Sydney to Kununurra
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Out'n'about
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sydney to Kununurra
Firstly, greetings and a Merry Christmas again to all!
Now to business.... A (lets just say a mate) of mine, who wishes to remain nameless
, is planning this coming early new year to make "the pilgrimage" from "Down Here" to "Up There" for the purposes of "Goin' North", and expanding his horizons just a tad. Now, having spotted and read (many times) Jex's excellent website of which he re-counts his journey with much clarity and detail (she's a bl**dy ripper Jex, thanks!), this "mate" of mine has a few questions that he'd like to ask of those who have made the journey by car before, him not having traversed that part of the country by motor vehicle as yet.
* What was the reason (Jex), for going via South Oz? Better roads or something else?
* If going that way was the prefered option for the state of the roadways, How far apart were the average fuel stops etc?
* What about those of you who have made the trip before, but have gone thru Qld? (ie; Mt Isa, Winton etc)? Sealed yet? Passable in the wet? What about fuel?
* Is there a better way to go (by car, that is)?
And probably the more needed question to those of you who have made the trek there, accomodation, best, cheapest, easiest to airport etc?
Merry Xmas, and a happy nude year! 
Here is the edit: He doesn't have a 4wd either, it's a lowered 10+ year old fairmont sedan, big wheels etc, but in pretty good nick.
[ 12 December 2001: Message edited by: Captain Latte' ]
Now to business.... A (lets just say a mate) of mine, who wishes to remain nameless
, is planning this coming early new year to make "the pilgrimage" from "Down Here" to "Up There" for the purposes of "Goin' North", and expanding his horizons just a tad. Now, having spotted and read (many times) Jex's excellent website of which he re-counts his journey with much clarity and detail (she's a bl**dy ripper Jex, thanks!), this "mate" of mine has a few questions that he'd like to ask of those who have made the journey by car before, him not having traversed that part of the country by motor vehicle as yet.* What was the reason (Jex), for going via South Oz? Better roads or something else?
* If going that way was the prefered option for the state of the roadways, How far apart were the average fuel stops etc?
* What about those of you who have made the trip before, but have gone thru Qld? (ie; Mt Isa, Winton etc)? Sealed yet? Passable in the wet? What about fuel?
* Is there a better way to go (by car, that is)?
And probably the more needed question to those of you who have made the trek there, accomodation, best, cheapest, easiest to airport etc?
Merry Xmas, and a happy nude year!
Here is the edit: He doesn't have a 4wd either, it's a lowered 10+ year old fairmont sedan, big wheels etc, but in pretty good nick.
[ 12 December 2001: Message edited by: Captain Latte' ]
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Straya
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Barkly is a poorer road on the Q funded side, flooded in bits at the moment. Don't worry about fuel stops on the Stuart, just don't go past more than one without stopping. In that car, at Territory speeds, maybe you ought stop at every one. Some close, I waited on a forecourt from 0001 to 0600, having watched the &%(&@! close up for the night! Stop in at the airports, you never know what you'll learn. For real low-timers there are a few NT stations with Cessna singles.... Hard work, but shows determination.
Won't wish you good luck, the more you persist the luckier you get up here.
Won't wish you good luck, the more you persist the luckier you get up here.
G'Day Capt,
I have made that drive a couple of times, and if you are considering the drive in the earlier part of the new year go through the middle. The Qld roads spend alot of their time underwater, and although it doesn't often take long for the water to reside, it is a pain in the bum. Going through SA and all that will save you the majority of that worry until you hit Threeways. North of Three ways there is only one road you can use so your at the mercy of the weather!
If you head up around Feb the Vic River can be a bit of trouble, although it rises and falls quickly. Basically all you need is to make sure you have something to do whilst you wait at the backpackers.
Chuck a tarp in the car as well, can help you get through some floodways on the Victoria Hwy too.
I have made that drive a couple of times, and if you are considering the drive in the earlier part of the new year go through the middle. The Qld roads spend alot of their time underwater, and although it doesn't often take long for the water to reside, it is a pain in the bum. Going through SA and all that will save you the majority of that worry until you hit Threeways. North of Three ways there is only one road you can use so your at the mercy of the weather!
If you head up around Feb the Vic River can be a bit of trouble, although it rises and falls quickly. Basically all you need is to make sure you have something to do whilst you wait at the backpackers.
Chuck a tarp in the car as well, can help you get through some floodways on the Victoria Hwy too.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Out'n'about
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The car gets an honest 600km per tankfull @ around 100-120 km/h. I remember somewhere in the past of the Territory's open road speed limit being, well, 'go for it'. Is that still the case, or has that changed in the past 10 years?
It looks like the "way thru SA" is the prefered option at the moment, thanks guys.
How far under the front would one have to put the tarp to be able to (ford, fjord?) the water? Back as far as the x-member? Not being a 4wd type, this is all new.
It looks like the "way thru SA" is the prefered option at the moment, thanks guys.
How far under the front would one have to put the tarp to be able to (ford, fjord?) the water? Back as far as the x-member? Not being a 4wd type, this is all new.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Out'n'about
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
KAOS, Go here!
Thanks again to all that have replied so far. I'm not at all familiar with the route through SA and then up the middle, has anyone got any clues/tips for that way?
Thanks again.
Thanks again to all that have replied so far. I'm not at all familiar with the route through SA and then up the middle, has anyone got any clues/tips for that way?
Thanks again.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: AusVegas
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The drive up there is the easy part! As for the tarps, they're a good idea if you know what you're doing. Someone elses tarp got me out of trouble, but whats the risk? having your car stuck in the middle of the creek. If its that close its probably not worth it. Feb's maybe a little early. Mid march is better. No hiring is done until late april/may. Alligator are gunna need a few this year I think. You can turn up one day and have a job the next, but it is very rare. You'd need some time under your belt for that. Anyway, goodluck. Its a ball! 
Couple of open questions here...
What impact has been felt in KU by the recent AN collapse and Sept 11 attacks, and subsequent downturn in tourism? How greatly will this affect the next dry/tourist season?
Also, having noticed Alligator is up for sale, do you think this will lead to an expansion of their operations or could it have the opposite effect?
Just a few questions to kick around
Cheers,
TL
What impact has been felt in KU by the recent AN collapse and Sept 11 attacks, and subsequent downturn in tourism? How greatly will this affect the next dry/tourist season?
Also, having noticed Alligator is up for sale, do you think this will lead to an expansion of their operations or could it have the opposite effect?
Just a few questions to kick around
Cheers,
TL
I would suggest that the greater proportion of KU's tourism is the self drive wrinkly caravanning set, known affectionately as SAADs - that's See Australia And Die.
If airline prices go up, then more people drive. Petrol is going down too so that is another encouragement.
Yes the good old Vic River Xing - 280kms west of Katherine. Feb of 2000 she was open to 4WDs for half a day in 3 weeks...and, no, the only other road going West open at the time was the Nullarbor and the Gunbarrel!
It is an beautiful time up there though - storms like you have never ever seen before.
If airline prices go up, then more people drive. Petrol is going down too so that is another encouragement.
Yes the good old Vic River Xing - 280kms west of Katherine. Feb of 2000 she was open to 4WDs for half a day in 3 weeks...and, no, the only other road going West open at the time was the Nullarbor and the Gunbarrel!
It is an beautiful time up there though - storms like you have never ever seen before.
The "75 Km south of Tennant Creek" to Daly Waters stretch can be a real b*tch as late as March/April with washouts, floodways and ponding.
Cooda discovered a pot hole in the Gilbert Swamp last year that cost a new short motor.
NT Road Condition reports were available on 1800 246 199. I expect the number will still be valid this year.
Take it easy and good luck.
Cooda discovered a pot hole in the Gilbert Swamp last year that cost a new short motor.
NT Road Condition reports were available on 1800 246 199. I expect the number will still be valid this year.
Take it easy and good luck.
Dave,
An UGAL won't need a car in KU...there is often someone going out to the airport once you network.
A bike is OK, remember if it is pissing down, wait 10 minutes and it will have stopped raining (although you may be riding thru 2 feet of water!). Its like someone dumps a swimming pool on you twice a day, and its clear for the rest of it.
An UGAL won't need a car in KU...there is often someone going out to the airport once you network.
A bike is OK, remember if it is pissing down, wait 10 minutes and it will have stopped raining (although you may be riding thru 2 feet of water!). Its like someone dumps a swimming pool on you twice a day, and its clear for the rest of it.
That show is f**king hilarious...loved the one where they took the roof of the car off and towed it behind the car with all their crap on it.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: AusVegas
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're gunna be there for a while, take a car with you. Stallie is right, you can do it, but what a head$%#! And as someone elses comments indicated, cars can be slightly inflated in price up there, especially if its possible to pack lots of the brudders in dere!
Join Date: May 2001
Location: North
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mate,
Take heed in what the other guys say, cos they're all spot on. The only thing I can add is be prepared to not get there straight away. The last two wets have been some of the biggest. Some guys from this year were on the home stretch and got stuck in Katherine for over a week to wait for the Vic to recede.
As for Jex, surprising he hasn't graced us with his presence yet. All credit to him but, the website is awesome.
Take heed in what the other guys say, cos they're all spot on. The only thing I can add is be prepared to not get there straight away. The last two wets have been some of the biggest. Some guys from this year were on the home stretch and got stuck in Katherine for over a week to wait for the Vic to recede.
As for Jex, surprising he hasn't graced us with his presence yet. All credit to him but, the website is awesome.
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: A one horse town...
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheers, thanks for the advice.
Naturally I’d rather be taking a car with me, however, current finances simple aren’t going to allow that.
Looks like I’d better go and find those old mud guards for the 10 speed.
Naturally I’d rather be taking a car with me, however, current finances simple aren’t going to allow that.
Looks like I’d better go and find those old mud guards for the 10 speed.
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Mowing the lawn
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seasons Greetings to all and apologies for the delayed reply....
Some answers to those questions directed at my good self.
Went via SA northbound purely to see a mate from uni doing the hard yards at Wilpena Pound. The geographically shortest route I believe is Sydney - Bourke - Mt Isa - Katherine - Kunu-bloody-nurra.
The only really s#*t bit of road is from Mt Isa to the QLD/NT border, it ate one shock absorber on my return journey. The rest of the roads, esp the NT highways are ok.
I did the return journey in a car that would go no further than 400km on one tank of fuel. So long legs or a 4WD are not necessary.
The most common spot to get stuck is Katherine. If you drive up mid-wet, you should make it all the way without too much trouble. Drive up late in the wet when there is a s#*tload of water around and you MAY get stuck somewhere for a few days or weeks.
When in Kununurra a car is not necessary. Live the Jex dream and survive on a skateboard!! A pushie would be even more practical, as the airport is only a 10min ride out of town max. Once established and employed in town I can highly recommend buying a clapped out dirt bike. In fact if you see a black '82 Suzuki ER185, don't pay more than a $1000 for it!
Best of luck with the pilgrimage lads and any further questions, feel free to email me.
Pretzal, Stallie and Slug-Man, good to hear from you all.....
Jex
[ 16 December 2001: Message edited by: Jex ]
Some answers to those questions directed at my good self.
Went via SA northbound purely to see a mate from uni doing the hard yards at Wilpena Pound. The geographically shortest route I believe is Sydney - Bourke - Mt Isa - Katherine - Kunu-bloody-nurra.
The only really s#*t bit of road is from Mt Isa to the QLD/NT border, it ate one shock absorber on my return journey. The rest of the roads, esp the NT highways are ok.
I did the return journey in a car that would go no further than 400km on one tank of fuel. So long legs or a 4WD are not necessary.
The most common spot to get stuck is Katherine. If you drive up mid-wet, you should make it all the way without too much trouble. Drive up late in the wet when there is a s#*tload of water around and you MAY get stuck somewhere for a few days or weeks.
When in Kununurra a car is not necessary. Live the Jex dream and survive on a skateboard!! A pushie would be even more practical, as the airport is only a 10min ride out of town max. Once established and employed in town I can highly recommend buying a clapped out dirt bike. In fact if you see a black '82 Suzuki ER185, don't pay more than a $1000 for it!
Best of luck with the pilgrimage lads and any further questions, feel free to email me.
Pretzal, Stallie and Slug-Man, good to hear from you all.....
Jex
[ 16 December 2001: Message edited by: Jex ]
PPRuNe's Paramedic
Join Date: May 2001
Location: tropical north
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
4336km from Sydney (Chipping Norton) to Kunnu bloody nurra!!!!! but whos countin'
Best trip and easy in any servicable vehicle, just dont do Isa to the NT border at night unless suicide is on your mind. I did not enjoy sharing the dubious single laned "highway" with megatonnes of roadtrain coming in the opposite direction. It pays to drop off the side of the road and stop somewhere for a few seconds than to get pushed off at speed and damage the undercarrage a long way from help. One of the best things I ever invested in was the gadget to fit to the car (shoo roo) as I never hit even a single bird in nine trips.
OOOOh yeah... probably telling you how to suck grapes here but consider the following NEVER
1/ dodge the wildlife up to a given size, dogs the size of dingos might leave a ding in the car but it sure beats the hell out of loosing the car in an uncontrolled speed situation.
2/ drive to a speed you and the car are comfortable at. Too many people are killed up here for two reasons... speed and loss of control when something happens or the car overheats, stops and the driver dies of dehydration. Bring heaps of water. (Most people in the sort of heat in an unconditioned car will easily consume 6 to 8 litres of water per day.
3/ stop when you're tired. Long featureless drives encourage get-home-itis like you wouldnt believe.
4/ just take it easy with waterways... better to sit and camp out for a bit than risk loosing your car in a floodway.
Also BYO music is mandatory. the radio has some black spots especially across the Barkley which are hours in duration and the ABC has limits....
When you make it to Kununurra find a hovel and call it home!
It would take me 18 minutes to walk from flat in town to the airport. Bought a Honda 250 Road Trail to go where the car couldnt! There are some fantastic waterfalls, veiws and places to visit. Visit them while you can, its called research!!!
The thing is though, to keep sane have one hobby outside aviation. Mine were my dog, the horses and photography.
I wish you all the best on your venture. I left everything comfortable, everything I knew to follow a dream.... it was one of the best things Ive done.
Best trip and easy in any servicable vehicle, just dont do Isa to the NT border at night unless suicide is on your mind. I did not enjoy sharing the dubious single laned "highway" with megatonnes of roadtrain coming in the opposite direction. It pays to drop off the side of the road and stop somewhere for a few seconds than to get pushed off at speed and damage the undercarrage a long way from help. One of the best things I ever invested in was the gadget to fit to the car (shoo roo) as I never hit even a single bird in nine trips.
OOOOh yeah... probably telling you how to suck grapes here but consider the following NEVER
1/ dodge the wildlife up to a given size, dogs the size of dingos might leave a ding in the car but it sure beats the hell out of loosing the car in an uncontrolled speed situation.
2/ drive to a speed you and the car are comfortable at. Too many people are killed up here for two reasons... speed and loss of control when something happens or the car overheats, stops and the driver dies of dehydration. Bring heaps of water. (Most people in the sort of heat in an unconditioned car will easily consume 6 to 8 litres of water per day.
3/ stop when you're tired. Long featureless drives encourage get-home-itis like you wouldnt believe.
4/ just take it easy with waterways... better to sit and camp out for a bit than risk loosing your car in a floodway.
Also BYO music is mandatory. the radio has some black spots especially across the Barkley which are hours in duration and the ABC has limits....
When you make it to Kununurra find a hovel and call it home!
It would take me 18 minutes to walk from flat in town to the airport. Bought a Honda 250 Road Trail to go where the car couldnt! There are some fantastic waterfalls, veiws and places to visit. Visit them while you can, its called research!!!
The thing is though, to keep sane have one hobby outside aviation. Mine were my dog, the horses and photography.
I wish you all the best on your venture. I left everything comfortable, everything I knew to follow a dream.... it was one of the best things Ive done.