We share with you our itinerary, trip highlights and helpful information.
]]>Living in Cairns, the gateway to Cape York, we often make a mad dash to Cooktown or Lakefield for a long weekend of fishing.
But in June 2022, we hit the PDR and made our way right to the very top of Australia. What a beautiful spot this was for a family holiday.
Day 1 - Cairns to Archer River
After the last minute checks to ensure we had packed everything, and I mean everything we thought we could ever possibly need to survive for a whole year... We set off for our 10 day holiday. We had no definite plans for where we would stay that night, but we wanted to get as close to Moreton Telegraph Station as we could as we were to meet friends there the following day.
We passed by free camps near Coen, stretching along the side of the river that looked simply amazing, but after a long day of driving, the idea of a hot shower and dinner at Archer River won us over.
We rolled into Archer River Roadhouse just on dark and just in time to order dinner before the kitchen closed for the night.
Departure time: 9.50am
Arrival time: 6.13pm
Kilometres travelled: 554km
Fuel refill: Hann River Roadhouse
Notes: There were around 10 sections of dirt road averaging around 12km in length before you are back on the bitumen. The longest stretch of unsealed road was around 20kms and this section is full of dips so you need to take it easy.
Day 2 - Archer River to Moreton Telegraph Station
We packed up the camper and headed off on short drive to Moreton Telegraph Station. This was only our second day in and boy were we excited to see the lush green grass in the camping area.
Lachy quickly helped to set up the camper before disappearing down to the Wenlock to try and snag his first Barra of the trip.
We caught Barra and Black Bream and were told of Saratoga being caught a little further on downstream.
We all kept a lookout for Palm Cockatoos and Crocodiles, but didn't get to spot any during our stay.
Departure time: 9.00am
Arrival time: 10.50am
Kilometres travelled: 113km
Fuel refill: Archer River Roadhouse
Notes: There were around 3 sections of unsealed road with the longest being around 31km stretch with a deep crossing just before the Weipa turn off.
Day 3 - Moreton Telegraph Station to Bramwell Station
Just a quick trip down the road and we were at Bramwell Station. We dropped the campers off, then went on an explore down The Old Tele Track to Gunshot Creek.
Back to Bramwell later that afternoon for some live music.
Departure time: 9.23am
Arrival time: Sometime before lunch...
Kilometres travelled: 38km
Fuel refill: Bramwell Roadhouse in the afternoon after exploring OTT
Notes: We travelled 62km from Bramwell Station to the entry to the OTT heading towards Bertie Creek, Delhunty and Gunshot Creek and a further 13km into Gunshot Creek. This road was very narrow. Ideally if we had allowed a bit more time we could have explored more, before travelling 75km back to Bramwell Station.
Day 4 - Bramwell Station to Jardine River
We were booked to stay the night at Eliot Falls camp ground. However we began driving toward some rather stormy looking clouds which soon turned into heavy rain... We overheard UHF conversations about getting flooded in at Eliot Falls so we had a quick change of plan and continued on to the Jardine River camp area.
It was drizzling rain, everything was covered in mud, so we really only had 1 choice... go flicking lures along the Jardine in the hopes to catch a Barra...
Great amenities here and a beautiful river to sit back and relax for the afternoon.
Lucky for us the rain passed and we had perfect weather from here out.
Departure time: 9.50am
Arrival time: 1.08pm
Kilometres travelled: 166km
Notes: Rain was heavy, road got slippery, it was a bit of a slow trip.
Day 5 - Jardine River to Loyalty Beach (and The Tip)
After purchasing our return ferry pass, we were on our way to Loyalty Beach. The campground here is just perfect! Picture this, sitting back with a beer, watching the sunset over the ocean while the kids play in the sand - yes, that kind of perfect!
But first, before we could get to the relaxing on the beach watching the sun go down, we had to get to The Tip! Afterall, we are almost there!
From the carpark, you have 2 options to get to the rocky headland - Over the hill, or around the beach. We took the moderate walk over the hill, scurrying over the rocks in great excitement when we saw.... A friendly crew of people in their Gunshot Croc Fishing Shirts. Talk about icing on the cake!
It is such an amazing experience standing at the most Northern point of Australia. Next time we will definitely bring some bikkies and cheese... and allow more time for fishing.
Departure time: 10am
Arrival time: Sometime before lunch...
Kilometres travelled: 49km
Notes: 37kms trip from Loyalty Beach Caravan Park to The Tip. We left the tip at 4.15pm and after a few quick stops at The Croc Tent and the bottle shop, we made it back to Loyalty at 5.30pm.
Day 6 - Exploring The Tip
We spent the day exploring. We visited WWII aircraft wrecks, dropped into Cape York Ice & Tackle, had drinks and ice cream at Punsand Bay, did a spot of fishing at Seisia Wharf and finished off with dinner at Loyalty Beach Caravan Park.
Day 7 - Loyalty Beach to Sam Creek
We travelled back across the Jardine Ferry and down the Tele Track to Sam Creek where we setup camp, cooked a roast dinner in the BBQ and took a dip at the crystal clear waterfall. This spot would have to be a huge highlight for everyone on the trip with us.
Departure time: 9.40am
Arrival time: 12.20pm
Kilometres travelled: 87km
Fuel refill: Seisia
Notes: No wait to get across the Jardine ferry at 10.35am.
If you can, allow a few days at each stop so you aren't packing up and setting up the whole time....
Day 8 - Exploring Waterfalls
Everyone was super keen to hit the waterfalls today. We headed down the PDR to Fruitbat Falls, then onto Twin Falls & Eliot Falls. Fruitbat was great for swimming, but got a bit busy just as we were leaving with tour buses beginning to arrive.
Twin Falls was a favorite for the kids as there were shallow places and it was easy to get in and out of the water.
Eliot Falls was a bit too steep for the little ones to go swimming, but absolutely spectacular to see!
We decided to take the Tele Track back to Sam Creek and we are so glad we did! We had 2 vehicles and got through without a drama and saw so many beautiful spots along the way. We found it best to travel south to North up the OTT to avoid coming head on with too many other travellers.
We were all so disappointed our holiday was nearing the end, we could have relaxed at Sam Creek for a few more days.
Departure time: Some time in the morning
Arrival time - back to camp: 2.40pm
Kilometres travelled: 40km
Notes: Perfect 28 degree day. We spent an hour at Fruitbat Falls followed by 1-2 hours at Eliot/Twin Falls. Fruitbat was far busier due to tourist busses arriving so the earlier the better here.
Getting from Sam Creek to Fruitbat takes around 1 hour and 20 min down the PDR. Fruit Bat to Eliot took around 45min. Coming back to Sam Creek from Eliot took around an hour.
Day 9 - Sam Creek to Weipa
We said goodbye to our friends as we headed into Weipa for the night.
As we checked into the Weipa Caravan Park and saw these huge grassy camp sites, we soon decided one night wouldn't be enough. We extended our stay so that we could spend more time exploring Weipa, supporting the local shops, attending the Weipa Fishing Classic that was luckily on that weekend.
Departure time: 9.00am
Arrival time: Late afternoon
Kilometres travelled: 278km
Fuel refill: Bramwell Roadhouse
Notes: We used the payphone at Moreton Telegraph Station to book into Weipa Caravan Park.
Day 10 - Relaxing in Weipa
This little gem is well worth the visit. The Weipa Caravan Park is well maintained, there is a pool, cafe and kids playground and it is all within walking distance to the supermarket and bottle shop...
Day 11 - Weipa to Cairns
Sadly all good things must come to an end and it was time to head home. It was a huge day of travel from Weipa to Cairns. If we could have, we would have stayed the night at Hann River Roadhouse on the way home just to break up the drive. It was quite late by the time we pulled into home and we were totally exhausted!
Departure time: 9.10am
Arrival time: 9.30pm
Kilometres travelled: Aprox 760km
Fuel refill: Weipa, Hann River
Notes: There were around 17 sections of dirt road averaging around 10km in length before you are back on the bitumen. The longest stretch of unsealed road was around 20kms. The stretch between Coen and Musgrave were the worst of the roads during our trip. The road conditions worsened after a bit of rain and more traffic, but with road crews working up there constantly the roads are being upgraded and could be very different during your trip.
Great dinner at Palmer River Roadhouse at 6.00pm before rolling out on our final leg home.
We are extremely passionate about what we do and we strive to exceed your expectations with our unique and personalised shirts.
]]>We are extremely passionate about what we do and we strive to exceed your expectations with our unique and personalised shirts.
All of our designs are created in house by our qualified graphic designer with over 18 years practical experience in advertising; so it’s safe to say that you are in the very best hands.
Through great communication and failsafe systems, we will bring your ideas to life. Best of all, everything is done online and via email from the comfort of your own home.
We have designed and supplied custom apparel for businesses, clubs, sporting teams, schools and more, the list goes on... Check out some examples of our work.
We pride ourselves on being upfront with all costs and offer very competitive pricing as well as reliable turnaround on all orders. Contact us for an obligation free quote and begin designing your custom shirts today.
NOTE - Minimum order of 5 pieces and we require a minimum of 8 weeks for design, manufacturing and delivery.
Design your own fishing shirt in 5 simple steps
For many of our customers the idea of designing a shirt from scratch can be overwhelming which is why we keep everything super simple from start to finish in our 5 step process.
STEP 1 - Select a design package
Package 1 – Basic Custom – This package is perfect if you love one of our existing stock designs & simply want to customise this with your own text or logos.
Package 2 – Standard Custom – Our most popular package providing an affordable custom fishing shirt incorporating your own photos/illustrations/logos.
Package 3 – Premium Custom – Designed for events and businesses, this package enables you to incorporate additional photos/illustrations & sponsors logos.
Find out more about our design packages here
STEP 2 - Brainstorm ideas
Who are the shirts going to be worn by?
It is super important to consider who is going to wear your shirts. You will need to consider what colours/themes/elements will appeal to your audience. We want this shirt to be the favourite shirt that is pulled from the wardrobe every time so have a think about what “your people” will want.
What elements are important in your design?
We offer a huge selection of stock images including Barramundi, Billfish, Coral Trout, Mud Crab, Crocs, Stockmen, Cape York and Fraser Island landmarks to name a few. Any elements you see in our shirts for sale through our website can be used within your own design.
We also encourage you to add your own photos/illustrations to make your shirts even more special and personalised.
If you are struggling with inspiration, contact us and give a brief explanation of what the shirts are for, what colours you like, etc. We can then email you some examples of shirts we have designed previously for inspiration towards your own design. Lachy is also available to have a chat if you would like to bounce around ideas and speak directly with your designer.
STEP 3 - Let’s get started
Once you have gathered your files and images, we are ready to begin.
For each design you will need to submit a CUSTOM DESIGN APPLICATION – Don’t worry, there is a handy guide explaining what information we like you to provide and how to fill in the design application. Links will be provided upon accepting quote.
STEP 4 - Review your design
Once we have a good start on your project, we will send you the first proof.
To avoid any delays, we ask that you email feedback as soon as possible so we can finalise your design.
Once we go through 1-2 rounds of changes, your design should be 100% and ready to order. We understand that sometimes it can take a little longer to ensure you are 100% happy with the design before we proceed with production. There is no limit on the number of drafts we provide, however please note that revisions do take up a considerable amount of time and additional costs apply for each draft beyond draft 2.
NOTE – Best way to avoid additional design costs is to ensure you select the correct design package, have a really good think about what you want in your design, give us all of your files and instructions before we begin and thoroughly go over your first draft and email us your list of changes in clear dot points.
STEP 5 - Email us your order details
Once you are ready to order, you will submit a SHIRT ORDER FORM detailing sizes, quantities and your preferences for shirt options – long sleeve, short sleeve, pockets, etc. Order forms will be provided with your design proofs.
As we are printing custom shirts, full payment is required upfront for your order to be produced. Your new shirts will be ready and delivered to you in aprox 6 weeks from when payment is received.
NOTE - Timeframes may vary in peek seasons including school holidays, Easter and Christmas.
Where to from here?
If we sound like the right people for the job, contact us for an obligation free quote and more information on how to make a start on your very own custom shirts.
]]>