Page 59 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Chapter 5

The Old Telegraph Track

(OTT)

The Overland Telegraph Track (OTT), better known these days
as the (Old) Telegraph Track, was the original path for the
Overland Telegraph Line, once the only means of
communication for those living on Cape York and, until 1986,
the only route to the top.
With the opening of the northern and southern bypasses, road
maintenance on the OTT ceased. It has now become a must do
for those wanting to challenge themselves and their vehicles on
its ever-changing conditions.

The Telegraph Track consists of a southern and northern
section. Heading in from Bramwell Junction the southern
section leads into Palm Creek finishing 72km north, emerging
back onto the Bamaga Road.

The 32km northern section begins at the Fruit Bat Falls turn off
and re-joins the Bamaga Road after the Nolan’s Brook crossing,
The track changes over the season, initially it’s wet, boggy in
some places and the creeks are higher. As the dry moves in so
does the dust and some of the creeks may well be dry.

Permits are not required. It goes without saying, walk all creeks
first before crossing and be mindful of crocodiles.