CONQUERING THE CAPE

SO, YOU WANT TO TAKE A TRIP TO THE TIP? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW... TO GET THERE AND BACK SAFELY, AND MAKE THE MOST OF ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES

- MARK ALLEN

You've set your sights on one of Australia's most iconic outback adventures - the Cape York Peninsula.

You've watched countless online videos showing the legendary obstacles, must-see destinations, 4x4-killing river crossings, massive beach-caught fish and, of course, heard one too many stories about croc attacks.

Now you reckon you're ready to hit the long bitumen stretches and tackle the rough, rugged and remote beauty that defines the geographical top of Australia.

Our own Mark Allen has just returned from an eight-week, 10,000km journey to the Tip and has plenty of tall tales, tips and hard-earned wisdom to help you get there and back safely, and in one piece.

WHAT TO EXPECT

For many, their version of Cape York is a highlight reel of busted 4x4s - flipped, bogged, drowned and overloaded with every accessory under the sun - followed by trackside repairs, flatbed recoveries and all manner of mechanical carnage, all in the name of viewer numbers.

Yes, that can all happen - and sometimes does - but it's the minority of visitors who suffer that fate. That's not to say a well-set-up 4x4, driven carefully and sensibly, can't still come a cropper. Any make of 4x4, and any aftermarket accessory, can fail. Remember Murphy's Law? It can bite hard, and usually in the most remote spot possible.

What you can expect, though, is the experience of a lifetime: the sights, the driving, the touring, and the camaraderie of like-minded travellers all heading the same way, helping strangers just because that's what you do out here.

WILL THE CAPE DESTROY YOUR VEHICLE?

That's what happened after my first visit back in 1991. I'm far from an expert on the region - I've only been to the Tip a handful of times - but I've always managed to avoid serious damage, both mechanical and mental. Just a few mud-splattered panels and a collection of mosquito bites to show for it.