Alex
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e族主天使
尼康/澳新纵队贵宾
注册2008-7-28
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1. OLD TELEGRAPH TRACK, CAPE YORK, QLD
WORDS BY DESLIE SUMMERLAND AND WAYNE THOMAS
Cape York has undergone many changes over the last few years, but if you are prepared to get off the beaten track, this is still one of Australia’s top 4WD destinations.
Starting at Bramwell Junction, the track is completed in two stages and is full of corrugations, washouts and many creek crossings, making this a very mixed and challenging 4WD adventure. As far as 4WD tracks go, it doesn’t get much better than this.
The first section of the track is around 80km from the junction to Twin and Eliot Falls, and is best done from the south to the north. The first water course is usually quite shallow before the next at Palm Creek. This crossing is usually washed out and has a very steep descent into the creek. The exit out of the creek can be quite a challenge, so extreme care is needed. This creek now has the title of the hardest on the track, taking over from ‘Gunshot’.
Always remember to walk the creeks on the track, as they can be quite deceiving because most are spring fed, which gives the impression that the clear water is shallow when often it’s very deep.
The run through from Palm Creek to Gunshot Creek is a very pretty one, crossing fi rst off the Ducie (which quite often has a very deep hole), North Alice Creek, Dalhunty River and Bertie Creek. The crossings at all of these are usually quite shallow but contain large holes, so remember the golden rule ‘if you can’t walk it, don’t drive it!’. Most of the creeks are clear spring-fed water so they are safe from those ‘big floating logs’ (read: crocodiles). It is only when the creeks start running into the dark murky waters and heading to the rivers that you should stay well away from the water.
The next big challenge is the famous ‘Gunshot’. In the last few years the coaxial cable was laid next to the track, so the original Gunshot was cut down to enable the trucks through. Gunshot over the last couple of years has been a lot easier than the early days, but still provides a great challenge.
On a recent trip, a bloke in a stock 80 Series became wedged at the bottom because he did not keep the momentum going and simply went nose first into the mud. This has been the mistake of many 4WDers and usually results in a lengthy recovery. Special care must be taken at all challenging 4WD parts, as this is not the place you want to inflict damage to your vehicle. Remember that after Gunshot there are still a lot of tough low-range obstacles to tackle. Once we recovered the 80 Series, we were off for a well-earned swim at Twin Falls and Eliot Falls.
From Gunshot it is on to Cockatoo Creek. This crossing at times has been very hard depending on the depth of water as it has very large borders into the creek bed, so extreme care is advised. From here it is a relative easy run to the falls.
he first section of the track known as the Bottom Telegraph Track runs along the Heathlands National Park Border, which also includes Fruit Bat, Twin and Eliot Falls. For a camping permit contact the Heathlands Rangers on (07) 4060 3241 or check the notice board at the falls for self-registration.
The second part of the track runs through the Jardine River National Park and is by far the most challenging. From the time you leave the falls until you reach the by-pass road, every crossing should be taken with extreme care. If it has been a big wet season, these crossings get very washed out, and at times if you are coming through at the start of the season, the track needs lots of repair and often a bit of road construction has to take place to continue on. So, always be well prepared and have a good shovel on hand.
Sam’s Creek, Mistake, Cannibal and Cypress Creek are sure to get the adrenaline pumping, but the best thrill of all will be Bridge Creek or Nolan’s Brook. This is by far one of the highlights of the trip and over the years has claimed many a victim, so great care is needed at this crossing.
The main danger is very deep water – a snorkel is a modification that will have already paid for itself once you get to Bridge Creek.
The top part of the track can be done in either direction, from south to north or north to south. Both ways are a massive challenge and extreme care will need to be taken.
The Telegraph Track is a great adventure and one you should never do alone. Grab a couple of travelling buddies, have all the right gear among the group, especially a long-handle shovel and snatch strap, and head off on this adventure in June or July when the weather is perfect and there is still plenty of water around. You will be in for an adventure of a lifetime. Fresh water on the tract isn’t a problem and fuel is available at Bramwell Roadhouse and the Jardine Ferry.
4WD ACTION RATING
Remote: 8
Scenic: 10
Iconic: 10
Adventure: 9.5
Challenging: 10
TOTAL: 47.5
KID RATING: 4/5
[ 本帖最后由 alexmei 于 2011-3-23 13:20 编辑 ] |
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