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Cape York - Crossing the Mitchell River

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 02, 2004 at 19:26

Patrol22 (Queanbeyan

Hi Everyone
Still working on my trip plan for the Cape York run departing Canberra 24 July 2004. I am considering heading out through Chillagoe then turn off through Wrotham Park and on up to the Peninsular Dev Rd just north of Laura. I was wondering what I am likely to confront in crossing the Mitchell River - is it deep, wide, what sort of bottom etc. Also are there any bush camp sites along this road or do I have to keep going to (the now closed road) to Maytown?
Any help with this particular section (between Wrotham Park and Laura) would be appreciated.
Aye
Pete
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AnswerID: 48940   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 02, 2004 at 20:26

Member - Nick (TAS) replied:

Gday Patrol22,came down from Cape York to Laura and then back tracked down to the Bourke Dev Road last year in July.The Mitchell River has a ford over it,as for camping there are lots of signs stating NO CAMPING so its best to get permission from the stations,thats what we did and had no troubles camoing
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FollowupID: 310754   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 02, 2004 at 20:37

Patrol22 (Queanbeyan posted:

Thanks Nick - you wouldn't happen to have a contact number or address for the landowners would you - or perhaps you can point me in the right direction.
Aye
Pete
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FollowupID: 310766   Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 02, 2004 at 20:57

Member - Nick (TAS) posted:

Sorry,carnt help.While driving we spotted a station worker grading side roads and pulled him up and asked(on that section of road).Very pretty country through this part of road,well worth the trip. Best bet would be to call into stations and get their permission,they shouldnt complain about strangers calling in if they put the signs up!!
Good luck and enjoy the trip.
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AnswerID: 48967   Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 03, 2004 at 02:21

Member - jtb replied:

hi patrol ,, i sugguest go to the pub usually works , and if u have two have a beer ,good advice there cheersrather be fishing
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AnswerID: 49046   Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 03, 2004 at 18:45

greenant replied:

Its a sandy ford crossing. from entering from the south you cross about 50 metres then turn up stream ( left stream as there is a small fork in the river )for about 30 metres then a hard left turn Walk it first, last time I was there it was about 2 feet deep. Also it is crocodile country so be warned.
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FollowupID: 311045   Submitted: Thursday, Mar 04, 2004 at 19:44

Graham posted:

Not sure what crossing greenant took but if you stay on the road it takes you over a concrete causeway. Last August it had a trickle of water flowing under the bridge. The Mt Mulgrave homestead is just over the river on the Northern side. If you would like pics sent, post your e-mail on this thread
Graham
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FollowupID: 311072   Submitted: Thursday, Mar 04, 2004 at 21:27

Patrol22 (Queanbeyan posted:

Thanks for the offer Graham, would love the pics email is
peteandlyn22@bigpond.com
Cheers
Pete
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 49191   Submitted: Thursday, Mar 04, 2004 at 19:58

Graham replied:

Providing the road is OK, Chilligoe to Hann River is a comfortable days drive. Hann River has a nice campground adjacent to the roadhouse. Going by all the warning signs at Palmerville about no camping etc. I would'nt bother asking to camp anywhere on their station. Make sure you allow a full day in Chilligoe to see the caves i.e arrive day one, see the caves day two and move on, on day three.
Hope this helps. We done the same trip last year, so if you have any other questions, let us know
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