Hi all, I'll be sailing north of Cooktown soon, how can I get forecasts?, ABC radio used to give a detailed report of the synoptic situation as well as official coastal waters from the gulf, straights, east coast on the "Country Hour" and a good report in the morning but they have dialled them way back to "oh it might get a bit breezy"
Can you even get radio stations up there?
What are the other options besides a hf radio?

It's been a few years now since I sailed up that way, but IIRC, you'll have (or be in and out of) mobile range the whole way. Lizard Is being the exception except if you get close to the research station.

The HF/ shortwave radio still seems available: www.bom.gov.au/marine/radio-sat/voice-services.shtml
and then you'll need a SW radio receiver:
www.aussiestormshop.com.au/pocket-rechargeable-ssb-shortwave-radio-with-sync
and
www.jaycar.com.au/world-band-am-fm-sw-pll-radio/p/AR1748

and perhaps other models

Awesome, this sounds easier than I thought, the Jaycar radio has an external antenna socket too, could be handy if I can connect to my vhf antenna

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Toph said..
It's been a few years now since I sailed up that way, but IIRC, you'll have (or be in and out of) mobile range the whole way. Lizard Is being the exception except if you get close to the research station.

So did you get mobile phone reception without an external antenna? I did wonder if it was worth the cost of a good setup for phone or if I would be wasting money

I came down from Cape York to Airlie Beach in February this year and the only phone signal I got between Seisia and Cooktown was from Lockhart River. Anchor between Lloyd island and the mainland for reasonable reception, Telstra.
Enjoy my favourite part of the coast!!!

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patolo said..
I came down from Cape York to Airlie Beach in February this year and the only phone signal I got between Seisia and Cooktown was from Lockhart River. Anchor between Lloyd island and the mainland for reasonable reception, Telstra.
Enjoy my favourite part of the coast!!!

Was that with just the phone, or did you have an external antenna? My experience (not in that area but still relevant) is that investing a couple of hundred bucks for an antenna and quality induction phone cradle is well worthwhile, as it will extend your coverage area considerably. It also ensures your phone is always charged and secure in a safe spot.

Cheers, Graeme

So I ended up getting a little Tecsun pl-330 radio and worked a treat the whole way, I connected a strand of speaker wire to a chain plate nut and then an alligator clip to the antenna and definitely improved reception significantly
I got Telstra reception at Orchid Point in Lloyd Bay and that was it till Seisia
I spent 8 months off grid and the Tecsun radio was a treasured item!

Starlink ? They are on sale in Europe. Not sure about OZ.

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Using just a Telstra Android phone, I was able to get signal at Lockhart river, between Lloyd island and the mainland.
A friend sent me an email from Cooks Look a few months ago?
That's the only area until Seisia.

If you invest in an HF receiver, you can receive HF weather fax as well via your computer application.