Well after 2 short trips away we are ready for our first big one. We are heading to the Red Centre from the Mornington Peninsula on Tuesday. We will be free camping on the way to Coober Pedy, probably 4 stops, spending a few days there then heading for Uluru, probably making base at one of the roadhouses before then to do some exploring and then to Alice Springs and the McDonnell Ranges. We hope to spend at least 2 weeks in that area. We have a Jayco motorhome flat towing a Susuki GV3. Any advice or tips would be very welcome.
neilnruth said
01:16 AM May 14, 2012
Welcome to the forum. Keep in touch as you go along and I'm sure somebody will help you. Haven't been that way so I can't. Have a great time.
Dougwe said
01:21 AM May 14, 2012
Welcome from me too Lilliputians, enjoy here and out there.
I was in Rosebud yesterday, had to go to Telstra shop at the plaza with a problem with my blue tooth and my new mobile. They got it working and where very helpful.
I agree with nielnruth, keep us posted as you travel north, pic's are always welcome here too. DOUG
jimricho said
01:24 AM May 14, 2012
Hi Lilliputians,
Allow a few days at Coober Pedy, fascinating place.
You've probably already aware of this but I mention it anyway....suggest you don't free camp in or near Alice. I've stayed at both the Macdonell Range (Big4) and the "G'day Mate" just across the road from the Big4. Both ok. Both within walking distance of the Heavitree Tavern. "Locals" not too much of a problem in this part of town.
Also suggest you include the East Macdonells as well as the West Macdonells.
good travelling,
Jim
wendyv said
01:27 AM May 14, 2012
I think it is a false economy to base at roadhouse rather than staying at Yulara. I know it seems an expensive campground, but if you consider Curtin Springs RH is about 100km from Ayers Rock - that's a 200km round trip. If you like to walk, it is a must to walk around the base of the Rock. Then there is the wonderful Valley of the Winds walk at the Olgas. Then you may want to watch/photograph sunset or sunrise on the Rock - and you really do not want to be driving the 100km between Curtin Springs and Ayers Rock in the dark! So what I am saying is that you may want to make several trips to the Rock/Olgas - much better to do that the relatively short distance from Yulara. We have stayed there on 3 occasions now, and each time have walked the base of the Rock twice - once in each direction (it looks very different).
From home (Melbourne) we find the best way to go west/north is via Mildura, Renmark, Morgan, Burra, Peterborough, Port Augusta.
The Gemtree area, NE of Alice Springs, is well worth a visit, too.
Don't walk around in Alice Springs at night.
Whilst in Coober Pedy, do a day trip out to the Breakaways and the Moon Plain.
billeeeeeee said
02:06 AM May 14, 2012
Well Howdyeeee folks, glad to c U some where , I would like to know where im at some times, Was heading North , from Brissie , but am in Coffs harbor, 5 hours South off Brisbane, will stay here for a few days, then try to go North again.. stay excited ppl.. might c U some where out there in the play ground...Beam Me up Scotteeeeeeee........Billeeeeeee
Welcome from me as well - I well remember our first "big trip" - to Ularu - we were towing a camper trailer - we were so excited, couldn't sleep the night before we left.
What part of the Mornington Peninsula? I am from Frankston -
I agree with wendyv - false economy to stay at Curtin Springs RH - the campground at Yulara is pretty good. And there is a supermarket with reasonable priced goods. Also a really nice bakery. I also agree the best way is up thru Mildura etc., - Have stayed at G'day Mate in the Alice - smaller park, very friendly people. Coober Pedy - allow yourselves a couple of days there, heaps to see and do.
Have a great trip - ask lots of questions on this site - wealth of knowledge here, and pretty friendly as well.
Lilliputians said
03:04 AM May 14, 2012
We live in Mornington JUles47. Thanks for all the tips, we will certainly take your advice about camping at Yurala and not at the roadhouse. We certainly intend to see the East McDonnell ranges as well and go up to the gemtree area. We will look up the G'Day Mate caravan park for that part of our travels and yes, we were aware of the dangers of free camping in Alice. In fact, our idea is to free camp when we are staying put and caravan parks for security when we want to tour around. Lastly, Mildura is our preferred route, stopping overnight at Nyah, Berri, Port Augusta and somewhere along the Woomera before staying 4 nights in Coober Pedy. Would you advise staying in Alice (eg G'Day Mate) and tour around from there or camp in the Ranges (West) themselves?
pauline said
04:03 AM May 14, 2012
Have a great trip, stay safe and enjoy........... and welcome.
jimricho said
04:04 AM May 14, 2012
Re West Macdonells, maybe an overnighter at (say) Glen Helen Gorge would make it a bit less rushed. East is doable in a day but you may decide to do the loop via Gemtree in which case Gemtree would be a suitable place to overnight (or longer).
If you do stay at Glen Helen take a walk around sunrise up the slight hill behind the campground where you'll get a view of Mt. Sonder, the subject of one of Albert Namatjira's iconic paintings. At that hour you'll see the colours as Albert Namatjira captured them.
G'day Mate would be my pick of the CPs too.
Cruising Granny said
05:10 AM May 14, 2012
Hi and welcome to you. I hope you enjoy your stay. Gee, I now regret rushing my trip south in 2010. I personally felt no connection to the Rock because of all the political history inflicted upon it. You have really made me rethink my feelings about Ayres Rock. I did Western McDonnells, but I'll have to do the East next time. Alice Springs was just the place to park and base myself. I found the country around Coober Pedy fascinating, but not the township itself. It's a hard place to live in. I met a couple from there in the van park I live in. They were lovely but hardened to the ways of Coober. Ah, this travel stuff is fascinating, and no matter how many times you visit a place, there's always another perspective and another reason to revisit and review. Thanks for your perspective Jim. Love it!
fireheart said
06:04 AM May 14, 2012
Welcome to the group. I am really interested in your posting as it has given me some insight also. My cousin and I are planning on taking the grandkids that way in Sept school holidays in MH. Should be interesting, 2 grannies albiet young ones, with 4 teenagers in 2 MH's. anyway I digress, while you are out that way include Kings Canyon. You could do the Canyon on the way back to Alice from the Rock. It has been many years since I was there however I personally found the Canyon more beautiful in many ways than the Rock. Ayers Rock or Uluru is just beautiful, in fact the whole country up there is from my perspective. God's own country up there. It is interesting to know that one can now walk around the base again, last time I was there some 23 years ago, it was not allowed. Explore the whole area, the Olga's offer a different perspective again, and oh so beautiful. Ahh the memories of a misspent youth working at the Rock before the new village was built. Best some of those memories are kept to oneself. Enjoy and I look forward to hearing of your adventures. Sharon.
_wombat_ said
03:10 PM May 14, 2012
Lilliputians
Don't do everthing at once or there will be nothing left to do on your next trip, but you really must go a little further north and spend two nights at the Devil's Marbels, great place for sunset shots and only about $5 a night.
wendyv said
11:11 PM May 14, 2012
Agree with Sharon that Kings Canyon is well worth a visit - again, great walking. However, with your rig I am pretty sure you would have to backtrack from Kings Canyon to the Lasseter Highway, rather than take to the dirt roads. Re where to stay: I would suggest some time in Alice Springs and also a camp out somewhere like Glen Helen, to enable you to see the far western part of the Western McDonnells comfortably. There is plenty to see and do in Alice Springs itself. The Desert Wildlife Park is not to be missed - allow at least half a day, or more.
Rooney said
04:21 AM May 16, 2012
Good for you, hope you are now planning the next one. Happy travelling. The north of our country is beautiful.
As others suggested take care in Alice, but it is worth a look.
I have just done my first big one, well big for me and really enjoyed the experience.
Have been off the air for weeks as something happened to my password but now have that all fixed.
cheers Rooney
lilliput43 said
02:14 PM May 17, 2012
Hi Rooney
We are already thinking of the next trip and that is to 'do' the Murray from one end to the other! Having just spent our 2nd night by the river, Nyah was brill and now Lyrup which is just as good, having a trip timed it is a pity we are only having one nights stop until we get to Coober. Loving it so far so glad we have a heater this morning was 9 degrees but I am sure it will get colder.......On on
Evie n Rhys said
03:55 PM May 17, 2012
Welcome Lilliput43, it all sound so exciting. I'm having my first trip to the NT next month. Only a couple of weeks at this stage but very excited. Fy in fly out trip. Big trip next year with my own rig. It's amazing that we have all heard about these places through school, documentaries etc and now finally we can go and visit them.......... Have a wonderful time. Tess
lilliput43 said
02:21 AM May 18, 2012
One of the first things we have realised, is that where previously we travelled around at the approved speed limit, travelling with the motorhome and flat towing a Suzuki has really slowed us down in order to be reasonably fuel efficient. We thought we could do home to Coober Pedy in 3 days but will in fact take 5 days, doing an average of 350-380km a day. Not that we are bothered, we are enjoying seeing the scenery and taking it easy..........on on
Cruising Granny said
03:47 AM May 18, 2012
Ooh, you can't rush this nomadding thing! First of all it's not safe, and secondly you miss the panorama you're travelling through. Unless you're in a hurry for a hot date, going slow is compulsory. Just because the sign post says 110 it doesn't mean it's compulsory. It's just the recommended maximum speed. 85-90KPH is my recommended cruising speed so you can enjoy the countryside as it slides by.
lilliput43 said
04:43 PM May 20, 2012
Hi Cruising Granny,
We are averaging 80kph which is quite remarkable as in the past we have always cursed caravans especially behind them going up hills, but now we are one of them laughing all the way......spent our first night at Coober Pedy, lots of exploring to do today, but are having 4 nights here before heading further north......on on (ex hashers)
Fried Rice said
02:37 AM May 21, 2012
Belated welcome from us to the GN site; you're obviously settling in well!
We're watching your contacts with interest, since we are heading to Alice and the Rock etc in a couple of weeks; might be that way during July.
FWIW, here are a couple of links to websites you might enjoy and find helpful in the next few weeks.
Welcome from me too Lilliputians, enjoy here and out there.
I was in Rosebud yesterday, had to go to Telstra shop at the plaza with a problem with my blue tooth and my new mobile. They got it working and where very helpful.
I agree with nielnruth, keep us posted as you travel north, pic's are always welcome here too. DOUG
Allow a few days at Coober Pedy, fascinating place.
You've probably already aware of this but I mention it anyway....suggest you don't free camp in or near Alice. I've stayed at both the Macdonell Range (Big4) and the "G'day Mate" just across the road from the Big4. Both ok. Both within walking distance of the Heavitree Tavern. "Locals" not too much of a problem in this part of town.
Also suggest you include the East Macdonells as well as the West Macdonells.
good travelling,
Jim
So what I am saying is that you may want to make several trips to the Rock/Olgas - much better to do that the relatively short distance from Yulara.
We have stayed there on 3 occasions now, and each time have walked the base of the Rock twice - once in each direction (it looks very different).
From home (Melbourne) we find the best way to go west/north is via Mildura, Renmark, Morgan, Burra, Peterborough, Port Augusta.
The Gemtree area, NE of Alice Springs, is well worth a visit, too.
Don't walk around in Alice Springs at night.
Whilst in Coober Pedy, do a day trip out to the Breakaways and the Moon Plain.
Well Howdyeeee folks, glad to c U some where , I would like to know where im at some times, Was heading North , from Brissie , but am in Coffs harbor, 5 hours South off Brisbane, will stay here for a few days, then try to go North again.. stay excited ppl.. might c U some where out there in the play ground...Beam Me up Scotteeeeeeee........Billeeeeeee
What part of the Mornington Peninsula? I am from Frankston -
I agree with wendyv - false economy to stay at Curtin Springs RH - the campground at Yulara is pretty good. And there is a supermarket with reasonable priced goods. Also a really nice bakery. I also agree the best way is up thru Mildura etc., - Have stayed at G'day Mate in the Alice - smaller park, very friendly people. Coober Pedy - allow yourselves a couple of days there, heaps to see and do.
Have a great trip - ask lots of questions on this site - wealth of knowledge here, and pretty friendly as well.
We live in Mornington JUles47. Thanks for all the tips, we will certainly take your advice about camping at Yurala and not at the roadhouse. We certainly intend to see the East McDonnell ranges as well and go up to the gemtree area. We will look up the G'Day Mate caravan park for that part of our travels and yes, we were aware of the dangers of free camping in Alice. In fact, our idea is to free camp when we are staying put and caravan parks for security when we want to tour around. Lastly, Mildura is our preferred route, stopping overnight at Nyah, Berri, Port Augusta and somewhere along the Woomera before staying 4 nights in Coober Pedy. Would you advise staying in Alice (eg G'Day Mate) and tour around from there or camp in the Ranges (West) themselves?
If you do stay at Glen Helen take a walk around sunrise up the slight hill behind the campground where you'll get a view of Mt. Sonder, the subject of one of Albert Namatjira's iconic paintings. At that hour you'll see the colours as Albert Namatjira captured them.
G'day Mate would be my pick of the CPs too.
Gee, I now regret rushing my trip south in 2010. I personally felt no connection to the Rock because of all the political history inflicted upon it.
You have really made me rethink my feelings about Ayres Rock. I did Western McDonnells, but I'll have to do the East next time. Alice Springs was just the place to park and base myself.
I found the country around Coober Pedy fascinating, but not the township itself. It's a hard place to live in. I met a couple from there in the van park I live in. They were lovely but hardened to the ways of Coober.
Ah, this travel stuff is fascinating, and no matter how many times you visit a place, there's always another perspective and another reason to revisit and review. Thanks for your perspective Jim. Love it!
Ahh the memories of a misspent youth working at the Rock before the new village was built. Best some of those memories are kept to oneself.
Enjoy and I look forward to hearing of your adventures.
Sharon.
Don't do everthing at once or there will be nothing left to do on your next trip, but you really must go a little further north and spend two nights at the Devil's Marbels, great place for sunset shots and only about $5 a night.
Re where to stay: I would suggest some time in Alice Springs and also a camp out somewhere like Glen Helen, to enable you to see the far western part of the Western McDonnells comfortably. There is plenty to see and do in Alice Springs itself. The Desert Wildlife Park is not to be missed - allow at least half a day, or more.
Good for you, hope you are now planning the next one. Happy travelling. The north of our country is beautiful.
As others suggested take care in Alice, but it is worth a look.
I have just done my first big one, well big for me and really enjoyed the experience.
Have been off the air for weeks as something happened to my password but now have that all fixed.
cheers Rooney
Hi Rooney
We are already thinking of the next trip and that is to 'do' the Murray from one end to the other! Having just spent our 2nd night by the river, Nyah was brill and now Lyrup which is just as good, having a trip timed it is a pity we are only having one nights stop until we get to Coober. Loving it so far so glad we have a heater this morning was 9 degrees but I am sure it will get colder.......On on
Have a wonderful time.
Tess
Unless you're in a hurry for a hot date, going slow is compulsory.
Just because the sign post says 110 it doesn't mean it's compulsory. It's just the recommended maximum speed.
85-90KPH is my recommended cruising speed so you can enjoy the countryside as it slides by.
We are averaging 80kph which is quite remarkable as in the past we have always cursed caravans especially behind them going up hills, but now we are one of them laughing all the way......spent our first night at Coober Pedy, lots of exploring to do today, but are having 4 nights here before heading further north......on on (ex hashers)
Belated welcome from us to the GN site; you're obviously settling in well!
We're watching your contacts with interest, since we are heading to Alice and the Rock etc in a couple of weeks; might be that way during July.
FWIW, here are a couple of links to websites you might enjoy and find helpful in the next few weeks.
http://www.outbackway.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=4
http://aplaceinthesun.com.au/Travel%20Diaries/2006%20Travel%20Diary%20Page%205.htm#Page_5
Enjoy your travels.... we'll be with you
Fried Rice
Are 'lilliput43' and 'Lilliputions' related?