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Post Info TOPIC: Planning the trip
Marken Time


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Planning the trip
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Hi Everyone
Well our countdown has started and we're getting serious about getting things together for the big day.  We've decided to head to Mt Augustus as our first must see and would like to know which way you would recommend going bearing in mind that we will be going across to Exmouth from there.  We're thinking of going to Meekatharra and then across to the National Park.  We're thinking there are probably no fuel stops between Meeka and Exmouth is this correct and can anyone let us know what the roads would be like in the 1st week of May?    confuse.gif

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Cruising Granny


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Hi there oh excited ones.
Depending on how you're travelling you're better going up to Newman and across through Karajini to Exmouth. There's fuel at Newman, Tom Price, Paraburdoo, and if possible, miss the Nanutarra Roadhouse (rip off), and hang out until you get to Exmouth.
The road through Karajini is dirt, and depending on how much rain they've had during the wet season, may be a bit tough going. They recently had a big rain through there, but unless there's much more rain, you should be ok.
There's nothing a Wittenoom anymore except a couple of old faithfuls who have to supply their own power since Western Power cut the supply off about 3 years ago.
The roads to Tom Price and Paraburdoo are sealed, and pass through some intersting country.
Take care, ask at the roadhouses, and you should be fine. Oh, and don't forget to to to the top of Mt. Nameless at Tom Price if you go that way. It's the highest hill in WA.
Safe and happy travels. Cheers Granny

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Marken Time


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Thanks for that, we're travelling in a cruiser with an semi off road 20' van.  Will have a look at what you've suggested.hmm.gif

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Cruising Granny


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Be careful about that "off-road" description.
What one calls off road or semi-off road is open to interpretation. The proof of the product is at the end of the road. Go carefully, to keep damage to a minimum.
Just enjoy where you are. Granny

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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment.
Transport has no borders.

Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Marken Time


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Hi there

We'll be going pretty carefully, whilst the van has pretty good ground clearance we're great believers in slow and steady might not win the race but certainly has more chance of getting you there.  We'll be only taking the van on good gravel roads and are taking a tent to do some 2-3 days trips out in the tougher areas.
Cheers
Ken & Marge

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Cruising Granny


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Good thinking. Some of those vans have a tendency to shake to bits behind you.
All the best and safe and happy travels. Cheers Granny

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lizard


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Another route (we went this way) was up the middle - via Murchison Settlement , Gascoyne jn , Minnie Creek to Mt Augustus ..... then we went straight out the back of the stockyards towards Tom Price (probably wouldn't do this second part with a van) ... was very interesting following along the Lyons river .... it would depend when the grader had been tho'.

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dave06


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G'day Don and welcome to the forum, we did exactly that trip a couple of million years ago and enjoyed every step, however we took the camper trailer, not sure if I would take a van through there, gets a bit rough in places

been watching grannys replys and wondering, we have also gone that suggested route, albeit a lifetime ago, that may be the better route for a van I think

one thing about the van "shaking to bits" though granny, all the bits are still inside waiting for you when you open the door,

had one couple come to me last year with a "minor problem" he had just done a roughie and had " a bit of internal damage" he stated, I opened the door of his van and most of his overhead cupboards were broken and hanging off and his doors were either off or fell out the main door

never mind I spent three days on it and we got her all back ship shape

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lized


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Hi !
Just noticed that you were looking for info on Mt Augustus and forwarding this to you in the hope that it will be helpful.
We went to Mt Augustus last September and this briefly is our experience.
Our route took us from Perth - Carnarvon - Gascoyne Junction to Mt Augustus through Dairy Creek Road. It was just a magical experience.
The road was what we would call a good gravel road with some corrugations. There was only one shallow water crossing.
The road was dusty. We were driving a Hyundai Santa Fe and pulling a 16ft 1979 Viscount caravan and when we arrived at destination the dust inside van was unbelievable. (Only a minor detail)
The caravan park at the base of Mt Augustus is great and we stayed longer than planned.  We returned via Meekathara - Mt Magnet - Perth.
Conditions vary so much, We can only relate our experience at the time.
All the Best Liz and Ed
PS Happy to supply any other info

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Marken Time


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Hi Liz

Thanks for your info.  Sounds like it wasn't too rough getting there.  We're hoping to go to Exmouth from Mt A.  Any suggestions?

Sorry for the delay in response.

Regards

Ken & Marge

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lized


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Hi!
Depends on your planned itinerary but heading straight up the coast road from Carnarvon after visiting Mt Augustus would be our preferred route.
Hope you get some doggy sitters soon. We have looked after many dogs whilst owners have been holidaying but have now retired to the suburbs from our 5 acres and hope to leave end of May for several months of Oz travel. Our beloved kelpie passed away last year. He was just one of the family and missed so much.
Anyway cheers and happy planning.
Liz and Ed

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