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Current Roads Status

YES, the inland road to Cooktown via Mareeba is bitumen all the way on the Peninsula Developmental Road and Mulligan Highway. 

GRASSY HILL , COOKTOWN.   Roadworks have ceased at this time.  This is a dirt road, not suitable for low vehicles.  Traverse with care - narrow in some sections.    4WD vehicle recommended.

ROAD TO CAPE MELVILLE is still CLOSED.

Restrictions are imposed when the road has suffered water damage or is likely to suffer excessive damage if unrestricted access to all vehicle types is continued.

 Main Roads Department Update

Caution:    Where road works are being carried out, travellers are advised to proceed with caution, obey speed signs and drive according to prevailing conditions.
Do not disobey 'Road Closed' signs - you could be fined and in the event of an accident void all insurances.

1. Cape Tribulation to Wujal Wujal (Coast Road)  - refer Cairns Regional Council
2. Wujal Wujal to Bloomfield  
3. Bloomfield to Rossville  Expect Delays of up to 10-45 mins at the Bloomfield Concrete Strips as work is being undertaken.
4. Rossville to Mulligan Highway  
5. Archer Point
6.

Cooktown to Hopevale via Endeavour Valley Road  
7. Cooktown to Old Laura via Battlecamp Road   
7b. Old Laura to Musgrave via Lakefield National Park     Road to Bathurst Heads turnoff is open.  Road from Bathurst Heads turnoff to the Cape Melville turnoff is closed.
8. Cooktown to Lakeland Downs
9.

Lakeland to Laura   
10. Pormpuraaw    
11. Port Stewart - OPEN travel with extreme caution.
12. Laura to Coen via Musgrave  - OPEN
13.

Coen to Weipa  OPEN via Coen River Bridge Bypass.  Coen to Coen Bridge 10 tonne road limit.
14.
15. Moreton to Captain Billy's Turnoff   
16. Captain Billy's Turnoff to Jardine Ferry
17. Kowanyama - Please check with Carpentaria Shire Council.
18.
Mt Webb - Wakooka Road - CLOSED Road to Cape Melville CLOSED
19.

Portland Road (including Chilli Beach)  - OPEN
20.
21.
LAKEFIELD NATIONAL PARK - for information refer to Queensland Parks and Wildlife. Cairns -Ph: 07 4046 6601.
Kalpowar to Bathurst Heads OPEN.
CREB TRACK - for information refer to : wettropics.gov.au

INFORMATION PROVIDED AS A GUIDE ONLY - CHANGES CAN OCCUR RAPIDLY

1. Area  Cape Tribulation to Wujal Wujal (Coastal Road)
Road Name: Bloomfield Road
Current Status: Please refer to Cairns Regional Council who are responsible for the road from the Daintree to the Bloomfield Crossing. Bloomfield Crossing - six bricks on the side should be visible before crossing.   
General Description:

Dirt road. Some creek crossings - depth varies depending on rainfall. Drive according to prevailing conditions.
Contact: Cairns Regional Council - Customer Service Centre at Mossman.
Contact Number: (07) 4099 9444


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2. Area Wujal Wujal to Bloomfield
Current Status: OPEN, large 4WD vehicles recommended.
General Description:

Mainly dirt road, some bitumen. Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 9444


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3. Area Bloomfield (Cedar Bay) to Rossville
Road Name: Bloomfield Road
Current Status: OPEN, Expect delays of up to 10-45 minutes due to work being undertaken at the Bloomfield Concrete Strips. Large 4WD vehicles recommended.
General Description: Dirt road.  Dirt road can be slippery when wet.   Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 9444


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4. Area Rossville to Mulligan Highway (Cooktown Development Road)
Road Name: Shiptons Flat Road and Bloomfield Road
Current Status:

OPEN, large 4WD vehicles recommended.
General Description: Dirt road can be slippery when wet.   Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Contact: Department of Main Roads and Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4050 5444 (07) 4069 5444
Road Name: Homerule - River Road, Rossville
Current Status: OPEN
General Description: Narrow dirt road, proceed slowly.
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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5. Area Archer Point
Road Name: Archer Point Road
Current Status: OPEN,4WD vehicle recommended.  Creek crossing Subject to flooding
General Description: Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Repair Timeframe:
Road Name: Esk Valley Road
Current Status: OPEN, 4WD vehicle recommended.
General Description: Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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6. Area Cooktown to Hopevale
Road Name: Endeavour Valley Road and McIvor Road
Current Status:

OPEN, 4WD vehicle recommended.   25 tonne limit on Endeavour River Bridge.
General Description: Bitumen and dirt road.   Drive according to prevailing conditions.  When roadworks are in progress, please slow down and proceed with caution in these areas. Dirt section of the road can be slippery when wet. 
Road Name:

McIvor Road (Hopevale Access Rd)  Upgrading of road under way.  Obey road signage.
Contact: Department of Main Roads and Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4050 5444 (07) 4069 5444
Road Name: Cameron Creek Road
Current Status: OPEN, 4WD vehicle recommended when wet.
General Description: Dirt road can be slippery when wet.   Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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7. Area Cooktown to Old Laura
Road Name: Battlecamp Road
Current Status: OPEN.  Normanby River and Laura River crossings are subject to flooding after heavy storms at this time of year.    Access may be intermittent - when rivers run swifty care needs to be taken.  
General Description:

Care are needs to be taken at the Normanby River crossing.   Proceed with caution, drive according to prevailing conditons.  Recommend winch / retrieval gear in wet season. Dirt road can be slippery when wet.     

Large sand drifts at the Laura River. Lakefield National Park (4060 3721, please refer to Parks and Wildlife .
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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7b. Area Old Laura to Musgrave via Lakefield National Park
Road Name: Lakefield Road
Current Status:

OPEN.  Kalpowar to Bathurst Heads is OPEN.  Road to Cape Melville is still CLOSED (as at 22 June 2009).

General Description: Lakefield National Park - dirt road, please refer to Parks and Wildlife .   Council maintains the road through Kalpowar to the turnoff to Bathurst Heads.  Work is currently underway on the section between the Bathurst Heads turnoff and the Cape Melville turnoff.  However this section is still closed.  Council does not maintain the roads which actually go into Bathurst Heads and Cape Melville.
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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8. Area Cooktown to Lakeland Downs
Road Name: Mulligan Highway (previously named Cooktown Developmental Road)
Current Status: OPEN, unrestricted - BITUMEN ROAD. 
General Description: Bitumen road.  Flooding may occur at the Little Annan River following very heavy rain.  If water is over the crossing, vehicles should not cross. 
Contact: Department of Main Roads
Contact Number: (07) 4050 5444


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9. Area Lakeland to Laura
Road Name: Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR)
Current Status:

OPEN.
General Description: Mainly dirt road, with some bitumen sections.  Dirt section can be slippery when wet.
Contact: Department of Main Roads
Contact Number: (07) 4050 5444
Road Name: Laura to Jowal Binna
Current Status:

OPEN, drive with caution.
General Description: Dirt road - subject to changing conditions in wet season. Drive according to prevailing conditions.  Isolated rutted sections and potholes.  Dirt road can be slippery when wet.     
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Road Name: Kimba and Killarney Road
Current Status: OPEN,  drive with caution.
General Description: Dirt road -subject to changing conditions in wet season. Drive according to prevailing conditions.  Isolated rutted sections and potholes.  Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444
Road Name: Welcome Road - Laura
Current Status: OPEN,  drive with caution.    
General Description:   Dirt road - subject to changing conditions in wet season. Drive according to prevailing conditions.  Isolated rutted sections and potholes.  Dirt road can be slippery when wet.    
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444
Road Name: Palmerville Road
Current Status: CLOSED.  
General Description: Dirt road - subject to changing conditions in wet season. Drive according to prevailing conditions.  Part of this road is off alignment at Palmerville Station and this section is closed to all traffic.
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

Road Name: Whites Creek Road
Current Status: PARTS CLOSED.    
General Description: Dirt road - subject to changing conditions in wet season. Drive according to prevailing conditions. Road is open to the public up to the eastern boundary of the Palmerville-Maytown Road.   Dirt road can be slippery when wet. 
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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10. Area

Pormpuraaw
Road Name: Musgrave - Strathgordon
Current Status: OPEN .    Repairs in progress.  Care should be taken.
General Description: Dirt road west of the Lukin River becomes very boggy when wet.  4WD vehicles undertaking this journey should be self-sufficient with full recovery equipment.
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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11. Area

Port Stewart
Road Name: Port Stewart Road
Current Status:

OPEN, Large 4WD vehicles recommended - travel with caution.   Not suitable for towing caravans or trailers .
General Description:

Dirt road.   Conditions change with heavy rain - road subject to closure.  Drive according to prevailing conditions. Dirt road can be slippery when wet.   
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

12. Area Laura to Coen via Musgrave
Road Name: Peninsula Developmental Road
Lakeland - Laura OPEN. 
Laura - Hann River OPEN.
Hann River - Musgrave OPEN.  
Musgrave - Coen OPEN.
Contact: Department of Main Roads
Contact Number: (07) 4050 5444

MAIN ROADS DEPARTMENT message:

Peninsula Developmental Rd (PDR) - Survive the Drive to the Cape by "Driving to the Conditions".

Refer to 'Main Roads Department' link at top of page for information on the Peninsula Development Road up the cape.

A Main Roads initiative to improve safety on the PDR.  Free information packs are available from Cooktown's Nature Powerhouse Interpretation Centre, Cook Shire Council, Cooktown Caltex Service Station, Lakeland Coffee House & Store, Lakeland Roadhouse.

Motorists are urged to drive with extreme care observing all construction and warning signs for their own safety and the safety of the road workers.

Main Roads appreciates the patience and co-operation shown by motorists while work is under way. 

 

 Road Section  Status
Peninsula Development Road Refer 'Main Roads Department' link at top of page.
Endeavour Valley Road OPEN.   Travel with care on dirt section.
McIvor River Rd (Hopevale Access Rd)

OPEN.   

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13. Area Coen to Weipa
Road Name:

Peninsula Developmental Road
Coen - Coen Bridge OPEN. 10 tonne road limit
Coen - Archer River

OPEN.  Large 4WD vehicles recommended.    Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Archer River - Weipa

OPEN.   Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.  

Batavia Turnoff-
Sudley

 CLOSED.   Open to 5 tonne local traffic only when river and creek crossings are passable. Closed to all road trains.     Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.  
Contact: Department of Main Roads
Contact Number: (07) 4050 5584


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14. Area Bamaga Road to Moreton
Road Name: PDR/Bamaga Road intersection to Moreton
Current Status:

OPEN.  Maintenance may still be under way on the road.    Drive to prevailing conditions.  Large 4WD vehicles recommended.
General Description:

Dirt roads can deteriorate quickly with wet weather and heavy traffic. Drive according to prevailing conditions.  Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

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15. Area Moreton to Captain Billy's Turnoff
Road Name: Bamaga Road
Current Status: OPEN  - Large 4WD vehicles recommended.  Drive according to prevailing conditions. 
General Description: Dirt road can be soft in places. Conditions change with heavy rain - road subject to closure.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.  Large 4WD vehicles recommended.  Dirt road can be slippery when wet.     
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

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16. Area

 Captain Billy's Turnoff to Jardine Ferry
Road Name: Bamaga Road
Current Status: OPEN  - Large 4WD vehicle recommended.  Drive according to prevailing conditions. 
General Description: Dirt road - conditions change with heavy rain.  Drive according to prevailing conditions. Dirt road can be slippery when wet.     
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

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17. Area Kowanyama
Road Name: Dunbar turn-off to Kowanyama
Current Status: Please check with Carpentaria Shire Council.
General Description: Unsealed / black soil.
Contact: Carpentaria Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4745 2200

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18. Area Mt Webb- Wakooka Road (including Princess Charlotte Bay)
Road Name: Mt Webb - Wakooka Road
General Description: CLOSED.    When open TRAVEL AT OWN RISK.    Any vehicles caught going around 'Road Closed 'signs will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.  Large 4WD Vehicles only.  Dirt road in EXTREMELY  poor condition in an isolated area.
Road Status:

Because of the isolation of this area, you are advised to ensure others know your expected date of return before travelling on this road.

This road is a 4WD "Adventure Track" for experienced 4WD drivers only.  It is mandatory for any persons embarking on this road to carry with them self-sufficient recovery gear and means of communication to outside emergency services (have Satelite phone, VHF radio phone), as well as safety equipment and extra supplies.  Please advise family, friends or police of your expected return date.
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444


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19. Area Portland Road (including Chilli Beach)
Road Name: Portland Road
Current Status: OPEN - Large 4WD vehicles recommended.
General Description:

Dirt road.   Conditions change with heavy rain - road subject to closure.  Drive according to prevailing conditions. Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

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20. Area Mt Amos Road
Road Name: Mt Amos Road/Gampie Drive
Current Status: OPEN, 4WD vehicles recommended. 
General Description: Dirt road can be slippery when wet.  Drive according to prevailing conditions.    Care needs to be taken at culverts.
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

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21. Area Quarantine Bay
Road Name: Quarantine Bay Road
Current Status: OPEN, bitumen road.
General Description: Drive according to prevailing conditions.
Contact: Cook Shire Council
Contact Number: (07) 4069 5444

Alcohol restrictions in Communities - please refer website: www.alcoholimits.qld.gov.au

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