Old Telegraph Track, Cape York Peninsula, QLD

The Old Telegraph Track (OTT) on Cape York is an iconic 4WD journey that runs parallel to the newer, occasionally graded (but still corrugated), Telegraph Road. Whilst we didn't drive the track, we did call into three of the challenging parts of the track, that can be accessed from the Telegraph Road to get a taste of what it would be like to drive the old track: Palm Creek, Gunshot Creek, and Nolans Brook (also camped here). 0:00 OTT & campgrounds sign 0:13 Palm Creek 0:42 I am not going down that 0:53 Such a pretty creek with a nice rope swing 1:04 Three enter - note recovery strap already clipped to antenna for easy access 2:28 Exit: 2 easy, two with trailers trickier, and another easy 4:22 Gunshot Creek, sand track in 4:34 The various entry tracks 5:35 Three successful traverses 6:08 Back to Telegraph Rd on narrow sand track with big termite mounds 6:20 Nolans Brook signs and sand track in from Telegraph Rd. 6:31 A picturesque and quiet interlude, until the vehicles arrive 6:42 Vehicle going in to Nolans Brook and leaking water all the way out 6:57 Second and third vehicles - mind the dip, not so much water leakage 7:37 Fourth vehicle easy; front row seats for the audience 7:52 Floating, need assistance, straps not ready so hooked on to bull-bar (now bent) 8:30 Sign in trees for vehicle recovery (or salvage), and more cars coming through 9:13 The OTT is also popular for motorbikes, walking the log bridge 9:36 Motorbike didn't make it on top of the bridge so went the wet way 9:53 Relaxing at Nolans campground after a hard day of watching Notes Palm Creek - The first obstacle on the OTT and only 3km into the track which begins at Bramwell Junction. There are two main entry and exit points. One entry is not for the faint-hearted. The other is straight forward though must be treated with caution. The exit when driven with the correct technique is easily negotiated. Gunshot Creek - The next big obstacle is half way along the southern section. The OTT here can be accessed by driving 50km north from Bramwell Junction on the Telegraph Rd, then 28km on a side road. There are multiple entries ranging from challenging to impossible. The exit north is straightforward by comparison. There is a bypass road (5km detour). Nolans Brook - The last of the northern creek crossings is the most notorious. There are numerous options to enter the creek and a couple of easy exits. Prior to entry it is critical to have a recovery plan ready to go, with straps attached and assist vehicle (and mates) on hand. If not, enter at your peril. Motorbikes - Common to see groups of 10 riders. The log bridge at Nolans can be ridden by experienced riders, though it is walked by most. Get it wrong and bike and rider get a drink. Share the experience as we capture the essence of hiking trails and travel as we camp around Australia, non-narrated. Recorded July 2023.