Doing the BIG lap for 6 months 8-) info wanted

My partner and I have just finished an 18 month trip around oz. Standouts were the McDonald Ranges west of Alice, the contrasts of green and red are simply amazing. This year has been fairly wet too I am told so there will be plenty of water about so definitely pencil them in. We also loved the gulf country - the seafood was awesome! The Holland Track was fun too. Easily do-able with a semi off road van and no winch. The great central road from Alice to Kalgoorlie is good. You have to check out Niagra dam nearer to Kal. A great spot to relax. And heaps of others- i could be here all night! Have fun and remember to drive slow and have a good look around.

More thoughts...


Uluru..we have a very good friend living out that way, and landylover:) could ask if there is room for your'e caravan at his place, otherwise Ayers Rock campground is best... or stay at Curtain spring Campground which is much cheaper and not too far from the rock;)

Mrs hh:angel:

pretty sure you can't take a caravan into the bungle bungles but their is a free camp ground just the otherside of the highway that we left ours at, fairly secure as lots of grey nomads stay there. Definately do the GRR, El Questro is good but there are other places too, Broome not really to our liking but still stayed a week or two - Karijini; its everything you've heard & better - stay at the dales gorge end its now bituemised(sp) and the treks are good (went there the other week with work). If you end up in the eastern pilbara Carrawine gorge and eel creek/running waters (thermal springs) are good but you need to take everything with you, closest facilities are Marble bar & thats got bugger all ($$fuel,$$food,$$pub with poor service). There is a publication over here could cheap & priceless campsites (or words to that effect I think- I'm onsite so can't check) that will help you with all the info you need regarding well, cheap or free accommodation in WA - sold in two volumes North & South. Please bare in mind these are only my opinion & everyones experience can be different.

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Originally Posted by billnjim

pretty sure you can't take a caravan into the bungle bungles but their is a free camp ground just the otherside of the highway that we left ours at, fairly secure as lots of grey nomads stay there.

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We know of someone who left their caravan at that free camp and told the Grey Nomads there were going into the BB's and on returning found their caravan had been stolen:o

Mrs hh:angel:

As Mrs HH suggested, the chopper flight over the Bungles is excellent and we would recommend it as well.

Also, if time permits, Cape Leveque is beautiful. Just "up the road" from Broome. Book first though, as it's a popular place with limited campsites.
There are local Culture tours/talks with the Bardi people who make you very welcome.

Coming back from WA to the East, we have camped at Fowlers Bay in SA. It was quite a few years ago, but it was free camping behind the sand dunes and pretty good beach fishing as a bonus.

Generally, you will find lots of free overnight spots, but, as suggested, you need to set up reasonably early as the Grey Nomads tend to pull over mid afternoon, enjoy "happy hour" and then settle in for the night. By late afternoon most of the free camp areas are very crowded. We try and seek out a track off the road and follow it for a kilometer or two. If it doesn't go onto private property through gates etc. or doesn't infringe on cattle watering areas (dams etc). it should be OK.


Have a great trip.

Thanks Pricey, billnjim, the Ho Har's and Bundelene.

This is all good info, especially like the bits about getting off the tarmac where possible within reason.

Seeing Australia is about being IN Australia and minimising in caravan parks where possible.

The wife has registered us on ExplorOz as the GNITs (Grey Nomads in Training)

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Originally Posted by pohm66

Thanks Pricey, billnjim, the Ho Har's and Bundelene.

This is all good info, especially like the bits about getting off the tarmac where possible within reason.

Seeing Australia is about being IN Australia and minimising in caravan parks where possible.

The wife has registered us on ExplorOz as the GNITs (Grey Nomads in Training)

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Have a look in here as well
Forum | Caravan & Motorhome | RV Tips, Travel, Camping, Swap, Social Chat. - Index page

ALSO
AROUND OZ - Campsites in Australia

AND don't forget
welcome to campertrailers.org website home to Australian off road camper trailers since 2001

Baz.

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Originally Posted by The ho har's

Weipa, there is only 1 camp ground there, right in the middle of town next to the shops;) We loved the mine tour. You have been there haven't you?

The other major towns just pick the best/cheapest campground. Don't rule out National Parkes a well for camping.

Bungles, we took a helicopter flight from Warnum/Turkey creek which was fantastic, then decided to drive in as we were told the road had been graded, never again, I don't think towing a caravan in there is a good idea either, the camp ground is no where near the walking tracks so another drive. I could go on for ever, 1 little gem of a place we found was Flora River Nature Park, Sth of Katherine off the Victoria H/way, The N/P Ranger reconmended it to us, has great swimming & fishing;)
Kunnurra, the caravan Park behind Mirima National Park, it is called Mini Bungles Bungles

A couple of tips, stop early at free camp grounds to beat the grey nomads from taking the best sites;) If the free camp isn't suitable enough you can move to the next.

You should have mentioned this last weekend when we saw you;)

Mrs hh:angel:

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Flora River is a beautiful spot...But I wouldn't swim there. It has big lizards of the salt water kind.... Especially after this big wet we just had...

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Originally Posted by Solly

Flora River is a beautiful spot...But I wouldn't swim there. It has big lizards of the salt water kind.... Especially after this big wet we just had...

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In the rock pools is alright..away from the main river...actually we didn't see any in the main river when we were there:(

Mrs hh:angel:

I would suggest based on highlights from our similar trip. Time in nth QLD Parks between Townsville and Cairns. Cooktown. Atherton Tablelands based at Tinaroo Dam. Karumba, Lawnhill based at Adeles Grove. Litchfield. Cape Range NP. Carnarvan. Plenty of time South Coast WA. Flinders Ranges. Everywhere in Tassie and Cape York although the last two are perhaps not on you agenda.