Good morning all Grey Nomads, Edmond & Megan posting for the 1st time, looking for advice regarding half lap of Oz. we are in western Victoria and are thinking of going up the middle and coming back down the western half (WA) then back through SA to home. looking at advice when to go regarding weather, where to go, where not to go etc,
towing a 20' foot caravan with a 4wd landrover so will probably looking at staying sealed roads for towing and then being a bit more adventerous with the the 4wd only.
looking forward to hearing from all of you Cheers Edmond
blaze said
10:59 AM Sep 22, 2020
best time to go is when you leave, pros and cons for all weather but you could be dead in a month
cheers
blaze
travelyounger said
11:28 AM Sep 22, 2020
edmond morris wrote:
Good morning all Grey Nomads, Edmond & Megan posting for the 1st time, looking for advice regarding half lap of Oz. we are in western Victoria and are thinking of going up the middle and coming back down the western half (WA) then back through SA to home. looking at advice when to go regarding weather, where to go, where not to go etc,
towing a 20' foot caravan with a 4wd landrover so will probably looking at staying sealed roads for towing and then being a bit more adventerous with the the 4wd only.
looking forward to hearing from all of you Cheers Edmond
Welcome Edmond
Most travellers go up the middle or north east coast or Newell hwy from late April early May to be in QLD ,NT and north Western Australia for winter and the dry season.Start heading down the west coast from September and see the wildflowers and do the coast in the warmer months.There are more gravel roads in WA and SA to get to some of the better spots but most are graded regularly and the majority of them are 2wd but can be dusty.Next year will be very busy with people staying in Australia so I would recommend to start planning early and book the more popular camps if you free camp there are plenty of areas you can pull up but some towns don't allow free camping but you will learn as you go.
Cheers John
edmond morris said
11:41 AM Sep 22, 2020
Hi John Thanks for the info, we thought end of April would be a good time and would probably cross over into SA and then up to Alice Springs etc, thats if Covid lets us , will start researching now
cheers Edmond
vince56 said
05:25 PM Sep 22, 2020
Is that really necessary Blaze?
blaze said
06:57 PM Sep 22, 2020
vince56 wrote:
Is that really necessary Blaze?
losst a few mates that worked hard for a lifetime and retire to travel and drop off the perch before they had a chance, one mate was 50 yo, saved all his life for his moment in the sun, got cancer, lasted 3 months.
Is it necessary to go soon, I reckon it is
cheers
blaze
Warren-Pat_01 said
07:19 PM Sep 22, 2020
G'day Edmond Megan,
Welcome to a great forum (where some of us get a little agro at times, mostly are quite helpful - even blaze).
Explore the various tabs, see what is in there, use the Search, Advanced Search- there's lots of goodies stashed away. There are Solar, Vehicle Recall tabs connected to the Teccies page.
Regarding your trip & into SA, assuming you'll travel the Eyre Highway - travel with the weather, not against it. It can be hot, cold & quite windy. It blows all the way along the south coast of WA, SA & Victoria - only the direction & temperature changes!
Sights to see? Yes by all means seek help here, visit Visitor Information Centres.
Happy looking, planning
erad said
08:42 PM Sep 22, 2020
Whenever you set off, wherever you aim for, if you are going to stay in caravan parks, I advise you to get to your destination about mid afternoon and certainly no later than 4:00 pm. Reason - there are thousands of people out there (mainly grey nomads) and the pressure is on on caravan parks at the peak season. Try to avoid travelling in the dark or early morning because wildlife can be active at those hours. There is no grass in the middle of the road out there - because the cows come in at night and eat it (actually the road surface is warmer and they come there to go to sleep).
If you stay in caravan parks, you will meet up with fellow travellers who will hopefully have useful tips on good things to see. Buying fuel from the highway roadhouses is often not the cheapest. Example - Coober Pedy, fuel is cheaper at the depot rather than the regular servos. Fuel is a bit expense so it is worth chasing a few cents here and there. Fuel is cheaper at Woomera than Pimba, and Woomera is only a few km off the main road. There are some interesting things to see there as well - suitable for an overnight stay??? Across the Nullarbor, talk to your bank manager before you come across there. There are a few places where it is cheaper than the rest but even then it is damned expensive. Talk to fellow travellers (preferably coming the other way) for tips.
As for places to see and do, the list is endless. We have visited Alice Springs 6 times and still have not seen it all. Special places out from Alice include Palm Valley, Chambers Pillar (both accessible on day trips out of Alice, or you can tow your van out there and stay overnight) and the MacDonnell Ranges - East and West - there are dozens of interesting places. Then, in town there are a few other places of interest. The same applies to nearly every other major outback town. The Flinders Ranges (SA) are similarly spectacular, and a lot closer to your home.
You say you want to go up the middle and then the western half of WA. WA is a BIG place. From Darwin to Perth is about 4000 km, and there aren't many roads which allow you to avoid going to Katherine and then turn left to go through WA. That is a long way, but there are a lot of interesting places to go to en route. Depending on your available time/finances, you may be better making it in 2 trips - one up the centre and back. Then another trip to WA and back. Yes - it involves some backtracking but depending on how much time you have it may be a better option.
wendyv said
11:05 PM Sep 22, 2020
It reads to me like you can be flexible with timing and duration of trip. Assuming that - and disagreeing with some previous posts - I suggest leaving home to head to Central Aust about April. Late enough to avoid the real summer heat in the Centre. Also, look at the timing of Easter because that is a time in caravan parks and on the road best avoided!
If you are hoping to include the Top End (north of Katherine) in this trip, suggest you want to be there around May. Late enough to miss cyclones, but should still be good water in the wetlands and waterfalls to be scenic - especially Kakadu. You certainly want to be out of there by about mid June when the real rush starts!
May/June/July/August - good time to be exploring the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Gets increasingly hot, dry, dusty after that. Unfortunately, the mid year school holidays can be pretty busy and you may need to book ahead for caravan parks at that time. This is a pain, because it ties you to a schedule, but unavoidable in really popular places like Broome, and even Kununurra at the peak.
August/Sept/Oct - good time to be making your way south in WA. Wildflower time. Downside is the coast can be very windy as spring comes in. Also getting hotter by Oct.
I would suggest November is the latest to be crossing the Nullarbor back to the east. Varies from year to year, but December can be oven like across there. We have done it a couple of times in December, of necessity and it is not something I would recommend.
For certain, this trip will only scratch the surface of what there is to see and do, but will give you a basis for planning future trips that maybe specialize more in one or two sections of what you have covered.
Apart from at peak times, and away from the very popular places, you can probably manage by deciding at night where you want to go next day and phoning ahead that morning to book a van site.
I suggest that you do not worry too much about fuel prices, and top up whenever you need to, to keep tank at least half full. Some more remote settlements may only get the tanker in once a week, and if they have had a few tag along groups in, can be out of fuel for days at a time. e.g. Halls Creek in Kimberley! Best to pay a few dollars more than be forced to camp for a time where you did not want to be....
Regarding places to go - where does one start? As you go, you will pick up info from local Visitor Centres, fellow travellers (but note that one person's great place is the next person's awful one. (Substitute road, caravan park etc for place!) Google. travellers blogs etc. Once you make a start you will become confident about your own research and making choices.
To start you off: from Western Vic, avoid towing through Adelaide (and the stretch down the Hills!) by heading up to Mildura, across via Renmark, Morgan, Burra, Peterborough, Orroroo to Port Augusta. Then you are well on your way...
Taking a tent and basic camp geat with you would enable you to leave van in storage in places like Kununurra and explore with 4WD e.g. Bungles.
Enjoy....
edmond morris said
10:25 AM Sep 23, 2020
Hi All
thanks for all the positive feedback so far its given us a lot to think about whilst we are still stuck in Victoria! will start doing the homework now, will post our progress as we go
ed &Meg
yobarr said
11:26 AM Sep 23, 2020
blaze wrote:
vince56 wrote:
Is that really necessary Blaze?
losst a few mates that worked hard for a lifetime and retire to travel and drop off the perch before they had a chance, one mate was 50 yo, saved all his life for his moment in the sun, got cancer, lasted 3 months.
Is it necessary to go soon, I reckon it is
cheers blaze
Absolutely.My partner and I spent 3 years,and a lot of money,modifying our car and van to be able to live full time in it,with a view to travelling for the rest of our lives. We sold one house and rented the other,with departure planned for late March,2019,but on January 29th she was told by doctors that she had "3 months,maybe a bit longer" to live,as she had been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer.She died 4 months later,in early June.Indeed,"The best time to go is when you leave." Presently I am parked up near Taree,but shortly I will head for Western NSW where I plan to do a bit of casual driving or machine operating to help the struggling farmers.......the best time to go is NOW.Just do it.Cheers
I can not add any more, to what has already been said
I find that the tourist information places, are a valuable source of local information
They are sometimes my first port of call, when I enter a new area
Gaylehere said
08:58 PM Sep 23, 2020
Like Tony we like tourist information centres - firstly I head to our local one as they have many brochures from all over. I also have a look on internet sights. Local tourist info persons can tell you of places that aren't necessarily in the brochures. We usually don't plan much though before hand. We set a date to leave and a date to be home and play it as it comes in between. As you have the van and tug I assume you have already seen a lot of your local area, if not do so until you can set off on your big adventure. Like a couple have already said you don't know what lies around the corner. We've had our motorhome since 2014 but every second year something seems to crop up to knock our extended trips for a six, so don't forgo local trips as well. For some great "cliff" scenery please travel the Eyre Peninsula in SA. Like all have said there is stuff to see everywhere and the look of the countryside changes with the seasons. Enjoy your travels. Cheers.
edmond morris said
02:57 PM Sep 24, 2020
Hi All
yes we have done quite a lot of touring around Victoria both east and west and also the Riverina and the south cost of NSW up as far as Batemans bay.
we have also done quite a bit of SA from mount gambier, the coorong, Adelaide, Yorke Penisular, Claire valley and the Barossa (my favourite). But the bones need some warmth now in winter so hence starting to plan this trip .
Good morning all Grey Nomads, Edmond & Megan posting for the 1st time, looking for advice regarding half lap of Oz. we are in western Victoria and are thinking of going up the middle and coming back down the western half (WA) then back through SA to home. looking at advice when to go regarding weather, where to go, where not to go etc,
towing a 20' foot caravan with a 4wd landrover so will probably looking at staying sealed roads for towing and then being a bit more adventerous with the the 4wd only.
looking forward to hearing from all of you Cheers Edmond
cheers
blaze
Welcome Edmond
Most travellers go up the middle or north east coast or Newell hwy from late April early May to be in QLD ,NT and north Western Australia for winter and the dry season.Start heading down the west coast from September and see the wildflowers and do the coast in the warmer months.There are more gravel roads in WA and SA to get to some of the better spots but most are graded regularly and the majority of them are 2wd but can be dusty.Next year will be very busy with people staying in Australia so I would recommend to start planning early and book the more popular camps if you free camp there are plenty of areas you can pull up but some towns don't allow free camping but you will learn as you go.
Cheers John
cheers Edmond
losst a few mates that worked hard for a lifetime and retire to travel and drop off the perch before they had a chance, one mate was 50 yo, saved all his life for his moment in the sun, got cancer, lasted 3 months.
Is it necessary to go soon, I reckon it is
cheers
blaze
Welcome to a great forum (where some of us get a little agro at times, mostly are quite helpful - even blaze).
Explore the various tabs, see what is in there, use the Search, Advanced Search- there's lots of goodies stashed away. There are Solar, Vehicle Recall tabs connected to the Teccies page.
Regarding your trip & into SA, assuming you'll travel the Eyre Highway - travel with the weather, not against it. It can be hot, cold & quite windy. It blows all the way along the south coast of WA, SA & Victoria - only the direction & temperature changes!
Sights to see? Yes by all means seek help here, visit Visitor Information Centres.
Happy looking, planning
If you stay in caravan parks, you will meet up with fellow travellers who will hopefully have useful tips on good things to see. Buying fuel from the highway roadhouses is often not the cheapest. Example - Coober Pedy, fuel is cheaper at the depot rather than the regular servos. Fuel is a bit expense so it is worth chasing a few cents here and there. Fuel is cheaper at Woomera than Pimba, and Woomera is only a few km off the main road. There are some interesting things to see there as well - suitable for an overnight stay??? Across the Nullarbor, talk to your bank manager before you come across there. There are a few places where it is cheaper than the rest but even then it is damned expensive. Talk to fellow travellers (preferably coming the other way) for tips.
As for places to see and do, the list is endless. We have visited Alice Springs 6 times and still have not seen it all. Special places out from Alice include Palm Valley, Chambers Pillar (both accessible on day trips out of Alice, or you can tow your van out there and stay overnight) and the MacDonnell Ranges - East and West - there are dozens of interesting places. Then, in town there are a few other places of interest. The same applies to nearly every other major outback town. The Flinders Ranges (SA) are similarly spectacular, and a lot closer to your home.
You say you want to go up the middle and then the western half of WA. WA is a BIG place. From Darwin to Perth is about 4000 km, and there aren't many roads which allow you to avoid going to Katherine and then turn left to go through WA. That is a long way, but there are a lot of interesting places to go to en route. Depending on your available time/finances, you may be better making it in 2 trips - one up the centre and back. Then another trip to WA and back. Yes - it involves some backtracking but depending on how much time you have it may be a better option.
If you are hoping to include the Top End (north of Katherine) in this trip, suggest you want to be there around May. Late enough to miss cyclones, but should still be good water in the wetlands and waterfalls to be scenic - especially Kakadu. You certainly want to be out of there by about mid June when the real rush starts!
May/June/July/August - good time to be exploring the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Gets increasingly hot, dry, dusty after that. Unfortunately, the mid year school holidays can be pretty busy and you may need to book ahead for caravan parks at that time. This is a pain, because it ties you to a schedule, but unavoidable in really popular places like Broome, and even Kununurra at the peak.
August/Sept/Oct - good time to be making your way south in WA. Wildflower time. Downside is the coast can be very windy as spring comes in. Also getting hotter by Oct.
I would suggest November is the latest to be crossing the Nullarbor back to the east. Varies from year to year, but December can be oven like across there. We have done it a couple of times in December, of necessity and it is not something I would recommend.
For certain, this trip will only scratch the surface of what there is to see and do, but will give you a basis for planning future trips that maybe specialize more in one or two sections of what you have covered.
Apart from at peak times, and away from the very popular places, you can probably manage by deciding at night where you want to go next day and phoning ahead that morning to book a van site.
I suggest that you do not worry too much about fuel prices, and top up whenever you need to, to keep tank at least half full. Some more remote settlements may only get the tanker in once a week, and if they have had a few tag along groups in, can be out of fuel for days at a time. e.g. Halls Creek in Kimberley! Best to pay a few dollars more than be forced to camp for a time where you did not want to be....
Regarding places to go - where does one start? As you go, you will pick up info from local Visitor Centres, fellow travellers (but note that one person's great place is the next person's awful one. (Substitute road, caravan park etc for place!) Google. travellers blogs etc. Once you make a start you will become confident about your own research and making choices.
To start you off: from Western Vic, avoid towing through Adelaide (and the stretch down the Hills!) by heading up to Mildura, across via Renmark, Morgan, Burra, Peterborough, Orroroo to Port Augusta. Then you are well on your way...
Taking a tent and basic camp geat with you would enable you to leave van in storage in places like Kununurra and explore with 4WD e.g. Bungles.
Enjoy....
thanks for all the positive feedback so far its given us a lot to think about whilst we are still stuck in Victoria! will start doing the homework now, will post our progress as we go
ed &Meg
Absolutely.My partner and I spent 3 years,and a lot of money,modifying our car and van to be able to live full time in it,with a view to travelling for the rest of our lives. We sold one house and rented the other,with departure planned for late March,2019,but on January 29th she was told by doctors that she had "3 months,maybe a bit longer" to live,as she had been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer.She died 4 months later,in early June.Indeed,"The best time to go is when you leave." Presently I am parked up near Taree,but shortly I will head for Western NSW where I plan to do a bit of casual driving or machine operating to help the struggling farmers.......the best time to go is NOW.Just do it.Cheers
I can not add any more, to what has already been said
I find that the tourist information places, are a valuable source of local information
They are sometimes my first port of call, when I enter a new area
Hi All
yes we have done quite a lot of touring around Victoria both east and west and also the Riverina and the south cost of NSW up as far as Batemans bay.
we have also done quite a bit of SA from mount gambier, the coorong, Adelaide, Yorke Penisular, Claire valley and the Barossa (my favourite). But the bones need some warmth now in winter so hence starting to plan this trip .
Ed & Megan