Thread: Outback Trip Prep

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

Originally Posted by gusthedog

Don't take a chainsaw. I carried one for my whole trip and used it once in 18 months. ..............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!

Got anything to back that up ?

Chainsaws 'used' to be illegal in NSW NPs but now you can carry one - using it may be a different matter .


Martyn

Originally Posted by Bushie

Got anything to back that up ?

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 ).

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.

Originally Posted by gusthedog

As a general rule though, if you are in the high country of victoria and carrying a saw, you shouldn't get pinged ..................................

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.

Originally Posted by gusthedog

.......... 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.

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'.



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.

Deano

Originally Posted by DeanoH

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....

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.

Originally Posted by DeanoH

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.
Deano

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 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.....