Hi all,

I am in Jakarta looking to ship to either Darwin or Perth. Aim is to head for Sydney, in each case mainly by the coast due to time restriction.

Any ideas on the most attractive route, also considering the time of year (Sept)?

Thanks,

Tijs

September is the end of the dry season so you should be fine with up north if you don't drag your feet. But still you should check local conditions as there are often flood risks once it starts to rain.

In terms of Temperature you will be better of staying north as the weather is still cool down south.

In terms of routes, you can't enter a lot of NT and far north QLD as it is restricted to aboriginals only and permit holders.

This means you will probably have to cut through QLD at Mt Isa. Be prepared to take extra fuel and water with you and watch out for crocs!

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TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net

Having done both routes, I think it depends what sort of scenery you prefer.

If you leave from Darwin and keep to the main roads you won't see the coast again until you get to Townsville. After that you'll find the highway is often some distance inland so don't expect to see a lot of coastal scenery unless you're prepared to make side trips.

If you leave from Perth you'll be closer to the coast for more of the ride and you have the opportunity to include the Great Ocean Road in Victoria as part of the journey.

I enjoyed both my rides but I found the Perth-Sydney route more interesting. That's the one that I'd probably take if I were choosing one to do again. As for weather... I've found that you can get good and bad weather whichever way you go.

I've been around both areas. The southern area as a kid, and have lived in far north Queensland all my life.

My opinion may be biased, but I reckon from NT to Qld will be the most stereotypical Aussie setting you will see.

Darwin-Syd you will get to Cattle stations, crocodiles, kangaroos, warm weather, ULURU, great fishing wicked camping, massive red canyons/gorges, see beautiful beaches/islands and the Great Barrier Reef/whale watching, meet aboriginals, and depending on your persona, may be invited to partake or learn in activities and their culture. I grew up in Bamaga (northernmost point in Aus) and was an unreal experience. Google 'barramundi', Mission Beach, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock). On top of that the cattle stations out west provide some great dirt riding, and amazing country folk with fantastic stories and warm hearts. We go bowhunting out by Croydon yearly on cattle stations there and the countryside is fantastic. Plus its closer to ship to Darwin

I think the Perth-Syd route would also be nice, but you will miss A LOT (both ways of course). You would get to do the Great Ocean Road, see the 12 apostles, but after that its a lot of sheep farms and grain fields, and chilly/possibly wet weather. Unfortunately I can't elaborate too much here, but I'm sure someone else can sell the south...

I'm definitely biased...but I feel for a good reason

Good luck and feel free to contact for more info.

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'10 Suzuki DR650. 2011-12 Sth-Nth Chile-Alaska. Currently in Cairns, Australia. www.followtheakubra.com.au

Thanks for the replies!

In the end it came down to shipping possibilities. And I had to leave Indonesia thanks to the visa. So I made it to Perth and look forward to the drive east. Hope to get the bike soon. Then apparently get violated by the quarantine guys I understand. Let's see how that goes.

Good to read about both routes. I might also try to go up the east coast if time allows.

Tijs