Its only 86 days before we head off on our first big trip (5 months). Still don't have a plan where we are going, I think we will toss a coin as we drive out of the driveway to which way to go. Originally had planned to be in Brisbane mid March to see family, but wife is going up in 2 weeks time for a fornight so no need to do that now. Took the advice from another member about visiting Mungo National Park in feb and will now do at a later ,cooler time.

The van is booked in next week for bearings,brakes and suspension service, the car next month.
Dentist and Doctor appointments made to ensure no issues will arise whilst we are away.

My biggest problem now is staying motivated at work, role on 30th Jan.

-- Edited by Gary and Kerry at 07:46, 2008-11-05

got some freinds who just came back, they live at stockport, south side of clare, they shot up the murray through to wangeratta, did the alpine national park then to lakes entrance, bairnsdale then snowy river national park, (leave the van behind before entering the park) back to orbost and canberra and then home through wagga wagga and mildura, they did it in two weeks but said it was a fantastic trip, I reckon if you did much the same only, from canberra to bathurst on to tamworth, tenterfield and mckay, townsville and cairns, home through normanton and cloncurry, three ways to alice, take a squiz at the rock, turn off at port augusta and rip up to wilpena, home through peterborough, burra and nuriootpa, should just about do your long service leave. or else head west cross the big one to perth, you could easily noodle around the up country and rainforest areas for 12 months, either way I'm jealous!!!

Gary
I would consider what direction and where, slightly differently than Sir Dave. I would consider the weather, and stay south, and then head north.

My reasons are that to see the southern parts in comfort, summer is better, and as it cools, head to warmer.

At the end of the day, you can always head north, no matter what time of year, but south - bit chilly if not in the right season.

it all depends on what you wish to see

mate I'm as jealous as all hell and if it was me I'd be like a kid on red cordial at work, wouldnt be able to shut me up, I'd be bouncing off the walls

Like Two Bob, I'd definitely consider the weather. Stay south for the first half of your time then head north as it cools. Cool is a relative term when it comes to the Northern Territory. The middle of winter (June, July) is still blazing hot in the day time and freezing at night. But it's gonna be great whatever you do.

-- Edited by waltzing matilda at 17:46, 2008-11-06