biking down under
 

i am planning the next part of my trip which is as follows:
from adelaide to alice springs on the stuart highway and then to ayers rock, the olgas, kk etc.
the next part (the tricky bit?) i am considering is from yalura, nt to laverton, wa along the great central road. any information and advice on fuel stops (xt600e, crappy range of 180 km ish, jerry can compulsory!)important kit, and generally what i can expect would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

Hi Adam
The route you are planning should pose no problems other than the logistics of carrying enough fuel. Many bikers have done this route with standard tanks and a 20 litre can strapped to the bike. My advice however is to get yourself a long range tank. They cost about A$500 for a new one (although you should have little difficulty finding a second-hand one). You will undoubtedly enjoy the trip more without having to worry about the fuel can.

The worst you can expect on the road from Uluru to Laverton is miles and miles of brutal corrugations. The worst you can expect on the Stuart Highway from Adelaide to Kulgera is to die of boredom.

I strongly recommend the alternate route up through Wilpena, the Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola, Lyndhurst, Maree followed by the Odnadatta track to Finke. This route goes through some of the best scenery in South Australia and is fun to ride. At Finke you could turn west to link up with the Stuart Highway at Kulgera or (again recommended) follow the Finke track to Alice Springs.

From Alice there are a number of great tracks to Uluru including Meereenie Loop and the slightly more difficult Palm Valley track.

Hope this gives you a few more options to consider. You can email me at woodi@pasminco.com.au if you would like more details of the routes.

Cheers

Hi Adam

I am also planning this same trip in a couple of weeka or so. Can you let me know the best route recommendations.

When are you planning to set off. my email is eganjoseph@homail.com

Joe