Day 17: Seisia to Weipa

Today will always be known as the day of the snake. When Helen went over to the shower block, one of the neighbours let her know that there was a snake in the shower block and suggested she wait a few minutes until they removed it. Great idea! Apparently the snake was only a python, so nothing to worry about. Urgh. I was just happy when I saw it come out and was released into the bush. And today is moving day so I don’t have to worry about it coming back.


We got fuel in Bamaga at $2.36 per litre (crikey!), then began our journey south. We crossed the Jardine River via Ferry, and we travelled along the Tele track to Fruit Bat falls and Eliot Falls. Beautiful spots and the water looked very inviting. Helen couldn’t entice the boys in for a swim, so we continued heading south.

The road was quite different here, and included rocks and deep water crossings, both of which the boys enjoyed. But it was slow going, and in some sections we could only travel at 15 -20 km per hour.

We stopped at Bramwell Junction for an icecream, and headed up the Tele Track to see what all the fuss was about with the first water crossing. Jim poked a stick in the water and it soon became clear – while you can see a 1 metre vertical climb, there is another metre to travel under the muddy water, and this is soft and mushy. You could see where people had churned up the track and it was very challenging now.

We continued past Moreton Telegraph Station, then headed west through Batavia Downs Station, arriving in Weipa around 5.30. We found the caravan park, and booked in for the next 5 nights.