I am new to the forum and would like to know which is the best direction to travel in June from Qld to Westermn Australia and what are the things to see in the 3 monthe that we will be there. We will be leaving from North QLD . I am driving a 200 series 4.5 litre turbo diesel towing a 24 foot Traveller caravan. Thanks in advance.
Firefly said
02:37 PM Mar 21, 2011
Hi Bill and welcome.
The members with the knowledge for your question will be along soon I am sure.
Sounds like quite a trip ahead of you, hope you enjoy every second of it.
Onedodger said
02:50 PM Mar 21, 2011
Best advice would be to put the Ocean on the passengers side and simply follow it to Perth as closely as possible. Call into as many tourist info offices and brouse for anything you are interested in. Also a good thing is to join others at Happy Hour where there is a bundle of information to be had. If you do not drink take along a thermos of tea/coffee and your cups and you will still be welcomed with open arms. One could go on for hrs with places to visit but the above tip will let you decide what you want to see or experience. We are lucky as we all speak the same lingo with only slight differences and the money is the same everywhere. So welcome to the forum and DO have lots of enjoyment on your trip. Oh and never ever be afraid to ask for help.
Cheers Dodg.
-- Edited by Onedodger on Monday 21st of March 2011 02:52:28 PM
Happywanderer said
03:12 PM Mar 21, 2011
If you decide to go across the top it might be an idea to put the ocean on the drivers side. It would be a lot longer the other way as you would have to come right down the east coast and across the nullabor.
There are quite a few threads on here about travelling to WA. All have great tips in them.
ozi2 said
03:58 PM Mar 21, 2011
bill wrote:
I am new to the forum and would like to know which is the best direction to travel in June from Qld to Westermn Australia and what are the things to see in the 3 monthe that we will be there. We will be leaving from North QLD . I am driving a 200 series 4.5 litre turbo diesel towing a 24 foot Traveller caravan. Thanks in advance.
G'day Bill and welome to you & yours. Given the long distances you will cover, do you want to return the same way or perhaps do the lap or other route inland back to Qld and see new territory? You could do the Savannah way or pick it up, depending on your point of departure if heading across the top first.
If you check with the weather bureau for the states you visit you will get some idea also of the prevailing winds......headwinds= more fuel use.
lots of info here mate,
cheers, ozi2
Pejay said
06:10 PM Mar 21, 2011
Hey Bill,
What part of Nth Qld do you hail from? Have just come back from Tsv to SE Qld last week, and blow me down! heading back up there at Easter, for our newest member of the family's Naming Ceremony - will be staying at Coral Coast Caravan Park (although not with the van). Going to use our travel passes and go by train, seeing as we have just been up there, and this will be a short visit, it is the cheapest way to go.
Pete & June
PS Welcome to the Forum too.
chappy said
09:57 PM Mar 21, 2011
Hi Bill We are leaving from Cairns at the end of April appox. We have decided to go anticlockwise. We want to see the Kimberleys at the end of the wet season as there will be some spectacular rivers and falls then. We the hope that we can Whale watch down the coast and be in the right place at the right time to see the wildflowers. Then we head along the Bight and up the Centre before it gets too hot. Plans and dreams hope they come together for us and you
Vic said
10:27 PM Mar 21, 2011
Hi Bill and welcome. WA and the other southern states can be pretty miserable in winter, go north and across the top to WA and then south along the coast. Having done the block a few times that would be my advice.
Happy Travels
Zoomtopz said
06:55 AM Mar 22, 2011
Bill go across the top - N/Q to Mt Isa , turn right @ Barkly Roadhouse to Heartbreak Hotek & Borroloola back to Daly Waters .
Turn right @ Pine Creek to go to Kakadu then Darwin (Pie Ck,Kakadu,HumptyDoo, you are not coming back over so much of
same road) Down to Katherine turn right for th West . I believe if you go over the Top @ that time of year is a bit warmer,
especially at night . Then come back th bottom way , just south of Port Augusta turn left for Wilmington , head to Broken Hill ,
onto Cobar up to Bourke , Cunnamulla then wind your way back over to NQ. If you have time on your way back Bill , go see
all th things you have heard about , or wanted to see or visit .
Richo
bill said
09:15 AM Mar 22, 2011
We live in Emerald in Central Qld but will be attending a Wedding in Port Douglas prior to leaving for the three months trip to the West. Thank you for all your replies and hope to catch you on the road sometimes.
Beth54 said
11:18 AM Mar 22, 2011
Zoomtopz wrote:
Bill go across the top - N/Q to Mt Isa , turn right @ Barkly Roadhouse to Heartbreak Hotek & Borroloola back to Daly Waters . Turn right @ Pine Creek to go to Kakadu then Darwin (Pie Ck,Kakadu,HumptyDoo, you are not coming back over so much of same road) Down to Katherine turn right for th West . I believe if you go over the Top @ that time of year is a bit warmer, especially at night . Then come back th bottom way , just south of Port Augusta turn left for Wilmington , head to Broken Hill , onto Cobar up to Bourke , Cunnamulla then wind your way back over to NQ. If you have time on your way back Bill , go see all th things you have heard about , or wanted to see or visit . Richo
Totally agree with your plan Zoomtopz. That'd be the way I'd go. With maybe a seperate trip another time of Southern NSW and Vic.
And welcome Bill. Happy travels.
Hylda&Jon said
01:25 PM Mar 22, 2011
Welcome Bill!
To answer your question we really would need to know where in Qld you are, where in WA you want to travel to, How long you will take for the drive. Obviously the weather conditions came in to it as you wouldn't want to be up north during the cyclone season but then again you may hate the cold so the bottom of Aus in winter may be out.
The wild flower season in WA I think is a must as it makes the scenery everywhere so much more alive so spring over there is to be considered. We crossed the Nullarbor in early spring & the place was alive with colour due to the flowers.
Also whale spawning season along the south coast of Aus in spring can be amazing as they come in close at Warnanbool Vic & Head Of The Bight at the start of the Nullarbour.
Anyway, any time is amazing travelling Aus so enjoy whenever you go.
Cheers Jon
bill said
03:34 PM Mar 22, 2011
Jon We live in Emerald which is situated in central QLD but will be leaving from Port Douglas to travel to the west . We have three months to travel and then must be home because of work commitments. My wife and myself will be retiring at the end of next year and will be on the road full time. I was wondering which would be the best way to cross the Nullarbor Clockwise or anti clockwise. Regards Bill
Beth54 said
03:48 PM Mar 22, 2011
bill wrote:
Jon We live in Emerald which is situated in central QLD but will be leaving from Port Douglas to travel to the west . We have three months to travel and then must be home because of work commitments. My wife and myself will be retiring at the end of next year and will be on the road full time. I was wondering which would be the best way to cross the Nullarbor Clockwise or anti clockwise. Regards Bill
As you're leaving in June, Bill, I'd say anti clockwise. The weather is lovely in the north at that time of year. As I've never travelled the Nullabor, I can't comment on that part.
Gary and Kerry said
04:40 PM Mar 22, 2011
Beth54 wrote:
Zoomtopz wrote:
Bill go across the top - N/Q to Mt Isa , turn right @ Barkly Roadhouse to Heartbreak Hotek & Borroloola back to Daly Waters . Turn right @ Pine Creek to go to Kakadu then Darwin (Pie Ck,Kakadu,HumptyDoo, you are not coming back over so much of same road) Down to Katherine turn right for th West . I believe if you go over the Top @ that time of year is a bit warmer, especially at night . Then come back th bottom way , just south of Port Augusta turn left for Wilmington , head to Broken Hill , onto Cobar up to Bourke , Cunnamulla then wind your way back over to NQ. If you have time on your way back Bill , go see all th things you have heard about , or wanted to see or visit . Richo
Totally agree with your plan Zoomtopz. That'd be the way I'd go. With maybe a seperate trip another time of Southern NSW and Vic.
And welcome Bill. Happy travels.
We have been looking for a different route upto Darwin,this looks like a good route, what are the roads like from Barkly HS onwards? Distance between fuel?
-- Edited by Gary and Kerry on Tuesday 22nd of March 2011 04:41:28 PM
Vic said
05:28 PM Mar 22, 2011
bill wrote: I was wondering which would be the best way to cross the Nullarbor Clockwise or anti clockwise. Regards Bill Bill, if it is the winds you are worried about they can vary, see this link;
Winds on the Nullarbor Plain can be very strong and
have a great effect upon riding times. Although wind
direction is variable, there is a trend in direction
according to the time of year:
November to April: from the east or south-east
May to October: from the west or north-west
-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 22nd of March 2011 05:32:47 PM
Hylda&Jon said
07:01 PM Mar 22, 2011
We went down the coast from Grafton through Sydney & Canberra through Echuca for a paddle steamer ride on the Murray then down to Apollo Bay & on to the Great Ocean Road
Winter along the Great Ocean Road was great, the caravan parks were nearly empty & a couple were even closed, the tourists were few & far between except for the bus loads of Japanese tourists up from Melbourne to photograph London Bridge near the 12 Apostles right on sunset.
On the SA leg the road parallels the coastal cliffs a lot of the way & we ended up taking a detour on a dirt track on our left (It was worth risking because of the lack of vegetation, if the track didn't lead to a good spot or got bad it's easy to swing around with caravan in tow & head back to the road. About 1km along it we reached the cliffs & camped there, it was absolutly sublime & with noone else around or even entering the track.
We crossed the Nullarbor East to West in early Sept last year but havn't travelled the reverse as yet. We have no regrets, the wind was at our back for about 1/3 of the trip & the rest it was hitting our side but not hard enough to be a worry, the whales were prolific at Head of the Bite.
The seas along the coast were often large & savage which helped make the GOR one of the most photogenic places we have visited. If you don't mind the cold & like cheaper caravan sites & less crouds then I would highly recommend this time.
On the WA side the rain hit so we did a 500km drive in one day and made it to Norseman. I didn't think there was much to see on the WA side but we were looking through a miserable day at it so our view may have been clouded.
Winter, when you will be traveling is the most expensive time to travel north but I guess thats because it's the most comfortable time to do it too so the choice is yours.
Cheers Jon
Beth54 said
07:21 PM Mar 22, 2011
Just as a matter of interest..not what Bill's looking for...
Years ago, we were heading to Alice Springs, but wanted an alternative to the Barkley. I'd been over it a few times, and was so over it! We went via Quilpie, Windorah, Bedourie, Boulia and across the Donahue and Plenty Highways. In those days, we didn't tow anything. Our Land Cruiser Troopy was decked out with a bed in the back etc. Amazing country! Bathing in the Diamantina bore out in the middle of no-where, the min min lights, the beautiful gums through the Plenty Highway.
Sorry, I have no photo's to share.
And sorry for hijacking.
MikeMin said
12:14 AM Mar 23, 2011
Hi Bill and welcome.
With regards to crossing the Nullarbor. In 2009 we crossed from east to west in April and had an OK run with some crosswind. November of the same year we crossed again from west to east and had a tailwind almost all the way - had unbelievable fuel consumption so we were extremely chuffed. This year we crossed east to west again and had a magic run. I do believe it is the luck of the draw. If you head into a very strong wind, just pull over somewhere and wait it out. Otherwise enjoy what can be a wonderful experience.
By the way we are travelling across the top this year leaving Coral Bay WA in mid June and arriving in Mission Beach Qld at the end of July. I would definitely advocate going anti-clockwise across the top for you.
bill said
09:41 AM Mar 23, 2011
Thanks to all that replied.A big thank you to Zoomtopz and MikeMin. Across the top will be the way we will go.
Vic said
12:19 PM Mar 23, 2011
Bill,
About the same time you are leaving this year, last year, we went via Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton, then North to Hughenden, backtracked to Charters Towers then north up the development road, stayed at the caravan park at the Udara Lave tubes and did a tour of the tubes from there. After leaving there we stayed at Mt Surprise, the larger caravan park on the right does a tour of the tubes by bus as well, this park is very friendly and well though of. We went on to Normanton and stayed at the caravan park with the big barra out front, went on the Gulflander and a day visit out to Karumba where we visited the barra farm/tanks. Then leaving Normanton, down to Cloncurry and across to Mt Isa to Cammoweal (nice caravan park behind the pub,also a free camp near the river on the west side of the town) and across to 3 ways etc.
Because of the flooding etc, it may be a different ball game this year as far as the roads go, especially the development roads so you need to check. If you go via Richmond they have a very nice caravan park there (a previous trip we did). Inland Qld is mind blowing, if you don't do it this time do it next time seeing you live in that state.
Vic PS: My avatar pic was taken at Mt Isa.
-- Edited by Vic on Wednesday 23rd of March 2011 12:20:41 PM
The members with the knowledge for your question will be along soon I am sure.
Sounds like quite a trip ahead of you, hope you enjoy every second of it.
Call into as many tourist info offices and brouse for anything you are interested in.
Also a good thing is to join others at Happy Hour where there is a bundle of information to be had. If you do not drink take along a thermos of tea/coffee and your cups and you will still be welcomed with open arms.
One could go on for hrs with places to visit but the above tip will let you decide what you want to see or experience.
We are lucky as we all speak the same lingo with only slight differences and the money is the same everywhere.
So welcome to the forum and DO have lots of enjoyment on your trip.
Oh and never ever be afraid to ask for help.
Cheers Dodg.
-- Edited by Onedodger on Monday 21st of March 2011 02:52:28 PM
Given the long distances you will cover, do you want to return the same way or perhaps do the lap or other route inland back to Qld and see new territory?
You could do the Savannah way or pick it up, depending on your point of departure if heading across the top first.
If you check with the weather bureau for the states you visit you will get some idea also of the prevailing winds......headwinds= more fuel use.
lots of info here mate,
cheers,
ozi2
We are leaving from Cairns at the end of April appox. We have decided to go anticlockwise. We want to see the Kimberleys at the end of the wet season as there will be some spectacular rivers and falls then. We the hope that we can Whale watch down the coast and be in the right place at the right time to see the wildflowers. Then we head along the Bight and up the Centre before it gets too hot. Plans and dreams hope they come together for us and you
Totally agree with your plan Zoomtopz. That'd be the way I'd go. With maybe a seperate trip another time of Southern NSW and Vic.
And welcome Bill. Happy travels.
To answer your question we really would need to know where in Qld you are, where in WA you want to travel to, How long you will take for the drive. Obviously the weather conditions came in to it as you wouldn't want to be up north during the cyclone season but then again you may hate the cold so the bottom of Aus in winter may be out.
The wild flower season in WA I think is a must as it makes the scenery everywhere so much more alive so spring over there is to be considered. We crossed the Nullarbor in early spring & the place was alive with colour due to the flowers.
Also whale spawning season along the south coast of Aus in spring can be amazing as they come in close at Warnanbool Vic & Head Of The Bight at the start of the Nullarbour.
Anyway, any time is amazing travelling Aus so enjoy whenever you go.
Cheers
Jon
We live in Emerald which is situated in central QLD but will be leaving from Port Douglas to travel to the west . We have three months to travel and then must be home because of work commitments. My wife and myself will be retiring at the end of next year and will be on the road full time. I was wondering which would be the best way to cross the Nullarbor Clockwise or anti clockwise.
Regards Bill
As I've never travelled the Nullabor, I can't comment on that part.
-- Edited by Gary and Kerry on Tuesday 22nd of March 2011 04:41:28 PM
-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 22nd of March 2011 05:32:47 PM
Winter along the Great Ocean Road was great, the caravan parks were nearly empty & a couple were even closed, the tourists were few & far between except for the bus loads of Japanese tourists up from Melbourne to photograph London Bridge near the 12 Apostles right on sunset.
On the SA leg the road parallels the coastal cliffs a lot of the way & we ended up taking a detour on a dirt track on our left (It was worth risking because of the lack of vegetation, if the track didn't lead to a good spot or got bad it's easy to swing around with caravan in tow & head back to the road. About 1km along it we reached the cliffs & camped there, it was absolutly sublime & with noone else around or even entering the track.
We crossed the Nullarbor East to West in early Sept last year but havn't travelled the reverse as yet. We have no regrets, the wind was at our back for about 1/3 of the trip & the rest it was hitting our side but not hard enough to be a worry, the whales were prolific at Head of the Bite.
The seas along the coast were often large & savage which helped make the GOR one of the most photogenic places we have visited. If you don't mind the cold & like cheaper caravan sites & less crouds then I would highly recommend this time.
On the WA side the rain hit so we did a 500km drive in one day and made it to Norseman. I didn't think there was much to see on the WA side but we were looking through a miserable day at it so our view may have been clouded.
Winter, when you will be traveling is the most expensive time to travel north but I guess thats because it's the most comfortable time to do it too so the choice is yours.
Cheers
Jon
Years ago, we were heading to Alice Springs, but wanted an alternative to the Barkley. I'd been over it a few times, and was so over it! We went via Quilpie, Windorah, Bedourie, Boulia and across the Donahue and Plenty Highways. In those days, we didn't tow anything. Our Land Cruiser Troopy was decked out with a bed in the back etc. Amazing country! Bathing in the Diamantina bore out in the middle of no-where, the min min lights, the beautiful gums through the Plenty Highway.
Sorry, I have no photo's to share.
And sorry for hijacking.
About the same time you are leaving this year, last year, we went via Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton, then North to Hughenden, backtracked to Charters Towers then north up the development road, stayed at the caravan park at the Udara Lave tubes and did a tour of the tubes from there. After leaving there we stayed at Mt Surprise, the larger caravan park on the right does a tour of the tubes by bus as well, this park is very friendly and well though of. We went on to Normanton and stayed at the caravan park with the big barra out front, went on the Gulflander and a day visit out to Karumba where we visited the barra farm/tanks. Then leaving Normanton, down to Cloncurry and across to Mt Isa to Cammoweal (nice caravan park behind the pub,also a free camp near the river on the west side of the town) and across to 3 ways etc.
Because of the flooding etc, it may be a different ball game this year as far as the roads go, especially the development roads so you need to check. If you go via Richmond they have a very nice caravan park there (a previous trip we did). Inland Qld is mind blowing, if you don't do it this time do it next time seeing you live in that state.
Vic PS: My avatar pic was taken at Mt Isa.
-- Edited by Vic on Wednesday 23rd of March 2011 12:20:41 PM