Sydney-Derby trip

**p38arover** · 12th March 2007, 11:25 PM

As you are well aware, I plan to take the Discovery across to my daughter in Derby in early May.

If I drove (via the Tanami) it would be abouyt 4300km.

However, I plan to drive to Adelaide via Broken Hill, then train it to Darwin on The Ghan, then drive from Darwin-Katherine-Derby.

You'll note that the driving sections are all bitumen so I'm not expecting severe conditions.

I don't want to load the Disco up too much but equally I want to be self sufficient. I don;'t want to carry stuff that I've got to bring back by plane nor do I want to leave my good camping gear in Derby. I suspect I can't take an empty jerry can nor a gas stove on the train but have yet to find out.

Any suggestions on what to pack/carry for this trip would be appreciated.

I'm not expecting to camp out so I shouldn't need a swag or sleeping bags. I may carry them just in case. They can stay in Derby as my daughter can use them if needs be.

I may buy a cheap gas stove (the type that uses cheap gas aerosol style cylinders just to make a cuppa. I can buy it in Darwin.

I don't know whether to carry a jerry can of diesel. I expect to be able to refuel a couple of times across from Katherine to Derby and that the Disco will have ample range to make it between refuelling stops. (I haven't calculated the Disco's fuel economy yet but I've got 850km out of 3/4 tank (indicated) - that's about 1100km range under touring conditions).

The car is fitted with Bridgestone Desert Dueler HT tyres (highway terrain) with plenty of tread. I don't want to buy new tyres if not needed.

I realise this is not like doing a couple of 1500km stages on the East Coast where there are plenty of towns but I'm not planning a Simpson Desert trip, either.

So any suggestions welcome.

Oh, this trip may swing it either way on purchaing a really good 300Tdi D1 for myself.

Ron

**BigJon** · 13th March 2007, 10:14 AM

Standard tank will do just fine for fuel. Even the Kimberley isn't as remote as it once was.

**cartm58** · 13th March 2007, 12:48 PM

train carry on requirements are posted on their web site from memory no LPG or Jerry Fuel Cans

Other point is they also say from memory nothing allowed to be in car while being ferreid either due to theft break in problems.

I would recommend a minimum 5 litre water jug to be carried with you for the trip a $20 gas cooker from camping store good compromise and that means a cheap kettle or billy as well. All should fit in plastic crate in back of vehicle.

Cheap camping light might be an idea.

**p38arover** · 14th March 2007, 07:54 AM

There's no problem with stuff in the car. They told me that (apart from the restriction on their website) all contents must be visible from outside the vehicle.

I'm not planning to carry much. Whatever we carry will stay with our daughter, Lyndal. Some will be her camping stuff.

I bought a cargo barrier off eVilBay last night just in case. There's a set of drawers in Brissie that I'm interested in.

I'm looking at staying on in Derby for a week after Elisabeth returns to Sydney. I'll drive her to Broome to spend a few days with her down there and to catch her flight. Then I'll go back to Derby.

Lyndal would like to do some of the GRR so maybe we can do that together. It would give me a chance to give her some experience in driving a 4WD and the use of low range, diff lock etc.

I'm looking for some suggestions for things to look at up there.

Ron

**BigJon** · 14th March 2007, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by p38arover

I'm looking for some suggestions for things to look at up there.

Ron

The entirety of the GRR and all the associated side tracks into gorges, etc.

Some of the best scenery I have seen anywhere in Australia (and therefore the world).

**bigbugga** · 14th March 2007, 09:59 AM

bungle bungle's, Ord river system, hidden valley, all in and around kunnunara. Great area.

**fernockulated** · 14th March 2007, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by bigbugga

bungle bungle's, Ord river system, hidden valley, all in and around kunnunara. Great area.

BY GOLLY GOSH,HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gday big fella,nice to see you didnt get blown away with the turbulence over there lately,good to hear from you occasionally,and congrats on the encumbering,best wishes to the two of you (bit late i spose

)

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 14th March 2007, 08:07 PM

never too late for good wishes Ferno

**BMKal** · 15th March 2007, 01:29 AM

Ron,

If you've got time in Derby, go down to the wharf and see if the barge is running out to Cockatoo Island, and you might be able to scam a ride out and back. If you see "Captain" at Captain's Cranes - he might be able to arrange a trip for you. Alternatively, Aerial Enterprises used to fly out there every day delivering mail, people etc to the mine - not sure if they've still got the contract, as most of the fly in - fly out is through Broome now since the commercial flights stopped going to Curtin.

But if you can get out there, it's well worth the trip. Some great scenery and the best fishing you will ever come across - just don't go swimming on any of the beaches. Those big brown sea gecko's aren't worth arguing with.

I used to be the manager of the Iron Ore mine up there a few years ago and it's one of the best places I've ever worked.

**bigbugga** · 15th March 2007, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by fernockulated

BY GOLLY GOSH,HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gday big fella,nice to see you didnt get blown away with the turbulence over there lately,good to hear from you occasionally,and congrats on the encumbering,best wishes to the two of you (bit late i spose

)

cheers Ferno.

Better late than never mate, you need to get in here more often (tounge in cheek)

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