Cape York - To The Tip and Back - Moreton Telegraph Station and Musgrave Roadhouse

Moreton Telegraph Station

16 – 17 July

We set off early (for us) from Seisia, and reached the Jardine River Ferry, the last “place” until Bramwell Junction. There are toilets and a fuel station, as well as a campground. The ferry ticket you purchase on the way up is a return ticket which you do have to produce on the way back.

We set off again along the Northern Bypass Road – it was still in appalling condition in parts. We had hoped that maybe a grader had been along while we were at the tip, but no such luck.  We continued on to the small section of the Old Telegraph Track and then on to the Southern Bypass Road. Because of our early start, we were making good time.

One of the large termite mounds that are common in this part of the country. Across the road from Bramwell Roadhouse.

We stopped at Bramwell Junction Roadhouse for a stretch and a coffee, then headed on to Moreton Telegraph Station. We were fortunate to be able to get a powered site again, and set up on the same one we had last time. Iithin ½ hour the four powered sites were taken. If you need a powered site I suggest booking ahead or arriving by lunchtime. There is heaps of space for those not needing power. Once again Mick spent a good bit of time trying to photograph the resident birds.

I didn't get any special shots as hoped but managed some snaps of the Manucode again.

We set off early again, aiming for Musgrave Roadhouse. As we moved south, the roads continued to improve.

Musgrave Roadhouse

17 – 18 July

We stopped at the free camping area, known as The Bend, just before Coen, for lunch, then continued on to Musgrave. We arrived mid-afternoon, and were one of the first into the campground so had our pick of the spots. We chose one under a shady tree. There are no powered sites at Musgrave but we were able to get the solar panels into the sun for part of the afternoon.

Mick went exploring and found the dam, complete with freshwater crocodiles. We were also able to access the creek, but no swimming allowed - there could be saltwater crocodiles. We ventured up to the bar for a drink and chatted to some other travellers. We found that everyone wants to share their experiences of going to the tip, or hear about yours if they are on their way up.

We saw a few freshwater Crocodiles in the dam.

Torresian Crows were a pest around the campground, getting into bins and spreading rubbish around.

A Whistling Kite calls down by the creek.

A White-faced Heron by the creek.

We were very keen to get going in the morning, so after fuelling up, we headed off for Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park.