Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Ride Tales, Trip Reports and Stories > Ride Tales
Ride Tales Post your ride reports for a weekend ride or around the world. Please make the first words of the title WHERE the ride is. Please do NOT just post a link to your site. For a link, see Get a Link.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree11Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Riding Down Under again in Australia

Hello!

I am back in Australia for a second trip this year, in a different season. Spring is just gorgeous so far! I arrived in Melbourne on Nov 7 and the first month has been so busy that I am just starting my blog now.

This time, I am on my own. My dear companion has stayed home for the winter as it seems he prefers shoveling snow! Ha! Ha!

Riding solo means everything relies on your shoulders, many good things happen as you get to meet a lot more people, you gain more confidence day after day and you really enjoy being free as a bird!!
But there are also times when I feel a few butterflies in my stomach, especially when I am in remote places, going on small gravel roads for example, not knowing if I will be able to turn around at some point or what if I drop the bike?? But, I certainly try to stay out of trouble!! ;-)

Claire

DSC_0177_mod
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Day 1 - Melbourne to Walhalla

I started my trip my exploring the area around Dandenong Ranges as I had a few days to get familiar again on my GS650 before heading to the Snowy Mtns Travellers Meeting in Jindabyne.

This is a great place to ride, lots of curves in a beautiful surrounding!

I ended up in Walhalla, in a steep valley where 3500 people lived during the gold rush. A very interesting and unique place! It is now almost a ghost town but very pretty as many buildings were restored.


Carte J1A 12 nov - Yarra Jct

Carte J1B - Warburton à Walhalla

Along Mountain Hwy

DSC_0002

Lunch break in Warburton

Vid 2384

Near Three Bridges, on my way to Moe

Vid 2386

Near Mount Baw Baw, C426

Vid 2390

Vid 2389B

Over the Dam

Vid 2391

Walhalla

DSC_0018

Fire Station hanging over the river

DSC_0019

Walhalla built in a very narrow valley

DSC_0020

Walhalla Cemetery where everyone is buried on a very steep slope

DSC_0028
DSC_0029

Free campsite in Walhalla in a beautiful and quiet surrounding

IMG_20171112_190343837
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Day 2 and 3 – Walhalla to Bombala

The following day, I left Walhalla heading south on the C481 and then east towards Orbost where starts the Bonang Hwy going north. I stopped in Goongerah for the night in another free campsite along Elliry Creek. That’s where I saw my first live wombat!

Day 3 is a short day to get to Bombala although there was a 12-km long section on gravel between Googerah and Delegate that I took easily as it was well packed and hard except for a short section under construction that was rather slippery and yucky.

In Bombala, I had time to relax, get some groceries, charge my equipment and enjoy a great shower!.

Carte J2 et J3 - Walhalla à Bombala

Elliry Creek Campsite, Goongerah

Vid 2405

Well Packed Gravel Section on Bonang Hwy

Vid 2407

Huge Logging Trucks along the Way

Vid 2410
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Day 4 – Bombala to Cann River, Pambula Beach and Cooma

Day 4, I leave Bombala heading south on Monaro Hwy to Cann River and then northeast on Princes Hwy to see Eden and Pambula Beach. From there, I take Mount Darragh Rd back to Bombala and then head towards Cooma to spend the night camping 20 km up north, not far from Monaro Hwy.

Carte J4 15 nov - Bombala à Cooma

On my way to Cann River, Monaro Hwy

Vid 2412

Crossing in NSW, on Princes Hwy

DSC_0038

Pambula River

Vid 2428

Vid 2429

On my way back to Bombala, Mount Darragh Road

Vid 2434

Stock on the road, on my way to Cooma. And Black Clouds coming my way...

Vid 2439

Free campsite, north of Cooma

IMG_20171115_175230570_HDR
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Snowy Mountains Travellers Meeting in Jindabyne - Nov 16 to 19

I spent a marvelous weekend at the HU Meeting in Jindabyne. It was a great opportunity to meet many other riders and travellers, as well as hear interesting stories from various presenters.

I really enjoyed it! It was only my second experience attending a HU Meeting and was way worth it! Activities and organization overall was just GREAT!

I made a lot of new friends too, some of them who I expect to visit us in Quebec soon!

Carte J5 16 nov - Cooma à Jindabyne

Main Dining Hall, Sport & Recreation Centre in Jindabyne

IMG_20171119_112827143_HDR
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Day 6 – Kosciuszko Nat’l Park

I left Jindabyne on a beautiful sunny day and decided to go to Charlotte Pass just to have a look at the wonderful mountain scenery. There were quite a few patches of snow left!

Then headed west on the Alpine Way and set up my tent in the beautiful surrounding of Ngarigo Campground!

Carte J6 19 nov - Jindabyne to Ngarigo

On my way to Charlotte Pass

Vid 2457

View from the Top

Vid 2461

IMG_20171119_142101252

IMG_20171119_142029969_HDR

Alpine way near Ngarigo

Vid 2467

Ngarigo Campground, along the river

DSC_0062

DSC_0063

IMG_20171119_160938616
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Day 7 – Kosciuszko to Alpine Nat’l Park

Another great sunny day to ride in the mountains. Went to Thredbo, Khancoban, Corryong, Walwa and along Murray River to Tallangatta and then south on Omeo Hwy to Alpine NP.

Carte J7 20 nov - Ngarigo to Jokers Flat

Yes, it's quite a ride going down on Alpine Way!

Vid 2471A

Yes, lots of curves!!!

Vid 2471B

Lazy Kangaroos in Tom Groggin Campground

DSC_0070

DSC_0075

Lunch break along Murray River

DSC_0078

Very nice curves along this stretch, on the C546 before getting to Murray Valley Hwy (B400)

Vid 2487

On Omeo Hwy along the river

Vid 2599

Another gorgeous free campsite along the river at Jokers Flat

Vid 2581

DSC_0087

Last edited by ClaG; 13 Dec 2017 at 06:29.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Day 8 – Mount Beauty to Mansfield

Alpine Nat'l Park was just splendid with all its lovely purple flowers!
Now I know why they named 'Mount Beauty'!!

Carte J8 21 nov - Jokers Flat à Mansfield

DSC_0088

DSC_0089

IMG_20171121_102605977

What a nice place for a coffee break!

IMG_20171121_110735014

Vid 2837

Lots of curves going down to Mt Beauty

Vid 2839

Last edited by ClaG; 14 Dec 2017 at 00:51.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Day 9 and 10 – Mansfield to Mount Buller, and then around Lake Eildon Nat’l Park.

Left Mansfield on another beautiful day and went have a look at the ski resort at Mount Buller. Then headed south towards Jamieson.
There are 66 km between Jamieson and Eildon and they are all curves!!!
Ended my journey in a nice campsite not far from Eildon as I was exhausted.
Headed back to Melbourne on the following day.

Carte J9 22 nov - Mansfield to Kendalls Camp

Carte J10 23 nov - Kendalls Camp to Melbourne

Mt Buller Ski Resort

Vid 2929

Vid 2928

Nice place for a coffee break in front of Mount Buller

DSC_0104

Steep Hairpins going down

Vid 2933

View on Lake Eildon from the Eildon-Jamieson Road

DSC_0107

Lovely path along Rubicon River at Kendalls Campground

IMG_20171122_201042344

IMG_20171122_200743261

Last edited by ClaG; 14 Dec 2017 at 00:57.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Hiking along Cape to Cape Track, WA

Hello,

This is not about motorcycle riding but I thought I should share this as well. I took a break from riding and flew to Perth in order to start a long 8-day hike along Meelup Trail and along the coast, from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Hiking the Cape to Cape Track was a tremendous adventure, a bit challenging but well worth it!

There are two videos, the first one covers the northern sector down to Margaret River Mouth and the second one the southern sector. The second video shows a lot more amazing natural features. Where I have commented, subtitles have been added in English for the benefit of people who do not understand French.

To see it full screen, just click on 'YouTube' at the bottom of each image. You will be redirected to YouTube and have access to the Full Screen mode.

Enjoy!

Claire





Last edited by ClaG; 17 Dec 2017 at 01:24.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Tasmania, here I come!

I arrived in Tasmania on an early morning about three weeks ago and have enjoyed every moment of it! It's a fantastic place to ride and has lots of unique natural features as well!

This first episode is about my journey from Melbourne to Devonport and then exploring the Northeast section of Tasmania as shown on the map below.



The video is 15 minutes long.



Leaving Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania

DSC_0118

DSC_0111

DSC_0122

DSC_0127

Camping at Narawntapu Nat'l Park, Springlawn Beach

DSC_0135

DSC_0146

West Head of Tamar River, view on Badger Beach

DSC_0151

West Head Lookout (near Greens Beach)

DSC_0150

Lilydale Falls

DSC_0155

DSC_0157

Launceston Post Office

DSC_0165

Northeast Park, Scottsdale

DSC_0166

DSC_0169
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Episode 2 - Visiting Mount William Nat'l Park

I left Scottsdale on a beautiful sunny day to explore Mount William Nat'l Park. A lot of dirt road during that day, only a short section was slippery, but SO SLIPPERY!!!! No way I could stop on that section.... I made it through all right!!

The Tasman Hwy between St Helens and Scottsdale is full of curves, lots of fun!



The video is 15 minutes long.




Musselroe Bay

DSC_0171

DSC_0172
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Episode 3 - Riding to St Helens

Riding from Scottsdale on Tasman Hwy West to St Leonards, then towards Ben Lomond Nat'l Park and to Nile on a small country gravel road. Then I took Hwy A4 through St Marys Pass , continued to St Helens and found a very special campsite at Cosy Corner South.



The video is 15 minutes long.



View towards Scottsdale from Tasman Highway

DSC_0185
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Episode 4 - Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires is an amazing place! Beautiful white sandy beaches and orange lichen-covered granite boulders. I did take a lot of pictures!!



This video is 13 minutes long.



Amazing Blue Wren

DSC_0186

DSC_0190

DSC_0191

Cosy Corner Beach

IMG_20171215_152028052

IMG_20171215_153907809

IMG_20171215_154025530

DSC_0230

DSC_0234

DSC_0244

DSC_0249

DSC_0252

The Gardens

DSC_0202

DSC_0217

DSC_0218

DSC_0222

DSC_0223

DSC_0227

Last edited by ClaG; 4 Jan 2018 at 06:48.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 29 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Gatineau
Posts: 133
Episode 5 - Freycinet Nat'l Park

I left Bay of Fires and headed to Freycinet Nat'l Park, another amazing place! I had the chance to hike in the Wineglass Bay area on a very beautiful day and then went to cool down on Richardson Beach, near Coles Bay.

The map is shown on the previous post.

The video is 15 minutes long.



The view from Cape Tourville

DSC_0267

DSC_0273

Cape Tourville Lighthouse

DSC_0270

Sleepy Bay

DSC_0275

DSC_0281

DSC_0282

DSC_0283

DSC_0286
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Round the world trip: help needed India - SEA - Australia Sol Revelations Route Planning 15 1 Mar 2017 19:07
Shipping two bikes from Australia to Canada luckyluke84 Australia / New Zealand 0 12 Nov 2016 22:28
Exploring Australia - Where the hell am I? Seppel Ride Tales 58 24 Apr 2014 08:43
riding around AUS without registration and roadworthiness inspection Panny Australia / New Zealand 31 29 Nov 2012 19:02
TOYOTA HZJ 78 registered in Australia but actualy in France julaf Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 13 Sep 2012 12:48

 
 

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 17:41.