Thread: Driving to Darwin

Regarding temperatures in the north. Regularly getting 38 to 40 c in the coolest part of the house!! No aircon but fully louvered.

Regarding temperatures up here and Disco 1 - secret seems to be in the condition of the radiator. So far have not had overheating problems with the standard radiator, even when towing 2 tonne. Having said that, I did experience about one eigth drop on the temp guage when I got one of the vehicles re-cored. Done at Berrimah Radiators for about $400 a few years ago. The business owner said expect a slight drop as the tubes he uses are wider than those used by LR which tend to get blocked if not well maintained.

Just arrived back home today from Bynoe Harbour (an hour's drive from Darwin).

Three blokes and we camped off the road on the way up which is something we have always done. However, just today we were discussing that usually there are two vehicles and boats and more often than we would like, vehicles have slowed, probably seen two vehicles and accelerated away.

The journey back we stayed in caravan parks but mainly for the showers and facilities. We are getting on in age I suppose.

Would I pull-up and stop "anywhere" whilst travelling alone? No. The primary reason is that I reckon I would not sleep too deeply and therefore grow increasingly tired as the trip went on. That is something you need to consider.

Stops? Renner Springs is fantastic. Good facilities, friendly atmosphere and fire wood is even supplied for a small fire.
Stuart Range Caravan (Coober Pedy) is another great place. It even has pizzas available.
Erldunda is also a good place as is the Hi-Way Inn.

These places charge $10 per person per night and worth every cent.

We take 3 nights to make the trip from Albury to Darwin.

Someone made comment regarding the scenery and I wholeheartedly agree. It changes every few minutes and I have not yet become bored with the trip even after countless trips up the centre.

The only good coffee I have found is in the bar at Erldunda.

Tucker at Hi-Way Inn is good. Renner Springs is also good. There is a cafe in Tennent Creek, Top of the Town Cafe I think, is also clean and good eating. Hayes Creek Pub also serve up great barra or thread-fin salmon burgers.

Enoy the trip, stop frequently but briefly to re-charge your batteries and I reckon you will have a ball.

Did you stay at crab claw island in bynoe?

Cheers Ean

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

Did you stay at crab claw island in bynoe?

Cheers Ean

Yes

Wonderful camping, great staff and totally enjoyable. New owners take over next week and I'm led to believe they intend taking it back to the ideals of a fishermen's village rather than a "resort". I'm all for that

I suggest you dont watch Wolf Creek (the movie) before you go. You might not sleep at all and just drive straigh though.

Happy Days.

Originally Posted by Eevo

Adelaide to alice, 2 days, boring

You need better company

I did this drive not that long ago (in my Defender) and it was one probably the most enjoyable drives I've ever done, anywhere

Originally Posted by Barra1

Yes

Wonderful camping, great staff and totally enjoyable. New owners take over next week and I'm led to believe they intend taking it back to the ideals of a fishermen's village rather than a "resort". I'm all for that

I have been going there for 20 yrs on and off, but was disappointed about 2 yrs ago that the place was trying to turn more into a resort than a fishing camp so haven't been back. Might go for a burn 1 weekend as see if its changed for the better.

Cheers Ean

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

I have been going there for 20 yrs on and off, but was disappointed about 2 yrs ago that the place was trying to turn more into a resort than a fishing camp so haven't been back. Might go for a burn 1 weekend as see if its changed for the better.

Cheers Ean

I'm with you on that

When Bill Briscoe owned it, I reckon there no better place. He was an extraordinary host and just a damn good bloke.

The resort style is lost on me but like you, i'm looking forward to the return of a "fisherman's village".

The outgoing staff told me of the change so I'm hoping they are on the money.

Met a bloke there who was driving a silver TD5 Defender - short bloke with a big beard. Only got his first name - Neil. He is not on AULRO but was going to have a look at it.

Met a chick at the Litchfield Pub - she was in a metallic red Defender - and she insisted it was HER Defender. She was there with her two teenage sons and they were not letting Mum out of their sight!!!

Once again she will look into joinging the NT Mob of AULRO.

And Mr Whippy - sorry about hijacking the thread. You might look into spending a night a Crab Claw Island.