We are looking at options for travelling to North Queensland via the inland route and wonder if anyone has done recently or more importantly at end February.
looking at
kalgoorlie, then up to the Great central Road then onto National highway 87 to three ways then from there to A2. Its only 4000km so the distance isnt an issue its only condition of roads etc Im concerned about. Anybody that has done this recently I would appreciate your opinions, thanks in advance.
We will be towing a 22ft Caravan that isnt fully off road but is fully self sufficient for up to a week ( based on food and water.(Solar we can last few months)) We carry extra fuel and can travel in excess of 500km without refill (Landcruiser) and carry 80 ltrs spare fuel.
I dont wont to wreck my caravan as it is our home, We can do trip over couple weeks so no need to race along. We have travelled 900km per day for 6 days before but would prefer to take a little longer.
kandagal said
10:42 AM Jan 5, 2015
I think there is rain falling in inland WA & NT & February may be a bit too early for travelling through those areas. Also temp. will be high still.
Grumpytoo said
04:15 PM Jan 5, 2015
From Laverton to Uluru you will be travelling along unsealed roads and the quality will vary. The distance is around 1200 k's. The question is whether you think your van can withstand that type of travel.
Weevil said
04:45 PM Jan 5, 2015
We did that trip towing a caravan a few years ago now, went via the Nullabor to Pt Augusta, then across to Broken Hill and worked our way up that way via Blackall etc. Returned the other way via NT and across the top.
Can't recall the time of year though, around June I think...
elliemike said
05:11 PM Jan 5, 2015
The GCR "Outback Way" is a fantastic route. Beutiful scenery, Servos about 200 to 400 klm apart (sort of).
Cant recommend it more, I am not certain if you have taken the van on a long outback road before but in case you have not here are a few observations.
Ask lots of people about present conditions (this week) on the road. Phone the various places along the route.
Remember what one person thinks is a great road, is someone else's vision of hell.
You need a Permit for WA side and one for NT side. Get these online, easy peasy. No one seems check them but you have a time limit on both 3 days I seem to remember. I would not bother too much about the time limit. But I believe having no permit is not sensible as you can face consequences !. (this from a Laverton Policeman)
If it rains they will close the road. Big fines for driving on a closed road as well.
The road like all bush roads can vary dramatically from month to month and area to area. Depending on lots of things like weather, usage, graders working along a section.
You must be confident in your rig handling all day/ days driving possibly on very to severe corrugated sections, Sand sections firm to soft at the edges. loose stoney sections. But even if the road is great all the way you will have vibration from the surface for at least 5 days. All the gear inside the van and fridge, needs to be stowed for this type of travel. It is not uncommon for lids to rattle off jars and bottles in the fridge and cupboards, Jam,Oil, Mayonaise, Tomato sauce, Soy Sauce, etc can make a hell of a mess. Glass BREAKS. Secure the microwave plate in blankets or towels. Beer Cans rattling together wear holes in the ally. so do food tins and with the labels off your in the dark as to the contents.
The fridge needs to be secure in the cabinet. Not just 4 little wood screws holding it at the facia. Drawers if carrying loose to heavy stuff like cutlery, plates, can have the bottoms beaten out of them from constant vibration of the contents. Drawer sliders (cheap ones ) can be vibration damaged.
DUST. Lots of DUST. Your van if not sealed for travelling on bush roads will be full of red talcum powder. I have travelled with some people who had megga probs with dust. It can ruin you trip.
Tyre pressures down is my suggestion. Take it easy enjoy the trip, Hope you find the road in good nick all the way. It is very do able.
ABORIGINAL LAND PERMITS WA Department of Indigenous Affairs (08) 9235 8000 www.dia.wa.gov.au NT Central Land Council (08) 8951 6320 www.clc.org.au Ngaanyatjarra Land Council (08) 8950 1711 in Alice Springs
Hope that Helps a bit. We travel in an AVAN Cruiseliner. Doing this route again in March maybe.
Herb said
07:56 PM Jan 5, 2015
Thanks heaps for input. this is the info I need. I not going to do trip unless Im comfortable with road conditions. Dirt roads and sand I have no issue with as traveled on hundreds of kms of them. Believe it or not tho corrugated roads have been few and far between. Dont know that Im happy to travel for 1200km on them.
Keep info coming please all opinions appreciated.
thanks
Jenzarl said
08:38 AM Jan 6, 2015
When we were visiting relatives in W.A. they told us to never travel on closed roads.
The fines are $1000-00 per Wheel
Oma said
10:03 AM Jan 6, 2015
Yes heavy fines for going onto closed roads, no matter what the reason.
Yes the GCR is a wonderful drive. Did it June2013, & as stated by previous poster the roads vary but when we did it it was more good than bad & then there was never really "bad" . Patches of corrugation but not bad, not a lot of sand but dust- that depends on how well you have sealed your van. We got no dust in ours as Bruce had, before all dirt trips years ago, got under,in cupboards,under the bed etc etc. Lower tyres accordingly & always travel to the conditions. We took 6 nights from Ayres Rock to Laverton. Water available at all fuel stops which we used even though did not need to do so- a few dollars at each one instread of one major fill. Our other companions did the same. Plenty of nice spots to pull over for the night but would not recommend Docker Rv.
Joga said
11:20 AM Jan 6, 2015
Across the Centre in February??.
NOT the time to be out there - way too bloody hot. We are talking high 40s & even 50s.
Try during the Southern Winter, when temperatures are in the high 20s - low 30s.
We are looking at options for travelling to North Queensland via the inland route and wonder if anyone has done recently or more importantly at end February.
looking at
kalgoorlie, then up to the Great central Road then onto National highway 87 to three ways then from there to A2. Its only 4000km so the distance isnt an issue its only condition of roads etc Im concerned about. Anybody that has done this recently I would appreciate your opinions, thanks in advance.
We will be towing a 22ft Caravan that isnt fully off road but is fully self sufficient for up to a week ( based on food and water.(Solar we can last few months)) We carry extra fuel and can travel in excess of 500km without refill (Landcruiser) and carry 80 ltrs spare fuel.
I dont wont to wreck my caravan as it is our home, We can do trip over couple weeks so no need to race along. We have travelled 900km per day for 6 days before but would prefer to take a little longer.
We did that trip towing a caravan a few years ago now, went via the Nullabor to Pt Augusta, then across to Broken Hill and worked our way up that way via Blackall etc. Returned the other way via NT and across the top.
Can't recall the time of year though, around June I think...
The GCR "Outback Way" is a fantastic route. Beutiful scenery, Servos about 200 to 400 klm apart (sort of).
Cant recommend it more, I am not certain if you have taken the van on a long outback road before but in case you have not here are a few observations.
Ask lots of people about present conditions (this week) on the road. Phone the various places along the route.
Remember what one person thinks is a great road, is someone else's vision of hell.
You need a Permit for WA side and one for NT side. Get these online, easy peasy. No one seems check them but you have a time limit on both 3 days I seem to remember. I would not bother too much about the time limit. But I believe having no permit is not sensible as you can face consequences !. (this from a Laverton Policeman)
If it rains they will close the road. Big fines for driving on a closed road as well.
The road like all bush roads can vary dramatically from month to month and area to area. Depending on lots of things like weather, usage, graders working along a section.
You must be confident in your rig handling all day/ days driving possibly on very to severe corrugated sections, Sand sections firm to soft at the edges. loose stoney sections. But even if the road is great all the way you will have vibration from the surface for at least 5 days. All the gear inside the van and fridge, needs to be stowed for this type of travel. It is not uncommon for lids to rattle off jars and bottles in the fridge and cupboards, Jam,Oil, Mayonaise, Tomato sauce, Soy Sauce, etc can make a hell of a mess. Glass BREAKS. Secure the microwave plate in blankets or towels. Beer Cans rattling together wear holes in the ally. so do food tins and with the labels off your in the dark as to the contents.
The fridge needs to be secure in the cabinet. Not just 4 little wood screws holding it at the facia. Drawers if carrying loose to heavy stuff like cutlery, plates, can have the bottoms beaten out of them from constant vibration of the contents. Drawer sliders (cheap ones ) can be vibration damaged.
DUST. Lots of DUST. Your van if not sealed for travelling on bush roads will be full of red talcum powder. I have travelled with some people who had megga probs with dust. It can ruin you trip.
Tyre pressures down is my suggestion. Take it easy enjoy the trip, Hope you find the road in good nick all the way. It is very do able.
A FIRM SANDY SECTION
ROAD REPORTS
Australia-wide, ExplorOz www.exploroz.com
WA 138 138 (08) 9080 1400 1800 013 314 www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
NT 1800 246 199 www.roadreport.nt.gov.au
QLD (07) 4746 3120 QLD RACQ 1300 130 595 www.racq.com.au
ABORIGINAL LAND PERMITS
WA Department of Indigenous Affairs (08) 9235 8000 www.dia.wa.gov.au
NT Central Land Council (08) 8951 6320 www.clc.org.au
Ngaanyatjarra Land Council (08) 8950 1711 in Alice Springs
OUTBACK WAY TOURISM - www.outbackway.org.au info@outbackway.org.au
Hope that Helps a bit. We travel in an AVAN Cruiseliner. Doing this route again in March maybe.
Thanks heaps for input. this is the info I need. I not going to do trip unless Im comfortable with road conditions. Dirt roads and sand I have no issue with as traveled on hundreds of kms of them. Believe it or not tho corrugated roads have been few and far between. Dont know that Im happy to travel for 1200km on them.
Keep info coming please all opinions appreciated.
thanks
When we were visiting relatives in W.A. they told us to never travel on closed roads.
The fines are $1000-00 per Wheel
Yes heavy fines for going onto closed roads, no matter what the reason.
Yes the GCR is a wonderful drive. Did it June2013, & as stated by previous poster the roads vary but when we did it it was more good than bad & then there was never really "bad" . Patches of corrugation but not bad, not a lot of sand but dust- that depends on how well you have sealed your van. We got no dust in ours as Bruce had, before all dirt trips years ago, got under,in cupboards,under the bed etc etc. Lower tyres accordingly & always travel to the conditions. We took 6 nights from Ayres Rock to Laverton. Water available at all fuel stops which we used even though did not need to do so- a few dollars at each one instread of one major fill. Our other companions did the same. Plenty of nice spots to pull over for the night but would not recommend Docker Rv.
NOT the time to be out there - way too bloody hot. We are talking high 40s & even 50s.
Try during the Southern Winter, when temperatures are in the high 20s - low 30s.