Old Telegraph Track (Cape York)
About this track
The Old Telegraph Track is Cape York's defining 4WD challenge: a 350 km run from Lakeland Downs to Bamaga through some of Australia's most remote savanna and tropical woodland. Built along the 1880s telegraph line, it demands serious vehicles, dry-season timing and convoy discipline. The track's reputation rests on notorious creek crossings—Palm, Gunshot, Nolan's and the Jardine system—that test drivers, vehicles and patience in equal measure.
Highlights
- Gunshot Creek: deep water crossing, often the trip's crux point
- Palm Creek crossing with washouts and soft entries
- Nolan's Creek: boulder-strewn, technical approach required
- Savanna open plains with distant ridge lines
- High remoteness: no services between Moreton and Bamaga
- Corrugations interspersed with sand and creek washouts
What to expect
Alternating corrugated track, deep sand in patches, and creek crossings that demand precise line-finding and spotting. Terrain swings from open savanna to closed woodland. Water levels vary even in dry season; creek beds shift after rain. The Jardine catchment crossings are the crux—some require vehicle recovery, winching or air let-down. Remoteness is absolute; no fuel or supplies between Moreton and Bamaga.
Permits, prep & good to know
- Permits: No — confirm current details before you go.
- Surface / hazards: Moderate.
- Remoteness: High — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
- Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.
Travel Jun–Oct only; wet season closes the track entirely. No permits required, but check road status with local authorities before departure. Convoy travel is essential—carry dual battery, winch, sand flags, recovery gear and extra fuel/water. UHF comms mandatory. Fill fuel at Moreton or Bramwell; fuel is dear at Bamaga. Sourced water from creeks (carry filter/treatment). An EPIRB is strongly advised given remoteness. Minimal impact: pack all waste, respect camping areas, keep noise down.