EXTENDED CAMPING TRIPS

HELL’S GATE and THE DOUGLAS PACK TRACK

Introduction. The Palmer River Goldfields yielded 1, 333,979 oz of gold and caused a ‘rush” in 1873 of 20 000 people to the remote region in seven years. Sub Inspector Douglas, of the Queensland Native Mounted Police blazed a new track to provide a shorter route from Cooktown to Maytown, then centre of the Gold Fields.The rugged terrain prevented use of wheeled vehicles. 1500 packhorses and mules carrying up to 200kg each, plied the track in its heyday. Wagon roads superseded the Douglas Track in just six years. The track passes through a narrow defile, which quickly became known as Hells Gates. This defile became infamous as a site for ambush by hostile Aborigines and gold robbers. The track was abbreviated when a railway was constructed to Laura, and the shorter route along Kennedy Creek from Laura was used to deliver mail by packhorse. The pack-track remains distinct in many places, and is the route we follow.

Safari Description and Summary

Start:	Quincan Hotel, Laura. 150 34’ South 144 27’East
Finish:	Laura.
Duration:	Seven days, includes connections to / from Laura,
Distance:	Approximately 60km.
Overall Climb/ descent:	470m.
Terrain:	Undulating to steep un-maintained tracks and cattle pads, long grass and shrubby cross-country sections, rocky creek beds.
Difficulty rating:	Demanding
Features:	Hell’s Gates pass, mining history, original pioneer routes, art sites, and splendid isolation.
	Hell's Gate
Summary
Day One.	We assemble at Laura for a briefing, loading of the pack bags and a last night in civilisation. There is time to visit the local interpretation centre and learn more of the long occupation of this area. Connecting transport from Cairns or Mareeba can be arranged at extra cost.
Day Two.	We join the donkeys at a forward depot and complete loading. Then commence the trek up Kennedy Creek, to the vicinity of a disused stock camp for our first night under the stars.
Day Three and Four.	We continue up Kennedy Creek following the mail route, camping on some of the many waterholes. There may be time to explore the surrounding ranges for rock art sites and obtain some spectacular views of this rugged landscape.
Day Five.	We locate our final camp at a convenient distance from The Conglomerate Range ready for an early assault the next day.
Day Six.	We make a lightweight trip to locate Hells Gates and some spectacular rock art sites before returning to our camp late afternoon for a swim and relax.
Day Seven	We pack out along Quartz Creek section of The Douglas Track to meet the connecting transport for our return to Laura, where we will enjoy a cold drink, dinner and reorganise for the return to southern connections the next day. Connecting transport to Cairns Mareeba or Cooktown arranged at extra cost.
Note this trek is subject to issue of permits from the local Traditional Owners.
Cost:	See attached table
Minimum number of participants:   4. Maximum number of participants:  12
Notes: The lack of water in the region makes this trek possible only in the first couple of months in the “Dry Season”. There is no public scheduled transport to Laura.The Quinkan Hotel burned down in 2002. The replacement tavern does not provide rooms. Camping is available at the rear of the hotel or at the Laura campgrounds. The road to Laura is planned to be sealed by late 2005. Secure parking for cars may be arranged at the hotel or at the Laura Roadhouse
The Douglas Track