Maytown
Just south of the Palmer River Roadhouse you will find the turn off to Maytown.
It is about an 80km drive and seems to be an never ending rollercoaster. Expect a 2 to 3 hour drive.
Prior to Europeans settlement the area around the Palmer River was inhabited by the Kuku-Yalanji Aboriginal people. Then gold was discovered in 1872. Then it became a bustling mining area and by 1875 there were 17,000 gold diggers.
To learn more about the area and the people grab a copy of Hector Holhouse’s ‘River of Gold’.
Or visit the Goldfields Museum in Palmer River.
Maytown
Just south of the Palmer River Roadhouse you will find the turn off to Maytow.
It is about an 80km drive and seems to be an never ending rollercoaster. Expect a 2 to 3 hour drive.
Prior to Europeans settlement the area around the Palmer River was inhabited by the Kuku-Yalanji Aboriginal people. Then gold was discovered in 1872. Then it became a bustling mining area and by 1875 there were 17,000 gold diggers.
To learn more about the area and the people grab a copy of Hector Holhouse’s ‘River of Gold’.
Or visit the Goldfields Museum in Palmer River.
Old Coach Road
Old Coach Road is different to the other tracks. It’s definitely technically challenging.
This track is best done with at least one other vehicle. Because at times you’re going to want a spotter. Depending on the time of the year and the state of the track you may need to do some winching.
Just north of Laura turn left towards the showgrounds. It’s an easy 32km run to the now closed Jowalbinna. You then have to cross the Little Laura River. It is a shallow, rocky bottom crossing
After the Jowalbinna turnoff the track gets serious. For the next 56km you will be in low range 4WD. And it will take about 7 to 9 hours.
There are rocky jump ups and down, steep and deep washouts and hill climbs.
The reward for attempting the track are the breathtaking views from the top of the range.
Note: when travelling north to south there are signs to keep you on track, not so when heading from south to north.
Old Coach Road
Old Coach Road is different to the other tracks. It’s definitely technically challenging.
This track is best done with at least one other vehicle. Because at times you’re going to want a spotter. Depending on the time of the year and the state of the track you may need to do some winching.
Just north of Laura turn left towards the showgrounds. It’s an easy 32km run to the now closed Jowalbinna. You then have to cross the Little Laura River. It is a shallow, rocky bottom crossing
After the Jowalbinna turnoff the track gets serious. For the next 56km you will be in low range 4WD. And it will take about 7 to 9 hours.
There are rocky jump ups and down, steep and deep washouts and hill climbs.
The reward for attempting the track are the breathtaking views from the top of the range.
Note: when travelling north to south there are signs to keep you on track, not so when heading from south to north.
Palmer River Roadhouse
Palmer River Roadhouse
Palmer River Roadhouse
Before you start your Maytown journey stop in Palmer River to learn more about the area. And likewise after you complete the Old Coach Road track.
Palmer River is 5km north of Whites Creek Road and Maytown turnoff.
It’s a great place for an overnight stay and you’ll learn a lot about the history of the area while you’re there.
It has….
- Meals
- Fuel
- Accommodation – 22 powered sites, 4 permanent tented sites
- Showers
- Toilets
- Licensed Bar
- Outdoor BBQ area
- Goldfields Museum
Palmer River Roadhouse
Before you start your Maytown journey stop in Palmer River to learn more about the area. And likewise after you complete the Old Coach Road track.
Palmer River is 5km north of Whites Creek Road and Maytown turnoff.
It’s a great place for an overnight stay and you’ll learn a lot about the history of the area while you’re there.
It has….
- Meals
- Fuel
- Accommodation – 22 powered sites, 4 permanent tented sites
- Showers
- Toilets
- Licensed Bar
- Outdoor BBQ area
- Goldfields Museum