Cape York Travel Forum

Hi does anyone know of a boat that can transport myself and my 4WD from Cairns up to the tip of Cape York, so the trip is only one way back instead of two way.
Time restraints unfortunatlly.
Cheers Peter J

I have just asked my friend if or what way you can do this.
( He is a Cairns Local)
What time of year are you thinking of doing this trip, remember if it is the wet season you could get a sinking feeling:)
You would really want to do this trip in the dry....
You could possibly get it barged up to Weipa, but my man says that he would truck it up.
One company that hauls up that way is Bowyers Transport , Cairns.
It seems they would only go to Weipa, I would ring this company and ask, then work from there.Phone 07 40921033
Bamaga is the town that is furtherest north.This is the town that is the tip of Cape York.
Bamaga is about a days drive from Weipa.

The barge company that you would get in touch with ius Perkins shipping,Gulf frieght services, 153 Lyons Street Cairns. Phone 0740313411, FAX 0740315847

Good luck with your trip.
Cheers
Anne

We have just been chatting about your idea.
Remember the transport companies, sea or road are going to take quite a few days to get here as well, they also only go on certain days of the week and drop off to towns along the way.
So, to drive from Cairns to Weipa is 10 hours non stop....then another 10 up to the Cape town, So 3 days there at the most, and coming back you could do it in less....could be better and quicker to do it yourself, OR from Cairns do an organised trip, then you will see everything and not have to drive.
Cheers
Anne

Thanks heaps Anne.We are thinking of going in August September 07,and by the sounds of it we will probably drive all the way . I didn't realise it was only 10 hrs from Cairnes to Weipa.
Thanks again Peter

My pleasure Pete,
That time of year should be great for this trip.
There is another great trip that I have done, it's from Cairns up to Cooktown via Mossman Gorge, Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
From Cape Trib it's 4x4 to Cooktown, this is the coast road....Cooktown is a great spot to visit...wonderful views etc.
You can then drive back to Cairns via Kuranda etc on a sealed road, this sealed road goes all the way now from Cooktown to Cairns or vice versa.
For this trip I recommend that you stay the night ( or more) in Cooktown....
Don't drive at night on any of these roads as there are cattle walking around on the roads. They sorta do a bit of damage to 4x4's and cars!
I have just looked at the map and from Cooktown it looks as if you can get to Bamaga via a 4x4 type road, this may be something to look into.
Cheers
Anne

That sounds great too , We will probably do that also.
Any Spots that you can recommend as GREAT on the way up to the top? Iv,e heard Siesia is nice,any other places?
Cheers Peter

That sounds great too , We will probably do that also.
Any Spots that you can recommend as GREAT on the way up to the top? Iv,e heard Siesia is nice,any other places?
Cheers Peter

Hi Pete,
I think the that the trip to Cooktown via Cape Trib etc is excellent, now when you get to Cooktown you can do a 4x4 road trip down to Laura ( I did this one by mistake when I got a little lost!!)and then from there head to Weipa etc.This would save you doing two trips...
Laura area has caves with aboriginal paintings.
The man says there isn't a lot to see along the way from Weipa etc, BUT he is a local so doesn't see what the tourist does:)
He has mentioned that the roads can be rough, drive slowly and carefully.Also be careful of the bulldust holes, now I have never seen one of these, but apparently it is a hole in the road that has been covered by lots of fine dust,
he says that they look very smooth.....good luck!!!..:)
Before you leave Cairns you will be able to go to the Tourist Info centres and get some good advice.Also some good maps.
Just go with the flow and take it all in, I reckon that's the best way:)An adventure!!