Thread: D3 Cape York trip - Preparation advice

I have done the cape a couple of times now. My latest trip was June/July this year in my D4 towing a off-road camper.
As previously said; for the vehicle recommend spare filters (air fuel)
A UHF is a must (travelling alone or in a group).
You will need a compressor especially if you intend doing the "5 beach rune" near Somerset and Virlya Point.
Don't forget the shovel.
If you are towing a camper then I recommend a spare shackle bolts and ensure everything is packed securely in the camper.
Normal advice is drive to the road conditions and the earlier in the year that you go the higher the creek crossings. The earlier you go the more spectacular it is also. They are continually doing a lot of work on the roads.
School holiday time is the busiest so generally there is plenty of assistance to be rendered if needed - but your in a Disco so shouldn't be needed!!!!

Enjoy the trip.
MickM

Sounds like fun. There was a member who did a really good write up with heaps of photos a few months back in the Qld trips section. He went solo vehicle wise. The only problem he had was on the sand on the beach up at the end of the track - bogging big time.

Cheers

juddo,

The trip report ozscott is talking about is below.

Cape York trip June 2010 report

Gives you a good indication of what can be achieved in a stock D3 with quality tyres.

Regards,

George.

I'll be daring and suggest that unless you are going to play submarines and push the limits of the recommended wading depths for your vehicle, then neither a snorkel nor a bull bar are necessary for the Cape trip.

If you drive carefully and are off the road by about 4-4.30pm the chances of hitting the wildlife reduce considerably.

Spare air filter and fuel filter, spare bits and pieces for the EAS emergency bypass fix, a decent high capacity compressor, air pressure gauge and a box of puncture plugs and spare Schrader valves, spare drive belt(s), dual battery config. and a UHF radio, 4L coolant concentrate and a 4L container of demineralised water. A/T tyres and a decent sump guard...a box of spares you can fit yourself (you can't plan to take account of "catastrophic failure" except with a total vehicle recovery insurance policy), a small grease gun, and a tin of grease for maintaining the trailer bearings as required. you might also include a couple of litres of engine oil to top up if necessary

As others have said, the later in the season the lower the creeks...choose your path wisely and enjoy! It's a great trip and there's plenty of excellent info on this site.

Thanks everyone for the useful information. I have already read all the trip reviews with great interest (especially the one linked above).

I am certainly not as game as some people, and doubt very much that I will be attempting the gunshot creek crossing, for instance. The bypass track looks very inviting.

I will be going with one other vehicle, a Ni##an P#t*#l 3L diesel (do not want to fall foul of the no swearing rule). We both have similar offroad camper trailers.

We both agree with the philosophy of taking it easy and driving to the conditions. Neither of us wants to break our rigs. From my point of view, I will not be doing the trip with the aim of finding the hardest possible obstacles to drive over and through just for the sake of doing it. I am going there to experience the place and enjoy the trip.

Cheers, Matt.

Juddo,

Great philosophy, enjoy the trip but you can be confident that your D3 will take you many many places without to much trouble and you can help the Nissan out when it gets into trouble.

And remember the rules about a trip report and photos. I look forward to both when you have completed the trip, in mid 2011.

Regards,

George