THE BIG TRIP around Oz - What not to miss ~ your suggestions please :)
BobnJen said
03:12 PM Jul 8, 2012
Tezza,
Thanks for your suggestions. Think I need to create a data base and add all the suggested places state by state. Thanks for your input :)
BobnJen said
03:14 PM Jul 8, 2012
Tezza,
Thanks for your suggestions. Think I need to create a data base and the suggested places state by state. Thanks for your input :)
Roving-Dutchy said
03:23 PM Jul 8, 2012
The wildflowers in WA Sept Oct, whales at the Head of the Bight Nullabor Plain, Kings Canyon NT, Kakadu NT, Victoria River jumping crocodile cruise.
There are so many places and sights to see, don't bog down with too much planning before you go, just set out and be flexible and it will all fall into place, it is not possible to see it all in one trip,but try and see those places that are furtherest away, as those that are closer to home, can be left for another day and if you spend too much time close to home you will have to hurry past other places that you may never get too again.
Just remember the outback and far north is the place to be in winter and the southern parts are best left to summer.
Cheers
David
-- Edited by Roving-Dutchy on Sunday 8th of July 2012 03:25:19 PM
-- Edited by Roving-Dutchy on Sunday 8th of July 2012 03:26:18 PM
yeoeleven said
06:39 PM Jul 8, 2012
Having just made the trip you are planning may I make a suggestion? Plan the trip so that you are going across the top in winter, I thought that I could do it and am lucky that I didn't try. I can manage the heat and rain but not the flooding that must occur, almost very road has a flood level marked out and the chance of me going across in a Hi Ace would have been nil.
There are a couple of other considerations, what vehicles are you using 2WD or 4WD and will you be taking pets? I enjoyed Karijini above all other National Parks because I was able to complete the grade 5 trails involving rock climbing and descents as well as swimming in very cold water so fitness and good health are also important considerations.
I enjoyed the south coast of WA, Esperance and the Cape le Grand National Park then across to Margaret River. In another post I have nominated the places that I enjoyed the most as well as the best free camps in my opinion.
All the best for your intended trip,
John
-- Edited by yeoeleven on Sunday 8th of July 2012 06:41:01 PM
BobnJen said
09:26 PM Jul 8, 2012
Hi everyone,
We're newbies on the grey nomads forum. We're just starting to plan our BIG trip around Oz for 12 months, hopefully departing about October 2012. We are seeking information on destinations not to be missed along the way.
Looking forward to hearing your suggestions
tezza said
09:48 PM Jul 8, 2012
HI, enjoy your trip and may every kilometre be happy. We suggest Cobbold Gorge near Forsyth Qld and Elachbutting rock and Berinbooding rock near Mukinbudin WA. Also whalers way near Port Lincoln SA and Mungo National park near Mildura Victoria.
neilnruth said
10:19 PM Jul 8, 2012
Welcome BobnJen. You'd better get your notepad out and start writing as the answers come back. I'll think about it a bit longer and let you know. Enjoy this forum. You'll learn heaps.
Gerty Dancer said
10:24 PM Jul 8, 2012
Welcome from me too BobnJen... what a question! Where to start? Like Ruth, I'm gonna take some time and compile a list... but it might be many pages long! And then after reading all that, you'll find your most memorable, beautiful place somewhere entirely unexpected.
jetj said
12:36 AM Jul 9, 2012
Welcome to the forum, I'm partial to the NSW coast north and south of Sydney. Haven't seen much else. lol
Hylda&Jon said
01:35 AM Jul 9, 2012
Mataranka NT has a place called Bitter springs which is a thermal streem with a temp of 32 degrees which I believe is a must.
Here is an excerpt form our blog that Hylda wrote at the time:
I headed for the office to hire noodles (long, thin, foamy thingies for floating around in the water)which we had been told were indispensable aids towards our enjoyment of the springs. Armed with these and our snorkelling equipment, we headed down the 100 metre walk to the water.The water was crystal clear & flowed past at a leisurely pace with mist still hanging in patches to give it an ethereal beauty, The narrow banks were lined with reeds, pandanus, palms and ferns. There were steps down to a large pool where people swam lazily around totally relaxed in the perfect temperature of the tepid water.We set off downstream on our noodles peering down into the water through our goggles totally absorbed in the underwater scene that presented itself. It was like floating over a lush valley with mysterious caves set into its sides and golden rays of sunlight filtering through the greeny water and lighting up clouds of tiny golden fish and beautiful trails of water weed. The current pushed us along quite fast and it was good when you were able to grab onto a submerged log and stick around to enjoy the scene a bit longer as well as the swirl of the water around your body (who needs to pay top dollar for spas?).After 70 metres of total enjoyment, we found a place to clamber out of the water and rush back down a path to start the experience all over again like two little kids
Sorry for the length of the description but it does give a good picture of the place.
Cheers
Jon
pauline said
03:27 AM Jul 9, 2012
Hi newbies and a big welcome......re your question I really believe it is important as to where you are leaving from in October, when we did our trip we left Darwin where we had been living for 16 months on the 10th August and went via WA back to Gold Coast, most people seem to go the other way round but I have to say it was just the best time to go, weather wise, everywhere we went we ran into the best weather and temp. and we had no aircon or any fancy set up but just managed to hit all the best places at all the right times. the Kimberleys were breathtaking and so much history to see, Lake Argyle, unbelievable so much to see there, and to me a must is the Pinnacles Desert, something I didn't even know existed...........but I know we only saw just a little bit which is why we are now out there trying again, don't think we could ever see all of it, every state of this country has so many beautiful places, agree with John, you really have to take into consideration a lot of things.
jules47 said
03:38 AM Jul 9, 2012
The main thing is to know what you want to do, do you like bushwalking, bike riding, sight seeing, - some of which depends on your fitness levels.
No matter how many lists you make, I believe one of the most important things is to be flexible - don't lock yourself into anywhere - i.e. don't book caravan parks, if you are staying in them, or try and do huge mileage in one day - no point in getting somewhere and being too exhausted to enjoy it. If you are on a time limit, be realistic about your timetable, sure you can zip around the country in say three months, and see a lot, but you will miss a lot as well - sometimes it may be best to do a section at a time - i.e. the West coast - then the centre, then the East coast - or whatever you like -
Read Yeoeleven's blog - heaps of great stuff in there - he is now slowing down his travelling, spending more time in places etc.
Most of all - enjoy - it's a great country, with some terrific people!
dizzypython said
05:00 AM Jul 9, 2012
hi glad you are going to go and see everything the place that could rccomend would be Lucky Bay down in the cape LR Grand national park it was the most postcard perfect place i have been, i personally dont like walking on the beaches but i did there the sand was as white as snow and the water blue as hope this helps
cheers dizzy
blaze said
06:47 PM Jul 9, 2012
Include tassie, you will want 3 months to do it any justice cheers blaze
Nicholstones said
07:17 PM Jul 9, 2012
Keep in mind the dates for school holidays and try to avoid the really popular holiday type areas in those times.
BobnJen said
07:57 PM Jul 9, 2012
OM Gosh, quite an overwhelminng response from everyone, THANK YOU all for your welcome, your input and suggestions. I'm about to start a data base and add all the suggested locations. Excitement starting to well up inside now LOL :)
AmandaJayne said
08:56 PM Jul 9, 2012
Hi there, I know there's so much to see.... we're doing the big lap too, so far we're been trundling around WA but if you'd like to see the places we've been to I have a blog here http://arewethereyetaj.blogspot.com.au/ then if your nearby the place and you liked the photos why not visit :)
Beth54 said
12:25 AM Jul 10, 2012
Welcome from me too BobnJen.
Of the places I've been, my favourites would be...
Atherton Tablelands Q,
Paronella Park, south of Innisfail Q,
Seisia, Cape York Peninsula Q,
Undara Lava Tubes, SW of Atherton Tablelands, ( well worth the price, in my opinion)
Winton and Lark Quarry Q.
The Outback in general! Enjoy!
neilnruth said
03:16 AM Jul 10, 2012
Well BobnJen I just knew you'd get lots of help when you asked. I can't begin to add very much to what others have said - we just love seeing anything new that we haven't already seen. And you'll always find something new to see once you are out there on the road. Just work out which direction to go and turn left or right out of the driveway. If you've only got 12 months to do it, then about 3 months from the end, you'll just have to work out what you'll have to leave til next time and head on home. Have fun and keep us in touch as you go.
Gerty Dancer said
04:56 PM Jul 10, 2012
Ok, this isnt in any way a complete list, and in no particular order...
Whale watching at the Head of Bight, Nullarbor Plains Whale watching on a boat from Hervey Bay Qld Swiming with the Whale-sharks, Exmouth WA We liked Kings Canyon better than Uluru, but you must see both... also do a dawn flight over Uluru and Kata Juta The Flinders Ranges SA The Bungle Bungles WA ... (do a flight there too) A dawn birdwatching cruise on Corroboree Lagoon, East of Darwin, then go out to Kakadu Cape Tribulation FNQ Chillago, very interesting to compare with Undara, Qld. The ABT Railway and Franklin River cruise, Strachan Tas. The whole of Tas!. Any beach in NSW and Vic where there is good surf. Grafton Jacaranda festival NSW Buchan Caves, Vic. Threadbo and Kosciusko and the Snowy Mts NP. The Kimberley area WA Canberra in the Spring. Alice Springs area... the Macdonnell Ranges, East and West. Coober Pedy mail run Carnarvon Gorge Qld Karijini NP WA Kalbarri NP WA, especially in the Wildfower season. Broome WA... we loved the bird observatory campground there.
Basically, anywhere in Australia except the big cities, but if its cities you like, go for it!
glassies said
09:10 PM Jul 10, 2012
Hi there welcome to the forum ,
I loved daly waters pub and the crocodile dundee pub too ,mataranka was one my favourites too and the litchfield national park just out of darwin was amazing so many different falls.
Ayers rock (uluru ) was one of my favs as well most people say who wants to visit a big old rock out in the middle of nowhere but trust me its amazing especially if you stay for sunset and sunrise
basically there are some amazing places in australia i love all the old pubs thats what amazed me lions den in cooktown and the town itself is so so beautiful, enjoy your travels take it slow you are gonna love it.
Tezza,
Thanks for your suggestions. Think I need to create a data base and add all the suggested places state by state. Thanks for your input :)
Tezza,
Thanks for your suggestions. Think I need to create a data base and the suggested places state by state. Thanks for your input :)
The wildflowers in WA Sept Oct, whales at the Head of the Bight Nullabor Plain, Kings Canyon NT, Kakadu NT, Victoria River jumping crocodile cruise.
There are so many places and sights to see, don't bog down with too much planning before you go, just set out and be flexible and it will all fall into place, it is not possible to see it all in one trip,but try and see those places that are furtherest away, as those that are closer to home, can be left for another day and if you spend too much time close to home you will have to hurry past other places that you may never get too again.
Just remember the outback and far north is the place to be in winter and the southern parts are best left to summer.
Cheers
David
-- Edited by Roving-Dutchy on Sunday 8th of July 2012 03:25:19 PM
-- Edited by Roving-Dutchy on Sunday 8th of July 2012 03:26:18 PM
Having just made the trip you are planning may I make a suggestion? Plan the trip so that you are going across the top in winter, I thought that I could do it and am lucky that I didn't try. I can manage the heat and rain but not the flooding that must occur, almost very road has a flood level marked out and the chance of me going across in a Hi Ace would have been nil.
There are a couple of other considerations, what vehicles are you using 2WD or 4WD and will you be taking pets? I enjoyed Karijini above all other National Parks because I was able to complete the grade 5 trails involving rock climbing and descents as well as swimming in very cold water so fitness and good health are also important considerations.
I enjoyed the south coast of WA, Esperance and the Cape le Grand National Park then across to Margaret River. In another post I have nominated the places that I enjoyed the most as well as the best free camps in my opinion.
All the best for your intended trip,
John
-- Edited by yeoeleven on Sunday 8th of July 2012 06:41:01 PM
Hi everyone,
We're newbies on the grey nomads forum. We're just starting to plan our BIG trip around Oz for 12 months, hopefully departing about October 2012. We are seeking information on destinations not to be missed along the way.
Looking forward to hearing your suggestions
HI, enjoy your trip and may every kilometre be happy. We suggest Cobbold Gorge near Forsyth Qld and Elachbutting rock and Berinbooding rock near Mukinbudin WA. Also whalers way near Port Lincoln SA and Mungo National park near Mildura Victoria.
Welcome from me too BobnJen... what a question! Where to start?
Like Ruth, I'm gonna take some time and compile a list... but it might be many pages long! And then after reading all that, you'll find your most memorable, beautiful place somewhere entirely unexpected.
Mataranka NT has a place called Bitter springs which is a thermal streem with a temp of 32 degrees which I believe is a must.
Here is an excerpt form our blog that Hylda wrote at the time:
I headed for the office to hire noodles (long, thin, foamy thingies for floating around in the water)which we had been told were indispensable aids towards our enjoyment of the springs. Armed with these and our snorkelling equipment, we headed down the 100 metre walk to the water.The water was crystal clear & flowed past at a leisurely pace with mist still hanging in patches to give it an ethereal beauty, The narrow banks were lined with reeds, pandanus, palms and ferns. There were steps down to a large pool where people swam lazily around totally relaxed in the perfect temperature of the tepid water.We set off downstream on our noodles peering down into the water through our goggles totally absorbed in the underwater scene that presented itself. It was like floating over a lush valley with mysterious caves set into its sides and golden rays of sunlight filtering through the greeny water and lighting up clouds of tiny golden fish and beautiful trails of water weed. The current pushed us along quite fast and it was good when you were able to grab onto a submerged log and stick around to enjoy the scene a bit longer as well as the swirl of the water around your body (who needs to pay top dollar for spas?).After 70 metres of total enjoyment, we found a place to clamber out of the water and rush back down a path to start the experience all over again like two little kids
Sorry for the length of the description but it does give a good picture of the place.
Cheers
Jon
No matter how many lists you make, I believe one of the most important things is to be flexible - don't lock yourself into anywhere - i.e. don't book caravan parks, if you are staying in them, or try and do huge mileage in one day - no point in getting somewhere and being too exhausted to enjoy it. If you are on a time limit, be realistic about your timetable, sure you can zip around the country in say three months, and see a lot, but you will miss a lot as well - sometimes it may be best to do a section at a time - i.e. the West coast - then the centre, then the East coast - or whatever you like -
Read Yeoeleven's blog - heaps of great stuff in there - he is now slowing down his travelling, spending more time in places etc.
Most of all - enjoy - it's a great country, with some terrific people!
hi glad you are going to go and see everything the place that could rccomend would be Lucky Bay down in the cape LR Grand national park it was the most postcard perfect place i have been, i personally dont like walking on the beaches but i did there the sand was as white as snow and the water blue as hope this helps
cheers dizzy
cheers
blaze
OM Gosh, quite an overwhelminng response from everyone, THANK YOU all for your welcome, your input and suggestions. I'm about to start a data base and add all the suggested locations. Excitement starting to well up inside now LOL :)
http://arewethereyetaj.blogspot.com.au/ then if your nearby the place and you liked the photos why not visit :)
Welcome from me too BobnJen.
Of the places I've been, my favourites would be...
Atherton Tablelands Q,
Paronella Park, south of Innisfail Q,
Seisia, Cape York Peninsula Q,
Undara Lava Tubes, SW of Atherton Tablelands, ( well worth the price, in my opinion)
Winton and Lark Quarry Q.
The Outback in general! Enjoy!
Whale watching at the Head of Bight, Nullarbor Plains
Whale watching on a boat from Hervey Bay Qld
Swiming with the Whale-sharks, Exmouth WA
We liked Kings Canyon better than Uluru, but you must see both... also do a dawn flight over Uluru and Kata Juta
The Flinders Ranges SA
The Bungle Bungles WA ... (do a flight there too)
A dawn birdwatching cruise on Corroboree Lagoon, East of Darwin, then go out to Kakadu
Cape Tribulation FNQ
Chillago, very interesting to compare with Undara, Qld.
The ABT Railway and Franklin River cruise, Strachan Tas. The whole of Tas!.
Any beach in NSW and Vic where there is good surf.
Grafton Jacaranda festival NSW
Buchan Caves, Vic.
Threadbo and Kosciusko and the Snowy Mts NP.
The Kimberley area WA
Canberra in the Spring.
Alice Springs area... the Macdonnell Ranges, East and West.
Coober Pedy mail run
Carnarvon Gorge Qld
Karijini NP WA
Kalbarri NP WA, especially in the Wildfower season.
Broome WA... we loved the bird observatory campground there.
Basically, anywhere in Australia except the big cities, but if its cities you like, go for it!
I loved daly waters pub and the crocodile dundee pub too ,mataranka was one my favourites too and the litchfield
national park just out of darwin was amazing so many different falls.
Ayers rock (uluru ) was one of my favs as well most people say who wants to visit a big old rock out in the middle of nowhere
but trust me its amazing especially if you stay for sunset and sunrise
basically there are some amazing places in australia i love all the old pubs thats what amazed me lions den in cooktown and
the town itself is so so beautiful, enjoy your travels take it slow you are gonna love it.