Page 62 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 56
Southern OTT

Palm Creek
The descent into Palm Creek is steep and narrow, surrounded by
high clay walls – consider it a teaser for Gunshot. Earlier in the
season expect a shallow creek crossing. The exit, while reasonably
short, is a steep, rutted climb with many having to pull their winch
or snatch strap out to make it that last couple of metres to the top.
Palm Creek is one of those crossings with a chicken track, however,
at times even that may be challenging.
Ducie, South & North Alice Creeks
Ducie and the South and North Alice Creeks are not difficult to
negotiate, so much so that in the dry you could be forgiven for not
remembering them.

Dulhunty River
The picturesque Dulhunty River is not a difficult crossing with an
easy drop onto a hard, rocky bottom. If you’re not in a hurry
there’s plenty of room for camping - it’s definitely worth making
time for a swim in the cool, clear rock pools and shallow waterfalls
at one of the prettiest crossings on the OTT. The exit is sandy but
not a difficult climb.
Bertie Creek
Bertie Creek, the widest creek on the southern OTT, is also an easy
crossing with a rock bottom. However, you will need to travel east
along the southern bank before venturing across in order to avoid
the deep holes that abound. There are plenty of good camping
spots on both sides of the Creek. Shortly after Bertie is the
southern bypass track allowing you to bypass Gunshot and return
to the OTT via the northern bypass entry near the Heathland
Ranger Station - alternatively it will take you back to the Bamaga
Road if you’ve just popped in for a look at Gunshot.
Cholmondeley Creek (pronounced Chumley)
Shortly after the southern bypass is Cholmondeley Creek, shallow
with a sandy bottom – an easy crossing, a quick dogleg and you’re
on your way to the iconic Gunshot.