Old Telegraph Track
Australia
The mettle-testing trip from Cairns to the northernmost point of Australia, the Old Telegraph Track is only passable in the dry season, requires a 4WD, and demands fording saltwater-crocodile-infested rivers. The Bloomfield Track through Daintree rainforest provides basic training before the empty country begins at Cooktown, where the crude one-koala hamlets end and the real wilderness starts.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Cairns
Tropical gateway and last major resupply point before Cape York. Stock spare fuel, water, and a recovery kit; the OTT is unforgiving beyond here.
- Daintree Rainforest
The world's oldest tropical rainforest at 135 million years, older than the Amazon. The Bloomfield Track runs through it to Cooktown via low-water creek crossings.
- Cooktown
Cook beached the Endeavour here for 48 days in 1770. The James Cook Museum marks the spot; beyond here the road north becomes genuinely remote.
- Laura
Gateway to Quinkan rock-art sites, among the most significant Aboriginal art galleries in the world, painted across sandstone escarpments for 15,000 years.
- Coen
The last real town on Cape York Peninsula, population 300, with a pub and reliable fuel before the increasingly rough track north.
- Archer River Roadhouse
The iconic halfway fuel and burger stop on the OTT, beside a crocodile-inhabited river crossing that tests axle clearance and nerve in equal measure.
- Bamaga
The northernmost community on mainland Australia. The final OTT crossings at Dulhunty River and Sailor's Camp are the most crocodile-active on the route.
- Cape York
The very tip of mainland Australia at 10°41'S, where the Coral Sea meets Torres Strait. A bronze marker at the granite headland; Thursday Island lies 40 km north.
Where to Eat
- Daintree Tea House RestaurantAustralian
Enjoy locally sourced dishes amidst lush rainforest surroundings, offering a unique dining experience in the heart of Daintree.
- Cooktown CafeCafe
A cozy spot in Cooktown serving freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries, perfect for a relaxing break.
- Laura RoadhouseLocal Diner
A classic roadhouse offering hearty meals and refreshments, ideal for travelers passing through Laura.
- Bamaga TavernPub
A lively pub in Bamaga serving traditional Australian pub fare and a selection of local beers.
- Cape York Peninsula Lodge RestaurantSeafood
Savor fresh seafood dishes with a tropical twist at this lodge restaurant near Cape York.
Things to Do
- Daintree River CruiseBoat Tour
Explore the Daintree River's unique ecosystem, spotting crocodiles and diverse birdlife on a guided boat tour.
- Cooktown MuseumMuseum
Discover Cooktown's rich history, including Captain Cook's landing, through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
- Split Rock Aboriginal Rock Art SiteHistoric Site
View ancient Aboriginal rock art at Split Rock, offering insights into indigenous culture and history.
- Fruit Bat FallsWaterfall
A picturesque waterfall with clear, refreshing pools, perfect for a swim amidst natural beauty.
- Cape York Tip WalkHike
Embark on a scenic hike to the northernmost point of Australia, offering stunning coastal views.
Travel advisory
Passable only during the dry season (roughly June to October), multiple creek crossings harbour saltwater crocodiles and can rise without warning. Travel in a convoy of at least two properly equipped 4WD vehicles with a high-lift jack, snatch straps, and a satellite communicator. Fuel must be carried from Bramwell Station as no services exist on the track.