SYD to KNX
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SYD to KNX
Hi all,
I know this isn't a driving forum, but if it helps I promise I'm a pilot.
Got a gig in Kununurra, now moving myself up there from Nuu Zulland. I decided to buy a 4x4 (Mitsi Pajero or Toyota Landcruiser) in SYD and drive it on up. Saves costs on flights and gets me a car to KNX reasonably cheaply.
The reason for doing it this way is that it seems as though there is more choice of 4x4 in SYD and, from what I've seen, car in Kunners are running at a premium nowadays.
Had a look through old forums, but the latest one I could find was from '09 so hoping to get a bit of advice and also help out anyone who is planning on doing the roady this upcoming dry season (Darwin and Broome are within a day drive from Kununurra).
10-12 hour driving days should be fine, and just looking at staying in cheap roadhouses to catch up on the z's. Working on my music playlist as we speak.
Thanks in advance
I know this isn't a driving forum, but if it helps I promise I'm a pilot.
Got a gig in Kununurra, now moving myself up there from Nuu Zulland. I decided to buy a 4x4 (Mitsi Pajero or Toyota Landcruiser) in SYD and drive it on up. Saves costs on flights and gets me a car to KNX reasonably cheaply.
The reason for doing it this way is that it seems as though there is more choice of 4x4 in SYD and, from what I've seen, car in Kunners are running at a premium nowadays.
Had a look through old forums, but the latest one I could find was from '09 so hoping to get a bit of advice and also help out anyone who is planning on doing the roady this upcoming dry season (Darwin and Broome are within a day drive from Kununurra).
10-12 hour driving days should be fine, and just looking at staying in cheap roadhouses to catch up on the z's. Working on my music playlist as we speak.
Thanks in advance
Wasn't Part 61 designed to keep people like this on the other side of the Tasman?
Join Date: Apr 2011
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Which way will you go? It's a long way whichever road you take.
Make sure you have basic spares such as fan belts, top and bottom hoses and emergency windscreen. Carry at least 10 litres of drinking water and have some nibbles to keep you for a couple of days if you get stuck. If going to take the smaller roads, be aware that many in WA that look like highways on the map are pretty ordinary. Make sure the jack works so you can change a flat. A second spare wheel, a small shovel and a couple of oat bags can save tears if driving rough.
Some fantastic scenery along the way so try to enjoy it rather than just blasting through. Note that wandering cattle, donkeys, horses and kangaroos are some of the hazards if driving at speed. Take a digital camera with you and record your time up there because it will stay with you forever.
Enjoy
Kaz
Make sure you have basic spares such as fan belts, top and bottom hoses and emergency windscreen. Carry at least 10 litres of drinking water and have some nibbles to keep you for a couple of days if you get stuck. If going to take the smaller roads, be aware that many in WA that look like highways on the map are pretty ordinary. Make sure the jack works so you can change a flat. A second spare wheel, a small shovel and a couple of oat bags can save tears if driving rough.
Some fantastic scenery along the way so try to enjoy it rather than just blasting through. Note that wandering cattle, donkeys, horses and kangaroos are some of the hazards if driving at speed. Take a digital camera with you and record your time up there because it will stay with you forever.
Enjoy
Kaz
If you are heading off in the next few weeks, monitor the road reports for possible flooding.
Otherwise, you should be on reasonable bitumen for the entire trip.
I've done Perth/Darwin in four days and Sydney/Darwin via Port Augusta and Alice Springs in four days in the last couple of years.
First in a 1.3 litre Honda Jazz. Second in a Subaru Outback. The Outback was more comfortable but the kangaroo bounced off the Jazz without leaving a mark.
Travelling after dusk is doable with care but not recommended for those of a nervous disposition or night blindness. Roos and cattle can be hard to spot, particularly in the glare of oncoming headlights or the ridiculously bright reflective signs they are in the habit of putting along the highways.
Stick to the speed limits even though the roads appear capable of higher speeds. Police appear in the most unexpected places.
Sorry I can't comment on your likely route through Queensland but I last drove that in 1978. But if you have time and want the scenic route try Sydney, Mildura, Port Augusta, Alice Springs, Katherine, Kunnunnurra.
Otherwise, you should be on reasonable bitumen for the entire trip.
I've done Perth/Darwin in four days and Sydney/Darwin via Port Augusta and Alice Springs in four days in the last couple of years.
First in a 1.3 litre Honda Jazz. Second in a Subaru Outback. The Outback was more comfortable but the kangaroo bounced off the Jazz without leaving a mark.
Travelling after dusk is doable with care but not recommended for those of a nervous disposition or night blindness. Roos and cattle can be hard to spot, particularly in the glare of oncoming headlights or the ridiculously bright reflective signs they are in the habit of putting along the highways.
Stick to the speed limits even though the roads appear capable of higher speeds. Police appear in the most unexpected places.
Sorry I can't comment on your likely route through Queensland but I last drove that in 1978. But if you have time and want the scenic route try Sydney, Mildura, Port Augusta, Alice Springs, Katherine, Kunnunnurra.
All that Kaz3g and CoodaShooda suggest plus..
Please consider carrying a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon, preferably registered with your personal details at AMSA. Know how to use it and don't be embarrassed to use it if you get stuck, for any reason. Keep in touch with friends that can monitor your progress. The roadhouses have phones.
There's no reason for properly prepared motorists or aviators to die in the Australian outback deserts anymore. You can never carry too much drinking water!
Enjoy your adventure!
Please consider carrying a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon, preferably registered with your personal details at AMSA. Know how to use it and don't be embarrassed to use it if you get stuck, for any reason. Keep in touch with friends that can monitor your progress. The roadhouses have phones.
There's no reason for properly prepared motorists or aviators to die in the Australian outback deserts anymore. You can never carry too much drinking water!
Enjoy your adventure!
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All very good advice from kaz, Cooda and gerry, above.
While noting that you seem to be 'fresh off the boat' from UnZud, there's not a real lot I can add, except:
Get yourself a good, standard, relatively low mileage vehicle that's not done a lot of country work.
Avoid ones with lights everywhere and jacked-up suspension.
Prices are good in both Sydney and Melbourne at the moment.
Thoroughly inspect and service the vehicle and run it around for a while before you set off.
Service and, if necessary, re-gas your air-con.
A lambswool seat cover is good for distance driving.
Set it up in the back so that you can doss down if needs be.
Don't have pre-conceptions of how many kliks or hours you can do in a day.
Stop regularly and have a chat with the locals.
DON'T DRIVE AROUND DAWN OR DUSK.
A couple of six-packs in the back is good to have for when you have to say 'thank you'.
A fly-net for your hat can be a good investment.
So can be a roll of toilet paper.
Other than that, have an enjoyable, memorable journey and I hope your gig's successful.
While noting that you seem to be 'fresh off the boat' from UnZud, there's not a real lot I can add, except:
Get yourself a good, standard, relatively low mileage vehicle that's not done a lot of country work.
Avoid ones with lights everywhere and jacked-up suspension.
Prices are good in both Sydney and Melbourne at the moment.
Thoroughly inspect and service the vehicle and run it around for a while before you set off.
Service and, if necessary, re-gas your air-con.
A lambswool seat cover is good for distance driving.
Set it up in the back so that you can doss down if needs be.
Don't have pre-conceptions of how many kliks or hours you can do in a day.
Stop regularly and have a chat with the locals.
DON'T DRIVE AROUND DAWN OR DUSK.
A couple of six-packs in the back is good to have for when you have to say 'thank you'.
A fly-net for your hat can be a good investment.
So can be a roll of toilet paper.
Other than that, have an enjoyable, memorable journey and I hope your gig's successful.
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As serval people have mentioned, do not drive around dusk and dawn! Roos are big, cows are bigger, brumbys are bigger again and you'd trade places with any of those if you come around a corner and a camel fills your windscreen
I haven't done the trip from Alice, but have done the trip from the east coast and Melbourne several times. Some spots to check for accommodation Mt Isa, camooweal (nice pub), three ways, Barkley roadhouse (or is it homestead??), Katherine.
Alice and Uluru is nice to check out if you have the time, plus there are quite a few hot springs and such on your way too.
Pack a swag and mozzie repellant incase you get stranded.
Get a couple of breakdown triangles just in case! Last thing you want is it get cleaned up by a roadtrain if you break down somewhere where you can't get the whole car off the road. Plus it might encourage someone to stop to help you.
Do not make any assumptions about your fuel economy! You'd be surprised how little you might notice a strong headwind when there is only salt bush around. This is where the spare jerrys will come in handy.
Pay a good mechanic to do a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the car for you and then give it a complete service replacing ALL fluids. Last thing you want it ****ty brake fluid or a gear box or diff with crappy oil.
I'd also put up an ad on Gumtree to see if you can find some travel companions. There will be plenty of backpackers wanting to head in that direction. It may slow down your trip but you should have a bit of fun on the way.
But most of all, enjoy the drive!
I haven't done the trip from Alice, but have done the trip from the east coast and Melbourne several times. Some spots to check for accommodation Mt Isa, camooweal (nice pub), three ways, Barkley roadhouse (or is it homestead??), Katherine.
Alice and Uluru is nice to check out if you have the time, plus there are quite a few hot springs and such on your way too.
Pack a swag and mozzie repellant incase you get stranded.
Get a couple of breakdown triangles just in case! Last thing you want is it get cleaned up by a roadtrain if you break down somewhere where you can't get the whole car off the road. Plus it might encourage someone to stop to help you.
Do not make any assumptions about your fuel economy! You'd be surprised how little you might notice a strong headwind when there is only salt bush around. This is where the spare jerrys will come in handy.
Pay a good mechanic to do a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the car for you and then give it a complete service replacing ALL fluids. Last thing you want it ****ty brake fluid or a gear box or diff with crappy oil.
I'd also put up an ad on Gumtree to see if you can find some travel companions. There will be plenty of backpackers wanting to head in that direction. It may slow down your trip but you should have a bit of fun on the way.
But most of all, enjoy the drive!
Get a UHF radio on the vehicle. They are quite cheap in package deals now and very easy to install. If you get into trouble (that isn't life threatening, that's what the PLB is for and I thoroughly recommend that!) you can possibly make contact with someone who can get you a tow when they have reception. Or you can talk to randoms every now and then and waste some time.
Get some half decent lights, led light bars or hid spotties are cheap on eBay. Avoid driving between dusk till dawn, but in the off chance that you are delayed getting to your next stop and have to drive in the dark, SLOW DOWN (talking not much more than 80, and that's with very, very good lighting!) and you'll be glad you've got the extra lights. Don't be so worried about spotlighting 200-300 or more metres down the road, get some good flood beam to light up the sides. The side is where skippy seems to come from most of the time.
As suggested, replace all your fluids. Most of this is an easy DIY job and I could tell you how to do it in 5 mins. Just remember when it comes to doing diffs and gearboxes etc, make sure you can undo the fill plug first before you pull the drain plug! However when it comes to something a little more important like brakes, I leave that to someone that knows better than me so that the system can be bled properly. Engine oil & filter, diffs, gearbox, transfer case in a 4wd, coolant, all very simple.
Spare fluids for the above items are good too. Enough to get you out of trouble really.
New Air and fuel filter is probably a good idea too.
Spare belts, basic tools. Bottle jacks have a habit of failing, make sure it works. You may need a brick to help lift the car if you have one with raised suspension.
Water and food, as mentioned, big definite to that!
2nd spare wheel and tyre is a good idea. Otherwise definitely a plug repair kit. Air compressor too. Roadhouses don't always have spare tyres or repair facilities.
Petrol and diesel it probably doesn't really matter much these days. Actually with some of the technology and tolerances on modern diesels, I'd almost prefer a petrol! Carry 20l of spare fuel, it's cheap insurance. It could also help somebody else out.
If you are remote and it's a quiet road, if there's a car on the side of the road don't be afraid to ask if they are ok. They could be broken down/sick/injured and you could be the first thing to drive past in the last couple of hours.
It's long and boring between places at times. That gets to you. First 1000km day doesn't seem so bad but add a few together and that could be bad news for you (those who drive for a living are used to it, you won't be).
Enjoy the trip, take your time. Stop at cool places and check it out- you will regret it later if you don't!
Get some half decent lights, led light bars or hid spotties are cheap on eBay. Avoid driving between dusk till dawn, but in the off chance that you are delayed getting to your next stop and have to drive in the dark, SLOW DOWN (talking not much more than 80, and that's with very, very good lighting!) and you'll be glad you've got the extra lights. Don't be so worried about spotlighting 200-300 or more metres down the road, get some good flood beam to light up the sides. The side is where skippy seems to come from most of the time.
As suggested, replace all your fluids. Most of this is an easy DIY job and I could tell you how to do it in 5 mins. Just remember when it comes to doing diffs and gearboxes etc, make sure you can undo the fill plug first before you pull the drain plug! However when it comes to something a little more important like brakes, I leave that to someone that knows better than me so that the system can be bled properly. Engine oil & filter, diffs, gearbox, transfer case in a 4wd, coolant, all very simple.
Spare fluids for the above items are good too. Enough to get you out of trouble really.
New Air and fuel filter is probably a good idea too.
Spare belts, basic tools. Bottle jacks have a habit of failing, make sure it works. You may need a brick to help lift the car if you have one with raised suspension.
Water and food, as mentioned, big definite to that!
2nd spare wheel and tyre is a good idea. Otherwise definitely a plug repair kit. Air compressor too. Roadhouses don't always have spare tyres or repair facilities.
Petrol and diesel it probably doesn't really matter much these days. Actually with some of the technology and tolerances on modern diesels, I'd almost prefer a petrol! Carry 20l of spare fuel, it's cheap insurance. It could also help somebody else out.
If you are remote and it's a quiet road, if there's a car on the side of the road don't be afraid to ask if they are ok. They could be broken down/sick/injured and you could be the first thing to drive past in the last couple of hours.
It's long and boring between places at times. That gets to you. First 1000km day doesn't seem so bad but add a few together and that could be bad news for you (those who drive for a living are used to it, you won't be).
Enjoy the trip, take your time. Stop at cool places and check it out- you will regret it later if you don't!
Last edited by Car RAMROD; 15th Feb 2016 at 23:23.
Agree with all the above, suggest watching the movie Wolf Creek, that should put the scare in ya!
As mentioned above take a fuel jerry with you, at least a 20L one, fill it in Sydney and make sure you leave it for an Emergency, don't plan to use it IMHO. Plenty of places to fill up along the way, but keep an eye out for "Last Fuel for XXXKms" signs, they can be extremely helpful. When it comes to fuel prices you'll be tempted to hold out till the next town because the current one seems way too expensive, this is fine, but make you chuck at least 10L or so at the expensive one just to make sure.
If you're happy to camp out in the back there are lots of free camping sites along the way, my old man does a lot of that sort of thing with his Campervan, he swears by an App called WikiCamps, it's like the TripAdvisor of the camping world:
WikiCamps Australia | Camping app for Australia | Travel | iPhone iPad iPod Android Phone Tablet | Camping, Caravan Parks, Backpacker Hostels, Day Stops, Rest Areas, Information Centres, Points of Interest, POI, Dump Points
I've done the trip from Brisbane a few times, Charleville is good to stop in, have also stopped in Blackall before, of course Mt Isa and Longreach are great stops. Three Ways has some nice cheap accommodation on your way and if you stop there you'll be able to strike out and make Kununurra in a day if you don't mind pushing it a bit, otherwise just stay in Katherine for a night then it'll be a breeze. You'll likely see reference to the "Buchanan Highway" which goes through Top Springs and Victoria River Downs and saves you going up through Katherine, THIS IS A TRAP, DO NOT USE IT!! I did it once, it's doable, but wouldn't recommend without being real comfortable with actual 4x4 driving. Personally I'd book in a room at the Barkley Homestead, stay there the night, drive from there to Katherine and stay the night then head to Kununurra from there. I have done the trip from Barkley to Kununurra in a single day but it's a bloody long day and I did it with someone else.
Oh, when you get to the WA Border there is a Border Station there and they check for Fruit and things like that, you can look it up and make sure you're not carrying anything. If you are you won't really get in trouble so long as you declare it but you will have to get rid of it.
You'll come across Road Trains which might be a new experience for you, be extremely careful when it comes to overtaking, if you can snag yourself a cheap UHF CB Radio this can be useful out that way for all sorts of things including over taking. Generally if you get in behind the Road Train so that they can see you with theor mirrors they'll give you a signal when it's clear, they'll just flick their indicators on so they flash a few times to let you know the way ahead is clear but don't take this as the be all and end all, use your own common sense, remember they're long and if you're in a 4x4 you might not have the acceleration, don't be afraid to use the brakes and slot back in behind him if something comes the other way, lots of people have lost their lives trying to push it. There are also now some Unrestricted Speed sections, which means no speed limit, you'll just see a sign with a black circle with a slash inside, feel free to make up some time there but once again, just like in Aviation, Personal Limits, if it doesn't feel right slow down.
Oh and bloody campervans, they're slow, they can't help it but they can make a nuisance of themselves going 80km/hr in a 130km/hr zone, they don't always have great vision if they're new at it or just not thinking so treat them with the same caution you would a road train when it comes to overtaking.
Also I'm with the others that said don't travel at Dusk, or night in general, it's just not worth the nerves because of the Animals. Emus are fairly rare in my experience and won't bother you too much, Camels you might see from time to time and are slow to get moving but will try to move out of your way generally, Kangaroos are the dumbest animals alive and have a tendency to match course with you and then try to jump across your path, no idea why, something to do with a lack of depth perception I've been told. Kites are a type of bird you'll see as you head further north, dirty brown ragged looking things, they are dumb as well, what they'll do is fly straight ahead of you and then at the last second they'll swerve side to side then pull up and over the vehicle, usually works, sometimes they time it wrong and you'll wear it on the windscreen so watch out for them.
Last time I was in Kununurra the booze is very expensive, grab a couple of Cartons in Katherine on your way, hide them in the back under a blanket so no one seems them (One thing certain people will almost certainly break into your vehicle for in Kunners) and take them with you, it'll make you extremely popular amongst the Backpackers and the new work colleagues too.
OH and last but certainly not least, have fun, have done the trip a couple of times, take your time, enjoy it, talk to people along the way, you'll have a blast, just keep safe and take precautions.
As mentioned above take a fuel jerry with you, at least a 20L one, fill it in Sydney and make sure you leave it for an Emergency, don't plan to use it IMHO. Plenty of places to fill up along the way, but keep an eye out for "Last Fuel for XXXKms" signs, they can be extremely helpful. When it comes to fuel prices you'll be tempted to hold out till the next town because the current one seems way too expensive, this is fine, but make you chuck at least 10L or so at the expensive one just to make sure.
If you're happy to camp out in the back there are lots of free camping sites along the way, my old man does a lot of that sort of thing with his Campervan, he swears by an App called WikiCamps, it's like the TripAdvisor of the camping world:
WikiCamps Australia | Camping app for Australia | Travel | iPhone iPad iPod Android Phone Tablet | Camping, Caravan Parks, Backpacker Hostels, Day Stops, Rest Areas, Information Centres, Points of Interest, POI, Dump Points
I've done the trip from Brisbane a few times, Charleville is good to stop in, have also stopped in Blackall before, of course Mt Isa and Longreach are great stops. Three Ways has some nice cheap accommodation on your way and if you stop there you'll be able to strike out and make Kununurra in a day if you don't mind pushing it a bit, otherwise just stay in Katherine for a night then it'll be a breeze. You'll likely see reference to the "Buchanan Highway" which goes through Top Springs and Victoria River Downs and saves you going up through Katherine, THIS IS A TRAP, DO NOT USE IT!! I did it once, it's doable, but wouldn't recommend without being real comfortable with actual 4x4 driving. Personally I'd book in a room at the Barkley Homestead, stay there the night, drive from there to Katherine and stay the night then head to Kununurra from there. I have done the trip from Barkley to Kununurra in a single day but it's a bloody long day and I did it with someone else.
Oh, when you get to the WA Border there is a Border Station there and they check for Fruit and things like that, you can look it up and make sure you're not carrying anything. If you are you won't really get in trouble so long as you declare it but you will have to get rid of it.
You'll come across Road Trains which might be a new experience for you, be extremely careful when it comes to overtaking, if you can snag yourself a cheap UHF CB Radio this can be useful out that way for all sorts of things including over taking. Generally if you get in behind the Road Train so that they can see you with theor mirrors they'll give you a signal when it's clear, they'll just flick their indicators on so they flash a few times to let you know the way ahead is clear but don't take this as the be all and end all, use your own common sense, remember they're long and if you're in a 4x4 you might not have the acceleration, don't be afraid to use the brakes and slot back in behind him if something comes the other way, lots of people have lost their lives trying to push it. There are also now some Unrestricted Speed sections, which means no speed limit, you'll just see a sign with a black circle with a slash inside, feel free to make up some time there but once again, just like in Aviation, Personal Limits, if it doesn't feel right slow down.
Oh and bloody campervans, they're slow, they can't help it but they can make a nuisance of themselves going 80km/hr in a 130km/hr zone, they don't always have great vision if they're new at it or just not thinking so treat them with the same caution you would a road train when it comes to overtaking.
Also I'm with the others that said don't travel at Dusk, or night in general, it's just not worth the nerves because of the Animals. Emus are fairly rare in my experience and won't bother you too much, Camels you might see from time to time and are slow to get moving but will try to move out of your way generally, Kangaroos are the dumbest animals alive and have a tendency to match course with you and then try to jump across your path, no idea why, something to do with a lack of depth perception I've been told. Kites are a type of bird you'll see as you head further north, dirty brown ragged looking things, they are dumb as well, what they'll do is fly straight ahead of you and then at the last second they'll swerve side to side then pull up and over the vehicle, usually works, sometimes they time it wrong and you'll wear it on the windscreen so watch out for them.
Last time I was in Kununurra the booze is very expensive, grab a couple of Cartons in Katherine on your way, hide them in the back under a blanket so no one seems them (One thing certain people will almost certainly break into your vehicle for in Kunners) and take them with you, it'll make you extremely popular amongst the Backpackers and the new work colleagues too.
OH and last but certainly not least, have fun, have done the trip a couple of times, take your time, enjoy it, talk to people along the way, you'll have a blast, just keep safe and take precautions.
Forgot to mention the Wedge-Tail Eagles.
The kites will see you coming and usually get out of the way. The eagles are often too slow and ponderous.
If you see a kite that seems a bit larger than usual and a slightly different colour, slow down and give it plenty of room. They need the curvature of the earth to achieve take off.
The crows will stay on the roadkill right up to the last second and then hop away. Don't need to worry about hitting them. You won't.
Smaller stuff probably won't cause any damage and sometimes can't be avoided. Don't swerve to avoid; you'll likely put a couple of wheels into the gravel, overcorrect and roll.
The kites will see you coming and usually get out of the way. The eagles are often too slow and ponderous.
If you see a kite that seems a bit larger than usual and a slightly different colour, slow down and give it plenty of room. They need the curvature of the earth to achieve take off.
The crows will stay on the roadkill right up to the last second and then hop away. Don't need to worry about hitting them. You won't.
Smaller stuff probably won't cause any damage and sometimes can't be avoided. Don't swerve to avoid; you'll likely put a couple of wheels into the gravel, overcorrect and roll.
I haven't done these roads since the Christmas school holidays of Dec 83/Jan 84 when I drove solo around Australia in 5 weeks and 2 days in a modified 6 cylinder Holden Torana, so some of the following info will be very dated.
While you might need such an expensive vehicle as a Pajero or Landcruiser to explore on the way or while you are at Kununurra, you won't have to leave the bitumen to actually get there and a 2WD will be cheaper, especially for fuel. Even 32 years ago, the trip cost me $2000 in fuel for a distance of around 22,000 km in the relatively economical Torana.
I found that I did wish for the ground clearance of a 4wd on side trips along the way but I was never in a situation where I would have needed actual 4wd. Having said that, getting to places worth seeing like Wolf Creek meteorite crater(yes I did go there) needed the tyres on one side of the car up on the mound in the middle and the other side in the relatively clear wheel rut for 160km out of Halls Creek and 160km back.
As a result, I replaced at least 2 tyres when I got to Perth, because of cut and bulging side walls, but I only used one of the spare tyres.
The vehicle was modified with a bullbar, spotlights, airconditioning, and most importantly, a bashplate/sump guard which extended from the bottom of the radiator back under the engine and gearbox to the gearbox extension housing. The sump guard had to be removed in Perth, panel beaten flat again and refitted as it had peen pounded heavily against the sump causing wear and vibration into the car.
The extra fuel and the water means you can do interesting detours without unnecessary backtracking or side-trips for fuel. It also means if the road deteriorates and you need to chug along in 1st or 2nd gear for a while you can do it without worrying about running low on fuel.
Very important. Fit a brand new battery to your Pajero or Landcruiser before you leave. Any battery that comes with a used car will be rubbish. Also, replace the radiator cap with a new one as your car will be getting hotter than it has ever been before and a tired radiator cap pressure ring will fail to keep your cooling system properly pressurised on a hot day or extended periods of low-gear driving causing overheating.
Working air-conditioning is also important for comfort and reducing fatigue. A small Engel car fridge is good for the aforementioned six pack and food. Even an ice cold Mars bar or Cherry Ripe in the middle of the Tanami Desert is absolute bliss.
I had 3 spare tyres, 3 jerrycans of fuel and two jerrycans of water, plus the spares mentioned above of fan/drive belts and top and bottom hoses. You won't need as much fuel and water or tyres as you are not driving right around the country and 32 years later, I expect the roads are a bit better. Other spares should be a metre or two of generic heater hose and some spare hose clamps.
Tools to take: a screwdriver set, a metric ring and open spanner set, a hammer and a sharp knife, a pair of pliers, wire cutters and pair of leather gardening gloves. Also various sizes of cable ties and a roll of light wire for re-attaching a bumper bar! Oh, and a pourer that will fit your petrol jerrycan and the unleaded fuel-filler neck.
A small first aid kit should be included as well as you will be getting knicks, scratches and bites. I found that in the sweat and high humidity of the North, no small wound would form a scab and a March fly bite for example needed Savlon and a Band-Aid if it was to heal at all.
Coming from New Zealand, you won't have seen many gravel roads. On unsealed corrugated roads do about 80-100km/h on the straights and use your gears(and just a bit of brake)to slow down for a much slower speed for the corners long before you get to them, otherwise you will be one of these driver statistics of the single vehicle accident and rollover. It is very easy to get the car completely sideways on a corrugated gravel road corner due to excessive speed and, for some reason, the corrugations are worse in the corners.
Also, like what Ixixly said, have a blast. You can see that I did as I can remember so much of this 32 years later.
While you might need such an expensive vehicle as a Pajero or Landcruiser to explore on the way or while you are at Kununurra, you won't have to leave the bitumen to actually get there and a 2WD will be cheaper, especially for fuel. Even 32 years ago, the trip cost me $2000 in fuel for a distance of around 22,000 km in the relatively economical Torana.
I found that I did wish for the ground clearance of a 4wd on side trips along the way but I was never in a situation where I would have needed actual 4wd. Having said that, getting to places worth seeing like Wolf Creek meteorite crater(yes I did go there) needed the tyres on one side of the car up on the mound in the middle and the other side in the relatively clear wheel rut for 160km out of Halls Creek and 160km back.
As a result, I replaced at least 2 tyres when I got to Perth, because of cut and bulging side walls, but I only used one of the spare tyres.
The vehicle was modified with a bullbar, spotlights, airconditioning, and most importantly, a bashplate/sump guard which extended from the bottom of the radiator back under the engine and gearbox to the gearbox extension housing. The sump guard had to be removed in Perth, panel beaten flat again and refitted as it had peen pounded heavily against the sump causing wear and vibration into the car.
The extra fuel and the water means you can do interesting detours without unnecessary backtracking or side-trips for fuel. It also means if the road deteriorates and you need to chug along in 1st or 2nd gear for a while you can do it without worrying about running low on fuel.
Very important. Fit a brand new battery to your Pajero or Landcruiser before you leave. Any battery that comes with a used car will be rubbish. Also, replace the radiator cap with a new one as your car will be getting hotter than it has ever been before and a tired radiator cap pressure ring will fail to keep your cooling system properly pressurised on a hot day or extended periods of low-gear driving causing overheating.
Working air-conditioning is also important for comfort and reducing fatigue. A small Engel car fridge is good for the aforementioned six pack and food. Even an ice cold Mars bar or Cherry Ripe in the middle of the Tanami Desert is absolute bliss.
I had 3 spare tyres, 3 jerrycans of fuel and two jerrycans of water, plus the spares mentioned above of fan/drive belts and top and bottom hoses. You won't need as much fuel and water or tyres as you are not driving right around the country and 32 years later, I expect the roads are a bit better. Other spares should be a metre or two of generic heater hose and some spare hose clamps.
Tools to take: a screwdriver set, a metric ring and open spanner set, a hammer and a sharp knife, a pair of pliers, wire cutters and pair of leather gardening gloves. Also various sizes of cable ties and a roll of light wire for re-attaching a bumper bar! Oh, and a pourer that will fit your petrol jerrycan and the unleaded fuel-filler neck.
A small first aid kit should be included as well as you will be getting knicks, scratches and bites. I found that in the sweat and high humidity of the North, no small wound would form a scab and a March fly bite for example needed Savlon and a Band-Aid if it was to heal at all.
Coming from New Zealand, you won't have seen many gravel roads. On unsealed corrugated roads do about 80-100km/h on the straights and use your gears(and just a bit of brake)to slow down for a much slower speed for the corners long before you get to them, otherwise you will be one of these driver statistics of the single vehicle accident and rollover. It is very easy to get the car completely sideways on a corrugated gravel road corner due to excessive speed and, for some reason, the corrugations are worse in the corners.
Also, like what Ixixly said, have a blast. You can see that I did as I can remember so much of this 32 years later.
Another good thing is self-amalgamating/weld/self-fusing tape. Sticks/fuses/bonds or whatever you want to call it to itself creating a seal- good on split hoses of various sorts and can get you out of otherwise being stranded.
Well I think you've convinced him to stay in NZ. I never realised driving around the highways of Australia was that dangerous. Just as well the flying is safe!
I am with you Fathom. While well intended I read all the advice with a level of amusement. I used to fill the car up with petrol, buy a bottle of water and hit the road.
The shortest and fastest way from Sydney to Kununurra is via the main highways. 3 days will do you nicely. Its no big deal, petrol stations are nicely spaced. I would guess no further than 350 kms without checking. Having said that throw a jerry can on the roof racks just in case you miss judge a stop. I did that on my last trip and had the low fuel light on 110kms west of Isa, I didn't think I would make it. While there will be no traffic jams there are plenty of other people on the road so I wouldn't be wasting money on sat phones, UHF radios EPIRBS or the like. If you have mechanical issues pull over, put your bonnet up and wave down a passing motorist. Its pretty simple really.
Join NRMA/RACQ or the WA equivalent road side assistance just in case, that may save you a few bucks.
The shortest and fastest way from Sydney to Kununurra is via the main highways. 3 days will do you nicely. Its no big deal, petrol stations are nicely spaced. I would guess no further than 350 kms without checking. Having said that throw a jerry can on the roof racks just in case you miss judge a stop. I did that on my last trip and had the low fuel light on 110kms west of Isa, I didn't think I would make it. While there will be no traffic jams there are plenty of other people on the road so I wouldn't be wasting money on sat phones, UHF radios EPIRBS or the like. If you have mechanical issues pull over, put your bonnet up and wave down a passing motorist. Its pretty simple really.
Join NRMA/RACQ or the WA equivalent road side assistance just in case, that may save you a few bucks.
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Hey guys, incase you haven't been on those roads since the 50's its all bitumen. He didn't mention going via the Simpson, Gunnbarrel, Canning so I think the likes of UHF, EPIRBS, road trinangles!!! is a little over kill.
Mate all you need is one of these:
1994 Ford Falcon GLi XG Auto
A couple of episodes of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wspwBcuOZFg
And a membership here:
https://www.mynrma.com.au/roadside-a...emium-plus.htm
And you have it all covered for about $800 bucks. The rest you can get along the way.
Mate all you need is one of these:
1994 Ford Falcon GLi XG Auto
A couple of episodes of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wspwBcuOZFg
And a membership here:
https://www.mynrma.com.au/roadside-a...emium-plus.htm
And you have it all covered for about $800 bucks. The rest you can get along the way.
Yeah you can go with zero preparation and hope you don't have any trouble. Or you can take some basics, or take a full kit and be able to get yourself (and maybe someone else) out of trouble, and probably save even more money than compared to getting a remote area tow truck!
Having helped people on the side of the road by either driving past them or answering UHF calls, in remote no phone areas in the middle of the day and night, anywhere from a split hose, out of fuel to even a heart attack, I don't see it as pointless carrying things to help not only yourself but possibly others (like you who don't go prepared).
Personally I'd rather be prepared and not have to wait hours to get a ridiculously expensive tow for something that is easily fixed. Better to have it and not need it I reckon. Each to their own I suppose.
What would you do if you came across a car that had rolled several times, it's the middle of the night, occupants are trapped and injured, there's no phone coverage, it's the only car you've seen for a couple of hours, nearest roadhouse/phone/phone reception is 100km away and an ambulance even further?
If I was 24hrs earlier on a trip one time, like I had planned to be but I stayed an extra day in a nice location, I would have come across exactly that, so it isn't exactly a far-fetched scenario.
Having helped people on the side of the road by either driving past them or answering UHF calls, in remote no phone areas in the middle of the day and night, anywhere from a split hose, out of fuel to even a heart attack, I don't see it as pointless carrying things to help not only yourself but possibly others (like you who don't go prepared).
Personally I'd rather be prepared and not have to wait hours to get a ridiculously expensive tow for something that is easily fixed. Better to have it and not need it I reckon. Each to their own I suppose.
What would you do if you came across a car that had rolled several times, it's the middle of the night, occupants are trapped and injured, there's no phone coverage, it's the only car you've seen for a couple of hours, nearest roadhouse/phone/phone reception is 100km away and an ambulance even further?
If I was 24hrs earlier on a trip one time, like I had planned to be but I stayed an extra day in a nice location, I would have come across exactly that, so it isn't exactly a far-fetched scenario.
Personally I'd rather be prepared and not have to wait hours to get a ridiculously expensive tow for something that is easily fixed. Better to have it and not need it I reckon. Each to their own I suppose.
As has been suggested simply have membership for roadside assistance, that removes the expensive towing costs.
As for the rest of it, driving to Darwin these days isn't that much different to driving anywhere else in Aus so if you only make these elaborate preparations for a Darwin drive, I have to think Why?
Plus all the grey nomads in their very well equipped vans. They are everywhere.
Plenty of medicos and mechanics amongst them. I doubt you'd suffer for too long without help coming by.
Plenty of medicos and mechanics amongst them. I doubt you'd suffer for too long without help coming by.