Carnage on CREB track forces closure



Published Wednesday 10 August 2016

CARNAGE on the legendary CREB track has forced its closure less than a fortnight after opening to four-wheel-drive enthusiasts.

It’s believed up to six vehicles still remain stuck on the track with wet weather and consistent rain rendering it impassable.

Images have emerged on Facebook showing roll overs and vehicles blocking the popular trail, regarded as one of Australia’s most spectacular and daring four-wheel-drive adventures.

Douglas Shire Council Infrastructure Manager, Michael Kriedemann, confirmed the temporary closure today.

“The CREB track was closed on Tuesday… due to consistent rain up the top section over the past few days,” he said.

“Even after moderate rainfall, the track can become treacherous or impassable and vehicles easily become bogged or stranded.

“Vehicles get stuck regularly, usually because people are driving on the track when it is closed, they do not drive to the conditions or do not have the skills to safely navigate what is a difficult four-wheel-drive track suitable for experienced enthusiasts only.”

A Facebook page providing condition updates for the track reported vehicles stuck at Hildas Creek and on the north side of McDowall Range. Search and rescue authorities are usually called to assist in extracting stranded people, however no assistance is usually given to vehicles.

The 71km dirt stretch, which was originally an old service road to Cooktown, begins north of the Daintree Village and connects the Daintree to Wajul Wujal. Its unpredictability is what attracts many off road adventurers, however they risk on the spot fines and vehicle recovery costs should they attempt to drive it while closed

Kriedemann said council was unsure when the track would reopen.

“Once the weather clears, council will have to wait for the track to dry out and then assess any damage,” he said.

“Due to the weather and track condition, this assessment will not occur until at least next week.”