Looking ahead we plan to start our first circumnavigation of the land next January and intend doing an anti-clockwise trip around National Highway 1 starting from Adelaide. Given the time of year, the direction of travel and that we do not intend rushing, what are the must sees for a journey such as this?

 

Mr D

If you plan on seeing all that is worth seeing you better plan on being on the road for several years just to cover this one highway. Then there's the others.

Don't know about 6 months, we're looking at making this a lifestyle choice. The house will be on the market shortly, the caravan's been ordered and the deposit paid, the tugs been selected and we're just waiting for the right time to order it. We're looking at learning about free camping and already have version 7 of the Bible. Side trips will be welcome depending on what's out there and how interested we are in seeing it. Looking at 12 - 18 months to do the full circle after which ... well we'll wait and see.

We realise that no two people or couples are the same and what interests one person will bore another to death. We're just looking for suggestions about what to see to help us plan parts of the trip.

I'd start the journey then as you plan the next day, look up this forum and see what others have said about the upcoming area. Visiting info centres along the way will give you good stuff on future stops too. and it will be up to date.

Much easier with some more info Ms.D - the coast road from Adelaide to Melbourne is a spectacular drive - Loch Ard Gorge - Port Fairy, Port Campbell, Warrnambool - the Twelve Apostles of course. Geelong is a nice place to have a look around - and Melbourne is a great place to spend some time - go up theEureka Tower - magnificent views.
At that time of year it would be great to head over the snowfields - Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, via the Hume Highway, through Seymour to Bright - a great spot in itself. Stay in Omeo - a lovely town perched on a hillside, then down to Lakes Entrance and keep on heading north. Or out of Melbourne to Phillip Island, Wilsons Prom - beautiful spot - head north from there - some lovely seaside towns along the way -

AND - that's only a fraction of Victoria - hope you enjoy it.

Keep on reading and joining in on here - a font of knowledge - as well as a bit of fun!!

tezza - wheres Robertson? Sounds like a nice place.

Jules. If its the Robertson in NSW, it's in the Southern Highlands near Bowral and Mossvale from there go south to Kangaroo valley. Bit cold this time of year, but yes it is a nice area..Alan

My method is to have a general plan. I am going to head south or north to general area and that's it.

Decide on a time to depart, mine is 10:00 and a time where you want to be setup, mine is 3:00 and also a total distant to travel per day, mine is 300Kms

Each morning you decide "do we want to move and if so which direction"

Talk and listen to the travelers you meet and never be frightened to turn around if you missed a good site.

Be prepared to take the less populated roads and also look at the smaller towns as they are the interesting ones and also the ones where our history is stored.

I always stay in one spot for three days EVERY week and the new week starts as you leave that spot.

If I like a spot I stay while I am happy and move when I am ready.

Always talk to the locals where possible, if you fish get your bait at the fishing store as they will often give you directions to that special spot they they use Often you have to be prepared to retain the info to your self but that is fair.

I find that doing a spot of voluntary work works wonders in finding and seeing the spots you normally would not see.

Be open to try all types of accommodation. Don't wipe off caravan parks from your list and definitely don't disregard independent camping. I am a independent camper but I did try CP for a while, just not my style sorry.

Buy you provisions in the town you wish to stop in and talk to the customers in the stores as well as the sales people and they will often give you that great spot.

Keep a good list of the camps you hear about. I highlight the description in the camps book as well as a highlighter dot on the number on the map. I also add to a file and download regularly into my GPS. this shows any Forum / travelers Recommended spots as I travel.

Keep your vehicle serviced and in good condition and have the tools and parts if you meet a disaster. Carry spare filters and belts for all the the situations as well as spare oil and water and if possible some fuel.

Power is different for all but have the provision to camp as long as you want, whether with solar or generator, it is your choice but the generator will restrict your spots and also your reception in some areas and with some campers.

Have a hobby or interest that you can use to make the time go and also enable you to see more of the spots where you camp. I am into photography and enjoy walking in the bush so I am never bored whilst in the bush but do get very agitated in a CP where I feel hemmed in.

Hope you enjoy your travels and have many years to get around that lap. Many of us never attempt or strive for the lap around where some consider it their goal and then just keep going around and around. You will find your interest as you travel along. For me I am happy with SA VIC and NSW and have no real desire to travel up the centre or into WA or even into the top of QLD. That's why we should never judge someones travel desires.

Hope that explains one persons method of filling in the days I have left on this planet

Regards
Brian

Thanks to everyone who posted. Some really great advice and not just on places to visit. We really appreciate how much people are willing to share.

Mr D