We are trainee grey nomads and are yet to buy a caravan. However, we have bought the Toyota Landcruiser to tow it.
We were thinking of doing a trip up to Kununurra in July to test out the vehicle on a long run and to see if we liked travelling. We know it will be busy along the way especially in Broome but just wondered if anyone had any hints on the best itinerary and motels/caravan park cabins to stay at in the way up there? We have accommodation and a friend in Kununurra so we do not have to worry about that part of the trip.
This is what we thought might be a good plan:
Day 1 Perth - Carnarvon, Day 2 Carnarvon - Port Hedland, Day 3 Port Hedland - Broome, Day 4 Broome to Kununurra. I know this sounds ambitious but we wanted to get to Kununurra and then have a leisurely trip back, stopping along the way.
If anyone has anyone has any hints on where to stay and what to avoid we would be grateful.
Welcome to the gang Annie57, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I haven't ventured over to the 'wild west' from eastern civilisation yet but before I got the aluminium teepee and many moons ago my late wife and I stayed in CVP cabins or sometimes found cheaper motel rooms were around so got one of those. All depends if we wanted a kitchen or not.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
I think you might want to have a look at your driving times each day, your first day Perth to Carnarvon at least 10 hrs no breaks, Carnarvon to Port Hedland 9hrs no breaks, Port Hedland to Broome 6.5 hrs no breaks, Broome to Kununurra 11 hrs no breaks, so you can see a lot of driving hrs and if you have not done this type of driving before even with both driving you get tired. Plan B?
The distances that you have described are certainly doable, and I have done similar distances with the van myself, but have been towing vans for 48 years
However, being new chums to towing a van, I would not be putting that sort of pressure on myself if I were you. The maximum recommended daily distance by road safety experts is 400kms, and particularly for somone learning the ropes, that is about right. Towing a van requires more concentration and level of alertness than just a car and can cause a higher level of fatigue. At the end of the drive each day, there is still some setting up to do and so we try to be in by no later than 4pm to get settled.
If you add in a couple of extra days into your itinerary, I think you may have a much more enjoyable trip
if you are going to have a slower trip back then I'd suggest going up via Mt Magnet, Meekatharra, Newman then Port Hedland. Good road and even though there will be a few trucks a better option than the coast road with all the caravans. I also suggest getting a CB radio which enables you to talk to truckies re road conditions and passing options. Best to travel in daylight hrs only as there is a lot of wild life regardless of which route you take.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Monday 11th of June 2018 10:11:32 PM
__________________
Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
We have just traveled Kununurra to Broome towing 3 ton of Jayco behind 2016 Landcruiser. The roads are good with the exception of Broome to Deby that has suffered severe flooding and there are long areas with broken shoulders and pot holed sections.
The drive in your cruiser would be more enjoyable if you broke down the trip into sections. Broome to Derby, Derby to Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek, Halls Creek to Turkey Creek and finally Turkey Creek to Kununurra.
There is accommodation via Cabins at Caravan Parks, Motel Rooms, Roadhouses with accommodation and then there are Station Stays across this section similar to the section Perth to Broome.
As someone earlier said aim for about 300/400 and then stay coupla days to break the trip.
The telling factor is $$$'s for accommodation at this time of the year.
Spent nine years on Gibb River Road ....annual holidays was pretty much those distances each day and each way with to children as well in Feb and March.
Its a great trip but yes tiring.
We stayed at varying places just to spread it around all motels and C/ parks much the same..... none stood out as I must stay again .
As its only overnighters pick the cheapest lol
__________________
I Remember It ...............All Too Well
Wherever the four winds blow. I'm restless, I'm ready
