Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 May 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Boulder, CO USA
Posts: 68
Australia Tracks

I'm thinking of riding some of the dirt tracks as I wind my way from Sydney to Darwin. The ones I have in mind are the Gulf Development Rd from nearby Cairns to Normanton, the Sandover (or Plenty) Highway, and the Tanami.

Are these tracks suitable for my large BMW PD fully loaded? I assume there will be lots of interminable corrugation as I encountered on Kangaroo Island. How about deep sand or bull dust? Those aren't my favorite conditions with a large loaded BMW :-)

The range on my PD is about 250 miles (~400 kms) before reserve. The Tanami looks like it might be the only one where I might have problems with gasoline availability, especially if I'm travelling during the middle of the week when the roadhouse in the middle is closed. Am I correct that I shouldn't have problems getting gas on the other tracks? Even on the Tanami I think I should be ok if I can go 400 km, unless the deep sand and bull dust sucks down my gas ;-)

Any other advice or web pages that you can point me to would be appreciated. Keep in mind that I'll be travelling alone in the April timeframe. Thanks.

Story
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jun 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Sydney , NSW, Australia
Posts: 28
Hi,

on the Plenty Hwy and the Tanami you will defineately strike some sand. A 400km fuel range will get you most places in Oz, the best idea is to ask local info as you go because remote stations and aboriginal settlements that sell fuel can change. Their is a huge store of knowledge of outback bike traveling on the Oz Adventure riders list, check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oz_adventure_riders/

and

http://www.users.bigpond.com/rto/ozhome.htm

and

http://www.ozmoto.com.au/

Greg
Sydney
Honda Africa Twin
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Back in Asia
Posts: 322
Hi there

I don't know where you are right now? I rode along the plenty last June from cairns to Alice and then to Perth. I rode an adventure and only hit the dirt once in thick bulldust. If you take your time you will be ok and try and ride the bad bits early in the morning!

I will be in Cairns on the 17/06 and will be going for a ride somewhere around that area. I am from there so know most of the outback roads. if you lik eplease give us a call and I will be able to show you some great places to see around the area. I was going to take a trip on the development road to Chilligoe and camp up on the Walsh river for a few days. Your welcome to join if you like?

Ok happy travels

Ciao
Ivan (dingo)
mob: 0417 580 272
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Jun 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Alice Springs, Australia
Posts: 4
g'day Story.
you'll have no trouble with your fuel range on the plenty hwy. i rode it in jan '03 and the longest stretch w/o fuel is Boulia - Tobermorey Station, about 250km if i recall. There's fuel at Jervois and Gemtree nearer Alice Springs.
Plenty of sand and bulldust, though conditions are much better on the NT side of the border.
Enjoy.
Andy
R11GS
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:59.