critique my travel plan please
 

A buddy and I were planning to motorcycle in Australia from Jan 1 to Feb 15 next year. The tentative plan is to go up from Sydney down the coast to a friend's house in Melbourne, down through Tasmania, then back up through the interior via Alice Springs, Darwin, Cairns (taking in national parks in the general area) then back down the coast to Sydney. We could do that in reverse since nothing is nailed down yet.
It all sounded good temperature-wise since I knew "our winter, your summer" but I'm starting to check Oz weather daily and it looks like it may be a little too early since it appears to be raining everywhere, in the north especially. Would putting it off a month till Feb1 to Mar15 be a better idea? We can live with some lower temps but don't want to spend most of the time in our rain suits.
First visit so don't assume I know anything other than in this post. Am going to get a guide book for some ideas but would like input from people who have maybe done a similar route or live along it. If you have alternate route suggestions great but we are on vacation so not planning on any day over 250 miles. We want to look around a lot and take pics not do an Iron Butt. So anything, maybe parallel to the roads I mentioned or a short cut or long cut, that is more interesting we're all for.
As you see from the map it's about an 12,000 km trip which will give us about 300 kms a day which is around perfect for our style of cruising.

The South is great in summer (Oct-Mar), the North is great in winter (Jun-Oct)

The North and East has summer rainfall and it's not so much about riding in rain-suites as it is about roads being closed because they're flooded (I got rained in at Halls Creek and had to wait a week for the waterlevel to drop down enough to cross Starvation creek- then had about 5 x 1m deep x 1km long water crossings to do before getting to Derby- it was pleasantly warm all the way, but everything was still under water.)

The West and South has winter rainfall. It's crap- try and stay out of it.

May is generally a good month all round.

And things like temperature is a very general term- 40C in Perth is one thing, but 35C up North is humid, stuffy and can be unbearable for some. The Central part (Alice Springs) in my experience is a dry heat and not an issue. Darwin heat (in summer) I find oppressing and hard to handle. I don't mind the cold of the South, but generally it doesn't really get cold till June.

Oh, and almost forgot- distance is also relative. you'll find some areas you'll be doing 7-800km/day relatively easily because there's not much in-between (especially central outback), and other areas, like Tasmania- 200km can take 4 hours+

I rather plan how much time I want to spend in the seat, rather than distance. But it's all relative.

But you'll love it all.

A little too hot
 

Having been a resident in Adelaide and done the trip up to the Alice a few times I would never attempt this in Jan Feb. Our average temp has been 39 deg C this year, max 46 and heading north they have hit 50 deg C this year. Under leathers this is nothing short of insane. Plan to hit Adelaide about April and you should be right.

A few years ago I did the main circular part of the route your planning (ie without the Tasmanian southern leg leg or the Darwin northern leg). With a few side trips and detours (like Alice to Ayers rock - surely you are planning that) it was 15,000km and took me 5 weeks at a relaxed pace.

Unless you are planning to race and travel everyday I think you might be slightly over estimating what can be achieved - Tasmania is worth at least a week, especially with the cost of the ferry, and because of the length of the dog leg its not worth going to Darwin unless you spend a few days in the area (and its worth it).

Weather wise - its the luck of the draw. I did it in perfect April weather, but equally I've seen that time of year awash. Just choose your dates(probably as late as you can make it) then if necessary adjust your plans on the go, somewhere will always be nice.

Umm the climate in the northern parts of Australia is very different from that in the south. I think you planning is like saying going from Florida through Utah to Chicago and back .. in June/July. You do need to look at the climate .. but at the ends and in the center of your trip. Usually people travel on the shoulders - say August/Sept .. March/April/May to get the milder temperatures. It can be done in summer or winter .. but you'll be very hot or very cold.

If your stuck with Jan/Feb .. you can restrict yourself to Tasmania for say 2~3weeks .. then do Melbourne - Sydney and back without too much trouble with extreme temperatures .. though you can get 40C+ on a hot day unless you stick very close to the coast.

The roads 'you' have selected on the map look to be all main roads ... e.g. Tasmania (Tassie) .. your going the midlands highway .. go around the outside .. the coast! .. avoid the center. You'd arrive by ferry in Devonport - then back roads to Lanceston .. Latrobe (chocolate and good food, wood chopper museum) Scotsdale, St Helens .. down the east coast .. St Marys - Elephant pass (pancakes) chain of lagoons (crabs) Freycinet (Wine Glass Bay for a look, not a drink nor eat), Port Arthur (history) Hobart, then across to the west coast -Queenstown, Strahan, Zeehan (museum is worth stopping for!) if you can take dirt roads - then do the 'western explorer') Cradle Valley, Devonport .. (and there is more if you want .. even the places I've mentioned have more .. except Latrobe perhaps, but the chocolates make up for it. Bmerbird might say more :) )

Haha and to drink BEER?? Mezo

Well looks like I’ve waited long enough to respond. First, thanks to everyone for replying.

Squily - Good weather advice thanks. Looking more like do the bottom half rather than the eastern half if we want to stay warm but not humid or stinkin hot. You’re right about relative for distances. You may think “7-800 km/day relatively easily” however we never plan to ride 500 miles a day regardless of how easy it is. That either involves a hell of a lot of hours or a lot of excess speed both of which both of us try to avoid. Next question for you is - you have 6 weeks, want to ride but not excessively far or fast each day and your main idea is to see as much of OZ’s natural wonders and beauty as possible while staying warm and dry. What would be your route? We’re noobs as I said so any ideas you have are welcome.

Mezo - Good mosquito advice thanks, both of us detest them. Don’t understand why you think 200 miles a day is over ambitious. Most people say we’re wusses for going such a short distance every day. We’re both into the natural wonders aspect of Oz so no plans to spend any nights in any big cities. Camping in national parks suits us fine. We want to see coast and inland. But we don’t want to spend more than one day in any one place because we both really like just riding, stopping, riding etc. and there are so many places to see. Same question as to Squily - give us the trip you would do in those 6 weeks based on what I’ve said about heat, rain and national parks.

Lisa_Ann - Thanks for the Alice advice. Sounds like going thru the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas in summer. Done it but prefer not to. So we’ll forget that part of it. Same question - what route would you plan for 6 weeks based on our criteria?

Navalarchitect - “it was 15,000km and took me 5 weeks at a relaxed pace”. “Unless you are planning to race and travel everyday I think you might be slightly over estimating what can be achieved”. Our plan is less than the 15,000 you said you did leisurely in less time than we have so our plan should be no problem. You're the second person to mention April so maybe putting it off a little is a better idea. Same question as for the others plus do you recommend your trip to us after Lisa_Ann’s comment about temps in Alice?

Warin - Thanks for the advice. “If your stuck with Jan/Feb .. you can restrict yourself to Tasmania for say 2~3weeks .. then do Melbourne - Sydney and back without too much trouble with extreme temperatures .. though you can get 40C+ on a hot day unless you stick very close to the coast.” This maybe sounds like a good plan. Can you elaborate any on that plan as to routes and things to see please? I am getting a guide book to look up things along the routes I put on the GPS but maybe you know some roads or places specifically of interest to motorcyclists. The map roads I chose are as much off the main roads as possible but when shrunk to map seem like main roads. The coast roads I picked are those closest to the coast. And the Tasmanian route I planned out pretty much echoed your route but Google wouldn’t let me put that many points in so I just put Hobart.

So I’ll check with my buddy but he seems to think it would be really a thrill to celebrate his birthday Feb 8 and mine Feb 7 in Oz and as he says “with my arm round a kangaroo” or some such notion. So for now we’ll go with Jan/Feb unless he can be convinced to change. Thanks again to all for contributing and giving me stuff to consider and discuss with my bud who is computer-challenged so everything goes thru me.

Kuri

In response to your question: well just how long is a piece of string?

I don't like people too much, so try and avoid all the well-travelled routes and prefer the wide open spaces to touristy/trendy spots. So from that perspective- I can't agree with Mezo's statement "Forget going up the middle past Alice to Darwin & then over to Cairns, there is nothing to see, waste of time and gas money"

But Mezo is right: where do you start from and to and on what bikes? That'll dictate a lot of what you can or cannot do.

So under assumption you'll be on a larg'ish DP-bikes and not looking for a desert-adventure like crossing the Simpson unsupported, I'd stick to South Australia, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. That way you're limiting your overall distance to around 5-8000km (depending on how much you ride etc), you're staying within 'civilization' and don't have to plan for remote traveling, extra fuel, etc. BUT you've still got plenty of options to see excellent geographical areas (such as Flinder's ranges, Lake Eyre, Alpine National Park) where you'll be alone and not trampled by the masses.

http://www.clickforaustralia.com/Graphics/MapNSW.gif

This area will also allow you plenty of maneuvering room to 'find' good weather should things get a bit downcast.

Lastly: an atlas like this might give you some good ideas on where to go, what to see:
Hema Books - Australia Motorcycle Atlas - Spiral Bound @ ExplorOz Shop

Mezo And Squily,
Thanks for continuing the dialog.
We plan on buying 400 Shadows new from a dealer in Sydney then selling them probably in Sydney since flight will be to and from there. I'm figuring after looking at bike prices on Oz forums that we will probably lose about what we would pay in rent but would have new bikes and warranties with a low chance of problems. He's on a 6 wks or else pretty much with his wife. Mine's way more accommodating as in "you don't have to come back you know" so I can always stay with my friend in Melbourne till they are sold without taking a bath on the price.
Only in Sydney to take off/land and buy the bikes. Only in Brisbane passing thru. Other than friend in Melbourne we have no desire or need to visit any big cities. We want to do a lot of coast for seafood and sightseeing but also inland to visit the national parks. Since we like riding though not at race speeds or all day long we figure 12,000 kms for the trip would be relaxing and give us time to see stuff but neither of us are hikers or want to be and we don't plan to stay more than one night per place. I think that's probably where our time/distance discrepancies arise, Mezo. Sounds like you like to hang in one area for a while so can spend 6 weeks around the Reef but we want to be on the road every day. Our motto is "every day is a new adventure especially in a new country".
So your suggestions of the south and the east sound good. Hopefully the weather will cooperate enough to get to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. We're not going offroad on this trip but would go Alice Springs way if we had positive weather reports for the north over to Cairns. Unfortunately Mezo, this will definitely be the last trip to Australia for him and probably for me too. No matter how great Oz is, and I fully expect it to be fantastic, I've only got a certain amount of riding years left (we're both 65) and I want to ride as many different places as possible. New Zealand and South Africa are my next two on the list. Thanks for the parks and islands tips. Agree with you Squily about Alice and the road less travelled but it'll mostly be weather-dependent. Being from Calif both of us enjoy and are used to driving in the desert without all the traffic of our daily lives. But we live for hot and sunny, no rain or cold wanted.
Last November I went to India for a month, bought a new Bajaj 220cc for $1500 and sold it for $1000 when I left. No bike problems but return-trip problems because I bought a return ticket. This time, if Oz permits it we'll come one-way so that there is no need for the changing ticket hassle. Ended up costing me the savings I made by buying roundtrip. Round trip is only good for when you have an exact date in mind and need to keep to it. Otherwise the open ticket is very little more for both ways but gives you so much more latitude, such as being able to buy in Sydney but sell elsewhere.
Thanks again guys, hope you can show us a favorite road maybe when we're there.

What Rain up North means in Oz
 

In 2010, December, the town of Mackay in Queensland received SIX INCHES (150mm) of rain. Now 6" of rain in the Tropics is not unusual; but to have the rain last 6 minutes!!!!:rain:
Yes folks, that's 1" (25mm) of rain per minute.

Bring your snorkel & Flippers.

Cheers from Oz.

You seem hell bent on doing this trip in Jan/Feb. Do as others have said and put it back a couple of months. Hot as hell down south and up the middle and hot and wet, that is cyclonic, equatorially, torrentially, stuck between flooded rivers, type wet:stormy:. Of course you could get lucky, but your 6 week time frame, although doable, does make the above even more pertinent. The south, including Tassy:taz: is good up untill April/May.
Also Jan/Feb is peak tourist time in a lot of places.

You did say critique

Graeme.

Hey Kuri

Look mate, forewarned is forearmed. If you're bent on going north, then plan for it, but keep your plans flexible. Some images below (picked at random of then net). Flooding up north is no isolated incidents- it happens every year. the people living there have adapted to it and quite blase about spending a few days next to a swollen river before continuing with their journey. It's all part of the excitement, but it's not so much fun if you're running against a deadline. I visited Cairns a few years ago in April, but couldn't go north beyond Daintree- everything flooded. So had to turn back. The Atherton tablelands made up for it though. Beautiful country no matter where you decide to go.

Just some pointers on your last response (which you may or may not know and please forgive me if I patronize you):

• The Great Barrier reef is a few hours by boat off-shore in most places. IMO: forget about a day trip, as you'll spend 10-15% of the day on the reef, the rest in transit and the seas can be quite ruff. Best way is an over-nighter on one of the boats that stay on the reef. Scuba (and snorkel) is excellent. Food is great. Atmosphere terrific and works out much cheaper than daytrips.
• Staying close to the ocean and eating seafood- hmmm... About the only place I could really manage that was Tasmania. Seafood can be quite expensive in Australia (compared to lamb and beef, it's two-three times more)- I know I'm generalizing, but I live at the ocean and we only eat seafood we catch. Just too friggin' expensive otherwise. Also- way up north, there is no towns or centers where you CAN buy or eat seafood. The northern coast of Australia is really sparsely populated.
• http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/libra...000rp09-01.gif
• The roads in the center and remote(r) areas are no what you'll be used to in California. Even some of the 'bigger' more well-traveled roads can be classed as tracks, not roads. They're dirt, corrugated and sandy. The country out there is great, but if you're planning to see anything of it, don't expect a sealed road going to it.
• Fuel range on your Shadows might be an issue. I could be wrong, but I thing they only have a 14l tank. That's around 200-300km. There will be some areas on your marked route where you'll need 400km at least (without a safety buffer). Most roadhouses on the main routes are <200km apart, but not always. And in the center, there's nothing in between roadhouses. And on the development roads, fuel could be 600km apart. Plus you might need to go off the highway to explore some of the sights.

You've got 6 weeks and you're starting in Sydney. Why not head south 1st and see how you like it. Plenty of isolated spots not too far inland on sealed roads (Broken Hill, Bourke etc) that'll give you a taste for waht you can expect.


https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...F8Ry2sUzgelwkV

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...RnisHV_g1Li2uC

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...JSz-kztXllVXjQ

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...esqpvGnbyEXqdw

Ozzy thoughts
 

Kuri

Reading Squily's last post we did carry five litres of spare fuel, Diane's bike does 300km and we only got low once, as everywhere be prepared.
we don't like sand or gravel riding, all of Oz was on the tar.

drop me an email andrew.fenn@hotmail.co.uk

regards

Andrew

Well I talked my buddy out of the "kangaroo and him" birthday pic. He's agreed to go last 3 weeks of April and 1st 3 weeks of May so now we're in the right weather window. Next off to the library for Oz books and will get back here after I have pulled together some kind of route using as many of your suggestions as possible. Hope you'll all be just as helpful in re-critiquing me when I return. Thanks again all and will be back here soon.

Ok, now you are talking. But just remember that you are planning the equivalent of starting in Washington DC, heading down to Florida, over to Cuba for a week or so. Back to the big Isl, across to New Orleans, up the Mississippi to the Canadian prairies. Into New England, then a quick sprint back to DC and buying and disposing of bikes at each end. Once again doable, but bloody hell, you will need a holiday when you get home! Myself, I would contain it to the SE corner. Roughly Fraser Isl, down to Tassy, across to Adelaide, up to the Flinders ranges. Western NSW taking in Broken Hill and Bourke.
If the Great Barrier reef is desired. Don't think that you have to go all the way to Cairns to experience it. A few hours north of Fraser Isl you have the fast developing industrial city of Gladstone. Never the less you can access the reef from here and typically at a cheaper rate than touristy Cairns and other city's further north.

Cheers

Graeme

Graeme,
Yeh we know it's a long ways but we're used to long trips and know our limits. No problem about the time to sell the bikes because I can stay as long as it takes. Hope to have the bikes set to pick up when we arrive by using my friend in Melbourne. Thanks for the tips about the Reef. Now that we've changed the dates Uluru is back on. I know to some it's just a big rock but then the Grand Canyon is just a big hole in the ground..... Still want to see it if possible. If we start in Sydney working our way south then west and north to the junction leading to Cairns maybe we'll not see much rain.
I was looking at holidays for kids and looks like we'll miss most of the vacationers so prices will be down, rooms more available and camping sites easy to find.
Oz is so big I'm going to break our trip down in pieces to make it easy for anyone to comment more specifically.
Starting with Tasmania. If ferries are anything like here bikes can pretty well always get on because they stick them along the sides. True in Oz?
Places we want to see include Pt Arthur, Isle of the Dead, Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park in Taranna, Freycinct N Pk, Lake St Clair, Cataract Gorge Reserve and the Seahorse Park. Any of those not worth visiting for some reason and any others you'd like us to consider. Remember we have no reservations anywhere so don't hesitate to suggest something because it looks like it's off our route. The map is just a general guideline so we know which way to start off each morning. Also, any preferences for starting off west and going counter clock-wise or the reverse is better for some reason?
So here's a map of the whole trip and the Taz leg. By the way if anyone knows how to get more towns on a directions map in Google please tell me. After 5 towns it calls it quits. That's the reason I've got 3 maps of Taz. Also what's the attachment size limit?

I've just done Tassie... ebook here... and I suggest you don't miss Cradle Mountain, Strahan (cruise up the Gordon River) and Binalong Bay.

Sounds like you have certainly done your homework. There is an argument to go clockwise around Aus. Because the prevailing winds rotate that way, although that is always subject to change. It's certainly the approach the grey nomads take when towing their caravans behind their 4X4's. But I wouldn't let that worry you too much. I think it's probably best to go the way you mentioned, because the weather/seasons work out best. Tassy whilst it's still warm and Qld&centre at a more comfortable temp. As the time approaches, I may be able to offer a bed or two for your convenience. I'm in the Bega valley, half way between Melbourne and Sydney. This is dependant on my work, as I work away for extended periods.

Cheers

Graeme.

Oooops, the previous post should read anti-clockwise. Sorry for any confusion.

Graeme.

Looked at all your photos and have added a number of things you mentioned to the list of stuff to do or see thank you. Looks like you had a great trip but more rain than I would like but c'est la vie.
What were the ferry conditions? Did you need a reservation? Was there lots of space for bikes?
Several times you mentioned free camping such as at Binalong Bay. Does the Oz version mean toilets and showers or just a spot to park a tent?

Thanks for the advice and the possible invitation Graeme. After looking you up it appears you're near a great biking coast road to Pambula from just south of Mystery Bay. Is it worth checking out? Either way we'll be close to you as we head south so will be sure to give you a call.

That's not a hurricane, its rotating in the wrong direction, that's a cyclone :)

An 80 plus year old was talking to me the other day about this unseasonal weather - according to him its just a normal cycle, he remembers cyclones in May coming as far South as Bundaberg.


Last Sunday the island I live on was hit by a water spout, about 3kms of beachfront damaged - 2m thick trees snapped in half, others blown over. I shall have to check with the octogenarian about that!!!

My two-bits:

I did that exact loop on a BMW F650 back in September 1996 - minus the Darwin and the Tasmania legs. I started in Sydney and looped counter-clockwise.

I had very good timing and had excellent riding weather for all of the trip except a couple of days on the south-east coast. The ride was warm and sunny heading along the east coast. In the interior the night temps were a few degrees above freezing, with daytime highs in the low-30s Centigrade. I did encounter a couple of days moderate rain with cool temps in the hills south of Sydney, but then when I got to Sydney the weather warmed right up again.

You can find my journal of that trip here: Australia 1996

Enjoy your trip. Australia is a great place for riding a motorcycle!

Glad you guys are keeping the thread alive. Instead of answering questions here and there I decided to go through one guide book, note any questions and then maybe present 20-30 at once. I'm almost done with one of the 4 books I have so will be posting soon. It's fun planning all this stuff and I always get a guidebook and note stuff but seem to end up winging it a lot. Not noting any restaurants (unless it serves an unknown or only local dish) or hotels unless they are overlooking a herd of kangaroos. Most of the stuff we're interested in is geographical and flora/fauna. Just an example - has anyone been to Sea Horse World in northern Tasmania? Worth going out of our way or just a "wait in line forever" tourist trap?

Cool Mezo. Just the kind of response I was hoping to get for my questions. Thanks

Bruce's journal
 

Bruce,
Just finished reading your journal. Got lots of tips and ideas thanks. Any traveler would find this an interesting read
I think. For anyone else reading it for info I couldn't get the Clubman website to work so maybe they are out of business.
Was Airlie Bch the only place you got bug bites?
"I ask about the road to the Camooweal Caves National Monument. "Oh!" exclaims the clerk. "You weren't thinking of going there were you?" She then tells me that currently the road is extremely bad and that even many 4W.D vehicles are getting stuck." Anyone know if it's still that way and is the Caves Monument really that special to make the trip?
Me, I love oatmeal so gonna be looking for a Chico roll. Are they available everywhere?
We probably won't be jumping on any busses so is there anywhere else that the Turgid Ferns are easily accessible?
Was there a particular reason you went on the Dorrigo/Nymboida road to Grafton?
Unlike you I love roundabouts. You don't have to stop at all usually and if there is traffic inside you merge in behind them with no fuss. Using them in England and France was great. The bike could fit in anywhere so I was often out and ahead of all those roundabouts that also have traffic lights.
Thanks again Bruce, enjoyable read.

Glad you enjoyed it. That trip was 18 years ago (!) and I still think about it often. I hope to go back to Australia someday, but I would want to go for a longer stay, say 3 or 4 months instead of just 1.

If you Google "Clubman Motorcycles", you can find the company, but they seem to be smaller and don't appear to do rentals or sales anymore. Too bad; they rented me a good bike at a very reasonable price. I'm not sure who is the best company to rent a bike from in Aus now.

No answers to any of the questions?

Someone local probably recommended that road to me, but I don't recall. As for bug bites, that was the only place that stood out. It's been 18 years, so I don't recall some details.

Most dirt roads in Australia are really variable in condition caused by weather. If you happen to be the first person down a dirt road after a road train has been pulled out of the mud for ten kms, then the road is going to be really chewed up. If you arrive a couple of days after the road has been graded then it can be as smooth as any bitumen road.


Rain can close many Outback roads and the locals tend to get a bit aggravated with you if you go passed road closed signs and chew up a road - more a 4x4 problem than on a bike.


If you do a weblookup on National Parks in Australia you'll find plenty of info, road conditions, closures, maps, camping areas and facilities.


The Cammoweal Caves are not open to visitors, I'd have a look at the Lava Tube Caves at Undarra which are pretty unique.

Great advice Roger, thanks. Looked them up on Google and looks like a good place to visit. Since we're both old farts and my buddy is an injured vet with limited mobility we're staying off all but the best roads since both of us would not be likely to get ourselves out of a bad spot. If we do go down any lonely dirt roads it'll be with some Ozzie bikers who know the road.

Too bad about Cammoweal it looks like an awesome spot to visit. Any idea why it's closed?

Thanks again Mezo.
I just looked up the Chico rolls and they sound pretty tasty. I imagine the frozen ones are pretty chemicaled-up with preservatives and the like but I would bet that some restaurants make them up fresh when you order them?

The authorities won't be rescuing us, we not going much further than across the road when we stop. I'm capable of a little more but my buddy is in a bad way for any walking really. I'm just glad he can ride all day still since this has been a life-long dream for him which he thought was done when he got shot and had no one to go with. Luckily it came up when we were talking one day.

Hopefully we can meet up with you and buy you a couple of beers since you're close to our route. Maybe you can show us your favourite ride if we arrive on the right day for you.

No I think you were right from the first reply. Weather-wise I gather that spending the first 3 weeks going to Tasmania and Uluru will give us enough time to avoid hopefully the last of the rains up north. By the time we make it to you it would be near the end of May. Did I misjudge that?
Anyway thanks for the offer and we will take you up on it if everything fits into place. We do want to ride a lot of coast, I presume you've heard of Big Sur here in California? Well it would be hard to avoid your versions of it which from everything I read are equally impressive. However, since most of the Nat'l Pks are inland we fully intend to get away from the coast too, especially since Oz is known for wines inland!!!
As popular as that Chico snack is and as delicious as it sounds I'm not gonna pass it up just for a few chemicals. Hell, I might even end up subsisting on them.
We won't pay any more interest in surfers' paradise than we do the Newport Beach and similar areas here.
So it looks like Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne, Adelaide, Uluru, Darwin maybe, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney-type circle. Not that we're planning to stay in any of those towns except Melbourne where my friend lives. And not that we won't be zigging and zagging from coast to inland and back.

Good info thanks. I read similar stuff before going to India but I didn't get anything thanks to taking the maleria meds and mosquito-proofing every hotel room. Most had screens but giant gaps under doors or vents which I plugged with towels and toilet paper. Living under a net is safer but so confining.

Kurrie wrote
:DYep, that should almost do it. You're going to have a hoot down here on Tassie. :scooter:

I'm not far from that sea horse place you mentioned earlier, but on the other side of the Tamar river up in the mountains.

When you get closer to getting here you can drop by for a cool one and I'll have some maps and can answer any of your questions.

Going around the outside like you have it now is where many of the interesting roads are.

Like France, Tassie is a pretty well a bikers paradise, even if I do live here myself :funmeteryes:
____
Paul

Thanks for the offer Paul, I'm sure we'll be able to meet up in Taz.

Good to see your plans coming together. Not too sure about the Chiko roll though. Instead how about you try one of our burgers. Not the muck you get from one of those big chains. Just go into any little café, milk bar, pub that all country towns have and order one with the lot. That should get you the obligatory meat patty and cheese, along with fried onions, egg, bacon, pineapple and beetroot, yep beets to you guys. Oh and to satisfy the health police a token lettuce leaf and a couple of slices of tomato.

Whilst in Hobart and if you are a fan of either whisky and or music, get along to the Lark distillery down by the waterside on a Friday evening. Coyote Serenade start their session fairly earlier, at about 6pm. Great little Blue Grass outfit and not too bad local whisky either.

When traversing the east coast, you can fall into the trap of just following the coast road. Do some for sure, but also venture inland, there are some great roads, heading up into the hills. Down my end of the world. That is halfway between Sydney and Melbourne in the Bega valley. You've got the Mt Darrah rd going from Sth Pambula to Bombala. The Snowy river way into Jindabyne, then over to Corryong in Victoria and from there to Melbourne there is a plethora of ways, all of which are good.

Having been to the States three times, once for a year, 8 months of which we (wife and I) toured around on a 81 Lowrider and being welcomed into many homes as a friend and guest. I'd love to repay the friendship and generosity extended to myself and wife. So if you pass by, look us up at gp dot kl dot perkins at gmail dot com Mind, I like a lot of Aussies work FIFO. That is I fly in and fly out of work and as a result are away for 5 weeks, then home for 5 weeks. So contact me some months in advance and I should know if I will be home when you pass by.

Cheers

Graeme

Thanks for the offer of hospitality Graeme. We'll be in your area for sure so just a matter of the right timing I guess.
I'm British by background so well acquainted with beetroot, one of my favorite veggies so I'll be right at home with some on my burger.
No fan of whiskey but they'll probably have beer to go with that music?
Definitely planning not to stay on the coast all the time. Lots of NP inland which we want to go through.
Glad you had a good time in the States. Bikers everywhere are a pretty good bunch, especially to each other.
What kind of job sends you out for 5 weeks at a time - mining?
Chris

The Lark certainly has a good range of beers on tap, so no problem there.
Another music option for Hobart, is the New Sydney hotel where ea Saturday afternoon they hold an impromptu/informal Irish session.

Workwise, I'm a marine engineer and typically work off of the WA coast in the oil and gas sector. previous to that I was often in Hobart, so hence the knowledge in that part of the world.

Cheers

Graeme

Make sure part of your trip planning includes purchasing "The Australia Motorcycle Atlas". It has 200 rides recommended by the editor of "Australian Road Rider" magazine and I have worked my way around Australia ticking off most of them as I went and they were all great. You will get some very good alternatives to the straight highway commutes between capital cities especially between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne as well as some very good short rides in and around the capitals


Hema - Australia Motorcycle Atlas plus 200 Top Rides

Glad they have beer too Graeme. Sounds like you have an interesting job.
Overpitched, thanks for the book idea. Will put it on the checklist.

don't do it in Feb
 

please don't do it in Jan/Feb. that would be crazy...


April/May for all areas is purrrfectooo.:nono:

If you back up a few posts you'll see that was one of the first things I did after getting advice here but thanks for the warning anyway.

Dates are coming closer to finalization
 

So I finally found the supposedly set-in-cement school term dates and it looks like they will fit perfectly for our trip.
I figure we arrive around the 8th of April, buy the bikes, visit my friend and then start off on Monday the 13th when all the kids in Victoria go back to school. We'll do inland Victoria and then head to Tasmania on the 19th so that we start the island when their kids go back to school on the 20th. Week later back to Victoria and arrive in South Australia just about the time they go to school on the 27th. From then on all the kids everywhere will be back in school so accommodations and things we want to see should be less crowded and hopefully cheaper. By the time we get to the furthest north point just past Tennant Creek where we turn east towards Cairns should be first week of May and hopefully all dry. Last 3 weeks of May down the coast and in and out of the interior to see Natl Pks we are interested in.
Ambitious plan I know but with no hotel reservations and no deadlines (our tickets will be open-ended or one-way) other than his wife's order to be back in 6 wks we have a lot of flexibility for routes.
So unless I hear anything different to change our minds that's our tentative plan for now.
The buying the bikes bit in such a short time is taking into account that I have set the purchase up in advance with a dealer so that they will be registered, licensed and insured before hand so that we arrive with $, sign papers and leave. As the time gets closer will be in contact with the Melbourne dealers and hopefully get my friend involved if necessary. I trust her enough to send the money on ahead if necessary.
As always suggestions and criticisms welcome.

Sounds good, will be a lot of riding - 10,000kms plus. But very doable.


Whatever bikes you decide upon make sure that you have sufficient fuel range for the Adelaide - Tennant Creek - Cairns stretch. I think there is a 500km bit without fuel - so watch the "Next Fuel" signs.


The North of Australia from late April can be quite busy with grey nomads as they head from the Southern states to warmer climes, especially the Queensland coast.


I would allow myself a couple of days to get over the jet lag before heading off or at least some easy days in the first week.

Thanks for the tips Roger. From what I can see the longest stretch will be between Glendambo and Coober Pedy at 254 kms which is about 150 miles and will result in us running on fumes so we'll try to secure an extra gallon container for that part of the trip.
Where is the 500 km bit you spoke of?
We will be spending a couple of days visiting my friend and getting the bikes so hopefully any jet lag will be gone by then. I've traveled many times to Japan and never had any jet lag but can't speak for my buddy who has never been on a flight over an hour I think.

If you take the road from Normanton across the bottom of the Cape to Cairns, that's the one. Its a great road but you miss the lava tubes at Undara.

Our plan was to go thru Mt Isa and turn north on 62 to join the 1 going n and e to Cairns. However if you're recommending that Normanton road enough for us to prepare for the no gas thing is there anything we'll be missing on our road that we'd regret? Google maps appears to show that road is not dirt at all, correct?
Looks like we can go to Undara either way with a little backtracking.
Thanks Roger

moved forums
 

Thanks for all the advice and tips. Moving to this Australian forum that is for the bikes we are buying. It's also divided up into states for more specific issues. Here's a link if interested -http://hondashadowriders.proboards.com/thread/4231/yanks-coming-april-asking-suggestions
Have noted many of your names and where you are so hope to contact some of you to meet the faces behind the words.

Ok - questions back
A) Are you going to use a GPS? I'd advise you too use one .. helps so much in cities! If so - what one ? With a Garmin you can use OSM to get a good free map of OZ. It is fairly comprehensive.

b) Are you now starting in Tas? Or Sydney?

-----------------------
The link to that site works .. but it will not let you see the detail without registering .. reluctant to do that for a one off.

-----------

I'm not resident in Tas .. but have relos there and have traveled there many times. And hope to do so again. There are lots of good places/roads in Tassie so I'm certain I'll never run out of things to do. It really concentrates a lot in a small space compared to the rest of OZ ... little like the UK that way. I'd like to speed 6 more months riding in Tassie .. and probably still not see it all.

Route around Tassie... when you arrive .. if it is raining in the west head east - the east has a 'rain shadow' .. so they get less rain there. If fine in the west go there first. The weather can change rapidly - coming in from the west.

You'll be here for April the 25th .. ANZAC day. Where every minor town probably will close their main street for a respectful parade. I'd suggest attending a 'dawn service' ... about 4am .. ask at the place your staying at on the 24th. But travel on the 25th may be slow.

Hi Warin,
Using a Garmin car GPS, a nuvi50 that worked fine in India and Europe. Love the 5 inch screen and as long as you disconnect it in the rain it works fine.
Not familiar with OSM. Are you saying I can download an Oz map to it? I have a mac and can follow instructions so if you have more specific info am willing to give it a try to see if it works for me, otherwise will just buy the Oz map from Garmin. As you said, worth the price just to be able to get in and out of cities. Don't need them as much in the countryside.
Yes, we are now flying to Melbourne rather than Sydney. I was under the mistaken impression that everything pretty much revolved around Sydney for bike dealers and flights but seems there are many options for both in Melbourne, plus I have a friend who lives in Heidelberg (suburb of Mel.) who maybe able to help in some respects. So we'll buy the bikes, ride around Victoria to break in the bikes for a few days and get the 1000 km breaking oil service done, then head over to Tasmania. Everything, route and time, will be expanded I think if his wife caves in a bit on the time period otherwise it'll be about 4 days there especially since we like warm weather and it appears that April days are in the 50s temperature-wise which is nipping for me.
Good tip about the east-west and the rain thanks.
If possible will definitely be attending an ANZAC Day parade. Both of us are vets and mindful and thankful for the support from Australia and New Zealand that we Americans often get in wartimes.

You & me both Warin, but sooner or later, ya gunna get caught :tongue3::biggrin:

for OSM + nuvi50
OpenStreetMap | Skippern's diary | Garmin Nüvi 50 with OpenStreetMap
Garmin/Nüvi series - OpenStreetMap Wiki

The mac I don't know. Do you run some sort of Garmin map software on it? If so you should be able to get OSM working with it..

Suggest you download an OSM map for your area so you can see what it is like for detail. Oh .. OSM is free.

--------
Thanks Bucket1960, I don't usually speed down in Tassie as I'm too busy lookin .. and speed should have been spend... For others doing their first trip down there .. they don't speed mark their corners too much .. so you can expect the corner to be anything ... a 100km/h road could have an unmarked 50 km/h corner on it .. ride within your limits not those of the speed limit.

------------
Yep April will be cooler in Tassie. You could skip Tassie if you want and head north for warmth. See how you go. The ferry over there and back is not cheap .. I'd spend longer than 4 days to make it worth while. I take it the wife is not coming too? Pity - Tassie is worth a good look for both.

Spent a little time checking out OSM. Looks complicated enough that I'll stick to my paper map and paying for the OZ map from Garmin. I don't use any software on the Garmin, just plug it in and go when at home. If overseas, I buy the sd card, insert and go. The India one was great and I'd probably still be in Mumbai going around in circles without it. No street names anywhere and most locals don't know past the end of the village.
Yeah I know I'm somewhat tech-challenged but I will take advantage of others' knowledge if shown but to go thru and figure it all out myself is often daunting enough I don't find it worth the time.
Wife isn't coming as she is taking the same time period to visit her mother in Japan.
It appears it will cost us $425 each return for the ferry which is not cheap but it is Tasmania so we'll probably bite the bullet and pay. Depends on the weather too.
Gonna check out my friends and see if any of them use OSM and maybe I can get a lesson so I can get into it. Anyway thanks for trying and the suggestions.

Sydney
 

Hi Kuri,

My names Greg and I have been reading this post. I just wanted to say don't give up on Sydney as some people obviously have. It is a great place. I know you and friend are time strapped but a couple of days in the city shouldn't be missed. It is a wonderful place. All places have their problems and their good points as well, and Sydney is no exception. It is not just a bridge and an opera house. There is so much to see and do. "The Rocks" area is a great place to start. On the south end of the bridge. Historic old joints there as well as some great restaurants and shops, some in old converted warehouses. The berth (boat that is) of the replica of HMS Endeavour that 1st arrived here in 1770. Cadman Cruises operating today have their family roots in the rocks from the convict days at Cadmans Cottage. The Lowenbrau Keller is a good spot (german restaurant an bar atmosphere - 'und mit frauleins') There's a pub there I think is called the Nelson or The Lord Nelson which is or is one of the oldest in Australia with a tunnel under the bar that press gangs used. A great walk around the harbour front from there to Darling Harbour. (Great atmosphere there at night with a light show). You can walk up through the CBD of the city from there to the Queen Victoria building and the underground arcades running off in all directions. Circular Quay for ferries and the Opera House (secret of the Opera Hse is on the inside not what the outside looks like). The botanical gardens at the back of the OH. Walk around to Lady Macquarie's Chair in the gardens (cut into sandstone) it overlooks the naval yards whre the 'Mighty Mo' moored on her last trip here and 'The Enterprise' carrier (well the Enterprise is that darn big it had to sit in the middle of the harbour). Take a ferry cruise to taronga Zoo or Manly Beach. Walk 'The Corso' at Manly and check out all the boutiques and different shops there (it's a girls thing-I hate going there with my wife) - munch on a Swiss waffle ice cream cone and see Manly Beach at the end of the corso with its Norfolk Island Pines (trees - big). Lots to do in a couple of days - Hyde Park Barracks in Macquarie Street, Hyde Park itself opposite with St Marys Cathedral. Walk down Macquarie Street back to Circular Quay and ferries, Opera House and Botanical gardens, The Rocks - all accessible from there.

I'm an older fuss pot and some places I wouln't go - not interested and young peoles stuff - but there's plenty there to see. Check out the Marble Bar (drinking hole) in The Hilton hotel - Victorian era built in roman style (I think) with a marble bar made from about 100 tons or more of some european marble (its not where it was originally built; later moved to The Hilton). Anyway enough of the history lesson, the point is there is a lot to do and enjoy, same as there is in Brisbane and Melbourne (you'll love 'em both).. For me though it's Sydney - Iworked there and walked around it's CBD for a lot of years and luv it.

Regards Greg O :thumbup1:

Hi Greg,
Thanks for posting so much info. Would appreciate it if you could winnow that down to something that would be 15 min max at a time. My buddy is war-wounded and not able to walk far or fast. 15 min would be about all he could handle at a time, then we'd have to stop for a beer and a snack for an hour before the next 15 min or so. Or we could just call you maybe when we get to town if you'd like to be a Sydney ambassador? Always look forward to meeting new bikers and having them show off their part of the world.

Ambassodor!
 

Hi Kuri
If I recall your plan (without reading all the pages again), you are going in a circuitous route and returning back to Sydney, is that right? If so Jo (my wife) and I can be at your service if you wish to do a car tour of the city (with some walking involved). Sydney is not motor vehicle friendly, like all bigger cities as you probably know; however the interesting bits you have to walk around. Hyde park and cathedral area near the mentioned Hyde Park barracks is an easy 2 hours time spent in a close proximity. Plenty of seats and eateries around to rest at, nothing is more than 15 mins away on foot in that area (5-10 at most). Centrepoint Tower is 10 mins away (Empire State building of the city, but not as big). The Rocks area is so loaded with stuff you can walk for an easy 15 and see lots and rest up at any 1 of dozens of cafes, restaurants etc. Same applies around Opera House and Circular Quay. Circular Quay is the ferry terminal (very busy area with travellers and locals); it has plenty of eateries and is about 15 mins slow stroll to Opera House. Botanical Gardens may be a bit hard on your mate though as some is up stairways to interesting parts, but there is a walk aound the waterfront to Lady Macs Chair and thats flat (from Opera Hse about 1/2 hr easy stroll and plenty of places to rest - not too good food wise in that area, but there may be mobile vendors there now - I havent been there for about a year. Plenty to see and do in Darling Harbour (all within an easy 10mins of each other); between the rocks area and, lets say Circular Quay, but taxis and buses abound to get up over the hill into the other parts of the city. I(we did have a mono rail that sorted that problem out but in 'their' wisdom they tore it down). The Manly Ferry suggestion is about 1/2 hr walk along The Corso to the beach. Plenty of rest stops along the side and middle area of Corso.

But as a suggestion, Jo and I live about 1 1/2 north of the city on the Central Coast and if you want to be chaperoned around the town we would be happy to help out and can make a day of it or two. Also close by to us is the Hunter Valley and city of Newcastle, great wineries and other bits and pieces going on; great atmosphere. We have a 4 bedroom house and there is only the two of us so if you want some accommodation ('cause the pennies are getting low) you are welcomed here. Safe place to store the bikes, and all guarded by an American Staffy Terrier (that should make you feel at home).

Alternative is doing it when you hit town. I have a trip planned myself across 3 desert roads from Queensland to Western Australia around the time. (too early is too hot and too late is too cold at night).

have a think about it - not an issue if it doesnt fit in the plan (always stick to the plan)
Regards Greg

Some dates to note if it falls within your time-series:

End of April: Flinders Classic in South Australia. Great get-together for rides around the Flinders ranges. Good company etc. jeiger

Early June: Finke desert race in Alice Springs. :funmeteryes:

The're on your route, but just a question of timing...

Wow, Greg thanks for putting so much into a reply. Actually we've decided to start off in Melbourne, go to Tasmania first while it's still a reasonable temperature then head up to Alice Springs and over to the east coast and down. We are okay with going up the coast from Tasmania and counter clock-wise though that would mean less interesting views from the inside lane of the road. Thanks for the stay offer and the guided tour. We'll definitely try to meet up and take it from there.
Actually sticking to the plan is not really a goal here. I put the route in so people would have an idea and for them to make suggestions. We have no reservations and there are only a few things on the must-see list. Other than that it's all about the ride and meeting people like you. If it involves going a different way no big deal. Much rather enjoy a great time with new friends showing us around than having to make that next destination by 6 pm or whatever. Your email just went in with the Oz folder so I can tell my buddy something of what's possibly gonna happen but he's not expecting any daily itinerary.
Every time I go abroad I make all these plans on where to go and what to see and 90% of them go out the window due to unknown factors - staying with new friends, new route suggestions by people who've actually ridden on them, new destinations I didn't even know existed, bike breakdowns, etc. Fun making the plans but I have no illusions as to how many I'll achieve. With this attitude I've never had a bad trip and enjoyed every country immensely. The food, the people and the culture are always great.
I know a lot of people are uncomfortable without plans and nothing wrong with that especially if you're new to world travel.
Looking forward to meeting you and your wife, Chris

Thanks for the info Squily. If we're there and it's the right day, as you said
"just a question of timing".

Gooday, it's been a while since I visited this thread. But I see that your plans continue a-pace. As mentioned previously I work at sea, as a marine engineer. But there is a fair chance I will be home around May when you maybe down my way, here on the far south coast of NSW. I would still be pleased to host you guys, just drop me a line at gpdotkldotperkins@gmail.com Obviously substitute the "dot" for . and with a bit of luck I shall be home, just give me as much notice as you can. Oh my ph no is 0422916339.

Cheers

Graeme

Me too. Getting all my ducks in a row. Thanks for the offer Graeme. Will be posting more as deadline approaches. My daughter finally got her graduation from college date confirmed so we're coming a little early since I must be back on May 22. So now we're looking at coming the 3rd week of March. Since we're doing Tasmania first that won't be bad since it's the first place to get cold. Still debating on whether to go clockwise or counter. Plus and minus on both sides.
Chris

PS - As far as I can tell there are 2 possible visas for us; the one that's free for 3 months and is an e-visa and the $135 one that's good for 6 months. If the free is obtained in minimum time without problem that's obviously the one to get though it means waiting to get a plane ticket till almost the last moment. The other one we could apply for next month. Anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

IDL
 

Well I've got my visa, turns out it is only good for 3 months and almost free ($20 of paper work) but the great part is you can get it up to a year ahead of time. You can use it as often as you want for a total of 3 months during that year. So soon as I got it I got a plane ticket. We're coming on March 24th on a one-way so we have lots of options for the trip back including a possible Fiji visit.
After looking at the website it appears that my US license is sufficient for this trip. I don't see any requirement in any of your states for an International Drivers Licence unless your home country one is not in English or has no photo ID. Hopefully someone can confirm this.
After the holidays we'll get going on the bike buying. Looks like there are lots of accessories/options available for the Honda VT400. Fortunately I can buy them in Oz from here but have them delivered to my friend in Melbourne. Shipping costs to here are ridiculous and I would just have to take them in my suitcase. These include windshield, saddlebag standoffs and backrest/backrack combo. One option I've heard of but I can't seem to get any info on is ordering this bike with mag wheels (with tubeless tires) instead of spokes to make flat tires less of an ordeal in the outback. Anyone know of anyone who has mags on their VT400?
Happy holidays to all here.

if you pass adelaide
 

Hi kuri77,

Been reading the posts and your route, if you pass through adeladie in south Aussie be sure to get in touch, work shop to work on the bike if needed, hot shower, cold beer available and plenty of stories to swap, i rode london to oz few years back. Anyway more than welcome

cheers
Robbo

I'd stick with something that has tubes, far easier to fix a flat tyre with a tube and hand tools.


Glad to see that the trip is all coming together for you.

Buying A Motorcycle In Australia
 

Hi Roger,
Thanks for the reply and advice. Moot now since a dealer responded with "not an option" in Oz.
Trip maybe taking a bad turn for the worse though. See new thread "Revisiting foreigners buying a mc in Australia" I started today.

Hi Robbo,
Sorry I'm replying out of order. Only saw Roger's post at first but just saw yours when checking to see if my new thread started. Anyway thanks for the offer and would like to hear about what must have been an epic trip for you. Always willing to hoist a host country beer. Most people won't offer up swill, which I know a lot about since we have so much of it here, but try to impress you (and I mean that in the nicest way) with their best beer which is great for us since we get to try great beers we've never tasted or even heard of. We like reciprocating also.

There's an almost 100% chance we'll be riding near your place on the way to Uluru so can you send me your email and phone number to my email please? kurereyo at cox-dot-net
Maybe the mailbots have figured out how to read so I put in two hyphens to hopefully confuse them so just don't type them in. Thanks, Chris

Gooday Kurri77, looks like it's all coming together. I'll be home all through March, so once again you guys are welcome here. We have beds, beer and bath. All welcome for a traveller as we know from our own experience's. Also a fully kitted garage/workshop. Give us a call if you pass by the Merimbula, NSW area. gpdotklgotperkins@gmail.com

Cheers and safe travels

Graeme.

Hi Graeme,
Thanks again for the offer. We will almost 100% be passing thru your area but unless there is a reason to go counter clock-wise it wouldn't be until the beginning of May or so. Could you send your phone number to me at kurereyo at cox dot net? Thanks, Chris

Well finally got things squared away. Have a deposit on 2 bikes with buyback offer, Oz resident to register them, confirmed plane ticket and visa. Looks like we'll be riding them off the dealership on the 26th. Getting antsy, gotta count down from 69 days.

Hi, I just noticed your planned ride in Australia and having toured there a bit I wanted to suggest a couple of nice riding roads on the eastern seaboard that run parallel to your route but slightly inland.

The reason is Highway 1 or the Pacific h-way is great in California but the road with the same name that runs along the east coast downunder is for the majority boring, loaded with trucks and speed traps.

There are some very enjoyable roads to ride between the eastern capitals which go via older historic areas where the landscape and vegetation varies much more where as the coast remains flat, urbanized and similar scenery until you reach the tropics.

The previously mentioned Summerland way is good and then looking at the map south from Grafton the road to Armidale via Ebor. From Armidale the New England Highway to Uralla then to Walcha and take the Thunderbolts way (named after a outlaw that roamed the area) to Gloucester. From Singleton the road via Putty into the Western suburbs of Sydney is perhaps the most well known and popular ride in Australia.

West of Sydney lies the Blue mountains and the Tableland highway via Oberon south to Goulburn. Braidwood to Batemans bay is excellent road. South from here the coast road now called the Princess Highway is not too bad however from Bega the B72 and B73 are much better. Between Melbourne and Sydney the best riding and scenery can be found further inland via Australia's only Alpine regions but that would be a major change to your current route.

A few photos of these roads and others like the alpine regions can be found here Motorcycle Paradise: Australia’s Best Motorcycle Roads – East Coast

I hope you have a great time, historic country pubs make great lunch breaks on those inland roads and just remember to be off the road by dusk when the kangeroos come out as many roads are unfenced so riding once the sun has set is very dangerous.

Thanks for the great suggestions on routes Iron Chef. With your good reasons why to I think we'll try those roads. If you live in the area and want to drive along any of those with us you're welcome for all or part. Be glad to hoist one with you along the way. If you like send me your email and we'll keep in contact when we get there. That'll be the last part of our trip so around the second week of May or so. My email is kurereyo-at-cox-dot-net.

So, has anyone heard where these guys are? Or if they made to Oz at all.