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Thread: Solo trip to Daintree FNQ

  1. 12th December 2017, 01:46 PM #1
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    surfingooner
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    Solo trip to Daintree FNQ

    Firstly I am not sure where to post this, but as a D2a owner, I thought here as hoping for some feedback from the regulars.

    Just got long service leave, and have a plan for a 3 week trip from Melbourne to Daintree and Cape Trib, and probably not Cape York in July'ish next year.

    I want to do it on my own, but doing some research, I am rapidly realising this might not be such a sensible idea. Basically I had a 2wd Kluger hire car last year, went to the Daintree and crossed a river just past Cape Trib, and nearly got stuck. Managed to get back Ok, but wheel spinning traction control flashing, not a lot of fun. I made a promise to myself I would go back and cross that river again in by beloved D2. As a pom living here for 14 years, I have never seen much of Australia, and this is my chance

    I want to enjoy rainforest, some remote tracks, but not too tricky, I was going to take a route inland on the way up, take about 5 days and then hit the Daintree. I plan to get a roof tent, I have a winch which fits to the tow hitch so can pull me backwards, and will connect it to the single battery in the front. I am running 265/75's on standard height, nudge bar, but no other real protection other than that. Have snatch straps, other straps, no snorkel, no navigation aids and not a lot else.

    Ideally I can progress this idea over the coming weeks, but looking at clips of Cape York, it will take too long, and it is not something you should do on your own, or without being part of a convoy. I am happy to link up with other convoys, is that acceptable behaviour ?

    As can be seen, this is all very new to me, but it is a great and life-fulfilling idea, sadly it is not the wife's thing, so best company other than her is myself ! Initial thoughts greatly welcome and I hope to try and tailor what I do according to the wide words and recommendations from the forum.

    Cheers,

    Matt.
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  2. 12th December 2017, 02:19 PM #2
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    Matt
    At that time of year there are plenty of people/tourist on the road. The roads are generally dry & in goodish condition.
    A D2 would do the roads you are on about easy (the Cape has the easy road & the not so easy road) & if you did have a problem there would be plenty of Grey Nomads along to help.
    We are getting quite civilized in FNQ these days.

    I did the Cape to Mapoon in a 2 door Vitara a 4 years ago & only used 4WD once.

    Just do it.

    Jonesfam
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  3. 12th December 2017, 02:54 PM #3
    discorevy
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    All I can say is good on you , I'm sure if you prepare your d2 and yourself well ,you'll have a great experience, maybe do a short trip somewhere beforehand for a few days you'll get a better idea of what you'll need and what you can do without, if the cars in top shape you shouldn't have any issues , I'm sure there will be an aulro member not too far away if you do, I'm with jonesfam ......go for it, life's too short
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  4. 12th December 2017, 03:33 PM #4
    ballbag
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    Solo trip to Daintree FNQ

    Pick up a full size printed touring map of FNQ, a cheap tablet with GPS and a set of Hema maps from Memory Map, and maybe a personal locating beacon if it eases the anxiety.

    2 spare wheels and tyres, jack and something to jack on (cast iron pan works), appropriate tool kit, silicon tape for hose repair, spare serp belt and 14 gallons of your favourite beverage..... good to goSolo trip to Daintree FNQ
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  5. 12th December 2017, 04:55 PM #5
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    A relatively easy run I would have thought in a standard Disco,, I did that trip, through to Cooktown via the Bloomfield road, along with a few detours looking at some tracks, in a MWB Tojo with very aggressive tyres, and it was a breeze. I did have a winch and straps as backup. Only had one spare, which I blew halfway to CT, but wasn't really phased at all, plenty of people around.
    Back then there were only paper maps/books, and amazingly, I never got lost

    Go for it, you'll love it.
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  6. 12th December 2017, 05:10 PM #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by discorevy View Post
    I'm with jonesfam ......go for it, life's too short
    Amen to that.
    ​JayTee

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  7. 13th December 2017, 09:13 AM #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by johntins View Post
    Amen to that.
    x 2
    Ian &
    Leo - SIII 109/GMH3.3
    Daphne I - '97 Disco 300Tdi Manual
    Daphne II - '03 Disco Td5 Auto
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  8. 13th December 2017, 09:41 AM #8
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    The D2a is a very capable 4WD and the area you intend to travel isn't that remote So just Go for it
    Once you get the hang of this off road driving caper there will be No stopping you, Get out there and have some fun
    You only get one shot at life, Aim well

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  9. 13th December 2017, 09:45 AM #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by trout1105 View Post
    The D2a is a very capable 4WD and the area you intend to travel isn't that remote So just Go for it
    ...Get out there and have some fun
    x 2!
    Ian &
    Leo - SIII 109/GMH3.3
    Daphne I - '97 Disco 300Tdi Manual
    Daphne II - '03 Disco Td5 Auto
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