The CREB Track is one of Australia’s most spectacular and challenging 4WD tracks, cutting right through the pristine Daintree Rainforest of Far North Queensland. Read more.
If you are an adventure seeker looking for the most spectacular and challenging 4WD track in Far North Queensland, then look no further than the CREB Track.
We may be biased in saying this, but we thinkย Australia has some of the best off-road tracks in the world. Since departing our home town of Perth in March 2018, we have experienced some of the most iconic and beautiful 4WD tracks Australia has to offer, and all from the comfort of our trusty Land Rover.
From Western Australia’s Gibb River Road, South Australia’s Oodnadatta Track, the Northern Territory’s MacDonnell Ranges, Far North Queensland’s
So when we say that North Queensland’s CREB Track remained our highlight for the whole journey, we mean it!
If you are looking for an exciting, spectacularly scenic and a surprisingly challenging 4×4 track (which you can complete in a few hours in fair weather, or far longer if conditions are wet), complete with magnificent waterfalls and mountainous views of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Daintree Rainforest, then this is the place for you!
The CREB Track is the ultimate 4WD action-packed getaway for 4×4 enthusiasts and mountain bikers alike, offering lush tropical rainforest, clear flowing streams, waterfalls and spectacular views from ridge tops on challenging red clay terrain.
We particularly liked the CREB track as we were able to put the Land Rover to the test while enjoying an environment far different from those available in our home state. The hill descent control and terrain response systems certainly came in handy on the very steep and slippery ground.
Scroll down below to see our photos from the expedition, as well as more information on the CREB, Roaring Meg Falls, camping and general tips.
About The CREB Track in North Queensland
Hidden in the deep rainforest, the CREB track is famous among the locals. At just over 70km long, the CREB Track is fairly short but very steep as it winds its way through the heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Originally constructed as a service track for the Cairns Regional Electricity Board (CREB) electrical powerline to Cooktown, the track now predominantly sees use by recreational 4WD groups, motorcyclists and downhill mountain bikers.
Starting south from Wujal Wujal, near Bloomfield, the CREB Track runs through open-wooded ridges to Dawnvale station and then slowly gets deeper into rainforest and mountainous terrain where it climbs and descends suddenly, eventually reaching the Daintree River. We completed the track this way while returning from Cape York, however you can complete it in either direction.
It was not long before the terrain transformed around us and the track became enveloped in dense rainforest, the red clay surface providing little grip when wet, especially given the steep angles and sudden steep ascents and descents.
CREB Track Conditions
The best time to hit the CREB Track is from May to November. Not surprisingly, the track is closed during the wet season and at other times if the situation warrants it.
While the CREB Track generally remains dry during the open season, rain here can be sudden and unpredictable, so prepare for the worst and bring all the necessary recovery and communication equipment. The slightest rainfall (even if days old) can render the track treacherous or nearly impassable as grip levels plummet and the clay turns to mud. Make sure both vehicle and driver are prepared, with high-quality A/T or mud tyres and supporting recovery equipment should the going get sticky, after all this is tropical Australia!
Due to hazardous conditions, the Council may temporarily close the track without warning. You can check on the status of the CREB Track by visiting Douglas Shire Website or calling 07 4099 9444.
Fortunately the CREB Track was open for us and we had clear weather on our side for the entire duration of the trip. Even so, there were still a few hairy moments descending down some of the steepest slopes we have ever driven, ensuring it was an exercise of constraint with careful braking and steering.
We passed a fair few vehicles and motorcyclists on this track with several being tour guide or group/club convoys. It’s important to exercise caution and be vigilant for vehicles
We also encountered a fellow explorer whose Colorado Ute had snapped off a steering tie-rod half-way on the track, rendering the vehicles steering completely inoperable. Thankfully he was with a group and had a Sat phone with which he had ordered in a replacement part. This goes to show that vehicle preparation, servicing and of course a plan B should the worst happen are of pivotal importance out here in the bush.
Roaring Meg Falls
If conditions are perfect, then yes, the CREB Track can be completed in one day, but why rush it when you have the opportunity to visit (and camp) at the very special site of Roaring Meg Falls!
Roaring Meg Falls is near the half-way mark on the CREB track, located in the ranges behind Bloomfield and situated at the head of the Bloomfield River. The drive from Wujal Wujal community to get here takes about 1 hr and yes, 4WD is required, with some creek crossings along the way.
Once you arrive you immediately hear the roaring white water. After a short walk through a mountainous rainforest, you will arrive at the top of the stunning falls. Here powerful waters cascade over large, smooth, white rock shoulders, flowing into a river that runs through the gorge downstream.
While there is a deep rock pool at the top of the falls that you can enjoy cooling off in, it is advisable to swim even further upstream (from the Meg Falls car-park) where it is more level and safe. Strong currents exist here, as well as very slippery boulders. Sadly, there have been a number of fatalities at Roaring Meg Falls from people either slipping off boulders at the top of the falls or simply getting pulled over by the current. Please do not walk across the river at the top of the falls, your life is not worth the risk for a photo.
We took our pictures of Roaring Meg Falls from a safe distance and opted to have a quick dip upstream near the carpark for peace of mind.
The isolated location of Roaring Meg Falls makes it a perfect spot for camping with its spectacular views of the Far North Queensland tropics. At the time we camped there back in 2018, the toilet had seen better days (see picture below) – we just hope the offending occupant made a full recovery! Nonetheless, it was still a magical spot for us being surrounded by nature and falling asleep to the powerful roaring sound of constant water.
While camping is allowed in the area, you will still need permission to visit or camp at Roaring Meg Falls. The land is of cultural significance to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji (Buru) people, so out of respect for the traditional owners of Buru, visitors are asked to contact a representative before accessing the falls. Contact Burungu Aboriginal Corporation Ph: (07) 4098 6248
The Finale: Crossing the Daintree River
As we started the CREB Track from the northern end, we got to finish our expedition with a spectacular finale – crossing the mighty Daintree River! After a cautious check of the water level (and
Afterward, we drove into the Daintree Village for a pub lunch at ye olde Daintree Village Hotel where we spoke to a few strangers about our unforgettable CREB Track experience over a well-deserved late pub lunch.
Essential information for CREB Track
Check local weather conditions and road conditions before attempting to drive the CREB track, as it is only suitable for well-equipped 4WD vehicles and motorists with vehicle recovery experience. It is not suitable for trailers.
If you are travelling with one vehicle, it may be worth taking a satellite phone with you, as majority of the CREB track is remote with no phone signal.
To access Roaring Meg Falls, visitors are required to seek permission first from the Burungu Aboriginal Corporation as this site is of important cultural significance to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji (Buru) people.
Visit the Douglas Shire Website or call (07) 4099 9444 for information on track closures. For Falls permit, call Burungu Aboriginal Corporation on(07) 4098 6248
- Grading: Low range gearing and high ground clearance: take traction aids and recovery gear.
- Distance: 137km, Cooktown to Daintree
- Longest Drive Without Fuel: 82km, Wujal Wujal to Wonga Beach,
- Best time of Year: May to November. The Creb Track is closed during the wet season and at other times if the situation warrants it.
- Facilities: Cooktown, Lions Den Hotel, Wonga Beach, Wujal Wujal (no fuel weekends), Home Rule Rainforest Lodge (no fuel), Ayton (no fuel), Daintree (no fuel)
4 comments
Hi, great story and awesome photos.
We are heading that way in August for the 1st time and are looking to choose between Cape Tribulation and the Creb Track. For what I hear, travelling from south to north is ” easier ” than north to south ( like you did ). Assuming the track is dry how would you rate going south to north compare to your trip. We are leaving Cairns in the morning and heading to Cooktown for the night ( with Lions Den for late lunch ).
Hi Herman,
Sounds like a good trip you have planned. I would recommend you do both the Cape Tribulation / Bloomfield Track and the CREB track, as both are very scenic and enjoyable. Lions den is definitely worth a stop for lunch. The CREB track is definitely the more challenging drive, you should be fine in August but make sure you plan ahead and ensure the track is clear and open.
Regarding direction, I think either way is similar difficulty however South to North is often preferred because you need to cross the Daintree river on the southern end. This means if you start south and can’t cross the river, it’s not a problem. If you start north you could traverse the whole CREB track before hitting the river at the very end, and if unable to cross your only recourse would be to turn around and go back through the track.
All the best and enjoy,
Adam
4×4 Drivers from NZ. Would be so keen to drive The Creb Track when we visit at the beginning of July. Obviously we don’t have our truck. Is there anything available where we can hire a truck or join a club where we can actually drive it is the only way to do this is bring your own truck ?
Hi Gavin,
Sorry for the late response mate, we’ve had a bit on this year.
How was your visit in July? Hopefully you got to see some of the beautiful bush up here in FNQ.
The CREB is often traversed by the motorcycle tour groups, however I’m not sure if there are many 4WD tours that go through there. You can also hire perentie landrovers up here which seem to accommodate their customers getting off the beaten track,so that could have been an option for self touring the CREB.