Cape York via Bypass Roads

This trek note provides a complete route to Cape York bypassing all the major 4WD river crossings found on the Telegraph Track. The route uses the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) and Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass). This trek note is the easier alternative to the route given in our Cape York trek note due to the lack of 4WD challenges, however conditions can be very dustry and very corrugated and this route has its own fair share of problems and should not be undertaken lightly.

Whilst the PDR is currently being upgraded and there is a plan for it to be fully tarred by 2020, the route is unsealed for much of the way in the northern end and wet season conditions can make the road impassable at times. A 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the heavy corrugations and better handling and safety you will have in such a vehicle.

There are many interesting side trips to the west and east coastlines of the Cape York Peninsula too, so take a look through the separate Trek Notes we provide for optional side trips because they can all be accessed off the two main routes at noted exit points. We suggest you should research all these side trips and build your own itinerary. See the full list of Cape York side trips here (more coming in Nov '13).

In addition to the side trips, the majority of travellers will use parts of the PDR and parts of the OTT in order to explore the best of what the Cape offers, whilst avoiding the more extreme challenges found on the Old Telegraph Track.

Using this trek you will arrive at Seisia, the most northerly community on the Cape York Peninsula, however not at the true "tip" of Cape York. To reach the true "tip" of the Cape York Peninsula follow our day trip trek note called Seisia to the Tip.

Environment

Cape York is the name of the most northern point of the Australian continent and is often referred to as "The Tip". In fact, the whole peninsula of land that lies above the 16°S latitude is called Cape York Peninsula - this narrow peninsula is bound by the Coral sea to the east the Arafura sea and Gulf of Carpentaria to the west and the Torres Strait to the north. Locals however, refer to Cape York "proper" as the area north of the Jardine river.

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Fuel, most standard supplies, and some repair services are available at towns and roadhouses but spare parts are not always available. Visitors need to be self-sufficient with adequate food, water, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment. Mobile phone coverage is generally not available in Cape York Peninsula so it is essential to have other communication equipment.

Most people travel in convoy throughout the Cape not just for company, but for safety and backup. Just remember that overly large convoy groups can be hazardous on narrow dual-direction tracks and due to the bulldust on many Cape Roads, large groups may need to spread out so far apart that the leader lose radio communications with the tail-end charlie. For these reasons, you'll find a smaller convoy more enjoyable and practical.

Permits

Permits are required to access all areas of Aboriginal land. The permit is provided when you pay your ferry fee to cross the Jardine River at near Bamaga.

Camping permits are required in all National Parks and Reserves on the Cape York Peninsula and these must now be purchased in advance before arriving at your campsite. Self-registration for camp sites is no longer possible. To obtain an e-permit book online at www.qld.gov.au/camping, or phone 13 74 68.

Fuel Usage

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 134 litres	4cyl 154 litres	4cyl 191 litres
6cyl 146 litres	6cyl 173 litres	6cyl 168 litres
8cyl 146 litres	8cyl 158 litres

Best Time To Visit

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies