Travelling to Cape York
Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 02, 2026 at 21:16
ThreadID: 152612
Views:560
Replies:4
FollowUps:5
Member - William B
Hello, a question to the wise members of the
forum.
We are at
Taroom at the moment and are going via
Clermont and Charters Towers.
Heading to
Mareeba.
The question is (towing a Jayco Starcraft) is the
Gregory Development road a viable alternative too going to
Townsville and up?
I am completely new to this area.
Thanks in advance.
William
Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Jun 02, 2026 at 22:31
Tuesday, Jun 02, 2026 at 22:31
I have been using the
Gregory D/R for years with my soft road van. It is 2 lane road all the way.
AnswerID:
649280
Reply By: Member - nick boab - Wednesday, Jun 03, 2026 at 06:13
Wednesday, Jun 03, 2026 at 06:13
William. On other forms of
forum, FB, people mention the road being bouncy in
places but a good alternative .
One suggestion/ comment was the road was quieter for road trains on the weekend.
Good travels..
AnswerID:
649282
Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Wednesday, Jun 03, 2026 at 07:53
Wednesday, Jun 03, 2026 at 07:53
There are copper mines up that way. The ore is road freighted down to
Townsville for processing. I find that the road trains travel at a good speed that matches my towing speed. Just follow them and you will have a pleasant trip.
As far as the "road being bouncy in places" goes, of course it will be that way. It is an inland Qld road, built on unstable ground. The ground under their roads moves a bit and the road surface follows the ground movements. If they wanted to build a perfectly stable road that does not suffer any imperfections, the cost would be so high that they would have very few sealed roads in the state. You either accept these imperfect roads or stay away.
FollowupID:
931059
Reply By: Member - William B - Friday, Jun 05, 2026 at 17:05
Friday, Jun 05, 2026 at 17:05
We have arrived at
Mareeba.
Weather is lovely.
I can report that the
Gregory Development road is a great road. No problems at all.
Thank you to everyone that offered information.
Stocking up and relax at
Mareeba bush stays for a few days then off to the Cape.
For those that may be interested I am driving a 2023 D-Max auto towing a 17.58-3 Jayco dual wheel outback and over a 2,500 klm trip am managing 16.1 L/100 k's.
I'm happy with that.
William
AnswerID:
649290
Follow Up By: Kenell - Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 08:28
Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 08:28
William, are you aware that the
Weipa fishing comp is on this weekend? Its a big deal with big prizes etc. I was talking to my son who is somewhere near you now. He came off the Cape on Thursday and said traffic was building. Lots of boats. If you can leave your departure for a day or two it might save you a windscreen.
I drive a 2024 DMax Terrain and your fuel economy towing is similar to my experience. Our van a single axle and I average around 15L/100K.
Enjoy your trip. We love the Cape and envy you.
Kenell
FollowupID:
931080
Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 14:47
Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 14:47
Make sure you spend time in
Weipa, top spot and highly recommend Loyalty Beach, great spot and close to
the Tip
FollowupID:
931081
Follow Up By: Member - William B - Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 15:23
Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 15:23
Thanks for the recommendation Stephen.
Loyalty beach is on the agenda.
William
FollowupID:
931082
Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 16:02
Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 16:02
Safe Travels
FollowupID:
931083
Reply By: Member - William B - Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 09:08
Saturday, Jun 06, 2026 at 09:08
Thanks Kennel,
I wasn't aware about the comp.
We were going to leave Monday, we might need to do a bit of site seeing around
Mareeba for an extra day.
AnswerID:
649292