Page 56 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 50
Sam Creek Detour
15km north of the Fruit Bat Falls turn off you will find the
bypass into Sam Creek – it is not signed and appears as an
insignificant track, however, there are usually a couple of beer
cans or large rocks to guide your way. A further 7km will bring
you onto the OTT, a right-hand turn will lead you to Sam Creek
with abundant camping spots and a delightful waterfall to cool
off. A top place to spend a day - or two.

Nolan’s Brook Detour
Nolan’s Brook is the last of the creek crossings on the OTT and
probably one of the most notorious with numerous vehicle
drownings each year.
28km from the Fruit Bat turnoff, or 2.5km north from the last
section of bitumen you’ll spot a black 44-gallon drum on the
right-hand side of the road. Follow this track for 11km, take a
right at the T intersection to bring you out at Nolan’s. There are
plenty of shaded camping areas, a great swimming hole and a
world of entertainment watching others crossing the creek.

Jardine River Camping Area (Southern Side)
Take the track to the T intersection leading to Nolan’s Brook and
turn left. Follow the track for 7km to the southern bank of the
Jardine River. At this point you may be considering crossing the
river. Should you? No, the crossing is closed! This crossing has
been closed for a good reason - downstream is the pump
station providing water for the NPA – fuel and oils are not a
welcome additive in the drinking water. The riverbed is one of
shifting sands making the crossing unpredictable – attaching a
snatch strap or walking through a river guaranteed to contain
crocs is not most people’s idea of a fun holiday.

As you are now in the Jardine River National Park, bookings will
need to be made prior to your arrival – see map page 52.
Jardine River Ferry
See North of the Jardine, page 69.