That has happend to me a couple of times on Fraser I know what you mean!
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Thanks for all your help and advice, truly great respnses and a lot for me to digest, but I am getting a clear picture of keep it simple and light, make sure the Defender is roadworth for the intended trip. And spares, allthough I may not be in a position to change some things myself, it may save waiting for days for parts when I find a mechanic.
Ok back to reading the responses and the links, amazing info guys..
thanks
Pat
MR Automotive will supply a spares kit....wheel bearings, belts, filters, oils....as comprehensive as you like, for free and only charge for what you use.
I agree with most of the above statements about keeping it simple. After a 45k trip around oz the only things that went wrong with my old defender were a idler bearing, rear pinion seal and rear brakes (because the mud sheilds were removed by my mechanic before I left!).
Don't take a chainsaw. I carried one for my whole trip and used it once in 18 months. I had fuel leaks etc, oil leaks etc and ended up being annoyed that I took it. And just so you know, chainsaws aren't illegal in Victorian National Parks (and I think NSW parks too but dont quote me on that) due to people dying in bush fires because they weren't alowed to take a chainsaw in!
Good luck, drive slow and enjoy yourself :D
Only that some of my mates work for Parks Vic and DSE and that's what they tell people. However, they don't like to publish the fact that saws are not illegal in most parks. And some parks strictly prohibit chainsaws so it really does depend on the park. If in doubt, call DSE or Parks Vic. As a general rule though, if you are in the high country of victoria and carrying a saw, you shouldn't get pinged (unless you are towing a 6x4 trailer full of freshly cut wood :D).
After a couple got killed in high country the 02/03 fires, they essentially relaxed the laws for chainsaws in the alpine areas. They just don't like the public to know as a general rule but will tell you if you specifically ask.
If I'm planning on a camp fire in the high country, I take wood with me. I only use the saw for clearing tracks when necessary. But as I said earlier, on a trip around oz, unless you are spending a large amount of time in the high country, a chainsaw really isn't necessary.
Can see what you're trying to say Pricey but AFAIK it's not illegal or even frowned upon to carry a chainsaw in your vehicle anywhere in Australia.
What can be illegal or restricted is USING a chainsaw in some places. NSW National Parks for example have the most severe restrictions on cutting/gathering of firewood and lighting of campfires in the country. Other states are not as restrictive. For example, there are signposted 'firewood collection areas' in some parks eg. Mitchell River National Park in the Kimberley. In Victoria, for a nominal sum, you can get a permit to cut and remove firewood (fallen timber) in some National Parks.
Also, the whole country is not one big National Park. Most of the area Pat and co. (or anyone else for that matter) are travelling through is not National Park and firewood is plentiful, especially if you're off the beaten track. A small chainsaw makes it quick and easy to gather firewood and is especially useful if other travellers have picked up the small easy stuff.
Exactly right UNLESS you're into campfires at night (or during the day for that matter) then a chainsaw can be very useful. Saves a heck of a lot of time and effort.
If you're not familiar with using a chainsaw learn from someone who is before your go on your trip. Learning on the job is a very bad idea.
Might be a bit harsh, but if you don't know how to use a chainsaw then don't take one. You could really bugger up a good holiday otherwise.
Not trying to put the wind up you, just hopefully pointing out the obvious.:)
Have travelled with and without the chainsaw and find with suits us better, especially when bush camping. Depends on how you like to do things.
Typical scenario is..... 'Set up camp mid afternoon, dig fireplace with shovel (10' from side of vehicle) build campfire (not bonfire) using wood from roof and put on 5 litre pot of water. Water boils as wood burns down to coals and camp is set up. Add 5 litres of boiling water to 10 litres of cold water and plug in 12 volt hand shower. This is enough for a good shower (and hairwash) for two with enough left in the bottom of the bucket to wash jocks and sox.'
At the end of a hot dusty day......'pure bliss'.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...2012/02/35.jpg
Doing it tough on the Anne Beadell Highway. Note the poly shower screen at the rear of the Oka. Doesn't have to be elaborate, or at all if you're remote enough, this one was just showing off.:D
Deano:)
Not true.
Have a read here:
http://www.4wdsa.asn.au/nrau/RV%20Handbook.pdf
It specifically says that the carrying or use of chainsaws is not permitted in SA "protected areas" for "recreational purposes".
However SA is the only state I am aware of where it is illegal to carry a chainsaw. In other states it is the use which is prohibited.
I have read elsewhere that a "dismantled" chainsaw is permitted in SA parks. I am not sure what the definition of that is though.
Deano,
I'll come clean on the chainsaw-fire thing. I've worked in parks etc for a number of years and generally don't have a fire in the bush unless it's freezing. I hate smoke in my eyes and smell in my clothes and find that gas is way easier. I also don't like using wood that could be a home for some critters. All about the warm fuzzies :D or cold fuzzies with no fire.
Don't even get me started on tourists feeding native animals....
Wear an extra jumper, a beanie and leave the wood be! Peace Out.....
Thanks isuzurover.
This document was the result of a working party of DEH (Dept. for Environment and Heritage) and the South Australian Association of FWD Clubs (SAAFWDC) and was published in 2005. It is not an Act of Parliament or a list of DEH Regulations, nor was it meant to be. It explains the principles and direction that these two orginations would move foreward with; with an emphasis on the Tread Lightly program. Prior to this there existed what could be described as a 'state of hostility' between the various FWD clubs and Government bodies and this was a constructive start to a bit of common sense breaking out.
What this document does say is that ..........The carrying and use of chainsaws for recreational purposes in protected areas is prohibited under provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
It does not say that they cannot be carried, it says that they cannot be used or intended to be used in a protected area.
Later in the document it says.............Use only deadfall timber for fuel, do not use chainsaws to cut away at trees as these trees are usually habitats for small animals and birds.
This could be read that it is OK to use a chainsaw on fallen timber.
Further on the document states ..............Carrying and use of chainsaws is not permitted in reserves (Reg 15). National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
The South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (Ver 16.6.2011), the current version, does not mention chainsaws anywhere. No doubt there are regulations somewhere, I just havn't found them yet.
Read together these statements can appear confused or contradictory, but this document is not supposed to be read as a legal document.
I had a similiar discussion re the same document with a SA Nat Parks in the Coorong a couple of years ago and he said carrying a saw wasn't an issue, using it was.
I am not advocating the use of chainsaws in National Parks, in fact I advocate the opposite. What I am saying is that this working document from the DEH and SAAFWDC in 2005 was a statement of intent and direction for these two bodies to move foreward in a constructive manner.
Deano:)