Cape York Telegraph Track — Bramwell Junction to Bamaga via the Old Telegraph Line (Classic North Run)
Gunshot Creek to the tip. No shortcuts.
The Telegraph Track is what Cape York is built around — a rough corridor hacked through tropical Queensland jungle and floodplains following the original overland telegraph line north to Bamaga and the tip of mainland Australia. Leaving Bramwell Junction, the track throws everything at you: Gunshot Creek’s near-vertical bank entry and rocky exit (the most photographed recovery point in Australia), Nolan’s Brook with its submerged rock steps, the Palm Creek crossings, and the general Cape York mud that can swallow a Land Cruiser to the axles after rain. The alternate bypass tracks exist and are taken by plenty of people — but doing the full TT proper, drops and all, is a different beast entirely and earns a different conversation around the fire.
Dry season only — July to October. Try it in the wet and you’re either stuck for days or dead in a flooded crossing; both happen. A snorkel is not optional. High-lift jack, MaxTrax, full-size spare, and a second vehicle are real-world requirements on the proper track. Fuel at Bramwell Station and Moreton Telegraph Station before you commit to the northern section; nothing else exists out there. Self-recovery gear, satellite comms, and food/water for extended delays are non-negotiable. The reward is Bamaga, Thursday Island ferry access, and the knowledge that you ran the full Telegraph Track without the bypass.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 230 mi / 370 km |
| Duration | 5-10 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Snorkelled high-clearance 4x4 with lockers and full recovery kit |
| Nearest town | Coen, Queensland |
| Land manager | Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Queensland Government Cape York Road Info Queensland Parks and Wildlife |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser 200 Series handle the Telegraph Track, or do I need lockers and a lift?
A stock 200 with KDSS will struggle badly at Gunshot Creek and Nolan's Brook — you need a snorkel, front and rear lockers, and a minimum of 2–3 inches of lift to clear the deep ruts and near-vertical creek exits. Full recovery kit (MaxTrax, snatch block, kinetic rope, hi-lift) is non-negotiable, not optional gear.
When does the Telegraph Track open and close each year?
The track is only safely passable during the dry season, roughly July through October. The wet season (November–April) turns creek crossings into flood events and the clay into axle-deep mud that will swallow a vehicle whole — some sections become impassable for weeks even after the wet ends in May–June.
Do I need permits to drive the Telegraph Track and camp along the route?
No permit is required for the track itself, but you must pay a vehicle entry fee to enter the Cape York Peninsula through Bramwell Junction Station on private pastoral land — check current rates before you go. Camping at designated spots like Fruit Bat Falls and Twin Falls is free, but some Aboriginal Land Trust sections near Bamaga require a permit through the relevant land council.
What actually makes Gunshot Creek so hard — is it the descent or the exit?
It's the exit. The descent is steep and eroded but manageable with a controlled line; the creek crossing itself is shallow. The near-vertical, badly rutted exit climb on the far bank is where rigs get stuck, rollovers happen, and inexperienced drivers end up winching for hours — many experienced crews bypass via the alternative line and there's no shame in it.
How much fuel range do I need, and where's the last reliable fuel stop before Bamaga?
Fuel up in Coen before departing — after that, Weipa is the only major fuel option if you detour west, and it's out of your way. Bamaga has fuel at the northern end, but you're covering 370km of remote track between Bramwell Junction and Bamaga with zero roadside support, so carry a minimum of 120–150 litres total capacity including jerry cans.
Trail track
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