The Bloomfield Track links Cooktown with Cape Tribulation and if you are looking for a driving adventure the Bloomfield Track can be a testing experience for drivers of 4WD's.

There is very little gravel on the surface, there are creek crossings, steep climbs and it is quite possible to get stuck if it is wet. The road conditions vary greatly. It can be an easy drive or completely impassable.

The Bloomfield Track is unsuitable for trailers. It is fine to travel on much of the time, but you should always drive slowly and carefully, particularly if you are not used to unsealed roads. However there is no reason that a driver in a suitable 4WD can’t enjoy a drive along the road if they are sensible.

River Crossings

Normally the creeks are straightforward, but in wet weather there can be at least four difficult crossings. Most 4WD vehicles can only cross about 0.6m depth of water before the risk of damage. Check your owner's manual. Even if the vehicle is capable of a deeper crossing the strong current can easily wash 4WDs away!

Drivers should always walk across deep crossings first to determine the depth and speed before driving through. Many 4WDs have been washed away on this track. The most important thing is to decide if you really need to cross a flooded creek. It may be better to wait and the river will go down when the rain stops.

Steep Climbs and Descents

There are two steep climbs and descents on the track - Donovan's Range is 20% (1:5), and Cowie Range is up to 33% (1:3). You need to be in the correct gear to climb these hills and you should change gears before the climb. It is not fun to have to do a change on a 1:3 slope. If the slope is slippery you will also need 4WD to be engaged.

Descending is often more dangerous. Low gear should always be selected before descending, and speed kept down, using engine braking where possible. Never rely on brakes alone on these steep, dangerous slopes. When slides develop descending acceleration is needed to straighten the vehicle. Braking only makes a slide worse.

Boggy Patches

Sometimes the road surface breaks up and boggy patches can develop. Try and drive on the hardest surface or follow the existing ruts. You should make an inspection of boggy patches before driving driving through.

Make sure that you know how to engage 4WD - in some vehicles hubs need to be locked beforehand. Full time 4WD vehicles usually need to have the center diff locked. It is always handy to have another vehicle present, with a towrope, in case you get stuck.

Unimproved Surface

The road surface can be loose and slippery even when quite dry. Small rocks on the surface can be like driving on marbles and slides can develop easily. It is best to drive slowly and avoid hard braking or rapid acceleration.

Dust also causes problems, and the decreased visibility can contribute to accidents so don't stop suddenly in a dust cloud and don’t follow too closely. Remember there will be other traffic too! Run with your headlights on in thick dust as it will help others to see you.