An Aussie Adventure

[AlanzEyes]

I have a plan to travel around Australia later this year. The plan involves traveling to the coast from Canberra, follow it to Melbourne, still following it across to Adelaide, then Perth, north to Broome, Darwin, south to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, across to Cairns, south to Whitsunday Islands, Brisbane, then back home along the coast to Canberra. Over 18,000 km in 40 days.

I'll be doing it in my BF II XR6 Turbo.

Telling you about it isn't why I'm writing this post though. I'm writing this to ask for the advice of you guys. You, who have done a similar trip, or know the country, or know the hazards and things I need to look out for, or the things I'll need to take with me to make sure I stay safe and enjoy myself.

I have my own ideas, doing my own research, organising my own plans... But I'd appreciate any input from any of you who would like to help me in the preparation.

Thanks!

Edited 06/01/09 04:42 AM by AlanzEyes

[Dillz]

Sounds good mate, all I can say is try and steer clear of tenting it when you are heading up the center, theres always shady characters that hang around the caravan parks.

Other then that, good luck with it all.

[senna_T]

Take plenty of water! Also, try and plot your route between major centres. If you have a tyre blowout or an issue with your car you want to make sure that you know exactly where you are and how far it is to the next garage or service centre.

Grab a car bra too if you haven't already.

Oh, and take lots of pics!

[AlanzEyes]

My planning has so far included an average of 6 hours a day driving, with careful note of petrol stops every 200-500km. After an average of 5 days driving in this fashion, I'm planning on resting for 2-3 days. I'll be going on a few tours here and there through national parks in WA and NT, and sailing around the Whitsundays in QLD. I'm hoping for some decent R&R in between all the driving.

And definitely lots of photos. Based on my averages from past holidays, I should have about 4,000 photos by the time it's all over.

My initial thoughts for things to take with me are: petrol jerrycan, 2 x spare tyres, lots of duct tape, CB radio, 2 x 4 litre water bottles (or thereabouts). Where possible (most places), I'm staying at backpackers. I've had some good experiences with the quality of them in NZ, so I'll do that here too. It looks like I can do accommodation at an average of $40 a night, which is cool. But petrol's probably going to be over $2,000... that'll be fun...

I'll definitely add a car bra to the list. And being an 'ordinary sedan', I won't be doing any off-roading, and will always stick to the sealed roads and highways.

Any other suggestions?

[Russ F6]

I would be getting a bull bar from a mac truck and doing whatever I could to fit it to the turbo.

[tab]

Probably got it covered already, but chuck a 12v air compressor in your tool kit as well. Just in case you get a slow leak in the middle of nowhere.

And might be stating the obvious again, but keep away from the wet season....that wouldn’t be fun at all

[scar]

Im doing the Perth to Gold Coast trip in 3 weeks time, spending a month on the road touring. Have done this deal before and have come to learn a few handy tips.

Firstly make sure you have 2 usable spares.

Jerry cans and fill up at every petrol station you see wether you need it or not, it averages out to be the same if your trying to save costs.

lots and lots of water and snacks

When you get into an isolated town, lookout for dodgy locals.

on the long stretches I would limit your driving to 10 hours, and try to stay in some bigger towns

Most importantly, have a contact at home you check in with on a regular bases, in case something goes wrong.

Get a two way and mark your channel on your back window, truckies are in a hurry and its easier and safer if they can call up for a pass by. Most good caravans will have this for you to pass them by safely.

Heaps more, but you will figure it out

[Dagabond]

Search for threads by bdennis he towed a caravan right round a couple of years ago...

Scratch the search...here it is:

The Big Lap!, On the road again!

[XRPete]

A second driver???

[AlanzEyes]

Thanks for the tips guys, they're all good. I've also finished reading bdennis's road trip report. Looks like he had a good time, except for the wheel incident...

Some of the comments on there gave me some ideas.... Is there anyone here who has a friend who knows a friend who might be interested in me writing for them while on my trip and including photos? Sponsorship deals gladly accepted! LOL