Advice needed for 4x4 Camping 18 days through the Cape

Hey Guys - and Girls.

We will be heading off from Canberra to Cape York in September. When we get to Cairns we will be meeting up with 3 other vehicles of families and doing an 18 day trip camping and driving to the tip and back - (to Cairns).

I have a 99 GU Patrol, 4.5ltr on Gas and Petrol, 2" lift with 33" tires, Winch, Maxtrax and I will be taking 2 spare jerry cans. Outside of this apart from the obvious - tent and cloths, what do people recommend? Not sure whether to buy a fridge/freezer also.

Any advice specific or broad would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Paul

Hello Twitch,

Good to see you're heading up in Sept. if this big cyclone on the way hits expect the roads to be pretty poor if heading up any earlier.
Recommend you get a fridge to keep food/drinks cool, do you have a dual battery setup? There is plenty of petrol available but not Gas, also whatever you decide to take, pack less. You really don't need all those clothes and food you were planning to take - if you're anything like us.:biggrin:
Take it easy and you'll have a ball, heaps to do up there.

Have a look at this thread from our Cape Trip last year http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...light=wilburys a lot of pages but some good info spread between the bull5hit.

Just yell if you want to know anything specific.

Most of all ENJOY and take plenty of pics!

Hi Paul, did the trip from Canberra last July and will be going again this July.
You don't really need extra fuel but a fridge is well worth it,
Had an absolute ball of a time so that's why we are going again, last year there was three vehicles, my Patrol a new BT50 and a hilux, this year 2 Patrols & 2 Camper Trailers.
We camped at the Big 4 at Port Douglas before we ventured up the Cape.
Great fishing at Weipa as well.
Cheers & Enjoy
Anymore questions just ask.

Tonks.

Awesome guys,
thanks for your input. In terms of food, what would you recommend? also is a fridge a really good idea for 18 days?

Also what about cooking? any do's or don't for bringing certain things?

A fridge is a great bit if kit.
What size and style is up to you though.

We have a 50ltr, suits wife, I and 2 kids nicely.
We take 1ltr long life milks, one at a time in the fridge, a handful of beers at most, just replace as you take..
Things like eggs don't need to be refrigerated, just kept in a cool place..

A chiro vac machine is also a good investment. Do up simple meals like soups, stews, rice etc and freeze them into portions.. Makes cooking easier..

I'd have a gas backup for cooking. So a 4kg gas bottle and stove of some description.. If it's raining you still want to have hot coffees...

Some sorta Cover.. Weather it's a side awning, or a small gazebo.
Again, shelter against rain or hot sun..

And most importantly water.
Never been cape before so have no idea on supply situation..
It's recommended to carry 5ltr per person per day..
So say it you and partner.. 5 days is a nice stint before hunting for water, so 50-60ltrs..

I've just made a 70ltr tank, but remember there are 4 of us..

Um.. Camera.. Lots of pics..
And enjoy it..