Page 137 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 131
The track to the heritage listed Old Batavia Goldfield is just
north-west of the Wenlock River crossing on the Lockhart River
Road – 18km from the PDR.

Head past the lonely grave of Thomas Power - allegedly murdered
with a ‘shot through the heart’ – the left fork brings you to the
banks of the Wenlock River with plenty of room for camping and an
abundance of shady trees.

Follow the right fork to the ruins and remains of the old mining
machinery. Camping is free with no amenities.

Chuulangun Campground
The turnoff to the Campground is 4km past the Wenlock River
Crossing. Note, alcohol is not permitted.

Accommodation: Bush Camping. Rangers will visit to collect
camping fee ($10 pp, children free)
Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, pet friendly, alongside Wenlock
River

Frenchmans Track East to West
Frenchmans Track, a distance of 53km, is for the most part fairly
easy. Travelling east to west the entry is at Yam Creek on the
Lockhart Road.

The real challenge is in the river crossings at the Pascoe and
Wenlock Rivers. Obviously, soon after the wet the creeks are higher
and flowing faster. The Pascoe has a steep drop into the river,
beware of hidden boulders as you cross, and a steep, bare, rocky
ascent on exiting.

Between the rivers is a clay crossing barely wide enough to fit a
4WD through - fortunately if you don’t like the possibility of getting
stuck there is an option to go around. The Wenlock River crossing
has an easy sandy descent with a steep sandy exit. Early in the
dry season you will find some of the track quite boggy.

Note: The best direction to travel this track changes from one
season to the next, best to check out social media for advice.