Great Northern Adventure

Trip up East Coast from Coffs Harbour to the Cape, over to Darwin then down the centre Read more

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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 41
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 3:57 PM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Australia Cook Shire -14.629373, 143.97142214°37’46” S 143°58’17” E
Day 14 4wd Cape Adventure
June 17, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Left Archer River Roudhouse this morning after some baked beans and toast!
Destination is Kalpowar, inside Lakefield National Park. Camped beside a croc filled Normanby river. (Didn't actually see a croc, but warnings everywhere )

The first stop is Coen for fuel and some supplies as tonight is cook your own.
Had a look at Heritage House, an old museum which ok, but starting to see too many of these..
Musgrave Roudhouse for lunch ( a curry pie that should combine beautifully with this mornings baked beans 💨 )

Lakefield National Park, and in particular Lilly Lagoon, provided some great birdlike.
Brolga, egret, magpie geese, freckled duck and Jabiru to name a few.
This is our last camp in National parks. Tomorrow Cooktown!Read more
Nice camping area [Nancy]
6/18/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 41
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 4:55 PM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Australia Hope Vale -14.911667, 144.21166714°54’42” S 144°12’42” E
Day 14 4wd Cape Adventure part 2
June 17, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 42
Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 2:37 PM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Australia Saint Patrick Point -15.476667, 145.24515°28’36” S 145°14’42” E
Day 15 4wd Cape Adventure
June 18, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Left Kalpowar Crossing for Laura homestead. Had a look at another old house with rusty machinery and had Salada and cheese for smoko.
I have to report supplies are running low, but we should make it through to Cooktown tonight when we can restock.

Lunch was Isabella falls... I know, more waterfall pictures.

A short drive later, we hit bitumen and Cooktown. We are here for 2 nights with a free day tomorrow.

Initial thought is that it looks a pretty nice place, although we have been warned to lock everything up. At least I won't be in danger of a horse shitting on my head like Seisia!
More tomorrow..Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 43
Monday, June 19, 2023 at 7:55 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Australia Grassy Hill -15.458333, 145.25666715°27’30” S 145°15’24” E
Day 16 4wd Cape Adventure
June 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Cooktown
After a delicious fish & chips on the wharf last night, was off for a walk this morning.
Cooktown is a nice place, and so far no trouble with the locals.
Heading to Hopetown & Cape Bedford this afternoon for the rainbow sands and a look at the beach.Read more
Great Place I don’t remember rainbow sands. 11 degrees here today brrrrrrr [Nancy]
6/18/23Reply
Michael SharpeIt's cooled down to about 27c now we have moved south😄
6/19/23Reply
iI climbed to a lookout over the sea when I was there [Nancy]
6/19/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 44
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 2:59 PM
⛅ 25 °C
Altitude: 140 m
Australia Annan River -15.70634, 145.22181515°42’23” S 145°13’19” E
Day 17 4wd Cape Adventure
June 20, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Breakfast this morning at the Cooktown Botanical Gardens Cafe. Not bad
Had a quick look at Finch Beach, which was a nice beach with great rock formations, but no Crocs ☹️
Onto the Cook Museum, which is an extensive record of Cook and the Endeavours issues with both the reef and the indigenous people.
A short trip up to Archer lookout with a great view over the shoals and great barrier reef.
Next up was Black Mountain, which is a lot of black rocks and not much else.
Lions Den hotel is our destination tonight for our farewell dinner as this trip ends tomorrow as we 4wd through the Daintree and onto Cairns.Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 45
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 4:25 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Australia Mooroobool -16.938621, 145.74227416°56’19” S 145°44’32” E
Day 18 4wd Cape Adventure
June 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Last day!!
Well, after quite the adventure, we've arrived safely back at Cairns and looking forward to a luxurious nights sleep after 18 nights in the swag.
Left Lions Den this morning and travelled the Bloomfield track, which was pretty basic 4wdrivng..
Stopped off at Bloomfield Falls, then through the spectacular Daintree National park to Cape Tribulation
Saw another great beach you can't swim at, had a bit of lunch, and said our goodbyes to the group.
From Cape Tribulation, it was time to "air up" our tyre pressure as it was all sealed road for the 120 km back to Cairns. (Except for the ferry across the Daintree River, that was water)
Overall, it was a great trip...4.5 stars.Read more
Great water falls. Will you see Carol before setting off again [Nancy]
6/21/23Reply
Michael SharpeYes, will call her tomorrow to catch up on the weekend
6/21/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 46
Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 3:20 PM
☁️ 25 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Australia Mooroobool -16.938792, 145.74208416°56’20” S 145°44’32” E
Cairns 21st to 26th June
June 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Back into Cairns to clean up and resupply.
Just missed Paul Meeks, but should catch up with Bev & Sharon and Gars and Catherine on Sunday.
Also hope to catch up with Cousin Carol at some stage here.
Friday
Caught the Skyrail up to Karunda. Pretty spectacular scenery from the gondola looking at rainforest.
Did the shops & markets at Karunda and came back on the train.

Saturday
Messed around this morning with maintenance and supplies.
Went to Lunch with Uncle Dennis, Aunty Val, Carol, Chris & Rosie at Tha Fish. It was great catching up with them, and the food was pretty good too!

Sunday
Prep & maintenance for trip west. Caught up with Bev & Sharon and Gars & Catherine.Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 50
Monday, June 26, 2023 at 5:18 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 333 m
Australia Junction Creek -18.12, 143.9618°7’12” S 143°57’36” E
26th June Talaroo Hot Springs
June 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Left Cairns after catching up with Bev & Sharon and Gars & Catherine last night.
Went up through the Atherton tablelands and had lunch at Ravenshoe.
Camp tonight is at Talaroo Hot Springs. Can't get to see them as you have to book a tour (indigenous land now) and are not allowed to walk to them..
Nevermind, had a great swim in the Einasleigh River nearby. This was croc free happily 😊
Will play tomorrow by ear as Karumba is about 5 hours away, and we aren't due there until the 28th. Could be a free camp somewhere?Read more
TravelerWhat where the Atherton tablelands like ?
6/26/23Reply
Michael SharpeAlot like Dorigo Plains. Grassy pasture land that looks great. Soon out of it into scub though
6/26/23Reply
Traveler👍
6/26/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 51
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 4:43 PM
☀️ 33 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Australia Glenore -17.846251, 141.13093617°50’47” S 141°7’51” E
27th June Leichardt 12 mile Lagoon
June 27, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Got up and went for a walk on a beautiful morning after a cool evening. Doona back on!
Warm days 33c, cool nights 14c.
Trevor managed to convince the lovely Levina to get us on the 10am tour of the hot Springs.
Note: Talaroo means brown snake in Ewamian
The tour guide was actually very informative and you could tell she was very connected to the land. This site stopped operations as a cattle station 5 years ago and the indigenous people have been reclaiming the land since. ( including 3 years of noone on it).
Travelled through Georgetown and Croydon on our way to Leichhardt 12 mile Lagoon. Pretty spot with lillies and bird life, as well as massive crocs..Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 52
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 3:01 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Australia Karumba Airport -17.461667, 140.82833317°27’42” S 140°49’42” E
28th June - ahh Karumba!
June 28, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
After a short hop (90km) from yesterday's camp at Leichhardt Lagoon, we hit Karumba. We expect to stay 4 nights here, but will keep an eye on the weather. It's forecast for a couple of inches of rain on Sunday. It's also 700km of dirt between Normanton and Borroloola, so that might be messyRead more
TravelerSounds like it’s time for the Demax to step up🫣
6/29/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 53
Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 5:45 PM
🌬 28 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Australia Karumba Point -17.458113, 140.83295917°27’29” S 140°49’59” E
29th June Karumba
June 29, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 28 °C
Fishing charter day!
TravelerAbout time we saw some hook action looks nice on the plate doesn’t look like a barra though
6/29/23Reply
Michael SharpeKing Salmon!
6/29/23Reply
Michael SharpeCorrection- Blue salmon
6/29/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 54
Friday, June 30, 2023 at 7:42 PM
🌙 25 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Australia Karumba Point -17.458333, 140.83333317°27’30” S 140°49’60” E
30th June Karumba
June 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 25 °C
Worked on the caravan brakes again with some result. Up to the Sunset Hotel for dinner and raffles. Better result!
TravelerStunning sunset!
7/5/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 56
Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 2:09 PM
☁️ 25 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Australia Karumba Point -17.458056, 140.83270217°27’29” S 140°49’58” E
2 July - Still in Karumba
July 2, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Well, still in Karumba, it looks like we have missed the main rain. South of us looks like it copped a bit, but the road here remains open
Did a bit of land based fishing with the usual results, although we did get better at throwing the bait cast net
Off to Leichhardt Falls tomorrow after a restock at Normanton.Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 58
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 8:31 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 192 m
Australia Quamby -20.371667, 140.28333320°22’18” S 140°16’60” E
3rd July Karumba to Quamby
July 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Left Karumba after a fair bit of rain last night. After restocking some supplies in Normanton, the mighty DMax decided its battery could go no further. Luckily the local garage supplied & fitted a new Century battery for $250! Bargain!
We decided that given the road to Burketown and Borroloola was closed, we would reverse our trip and head down the sealed road through Cloncurry and Mt Iza before turning north again to Daly waters and Mataranka etc.
Tonight's stay is at the back of the Quamby pub (50 km out of Cloncurry). For $10 dollars and a pub feed it's another bargain!Read more
TravelerBargains galore!
7/5/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 58
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 3:45 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 229 m
Australia Camooweal Airport -19.921617, 138.11795319°55’18” S 138°7’5” E
4th July
July 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Did the trip from Quarmby Hotel, though Cloncurry, Mt Isa, though to Camooweal where we stopped for the night behind another pub!
The drive was pretty good but less wildlife than yesterday.
Yesterday's drive featured near misses on Kites, Eagles, grass parrots, one very lucky wallaby, and numerous brolgas (brolgie?)
This is the last stop for Queensland on our way to NT tomorrow.Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 59
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 3:34 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 306 m
Australia Attack Creek Historical Reserve -19.023333, 134.14166719°1’24” S 134°8’30” E
5th July - Attack Creek camp NT
July 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Left Camooweal after another pub stay. Cooked our own food and drank our own beer as the Post Office pub was having a bit of a lend at $15 each for a mud paddock.
Took off and lost half an hour (and a decade or two) crossing into NT, with lunch at the Barkly homestead. They have spent some $$ doing this up, and it looks like they're trying to get it in one year with their prices.
After about 500km today, we pulled into a free camp at Attack Creek, about 50km past 3 ways.
Trevs finally got his chance for a fire, so it's chops, spuds in foil, and salad for tea.
Magnificent sunset and moonrise tonight with plenty of stars.Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 61
Friday, July 7, 2023 at 8:01 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 122 m
Australia Waterhouse River -14.92533, 133.13372414°55’31” S 133°8’1” E
6th July Mataranka
July 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Attack Creek camp to Mararanka. Stopped at Elliott for fuel & lunch.
Mataranka only had the back paddock unpowered sites left in what is a big caravan park.
So many people here. It's a mix of school holidays and road closures further up ( Gibb & Fitzroy crossing).
Probably only stay the one night as a free camp would be better!Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 61
Friday, July 7, 2023 at 12:46 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 113 m
Australia Emugalan -14.428388, 132.29550714°25’42” S 132°17’44” E
7th July Katherine
July 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Left the chaos of Mataranka for Kathrine. Very busy here as people can't travel west until early next week due to road closures.
Got onto a good park and will do the hot Springs this evening. More to come!Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 62
Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:32 AM
🌬 24 °C
Altitude: 140 m
Australia Katherine -14.311667, 132.42666714°18’42” S 132°25’36” E
July 8th Katherine Gorge
July 8, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 24 °C
Went for a 5 km loop walk around Katherine Gorge to Baruwei Lookout. Nice views with steep steps.
Back home for lunch then of to Edith Falls, which was a great place for a swim out to the waterfalls.
Home to a lovely coconut poached fish 😋
We leave Katherine tomorrow for Kakadu.Read more
You are really in the out back there Looking forward to seeing pics of kakadu [Nancy]
7/8/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 63
Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 5:48 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Australia Cooinda Airport -12.906011, 132.52444812°54’22” S 132°31’28” E
July 9th Mardukal Campground No.1
July 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Katherine to Kakadu National Park today. Pulled in at South Kakadu near Coorinda and stocked up on info about what to see.
A couple of beers listening to the footy and getting ready for a big day tomorrow.Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 64
Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:18 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 74 m
Australia West Arnhem -13.316667, 132.43833313°19’0” S 132°26’18” E
July 10th Muguk falls and Yellow waters
July 10, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Took a trip to Muguk Falls. It's hard to believe these places exist in this landscape.
Had lunch at home then took off for the Yellow Waters cruise. Such a vast array if wildlife from crocs and water buffalo to dingo and pigs. Birds from brolgas and Jabiru to the Azure kingfisher. Well worth it.
Tomorrow, we're off to Jabiru and a camp up near Ubirr and Cahills crossing.Read more
Great photos Julie Awesome scenery Keep away from those crocs xx [Nancy]
7/10/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 65
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 6:56 PM
🌙 29 °C
Altitude: 27 m
Australia Ubirr -12.426667, 132.95512°25’36” S 132°57’18” E
July 11th Kakadu - Jabariu and Merl Camp
July 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 29 °C
Left this morning for North Kadadu. Stopped at Jabaru for petrol and on to Merl Camp ground where we will send the next two days.
Collected, cut & split firewood (not sure why as its 30c +) but you you know Trev loves his fires!
This evening went down to Cahills crossing at high tide to see the crocs feeding on barramundi as they come over the causeway. Pretty impressive crocs and a couple got lucky! (Got fish....)Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 66
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 4:29 PM
☀️ 33 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Australia Marrakai -12.764058, 131.4997812°45’51” S 131°29’59” E
July 12th Kakadu to Coroberee Park
July 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Started the morning at Ubirr lookout with a look at the best artwork in the Territory. Climbed up for some great shots from the lookout.
Because of the massive tyre failure with the Crusader, we had to make tracks towards Darwin.
Stopped at Coroberee Park tavern, where we got a couple of sites for the night. Just a short 80km roll into Darwin so we can resolve the Crusaders epic tyre failure..
Ps: it was a balmy 35c today..in fact 33c at nearly 5pm!Read more
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 67
Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 5:57 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Australia Coonawarra -12.438333, 130.91666712°26’18” S 130°55’0” E
July 13th Darwin!
July 13, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
After a quick trip up from Coroberee Creek to Darwin (about 80km), we booked into a park for one night as our 3 night stay was full.
Pretty uneventful day, so I declared an AFD ( alcohol free day) and will be having an early night.
Did a bit of shopping and trip planning. Still deciding which way to come home 🤔
Saw an Orange Footted Megapode

More tomorrowRead more
TravelerThey don’t look too friendly
7/13/23Reply
Michael SharpeAfter all the crocs, these birds look very friendly..
7/13/23Reply
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Great Northern Adventure Michael Sharpe
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Day 68
Friday, July 14, 2023 at 2:19 PM
☁️ 31 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Australia Mindil Beach Reserve -12.441667, 130.83166712°26’30” S 130°49’54” E
July 14th - Darwin
July 14, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Moved to our 3 day spot and got set up for a "long stay"
Ie: unhooked the car..
Spent the afternoon driving around looking at the beaches. Surprisingly it seems you can swim at most
Looking forward to Sunday at the Mindil beach beer can regatta
Tonight's activities revolve around the Darwin Casino, - watch out!Read more
Sounds like fun at regatta Did you have to pawn the caravan after last night ❤️ [Nancy]
7/15/23Reply
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