Cape York – A Super Adventure Squadron trip – Episode 3, The Old Telegraph Track

The Super Adventure Squadron heads north to tick off bucket list item “Cape York”. This episode takes us along the old Telegraph track. Use the links below if you are looking for a particular river crossing:
4:05 Ducie Creek
10:30 Delhuntly River
12:30 Bertie Creek
15:05 Cholmondeley Creek
16:25 Gunshot Creek
20:10 Cockatoo Creek
21:57 Sailor Creek
22:45 Fruitbat Falls
24:25 Unamed ford
26:20 Canal Creek
27:30 Sam Creek
28:15 Mistake Creek
30:00 Cannibal Creek
31:38 Cypress Creek
34:50 Bridge Creek
A spiel stolen from Tourism Queensland!
This is definitely one of the Cape’s most iconic 4WD tracks, which draws people from all over the country wanting to test their vehicles, and experience some of the most scenic country on the Cape. The OTL track is an unmaintained route following the path of the original overland telegraph line, starting from Bramwell Junction and continuing to the Jardine River. This track takes you through some beautiful countryside, and requires all the proper recovery gear, and ideally some previous ‘adverture 4WD’ experience [although this track is not too difficult for we adventure bikers if the rivers arnt too deep]. The highlights are definitely the many crystal clear creeks you will cross, not only providing great swimming and camping opportunities, but some hairy entry and exit routes to challenge the most experienced drivers [and some riders]; there are also some tamer routes allowing you to bypass the difficult crossings, including a bypass via Heathlands, past the Ranger Station.

Looking down the main route into Gunshot Creek
This Track has earned its reputation by claiming many vehicles each year as people try and cross the deep creeks early in the year. Nolan’s Brook is the deepest of these, and extreme care should be taken- a snorkel is highly recommended on your vehicle!

On the southern section of the OTL there are campsites at Bertie Creek, Dulhunty River (off a small way from the OTL), Gunshot Creek and Cockatoo Creek. The northern section of the OTL has the lovely Fruit Bat Falls which offers a refreshing swim on the way to the campground at the stunning natural pools at Eliot Falls and Twin Falls. Eliot Falls has a Queensland Parks Wildlife Services camping area and there are campsites on the northern and southern banks of the Jardine River. On the northern section of the OTL there are bush camping sites at Sam Creek and Cypress Creek. The Jardine Ferry provides access across the Jardine, Queensland Parks Wildlife Services and the Regional Council have closed the Jardine River Crossing on the OTL.