Researching Australia touring March of 2004

[bikeman]

I'm making plans for a 6 month camping tour of Australia starting the first week of March 2004 and need any first hand experience, advice or criticism you have about my plan. I'm hoping 6 months will be enough time if not I will extend my trip (I'm retired).

My plan A itinerary is .

March-- Perth to Albany, Esperance, Adelaide then Melbourne.
April---- Melbourne to Lakes Entrance, Sydney then Brisbane
May---- Brisbane to Rockhampton, Townsville then Cairns
June--- Cairns to Mt Isa , Tennant Creek then Ayers Rock
July---- Ayers Rock to Darwin then Wyndham
August- Wyndham to Derby, Broome, Carnarvon then Perth.

I would take the scenic routes following highway 1 staying close to the coast line where possible. If I ride 50 miles a day through the populated areas and as many miles as possible through the un-populated areas I should have a few days off now and then. I prefer to ride and enjoy the outdoors and scenery versus visiting museums or out of the way historic sights. Not that I don't enjoy museums and historic places I do.

Thank you for any and all information you can give me.

Clyde

[hoogie]

Hi there,

I have completed a couple of cycle tours in Aussie

more info here ...my webpages
Another really good place to try is phred cycletouring forum, there are a few aussies on here that give some great advice ... in particular Neale Green who does a lot of biking in the outback.

hope this helps,
cheers,
hoogie

click here to email me

[jimmcw]

And you might want to read "Cold Beer and Crocodilles" by
Roff Smith published by Adventure Press (National
Geographic).

[jnorth]

suggestions:
crossing the nullbar-be prepared to pay for water-it is very scarce. we had heaps of carrying capacity, so rarely ran out. occasionally we filled our containers while we were in a (paid for) shower. forget those  little bottles=get some 2=4L bags.
sydney to brisbane=consider the bus. you'll be spoiled after the wilds of WA and SA.
lakes entrance and that coastal area-SAND FLIES!!!!
if you have specific questions don't hesitate to contact me off line.
6 months isn't anywhere close to being enouigh time for this trip.
keep your sense of humor, and watch out for those roundabouts!
regards-janet

[bikeman]

Janet,   Why take the bus between Sydney and Brisbane?
         I plan 6 months min 9 max with a short trip to NZ.
         When did you tour Australia?
         Thanks for the pay for water info I'll need to get a bigger Platypus maybe 2 or 3 since I drink a lot more than usual.          

[jnorth]

we rode australia in 98=99. i suggested bussing from sydney to brisbane, coz after WA & Sa you will be spoiled-the traffic in eastern australia is pretty bad. if you send me your proposed route i can give you my impressins-if it's anywhere i've been.
 we kept a list of all the stuff we found by the side of the road, it included dildos, teletubbies and any piece of clothing you could possibly need.
 a good resource is: the bicycle institute of new south wales, there are also many regional clubs.
we loved the "pub stays", great way to meet folks, try the beer and food.
i would bring at least 2-3 LARGE platypus containers=you can't imagine how hot it is. i am at: janetanorth@yahoo.com for further responses. TTFN