Coburg peninsular

Howdy John - Hmm! Good question.
We are currently researching similar territory for a trip in June/July 2012 and thus far have been led to believe it is a no van trip. Also there has been much info to say we should have "booked our trip" 12 months ahead! So we watch with eager eyes and itching ears on this one!
Thanks for asking
Cheers - Ian & Sally

John

I have some friends (non BT) who are travelling to Coburg Peninsula in July. They arranged their permits about 4-6 weeks ago. One is taking a Kimberley Karavan, and the other an Aussie Swag Camper Trailer. AFAIK Caravans are not allowed, unless they have made dispensations. The website says NO.

We did the (tent) trip in 2003, and it was great. Make sure you have plenty of fuel, and don't miss the day trip to Port Essington.

A great drive up there, with reasonbable road, but a bit rough and steep just before entering the National Park.

Cheers
Bob

Hi John,
If you haven't already done so, take a look at the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park website. It says (unfortunately): caravans and motor bikes are not permitted

Andy

Hi and Thanks for your responses,
After reading your responses regarding the website and you are correct that it states no caravans
Allowed.I then rang the lady in the permit office in Palmerston who had advised me yesterday that to take an off road van in is ok but it is at your own risk, I reconfirmed this today with the same permit lady and the advice was the same.
It would appear that they have concerns about what people class as off road caravans and therefore tend to lean on the side of caution and fair enough.
For those that may be planning something similar I enquirer about Permit availability in late May early June and as of yesterday there were still vacancies .
The permit lady also mentioned that they sometimes tow a boat in and the time taken from Jabiru
Varies from around 5.5 to 7.5 hrs.
This might give you some idea about planning.
Thanks again for your help

Hi John. We travelled to Cobourg Peninsular with 2 other Bushtrackers in 2008. Two of us had boats on top of our Landcruisers although only got these on water once as it was so windy while we were there. The road is rough but we have been on worse eg. Strezlecki Track. You just have to take it easy and you'll be fine. While we were there a vehicle came in towing a Paramount caravan and it hadn't fallen apart so be assured a BT will make it in! 6 hours should get you in easily. There are two camps at Garig Garu NP, one you camp at if you want to use generators and the other no generators allowed. There is fresh water available, showers and drop toilets. No services around at all so take in all you provisions. Make sure you do trip to Victoria Settlement. Enjoy!

Hi Ian and Sally. We went along the Strezleki from Lyndhurst to Innaminka. It was very rough but main problem for us was the sharp stones sticking up. Road into Cobourg is a bit like that with more corrugations from memory. We haven't done the Gibb but have been to Cape York and the road to Cobourg isn't as bad as the corrugations going up there. You'll be fine! I don't have many photos of the actual track but can send you a couple that we took along the way which will give you an idea of what it's like. Just let me know if you like to see them. Cheers Lyn and Peter