THE NORTH TELE

WANDERING AUS THE SHANLEY FAMILY

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WELCOME back to the Old Telegraph Track, Cape York! We left you last month at Elliott Falls, just off Bamaga Road and the halfway point of the Tele Track. Elliott Falls campground was a great spot to base ourselves for four days and have a chance to chill, explore and soak up the sounds of nature. It’s seven kilometres along the Tele Track off Bamaga Road and we easily towed our ’vans and trailer there. This road has some corrugations and washouts, as well as Scrubby Creek crossing – there’s a concrete causeway at this relatively straightforward crossing, or, if you’re up for it, a drop-in straight through the creek.

Elliott Falls is in the Jardine River National Park and it’s a well-set-up, back-to-basics campground with drop toilets only. It’s a short stroll along the forested boardwalk to Elliott Falls, Twin Falls and the Saucepan, all of which are unique and fabulous swimming holes. We spent a day floating around Fruit Bat Falls as well, and this place is just magical! As we were there in September there was not as much water, but it was still refreshing to splash around in the beautiful clear falls. We recommend going early in the day before all the tourist buses roll up. Of all the falls in this area, Elliott Falls would have to be our favourite – it’s deeper and has a natural spa at the fall’s end. Twin Falls is the most kid-friendly, with a little rocky ‘beach’ area and a wading pool.