Thread: Australian Trip 2008

Originally Posted by leeds

Am progressing plans for the trip next year and have a few questions that you may help me with.

Do I have to ensure that my annual British MOT is valid for all the time I am in Australia?



How detailed a packing list is required?

Will 1 first aid kit suffice

OR is it 1 first aid kit containing 12 plasters, 6 bandages etc which is needed?



On the cleanliness route am I better off with new winch ropes/tents etc so that there are no arguements about cleanliness?


Food. Am I allowed to bring in food in truck?

I use British military rations for fast foods and supplement them with local produce.


Apart from the obvious normal illegal stuff, what stuff on an overland prepared 110 is likely to cause problems with Australian customs?


Regards


Brendan

Can't help with the MOT - one of those who have been through it will be better able to help, same with the paperwork.

The major concern will be quarantine, particularly with outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in the UK, and the recent quarantine failure resulting in an Equine Influenza outbreak, you can expect them to be very strict. This means that anything that even looks like soil will be suspect, and new tent, winch rope etc obviously will help sidestep any potential problems.

Food in general is OK provided it is cooked or otherwise processed (note - you will not be allowed to bring in salami type stuff or cheeses), and I think may be restrictions on any beef products from the UK (think Mad Cow).

As far as I can think, the only problems likely to arise with your equipment is anything that looks like a weapon - obviously firearms, but also bows, machetes and similar, including large knives that look as if they are designed as a weapon not a tool, plus possibly spear guns.

Some equipment such as wheel spacers and some radio equipment (including radar detectors) may be illegal to use in Australia, but should not cause any problems with importing them.


Have a look at the Customs and Quarantine websites, and I understand they will reply to emails asking specific questions.

John

G'day Leeds

The Vehicle will have to be VERY CLEAN high pressure washed with certification, BUT you will possibily have to have it re-washed in Australia, (a little trick by Aust Quarantine, at one of their "recommended places" at $$$$$ the major concern is inbound seeds,plant matter, insects, reptiles, ANY uncooked/prepared foods, Military Ration Packs should be OK if still sealed, don't be suprised if you have to change the engine coolant (Water) and any other water carried, a lot of this depends on the indivual customs inspector

You will have to register your vehicle in Australia,this will be for 6 or 12 months and that registration will include 3rd Party Insurance (personal injury),this registration is valid for all Australian States,(but if you are working you should change your Rego over to the State that you are Living/Working in) Comprehensive (accident damage repair) is acquired seperately, and varies with age and accident history and you have to state the nominated drivers if more than yourself.

Other forum members maybe able to enlarge on this and also offer hints and help

cheers

Dont bring in any food even though it is canned AQIS will have a field day with it especially meat and dairy products due to foot/ mouth and mad cows, new tents will also save a lot of hassles. As with any remote touring a comprehensive first aid kit could be life saving if the worst happens. Also dont bring any water in as it can also harbour water bourne parasites. If it was my vehicle i would drive to the wharf/ loading station on a spare set of wheels with new tyres and swap just before packing or driving onto the vessel (depending how you will be arranging your freight, for safety packing in a container will avoid your gear being stolen out of your car if its RORO - a mate had a brand new stereo and speakers stolen out of a car he imported from japan.

Thanks for advice so far folks.

The vehicle will be steam cleaned and waxoyled just before leaving the UK.

Will trailer the 110 down to port so no issue with road grime for last 200 miles.

New tyres will also be fitted and will carry new winch ropes etc and fit them when in Aus.

Looks like will be hitting the shops in Aus for camping gear etc when arrive.



So far the only questions not answered is how detailed are the packing lists to be?


Regards


Brendan


PS A BIG thank you for all the help so far

G'day Leeds

When it comes to shopping for tents and stuff, look first at the AULRO site as there many bits available from members or outlets advertised on here

cheers

as an ex termite I used to have to work hand in hand with AQIS...

IMHO unless you have a very very specific reason to do it in your vehicle I would suggest leaving your vehicle behind in the UK and pre arranging with an insurance agency to be the primary driver of a vehicle registered by someone in country.

then buy a semi decent second hand rover here and do your trip in that using someone elses location as a registration address.

If you happen to get the wrong bloke you can wind up with every single part of your vehicle dismembered down to any sealed point (ie you dont have to dismantle the engine but you do have to remove all the covers and the sound proofing)

Ive seen guys scrubbing the electrical connectors on the harness with tooth brushes on the docks for an AQIS inspection before today and Im talking about the ones that live behind the dash.

theres a thread on here somewhere (which I cant for the life of me find) that shows the end result of what I would call a semi serious go at strip down for AQIS clean up.

Originally Posted by leeds

Thanks for advice so far folks.

The vehicle will be steam cleaned and waxoyled just before leaving the UK.

Will trailer the 110 down to port so no issue with road grime for last 200 miles.

New tyres will also be fitted and will carry new winch ropes etc and fit them when in Aus.

Looks like will be hitting the shops in Aus for camping gear etc when arrive.



So far the only questions not answered is how detailed are the packing lists to be?


Regards


Brendan


PS A BIG thank you for all the help so far

As detailed as possible, your packing checklist should suffice, they will only be looking for dutiable items like booze/smokes and any commercial quantities of new items ie more than you could use or consume yourselves. Camping gear is very reasonable here and you can always sell it on once your finished with it, i bought some of a guy who had been here for a year travelling in a classic rangie then headed back to the UK.

G'day Leeds

It might be worthwhile to PM Reeds90 as he brought his 90 over and toured Aust, he has since settled here and still drives said 90 soft top

It also depends on your Port of Entry as to how the Quarantine people treat you and your vehicle, (how clean it is and Port of Dispatch) also that would be the case in buying tents and stuff when you get here, as prices vary in different States (dearer in the West as most stuff has to be freighted from the Eastern States.

cheers