12 tips for "The Tip": How to prepare for a self-drive Cape York adventure

It’ll be too late to start YouTubing how to change a tyre once you’re knee deep in mud on the Old Telegraph Track, so prepare with a few lessons beforehand. Go one step further and practice a tyre change on your own 4WD; it might seem strange, but you’ll feel good knowing that you have the task down pat. Two spare tyres for the journey should keep you out of trouble.

If you need a professional opinion, there are vehicle repair services in Cooktown, Coen, Weipa, Seisia, and several roadhouses. If you really get stuck, RACQ services this area so have their number written down in case of an emergency.

3. Bring water

Even though the fresh water in Cape York is some of the cleanest in Australia, you’ll need to pack bottled water for the drive. Seasoned adventurers recommend 4L a day per person, an allowance generous enough to accommodate cooking if you’re camping - simply dial this up or down depending on how you’re travelling.

Make sure to pack more than you need though, in case you get stuck, have a spill, or encounter someone who has run out (they’ll appreciate your kind gesture).

Water treatment may be required in some spots (non-potable water will be signed), so pack something to treat your water before you drink it.

4. Fuel up

Cape York isn’t like the city, where petrol stations are mere minutes from each other; rather, there can be hours between bowsers.

Save the stress and fill two jerry cans with spare fuel before you hit the road. Petrol is available up and down the Cape, but bear in mind that prices are heftier and some stations don’t open every day.

When four-wheel driving in the wilderness, your fuel consumption can double from riding over corrugations, wheel ruts, deep sand, rocky sections and creek crossings. We recommend keeping a close eye on your tank because no two days will use the same amount of fuel.

5. Pimp your ride

If you’ve ever needed an excuse to modify your 4WD, Cape York is it.

At the very least, you’ll want to add a bull bar, two recovery points and a snorkel (if you intend on taking the off-road options instead of the development road, that is).

The further north of Cooktown you venture, the bigger and beastier the cars get (think chunky rims, after-market accessories, and boats, fishing rods and kayaks strapped to the roof).

6. Communications

A self-drive Cape York adventure isn’t complete without some radio communication.

Enter UHF/HF radios and unleash your inner truckie. Converse with other drivers to check track conditions and share stories. A satellite phone is advisable too, in case you need to make an emergency phone call. A small price to pay for peace of mind.

When you pass Cooktown, be prepared to say goodbye to Google Maps. Download Hema Maps, which operates via satellite, to keep you on track. Or, if you’re feeling old-school, whip out a hard copy map instead (a great backup if technology fails).

Need an internet fix? You can connect to WiFi at selected accommodations and campgrounds via a service called ‘roaming wifi’ ($4.95 will secure you 100MB). In between bursts of data, relish in the fact that you're almost completely off the grid.

7. Safety in numbers

When travelling in a remote destination, it’s wise to have several companions. That way, you’re not on your own in the middle of an unfamiliar place - there’s always someone to deliberate decisions with and everyone has a buddy if you momentarily split up.

Plus, there's extra hands for all those candid outback photos

8.  Insurance

Insurance is a must on a trip like this, so do your research based on the length of your stay, type of vehicle and existing car insurance policy, and look into travel insurance options as well, as they can often provide better coverage.

Don’t forget to upgrade your RACQ coverage to unlimited towing and full breakdown cover because it could be a couple of hundred clicks between mechanics. Of course, if you find your car clapped out, don’t panic - stay with your car and be glad you have your trusty satellite phone on you to call for help.

9. Be croc-wise

The reptilian residents of Cape York have been around for 220 million years. The tranquil waterways are their home, made clear by the multitude of crocodile warning signs.

Don’t hop in the water (unless it’s Fruit Bat Falls, which is gorgeous and completely safe for swimming) and you won’t have any troubles. You’re more likely to be bitten by mosquitos and sandflies, so spend time investing in insect repellent and soothing bite cream rather than fearing an unpleasant encounter with a croc. Our motto? Be alert, not alarmed.

10. It’s an endless summer

Don’t pack too many jumpers for your self-drive through Cape York; the mercury rarely drops below 25 degrees in the depths of August.

Make sure you pack some closed-in shoes for the top. You’ll be rock hopping for 20 minutes before you reach the spot you came all this way for - the northernmost point of Australia.

11. Snacks

When you’re on a road trip where there’s hundreds of kilometres between eateries, you’re going to need a substantial stash of snacks within arms reach. Energy bars, biscuits, trail mix, canned or dried fruit, and nuts are all great options.

Food in Cape York comes in a few formats: burger with chips, burger with mash or burger with chips and mash. So, if you’re a fussy eater or have significant dietary requirements, bring along your own meals so you have some options if you want to mix it up.

A location serving up a rare Italian delicacy is Cape York Camping Punsand Bay. Their pizzas (dine in or takeaway) are made in house and might be just what you need after a long day of travels.

If you bring your own drinks, be aware that the Cape has several ‘dry’ communities where you’ll have to surrender any alcohol you have on you.

12. A snap for the archives

Reward your adventurous efforts with a picture in front of the sign that reads ‘you are standing at the northernmost point of the Australian continent’. The bright blue waters and limescale rocks make for the perfect backdrop.

Stay here a while enjoying your momentous achievement and celebrate the fact that you’re one of the few people who can say they’ve ticked Cape York off their bucket list.

Remember: Being able to explore untouched wilderness is a privilege. Ensure you dispose of all of your rubbish properly, and only leave your footprints and tyre tracks behind.

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