obey signs and respect the local limits. For more information, see the Queensland Government guideline here.

Travel solo. You don’t need a convoy of travellers to travel Cape York, even if you want to tackle the Old Telegraph Track. There is a great feeling of ‘Old Telegraph Track Community’; if travelling solo, you can tag along with another group that will happily help at complex crossings if needed.

Caravan Parking. As regular road trip travellers, we travel with a Hybrid off-road van. Knowing the Cape, we parked our van at Hann River Roadhouse under surveillance cameras in their dedicated parking area for around $5 daily. This gave us the flexibility to travel 4×4 tracks on the Cape.

Estuarine Crocodiles. Estuarine crocodiles are found in Cape York’s rivers, estuaries, and even coastal beaches, so always assume any body of water may be home to these prehistoric reptiles. Stay at least 5 meters from the water’s edge, and never clean fish or camp too close to waterways to reduce the risk of encounters.

Caravans and Cape York

We observed many large dual-axel caravans travelling to Cape York. While this is achievable along the PDR, Telegraph Road, Northern Bypass Road, Bamaga Road and Pajinka Road to ‘The Tip’ – these roads are dusty, corrugated and washed out in sections, creating a very harsh journey for vehicles and caravans that choose to travel these roads. By travelling in a single vehicle, you can reduce wear and traffic on the roads while minimising the risk of damage, dust and breakages on your caravan.  

Your vehicle is never quite the same after a Capy York journey, from minor paint rubouts, side step/side rail damage, paint chips, and the red dust that invades every tiny space while staining your chassis as a minimum!

The Old Telegraph Track: The Ultimate Adventure on Cape York

And the part readers are waiting for: The Old Telegraph Track! This is the ultimate attraction for 4×4 enthusiasts – and if you ask us, Cape York is nothing without the Old Tele Track leading you to the ‘Tip’! The Old Telegraph Track offers challenging water crossings, idyllic camping, spectacular scenery, and unimaginable angles you will observe your vehicle in!

Old Telegraph Track Part 1:

The first section of the Old Telegraph Track begins at Bramwell Junction and plunges across creek crossings from Palm Creek to Bertie Creek, where the Gunshot bypass track returns to the Northern Bypass Road if you choose. During our trip along the Old Telegraph Track, we crossed Gunshot for the first time (on the Gunshot chicken track!) The Old Telegraph Track joins the Northern Bypass Road south of Fruit Bat Falls.

Old Telegraph Track Part 2:

Continuing onto the second section of the Old Telegraph Track, this begins at the turn-off to Fruit Bat Falls, which is a great place to make camp to explore Elliot Falls and Twin Falls. Continuing from the falls, you will cross the scenic Canal Creek through some of the most stunning creeks and water crossings on Cape York.  Notable Sam Creek, the wooden bridge at Cypress Creek to the bottomless Nolan’s Brook. After crossing Nolan’s Brook successfully, the Old Telegraph Track returns to the Northern Bypass Road, south of the Jardine River crossing.

4 Tips for Driving the Old Telegraph Track

After successfully completing the entire Old Telegraph Track for the first time (from start to finish), we can offer helpful tips to those attempting this challenging track.

1 – Tyre Pressures:

Lower your tyre pressures to maintain traction through steep entry and exits to creek crossings, boggy sections, side angles, and rut driving. Find the happy medium for your vehicle and the conditions; this differs by vehicle. Our sweet spot is 18-20psi.

2 – Engage 4×4:

Engage your vehicle in 4×4, low 4 for the creek crossings and differential locks when required.

3 – Stop and Assess:

At technical sections of the track, like creek crossings, stop and assess the safest place for wheel placement to safely pass the obstacle while being mindful of Crocodiles at some locations. There are multiple tracks at most creek crossings, so choosing the right one for your ability is crucial.

4 – Slow and Steady:

Keep it slow and steady! By crawling through technical sections of the track, you reduce the chance of breaking mechanical components on your vehicle while safely and slowly passing the challenge. If you don’t have good awareness or visibility, get your co-pilot to act as a spotter.

Cape York and Old Telegraph Track Q & A!

Cape York and North Queensland Road Trip Video, Part 3

Road Trip Itinerary Brisbane to Cape York & Old Telegraph Track in 22-days:

This is our latest journey to Cape York. This was a very rushed trip from South East Queensland to beat the school holiday rush. To make this journey again, we would allow more time on the Old Telegraph Track enjoying the stunning river-side camping.

Day 1: Brisbane to Clermont 942 km.

Day 2: Undara Volcanic National Park. Discovery Resorts, 753 km. Book a morning tour to explore the Undara Lava Tubes.

Day 3: Hahn River Roadhouse, campground. 545 km. Caravan parking is available.

Day 4: Bramwell Junction. Begin the Old Telegraph Track, 180 km. Camp for 2 nights.

Day 6: Canal Creek camping. Visit Fruit Bat Falls, Elliot Falls and Twin Falls, 120 km.

Day 7: Jardine River Ferry Crossing. Continue to Punsand Bay Camping, 122 km.

Returning South: Cape York to Brisbane Itinerary:

Day 8: Wenlock River camp off the Frenchman’s Track, approx. 390 km.

Day 9: Chili Beach, Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, 191 km. Camp for 2 nights. (Distance depends if the shortcut along Frenchman’s Track and Drug Runners Track is taken or Portland Road)

Day 11:  Coen River roadside bush camping, 227 km.

Day 12: Old Laura Homestead, Lakefield National Park,  271 km.

Day 13: Eddies Camp, Elim Beach Hopevale, 111 km. Camp for 2 nights.

Day 15: Cooktown (stock supplies). Continue to Scrubby Creek, Trevethan Falls (Hipcamp) 109 km. Camp for 2 nights.

Day 17: Bloomfield Track (not advised for Caravans alternate route via Lakeland) and Mossman Gorge to Port Douglas. Big 4 Port Douglas, 250 km. Stay for 2 nights.

Day 19: Jourama Falls, Paluma Range National Park, 330 km.

Day 20: Lake Elphinstone, 516 km.

Day 21: Isla Gorge National Park, 587 km.        

Day 22: Brisbane, 524 km.

Are You Ready for Cape York and the Old Telegraph Track?

This journey to Cape York is more than just reaching the northernmost tip—it’s an opportunity to experience northern Australia’s pristine and rugged beauty. For those seeking true adventure, tackling the Old Telegraph Track offers an exciting challenge, with deep river crossings, rugged terrain, and iconic 4WD obstacles that test skill and resilience. With careful preparation and research, travellers can create unforgettable experiences in one of Australia’s last true frontiers on a Cape York road trip!