Just stumbled onto this great forum and thought to join. Hair started to turn grey and only a few more years to "full" retirement.
Bought a second-hand BA XT Falcon wagon and thought to join the backpackers to travel from Perth to Sydney/Melbourne. My son happens to be interested in joining me. Would not be campervan-ing but just drive and live in motels. Looking for wisdom/cautions/experiences/advice for such a trip. Years ago I travelled on the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Perth so thought this would be an exciting trip in reverse.
Hear from you all! Already busy reading the forum posts and articles.
Welcome to the gang Simmo, enjoy here and out in the playground.
You have joined a great place, so read away and contribute. Any questions, just ask away in the appropriate sections. Most are friendly people here just a few bite.
Advice, I don't really give advice because if it goes wrong etc you will come looking for me Not so much advice but worth mentioning and you probably do anyway, drive to the conditions and,
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Welcome Simmo,
Roof top campers/pods are another way of getting out there under the stars and can be fitted on sedans or wagons capable of taking roof rack - keep speed down to reduce fuel consumption (although not as bad as pulling a van). You would certainly recoup your outlay after saving a few nights in motels.
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Welcome Simmo, Roof top campers/pods are another way of getting out there under the stars and can be fitted on sedans or wagons capable of taking roof rack - keep speed down to reduce fuel consumption (although not as bad as pulling a van). You would certainly recoup your outlay after saving a few nights in motels.
Thanks. It won't happen until July as I have read blogs that it is cooler to travel. I shall drive "slowly" as the Falcon is an 2004 model but only has 160k on the odo. It hasn't got cruise control so it will be more tiring. Good to have my son with me. Good way to do some Father and Son talk on the way. I have found the section on motor mechanic recommendations useful for trips like this. Anyway, thanks for the greetings and looking forward to read more.
-- Edited by icantstop on Tuesday 18th of February 2020 12:03:32 PM
Welcome to the gang Simmo, enjoy here and out in the playground.
You have joined a great place, so read away and contribute. Any questions, just ask away in the appropriate sections. Most are friendly people here just a few bite.
Advice, I don't really give advice because if it goes wrong etc you will come looking for me Not so much advice but worth mentioning and you probably do anyway, drive to the conditions and,
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Thanks. Shall blend in more with this group. I have been reading quite a few posts and they are very good and very informative. The scenic photos posted by members were great and lovely. Looks like a great community out here.
didn't paul Hogan an shane (?) make a movie based on a father and son travelling north can't think of the name of it
could be chilly at nite in july
I think it was Charlie and Boots. I must watch it before travelling to get myself prepared. I shall bring something warm to keep myself warm... Thanks for the reminders.
Hi, enjoy Yout trip, I have a 2004 xr6 falcon ute which has cruise control, not being funny but are You sure your wagon does,nt have it? Joda
I think it was one of the vanilla fleet vehicles used by an university when it was new, then bought by someone and kept until I bought it. The very basic model. I think only the Futura wagon has cruise control. Anyway, can't see the buttons on the steering wheel, so no, I guess...
The Eyre Hwy is a great trip. I have done it many times.
These days it is not so remote with lots of traffic, a very good sealed highway and roadhouses no more than 200ks apart.
The Falcon should do it easily. The Barra engines are good for more than 400,000ks if looked after.
I always look forward to this trip. I enjoy getting out there. All the roadhouses have accommodation although quite basic. Don't expect 5 star. More like 1 star. Have motelled it a few times as well. Would still do it this way again if the need arose.
Make sure you take water with you as it is in short supply between Norseman and Ceduna.
Do the usual vehicle checks. Tyres in good condition, hoses and belts in good nick, fresh service and you should be good. Watch for wildlife. There are camels around the Balladonia area and roos and emus particularly between Caiguna and Eucla. Best not to travel at night or early hours of the morning.
Have a great trip. Heading off across again myself mid August.
The Eyre Hwy is a great trip. I have done it many times. These days it is not so remote with lots of traffic, a very good sealed highway and roadhouses no more than 200ks apart. The Falcon should do it easily. The Barra engines are good for more than 400,000ks if looked after. I always look forward to this trip. I enjoy getting out there. All the roadhouses have accommodation although quite basic. Don't expect 5 star. More like 1 star. Have motelled it a few times as well. Would still do it this way again if the need arose. Make sure you take water with you as it is in short supply between Norseman and Ceduna. Do the usual vehicle checks. Tyres in good condition, hoses and belts in good nick, fresh service and you should be good. Watch for wildlife. There are camels around the Balladonia area and roos and emus particularly between Caiguna and Eucla. Best not to travel at night or early hours of the morning. Have a great trip. Heading off across again myself mid August.
Thanks for the advice and sharing mate! Yeah, I have never owned a Falcon but it is one of those Aussie icons which one has to have one somehow. It is a nice car to drive although it has all the shortfalls of being Aussie made. Very smooth and almost drives itself at around 60km. Just staple back the roof lining and my wife though it looks like a chesterfield sofa , bought a new set of Continental tyres. Buy 3 gets 4 Ozbargain deal from Kmart tyres. Did a service not too long ago and the indy thought it was a good one.
Shall take the advice for water. Yes, 1 star motel will do me fine. Just hope it is not 5-star prices.
The hood lining is a common fault after a few years. I had mine on an XR6 turbo replaced by Highway motor trimmers in Midvale. Good price and cannot tell it from original.
Not so much advice but worth mentioning and you probably do anyway, drive to the conditions and,
I shall bring something warm to keep myself warm... Thanks for the reminders. 
, bought a new set of Continental tyres. Buy 3 gets 4 Ozbargain deal from Kmart tyres. Did a service not too long ago and the indy thought it was a good one. 
