Cape York via Bypass Roads

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesMareeba
FinishSeisia
DifficultyDifficulty 3/5
Suitable For4WD Motorbike 
Distance953.75 km
Minimum Days5
Average Speed52.81 km/hr
Travel Time18 hrs 3 mins
Page Updated: 7 Mar 2023

Description

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.

The PDR now features sections of tar but still includes some unsealed sections. During the wet season, roads can still be cut due to flooding so always seek local condition updates from the Qld Main Roads. A 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the heavy corrugations when off the sealed sections and generally better handling and safety you will have in such a vehicle when on unsealed sections such as side trips.

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 list in the section titled "Nearby Treks".

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.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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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.

TrekID: 369

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
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

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 134 litres4cyl 154 litres4cyl 191 litres
6cyl 146 litres6cyl 173 litres6cyl 168 litres
8cyl 146 litres8cyl 158 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Coen Airport
Distance from Trek Mid Point 83.71km W
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C32.132.131.331.030.229.628.929.831.633.434.434.7
Mean Min. °C23.823.923.421.819.517.917.317.118.920.922.623.9
Mean Rain mm294.1268.1267.159.115.32.20.83.01.010.723.9136.4
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Mareeba to Biboohra
Driving: 9.05 km
Heading: 356°
Avg Speed: 67.29 km/hr
EST Time: 08:04
  • Drive west on Hort Street. for: 0.06 km time: 00:18
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Byrnes Street for: 0.69 km time: 01:24
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 1st exit, ontofor: 8.3 km time: 06:22
Biboohra to Peninsula Developmental Rd & Southern Lakes Rd
Driving: 16.88 km
Heading: 334°
Avg Speed: 95.41 km/hr
EST Time: 10:36
  • Drive north on Mulligan Highway/81. for: 16.86 km time: 10:31
  • Turn right onto Quaid Road. for: 0.02 km time: 00:06
Peninsula Developmental Rd & Southern Lakes Rd to Mount Molloy
Driving: 14.27 km
Heading: 349°
Avg Speed: 86.4 km/hr
EST Time: 09:54
  • Drive southwest on Quaid Road. for: 0.02 km time: 00:01
  • Turn right onto Mulligan Highway/81. for: 14.22 km time: 09:41
  • Make a right U-turn at Mulligan Highway/81 to stay on Mulligan Highway/81. for: 0.03 km time: 00:12
Mount Molloy to Rifle Creek Rest Area
Driving: 1.1 km
Heading: 347°
Avg Speed: 42.39 km/hr
EST Time: 01:33
  • Drive south on Mulligan Highway/81. for: 0.05 km time: 00:02
  • Make a sharp right to stay on Mulligan Highway/81. for: 1.03 km time: 01:24
  • Turn left. for: 0.01 km time: 00:05
  • Turn right. for: 0.01 km time: 00:03
Rifle Creek Rest Area to Peninsula Developmental Rd & Mossman-Mt Molloy Rd
Driving: 0.5 km
Heading: 308°
Avg Speed: 32.71 km/hr
EST Time: 00:55
  • Drive southeast. for: 0.01 km time: 00:03
  • Turn left. for: 0.01 km time: 00:05
  • Turn left onto Mulligan Highway/81. for: 0.48 km time: 00:48
Peninsula Developmental Rd & Mossman-Mt Molloy Rd to Mount Carbine
Driving: 28.88 km
Heading: 306°
Avg Speed: 92.98 km/hr
EST Time: 18:38
  • Drive northwest on Mulligan Highway/81. for: 28.88 km time: 18:38
Mount Carbine to Junction
Driving: 67.15 km
Heading: 307°
Avg Speed: 82.8 km/hr
EST Time: 48:39
  • Drive west on Mulligan Highway/81. for: 66.94 km time: 48:01
  • Turn left onto Whites Creek Road. for: 0.21 km time: 00:38
Junction to Palmer River Roadhouse
Driving: 16.9 km
Heading: 21°
Avg Speed: 72.28 km/hr
EST Time: 14:01
  • Drive southeast on Whites Creek Road. for: 0.21 km time: 00:37
  • Turn left onto Mulligan Highway/81. for: 16.56 km time: 12:58
  • Turn right. for: 0.13 km time: 00:27
Palmer River Roadhouse to Lakeland
Driving: 31.66 km
Heading: 17°
Avg Speed: 84.31 km/hr
EST Time: 22:31
  • Drive southeast. for: 0.32 km time: 00:46
  • Turn right onto Mulligan Highway/81. for: 30.96 km time: 21:20
  • Keep right to take Mulligan Highway/40. for: 0.38 km time: 00:26
Lakeland to Ang-Ganrra
Driving: 45.96 km
Heading: 304°
Avg Speed: 88.59 km/hr
EST Time: 31:07
  • Drive south on Mulligan Highway/40. for: 0.13 km time: 00:08
  • Keep right to take Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 45.83 km time: 30:59
Ang-Ganrra to Laura
Driving: 15.65 km
Heading: 317°
Avg Speed: 86.41 km/hr
EST Time: 10:52
  • Drive west on Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 15.56 km time: 10:38
  • Turn right onto Deighton Road. for: 0.09 km time: 00:14
Laura to Junction PDR and Lakefield Rd
Driving: 1.79 km
Heading: 307°
Avg Speed: 57.02 km/hr
EST Time: 01:53
  • Drive southwest on Deighton Road. for: 0.09 km time: 00:09
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Peninsula Developmental Road for: 1.7 km time: 01:44
Junction PDR and Lakefield Rd to Peninsula Developmental Rd & Palmerville Rd
Driving: 17.42 km
Heading: 289°
Avg Speed: 103.08 km/hr
EST Time: 10:08
  • Drive northwest on Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 17.34 km time: 10:05
  • Turn left onto Pamerville Road. for: 0.08 km time: 00:03
Peninsula Developmental Rd & Palmerville Rd to Kennedy River Rest Area
Driving: 14.12 km
Heading: 312°
Avg Speed: 91.05 km/hr
EST Time: 09:18
  • Drive east on Pamerville Road. for: 0.08 km time: 00:03
  • Turn left onto Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 14.04 km time: 09:15
Kennedy River Rest Area to Hann River Roadhouse
Driving: 42.96 km
Heading: 308°
Avg Speed: 83.08 km/hr
EST Time: 31:01
  • Drive west on Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 42.63 km time: 26:52
  • Bear right. for: 0.21 km time: 00:31
  • Turn right. for: 0.12 km time: 03:39
Hann River Roadhouse to Mary Valley Station
Driving: 20.29 km
Heading: 308°
Avg Speed: 72.29 km/hr
EST Time: 16:50
  • Drive west. for: 0.12 km time: 03:34
  • Turn right. for: 0.11 km time: 00:21
  • Bear right onto Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 20.06 km time: 12:56
Mary Valley Station to Morehead River Rest Area
Driving: 8.9 km
Heading: 312°
Avg Speed: 86.71 km/hr
EST Time: 06:09
  • Drive northwest on Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 8.9 km time: 06:09
Morehead River Rest Area to Peninsula Developmental Rd & Dixie Rd
Driving: 10.07 km
Heading: 305°
Avg Speed: 50.16 km/hr
EST Time: 12:02
  • Drive northwest on Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 10.07 km time: 12:03
Peninsula Developmental Rd & Dixie Rd to Musgrave Roadhouse
Driving: 23.72 km
Heading: 337°
Avg Speed: 35.66 km/hr
EST Time: 39:54
  • Drive northwest on Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 23.62 km time: 38:01
  • Turn left. for: 0.1 km time: 01:53
Musgrave Roadhouse to Coen
Driving: 108.33 km
Heading: 341°
Avg Speed: 49.93 km/hr
EST Time: 02:10:10
  • Drive east. for: 0.08 km time: 00:12
  • Turn left onto Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 108.25 km time: 02:10:00
Coen to The Bend Camp
Driving: 3.07 km
Heading: 348°
Avg Speed: 62.23 km/hr
EST Time: 02:57
  • Drive north on Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 3.04 km time: 02:43
  • Turn right. for: 0.03 km time: 00:14
The Bend Camp to Archer River Roadhouse
Driving: 63.04 km
Heading: 333°
Avg Speed: 48.98 km/hr
EST Time: 01:17:13
  • Drive south. for: 0.03 km time: 00:09
  • Turn right onto Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 62.81 km time: 01:16:01
  • Bear left. for: 0.17 km time: 00:52
  • Turn right. for: 0.03 km time: 00:12
Archer River Roadhouse to Telegraph Rd & Penninsula Developmental Rd
Driving: 51.8 km
Heading: 335°
Avg Speed: 66.37 km/hr
EST Time: 46:49
  • Drive south. for: 0.03 km time: 00:08
  • Turn left. for: 0.04 km time: 00:14
  • Turn left. for: 0.15 km time: 00:51
  • Turn left onto Peninsula Developmental Road/81. for: 51.5 km time: 45:25
  • Turn right onto Bamaga Road. for: 0.09 km time: 00:12
Telegraph Rd & Penninsula Developmental Rd to Telegraph Road - Batavia Downs turnoff
Driving: 48.78 km
Heading: 349°
Avg Speed: 30 km/hr
EST Time: 01:37:33
  • Drive north on Bamaga Road. for: 48.78 km time: 01:37:34
Telegraph Road - Batavia Downs turnoff to Moreton Telegraph Station
Driving: 23.7 km
Heading: 349°
Avg Speed: 31.13 km/hr
EST Time: 45:40
  • Drive north on Bamaga Road. for: 23.58 km time: 45:14
  • Bear left. for: 0.08 km time: 00:15
  • Turn left. for: 0.03 km time: 00:12
Moreton Telegraph Station to Bramwell Junction Roadhouse
Driving: 41.67 km
Heading: 347°
Avg Speed: 33.16 km/hr
EST Time: 01:15:23
  • Drive southeast. for: 0.03 km time: 00:10
  • Turn left. for: 0.1 km time: 00:19
  • Turn left onto Bamaga Road. for: 41.4 km time: 01:14:32
  • Bear left onto Old Telegraph Track. for: 0.13 km time: 00:23
Bramwell Junction Roadhouse to Junction Southern Bypass & Bramwell Station Tk
Driving: 10.26 km
Heading: 75°
Avg Speed: 29.64 km/hr
EST Time: 20:46
  • Drive south on Old Telegraph Track. for: 0.13 km time: 00:23
  • Make a sharp left onto Bamaga Road (Southern Bypass Road). for: 9.71 km time: 19:32
  • Bear left onto Bamaga Road. for: 0.43 km time: 00:52
Junction Southern Bypass & Bramwell Station Tk to Southern Bypass & Shelburne Tk
Driving: 11.29 km
Heading: 16°
Avg Speed: 30 km/hr
EST Time: 22:34
  • Drive northeast on Bamaga Road. for: 11.29 km time: 22:34
Southern Bypass & Shelburne Tk to Southern Bypass & Trk to Heathlands
Driving: 33.64 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 29.88 km/hr
EST Time: 01:07:33
  • Drive north on Bamaga Road (Southern Bypass Road). for: 33.39 km time: 01:06:47
  • Turn left onto Gunshot Bypass. for: 0.25 km time: 00:46
Southern Bypass & Trk to Heathlands to Southern Bypass & Trk to Captain Billy Landing
Driving: 11.14 km
Heading: 18°
Avg Speed: 24.9 km/hr
EST Time: 26:50
  • Drive southeast on Gunshot Bypass. for: 0.25 km time: 00:45
  • Turn left onto Bamaga Road (Southern Bypass Road). for: 10.74 km time: 21:29
  • Turn right. for: 0.15 km time: 04:36
Southern Bypass & Trk to Captain Billy Landing to Track Junction
Driving: 21.03 km
Heading: 300°
Avg Speed: 27.19 km/hr
EST Time: 46:24
  • Drive southwest. for: 0.15 km time: 04:36
  • Turn right onto Bamaga Road (Southern Bypass Road). for: 20.88 km time: 41:49
Track Junction to Telegraph Track & Southern Bypass Rd
Driving: 22.25 km
Heading: 305°
Avg Speed: 43.69 km/hr
EST Time: 30:33
  • Drive southwest on Bamaga Road (Southern Bypass Road). for: 21.88 km time: 29:24
  • Turn left onto Old Telegraph Track. for: 0.33 km time: 01:01
  • Turn left to stay on Old Telegraph Track. for: 0.04 km time: 00:08
Telegraph Track & Southern Bypass Rd to Barmaga Rd (Northern Bypass Road) - Telegraph Track Junction
Driving: 9.35 km
Heading: 345°
Avg Speed: 31.5 km/hr
EST Time: 17:48
  • Drive northwest on Old Telegraph Track. for: 0.04 km time: 00:07
  • Turn right to stay on Old Telegraph Track. for: 0.33 km time: 01:02
  • Turn left onto Bamaga Road (Old Telegraph Line). for: 8.97 km time: 16:40
Barmaga Rd (Northern Bypass Road) - Telegraph Track Junction to Fruit Bat Falls
Driving: 2.48 km
Heading: 50°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 07:26
  • Drive north on Old Telegraph Track. for: 0 km time: 00:01
  • Turn right onto Fruitbat Falls Track. for: 2.45 km time: 29:29
  • Turn right. for: 0.02 km time: 00:36
Fruit Bat Falls to Barmaga Rd (Northern Bypass Road) - Telegraph Track Junction
Driving: 2.48 km
Heading: 230°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 07:26
  • Drive southwest. for: 0.02 km time: 00:35
  • Turn left onto Fruitbat Falls Track. for: 2.45 km time: 29:27
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Old Telegraph Track for: 0 km time: 00:01
Barmaga Rd (Northern Bypass Road) - Telegraph Track Junction to Northern Bypass & Vrilya Point T/O
Driving: 24.21 km
Heading: 329°
Avg Speed: 33.85 km/hr
EST Time: 42:54
  • Drive south on Old Telegraph Track. for: 0.17 km time: 00:30
  • Make a sharp right onto Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 23.97 km time: 42:10
  • Turn left. for: 0.08 km time: 00:15
Northern Bypass & Vrilya Point T/O to Junction OTT Exit & Northern Bypass
Driving: 3.85 km
Heading: 354°
Avg Speed: 34.98 km/hr
EST Time: 06:36
  • Drive east. for: 0.08 km time: 00:14
  • Turn left onto Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 3.77 km time: 06:22
Junction OTT Exit & Northern Bypass to Jardine River Ferry Campground & Service Station
Driving: 23.69 km
Heading: 349°
Avg Speed: 29.95 km/hr
EST Time: 47:27
  • Drive north on Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 23.66 km time: 47:17
  • Make a sharp right to stay on Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 0.02 km time: 00:10
Jardine River Ferry Campground & Service Station to Southern Bypass & Usher Point Rd
Driving: 13.24 km
Heading: 73°
Avg Speed: 27.54 km/hr
EST Time: 28:50
  • Drive west on Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 0.03 km time: 00:04
  • Make a sharp left. for: 0.08 km time: 00:29
  • Bear right onto Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 0.03 km time: 00:03
  • Turn right to stay on Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 0.09 km time: 00:11
  • Take the Jardine River Ferry. for: 0.03 km time: 00:10
  • Drive east on Bamaga Road (Northern Bypass Road). for: 1.5 km time: 03:01
  • Bear left onto Peninsula Development Road. for: 11.1 km time: 22:12
  • Turn right onto Bamaga Road. for: 0.34 km time: 01:08
  • Turn left. for: 0.05 km time: 01:33
Southern Bypass & Usher Point Rd to Junction Bamaga Rd & Track to DC Wrecks
Driving: 11.12 km
Heading: 356°
Avg Speed: 27.76 km/hr
EST Time: 24:02
  • Drive southwest. for: 0.05 km time: 01:33
  • Turn right onto Bamaga Road. for: 10.78 km time: 21:54
  • Bear left onto Injinoo Back Road. for: 0.29 km time: 00:35
Junction Bamaga Rd & Track to DC Wrecks to Junction Bamaga Rd & Seisia Rd
Driving: 4.97 km
Heading: 358°
Avg Speed: 33 km/hr
EST Time: 09:02
  • Drive north on Injinoo Back Road. for: 4.97 km time: 09:02
Junction Bamaga Rd & Seisia Rd to Injinoo
Driving: 7.12 km
Heading: 313°
Avg Speed: 58.78 km/hr
EST Time: 07:16
  • Drive northwest on Injinoo Back Road. for: 6.73 km time: 06:44
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Injinoo Road for: 0.23 km time: 00:16
  • Turn left onto Ropeyarn Street. for: 0.05 km time: 00:03
  • Turn left onto Injinoo Back Road. for: 0.11 km time: 00:13
Injinoo to Bamaga
Driving: 7.19 km
Heading: 77°
Avg Speed: 66.23 km/hr
EST Time: 06:30
  • Drive west on Injinoo Back Road. for: 0.11 km time: 00:11
  • Turn right onto Ropeyarn Street. for: 0.05 km time: 00:08
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Injinoo Road for: 7.03 km time: 06:12
Bamaga to New Mapoon
Driving: 3.45 km
Heading: 354°
Avg Speed: 36.79 km/hr
EST Time: 05:37
  • Drive east on Injinoo Road. for: 0.07 km time: 00:06
  • Turn left onto Adidi Street. for: 0.87 km time: 01:02
  • Bear left onto Seisia Road. for: 2.06 km time: 01:55
  • Turn right. for: 0.07 km time: 00:13
  • Turn left. for: 0.03 km time: 00:05
  • Turn right onto Parry Street. for: 0.29 km time: 00:30
  • Turn left. for: 0.06 km time: 01:46
New Mapoon to Seisia
Driving: 3.33 km
Heading: 321°
Avg Speed: 38.5 km/hr
EST Time: 05:11
  • Drive southeast. for: 0.06 km time: 01:43
  • Turn right onto Parry Street. for: 0.29 km time: 00:36
  • Turn left. for: 0.03 km time: 00:03
  • Turn right. for: 0.07 km time: 00:13
  • Turn right onto Seisia Road. for: 2.88 km time: 02:36
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

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