Cairns Tracks/ Places to see

[PLAYDOH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PLAYDOH]

I'm travelling over to Cairns in late June and will be there up until early July. I plan on heading up to the Daintree and doing some day trips like the CREB and Cape Tribulation.

I'm hoping a few Cairns members might be able to chime in and recommend some tracks or places to go, that might be outside of the normal tourist spots if not some that I should do that are popular, or if there are some 4WD tracks that might be a bit of fun, or don't bother going here or there as they are just a dirt track?

I'm happy to do a bit of travelling as well, example Atherton and Tinaroo or places out that way to see something different.??

I'd also be interested in getting in on a local trip run if I was welcome?

Any advice is welcome

[spitfireslw Member Find all posts View Profile Close spitfireslw]

I too will be up their around this time and would be keen for a trip or two.

[PLAYDOH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PLAYDOH]

We plan to head up the CREB in July on the 4th provided it is open, we are staying in a tent cabin at the Lions Den that night, then heading back down through Cape Tribulation the next day. We didn't have the gear or the planning for a full blown trip to CY, plus we are sorta in Cairns first up for a friends wedding.

I'll be keeping an eye out for other PP members, since it seems quite a few people are going to be out this way then.

[Dusty74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dusty74]

Hey guys,
I'd be more than happy to show you around. Go out most weekends and even though I have only been up here a short time, have a handle on quite a range of tracks. Best bet will be to pm me when you get to town and we can break out the maps!

Cheers,
Dusty

[PLAYDOH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PLAYDOH]

Thanks for the reply Dusty

I'll PM you closer to the date when I arrive and if you have the time maybe we can get out on a track. I hear there are some good tracks to some great swimming spots.

[Dusty74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dusty74]

Yep, not a problem. You might be surprised at the water temp in some of our creeks though! Most tracks exist because of a waterhole or creek so there's plenty to choose from. See you in a couple of weeks.

Cheers,
Dusty

[PLAYDOH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PLAYDOH]

Hey Dusty have you done the CREB before..?? How has it been around Cairns and up North much rain in the last couple of weeks?

I'm looking at the recovery gear I should bring for the trip, with the reading I've done it appears if the track is dry it becomes quite easy for an experienced 4WDriver. But any sign of a few mm of rain and things can get pretty hectic and the place is closed?

I suppose Murphy's law will kick in if I bring all my gear none of it will be needed, the sun will shine all day, if I don't I'm sure I'll end up bogged some where wishing I had my hand winch on me whilst I cower in the cold rain in the middle of the jungle... lol

I suppose I better make a call to Cairns regional Council and see how things are going as well.

[GreenVX Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GreenVX]

Hi,
Im keen if you do end up doing any of the dry tracks around the Cairns/ Tablelands area. Would love to come and play on the CREB but itl have to wait till after ive installed a snorkel and new suspension which has been set back due to some urgent dental work recently.
Had a weekend away with the missus in the Daintree 4/5 weeks ago, tracks up that way are pretty dry and quite a few campers/ sightseeres wandering about.
Has been good weather up here lately, dry season has started, have had alot of clear, sunny days. Bit cool o/night but not so bad right on the coast.
Let me know hoe your plans pan out. Cheers, Shannon.

[Dusty74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dusty74]

Well guys I'm sorry to say the latest on the Creb is that is still closed, due to open early July. Mostly due to late rain we had up here and council is still repairing the track. You can however travel up the Bloomfield track and come back down the northern section of the track to Roaring Meg falls. I actually haven't done the track myself yet and was hoping to do it this season. So fingers crossed it opens while your here.

Cheers,
Dusty

[PLAYDOH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PLAYDOH]

Called up the regional council today and the CREB is still closed at this stage. The lady said it would be better for me to call up closer to the date to find out. But predicted that it probably won't open until early July at this stage.

Shannon I'll be posting in here for any trips whilst in Cairns so keep an eye out on this thread.

[blkd4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close blkd4d]

If you get to do the creb you will love it done it last year on the way back from the cape

[PLAYDOH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PLAYDOH]

You can however travel up the Bloomfield track and come back down the northern section of the track to Roaring Meg falls.

Hey Dusty you and I must have been typing a reply at the same time...

What do you think about going up through Cape Tribulation? I was going to go this way as an alternative if the CREB was closed? Or is it more of a dirt road? We are booked in for a night at the Lions Den in a Safari lodge on the 4th of July.

[GreenVX Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GreenVX]

Thanks for that PLAYDOH, will keep tabs on this post.

[toddy Member Find all posts View Profile Close toddy]

I'm always keen for a drive around the area with the kids, so I'll also keep tabs on this post and may join you on a drive as it gets closer to the date.

Cheers,

[Dusty74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dusty74]

Mate the track through Cape Trib is just a dirt road these days but its still a better drive than the inland route to Cooktown/ Lion Den. A lot more scenic and like I said if you are already staying at Lion's Den you still have the option of heading up to Roaring Meg Falls if the Creb is still shut. I've got a few other options we can chat about over a beer once your in Cairns.

Cheers,
Dusty