Sydney to Melbourne Australia

[Quahog03]

Has anyone ever cycled the coastal road from Sydney to
Melbourne ?
Any info would be helpful ie. campgrounds, and where I
could get maps.
Thanks,
Ed
PS. Anyone like to join me in Dec/Jan ?

[don quixote]

Send an email ( alan.mc@optusnet.com.au ) to my friend Alan in Sydney who is a big biker and would be glad to help with info.

George Olmstead
San Diego

[ldtuttle]

We were actually playing around with a similar idea, but our time frame doesn't coincide with yours.  I'd appreciate any info you may come across.  I contacted the Bicycle Federation of Australia and was told to contact Craig Bagnall at enquires@cyclingoutbackoz.com.au ot http://www.cyclingoutback.com/

Finally, another resource that may be helpful to you is the Australian Cyclist magazine website at australiancyclist.com.au.

[Quahog03]

Thanks to you both for your replies. I will follow up on your advice very soon.
 Ed Klek

[ChrisJones]

I am doing the same route (in reverse - has anyone got any wind direction info that may suggest 1 way is better than the other?) in April... Planning to go inland rather than the costal route. If you find any info you think I may find useful can you email me at chris@computerlove.co.uk and I will do the same. I'm waiting impatiently for my Lonley Planet cycle Australia book to arrive - its 4 years old but hopefully will have some useful info...

can't wait...

[valygrl]

Ed, I've been thinking a little about doing the same thing.  How do I get in touch with you?  
Anna

[SP]

 

This link is the Australian Audax raid Aurora, Sydney to Melbourne. The route is inland and goes through the Snowy Mountains and Alpine areas.

 http://www.audax.org.au/aurora.htm


Most small towns in Australia have camping facilities in caravan parks or you can ask at country pubs if you can camp in their back yards ( my favourite)if there are no camping facilities in town. Camping is acceptable in most roadside rest areas; however toilet and wash facilities are primitive to say the least in these rest areas.


SP

[Quahog03]

Hi Anna,
You can reach me at   quahog03@aol.com or call me on
my cell 401 638 8485. I live in Rhode Island USA.
Right now for me the best airfares from USA are before
Dec 05 or after Feb 06 in between those dates the
fares are in the high season. At this time I think
after Feb 1, 06 would be best for me.
Sincerely,
 Ed Klek

[alfonso]

Ed: I've never cycled the route but have driven over most of it.
Some points:
Dec-Jan is the main holiday season here. The highway is narrow and
winding and there will be plenty of traffic. Careful planning will find
you sections off the main drag.
Prevailing wind isn't likely to be a factor.
Don't miss Wilson's Promontory (important national park) in Victoria,
even if it's off your main route.
There's a difficult pass (narrow, steep, twisting) btwn Sydney and
Wollongong (next city south); plan to avoid this by a short train trip.
The pass is considered unsafe for bikes by the organisers of the annual
Sydney-W'gong ride, and the alternative road is closed. Once past
these few miles (on either side) the riding is fantastic.
Happy for you to contact me for any other suggestions
(brennandn@hotmail.com). Have a fantastic trip.

[Audrey]

Three years ago I cycled in Australie. From Sydney to Melbourne to Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin and from Cairns back to Sydney. It was a big and great trip. I like Australia verry much. The part from Sydney to Melbourne was also verry good. You have to see the Blue mountains and Mount Kosciusko. It's verry hilly but so beautifull.
Don't worry about any campsites. Australia is one big camping. You can put your tent everywhere and there are a lot campings.
You can get good maps at the RAA. It's an automobile Club and you can find theme everywhere over Australia. For free maps you have to be a member.

I have a website about my cyclingtrips but it's only in Dutch. You can see pictures and my route.
AudreyTracks

Sorry for my English. I hope it's not too bad

This message was edited by Audrey on 10-21-05 @ 9:13 AM

[jblodgett]

The Lonely Planet cycling Australia covers this route.