Old Telegraph Track

We had travelled a big day on the Pennisula Development Road, 467km of red dust. A few stops to swim in the fresh water creeks to cool down and dust off got us through the day.  We arrived at Bramwell junction at around five to find our friends Marty and Sue camped there, so we set up camp for the night. Bramwell junction is where the famous old telegraph track starts, a playground for 4wd enthusiasts.

We recognised the family that were camped next to Marty and Sue, we had been following their blog as they are another family travelling Australia like us. We went over to say hello and they too were planning to tackle the old telegraph track. That night we spoke to a few others at the campground all of who were preparing to travel the track as well, so there was quite a convoy happening.



boggy steep exit - Palm creek

 Woken by the campground generator at 5.50am  it was time to get up and prepare for a day of adventure, already the weather was very warm which made an early rise easier. The whole campground was ready to leave by 8.30am and a convoy of 8 vehicles (3 with camper trailers) started the old telegraph track. The first creek crossing was easy, just like a big muddy puddle. The second, Palm creek, had very steep entry and exit and only one car got thru and that was a 100 series cruiser with twin lockers. Everyone else had to be towed up the boggy,steep exit.




deep section of Ducie creek

 The next creek, Ducie creek, was deep in some sections but a hard base made it an easy crossing. We had to cross the creek in an S shape to get around the really deep sections.
South and North Alice creek crossings were no problems, we did manage to have a front wheel lift on entry to the South Alice creek. This was the first of many wheel lifts to come.

Front wheel lift - South Alice creek

The first of the convoys car  troubles started with one car overheating and eventually found a hole in the radiator. This is where the convoy broke up into 2 groups. We travelled on with 3 other vehicles.
A stop for lunch and a swim at the next crossing, Dulhunty Creek. An easy shallow crossing with rocky bottom.


Exfoliating in the track



Bertie Creek

We had some fun at Bertie creek, it is amazing how much the county changes, here we discovered that the track went down into white mushy sand which felt good on the feet and the kids had a nice exfoliating bath in it. Around the corner was a fast flowing, rock bottom creek with a few deep holes in the rocks which we all manage to dodge. It made for a good photo opportunity alongside the creek.

Which way to go? The guys said "Gunshot" and the girls said "Bypass". But we were having too much fun to bypass the famous Gunshot crossing.



This way, that way, which way?

On our way to Gunshot we got bogged in some sloshy black mud. A tow from the vehicle in front nearly tiped us on our side because of the angle of the tow due to the sharp turn in the track so we used our winch to get us out. The road ahead, now an orange colour course sand with some deep ruts just to get the wheel lifts happening made for some adrenalin pumping.



Bogged, love the winch.

Wheeeee, up we go again.



Look Darrin we can try getting a wheel lift here.

We made it to Gunshot, what a surprise to find a track that was in good condition and passable. A steep but dry grippy surface made for a controlled descent, then  boggy tight turn  to the short shallow creek, up the other side. Everyone made it thru and set up camp for the night.

Gunshot

I'll have a swim while you find the track



Cockatoo creek

The next day we were ready to tackle the rest of the Old Telegraph Track. Cockatoo creek being the first crossing was quite deep, fast flow and rocky. So with many people helping standing in the river to mark out a track to avoid those big holes, all went well with no dramas.  This was the end of the Old Telegraph Track South and we crossed the bypass road to the Old Telegraph Track North. Fruit bat falls and twin falls were the first stop for a swim and some lunch. Beautiful clear waters and perfect temperature for swimming.

Fruit Bat Falls



Twin falls

Twin fall spa bath

Kates new friend

The creeks from here were crystal clear with white sandy bottoms, beautiful on the eye and great for swimming.

Sam Creek

 We found the north section of the road to have deeper ruts to tackle, so we did a lot of wheel lifting on this section.

Mistake Creek entry



Mistake creek exit



Cannibal creek exit

 The Cypress creek log bridge looked amazing, then we looked underneath and saw all the broken logs, opps thats a bit nerve racking. But we all made it across without a log moving, nice and slow and precise driving made is passable.

Cypress creek log bridge

Yes we made it across

 Another section with some deep holes from old wheel ruts, just a slight turn of the wheel and bang your in the whole. A tow got the car out, then we had to jack the trailer up and dig it out a bit, then another tow and we were back on 6 wheels.

Opps we found the whole

Thanks for the tow John

Now to get the trailer out!!!!

 We arrived at the last crossing, Nolans Brook. This was known as the impassible deepest crossing. There was a nissan on the other side who had been stuck in the creek and managed to winch himself to the other side but was blocking the track. As it was late in the day we managed to find spots for the 4 camps for the night, not a lot of room as we were unable to put the camper out all the way but it was a nice creek to camp and great company.

Nolans Brook camp - struggle for space

Todays journal writing exercise

 Up early to asses the crossing, swimming and walking the creek to find the best path. The creek was very deep and sandy base but was firm in some sections. After preparations with tarping up, and having a fridgie around there was some duct taping going on.  First vehicle, the Troopy made it, then the Navara got stuck just as it was coming out of the deep water. Everyone was in action quick to tow it out, opening all the doors to watch the waterfall coming out of the vehicle, it was drenched. But after a look at the engine, a huge relief the vehicle started and was in one piece, just very wet. Ben and Darrin then went and let some air out of the tyres for an extra precaution as we both had trailers in tow. The disco was next and the first vehicle with a trailer, yes they made it. Now it was our turn, nerves and adrenalin I was in the creek with the camera for the photo and Darrin behind the wheel, no problems the car and trailer got a good wash and made it across with ease. Yippee - we made it!

Here we go!!!

Lets give the car a wash



Now wash the trailer

What an achievement, we made it from the start to the finish on the Old Telegraph track. We had the most amazing two days tackleing this track. Well done to the men and the skill it took them to concore the trek. Four vechicles starting out as strangers and we achieved so much together something I will always treasure and enjoy remembering. Our convoy was the Malpass family - Ben, Maria, Jake, Tobey and Indi; John and Roylene(from Tassie); Thomas and Madeline (from Switzerland).