Thread: Brisbane-Perth in a IIA!

I've done Townsville-Darwin and Darwin-Melbourne in a 2A with no o/drive.

I had zero problems owith traffic on the highways. I'd keep the same speed up and if I could move over to let them pass I would. Otherwise, everyone would just go around me with no complaint.

I found in the NT that I'd see the same cars each day. However in the LR, I'd start the driving earlier and take fewer/shorter rest stops, so I'd pass them repeatedly and still get to the destination roughly the same time as they did.

Just check all transmission oil levels each morning before you set off. A big syringe from the chemist is a cheap way to inject oil into the gearbox!

I'm right near the southern entrance to Sydney (coming from Canberra), so if you need assistance there, just ask!

have a crack I did darwin to perth and return in a soft top CJ5

that was a hoot...

to quote the yuong bloke out of the new transformers

"50 years from now dont you want to be able to say you were brave enough to get into the car?"

I have a mate and his then girlfriend that rode push bikes from Brisbane to Perth leaving mid February, then bought an old Honda civic and drove home - not something I would do, and no they didn't train for it, I'd say go for it, why wouldn't you - great way to see the country side - yeah I know flat

I drove to Mt Isa years ago for a mates engagement party - It was great hadn't been much past Toowoomba before that, so thought why not.

i would say just make sure you have a comprehensive emergency kit. i used to drive b-doubles and road trains from melb-perth (until2000)
the roads are not bad and there are roadhouses at regular intervals,usually 2-3 hours apart.
my only advice is don't drive at night.
btw the nullarbor plain is only 90 miles long!
hope you enjoy the trip it's a great drive

Originally Posted by isuzurover

We are contemplating DRIVING the IIA from Brissie-Perth after new years. 2.25NA diesel with no OD!

So - who thinks I am insane to attempt it?!?!?!

Can anyone suggest/recommend routes or places to see along the way???

Brisbane-Warwick-Goondiwindi then down the Newell to Gilgandra-Warren-Nevertire-Nyngan-Cobar-Wilcannia-Broken Hill-Peterborough-Port Augusta then cross the bottom end all the way to Norseman and on to Perth. Fuel is expensive on the crossing so carry as much as you can and fill it where cheapest before going. A trailer with 200+ litres would be good. Brisbane distillate is generally around $1.20 at present.

Go for it 25 years ago we use to do it and it was quite acceptable dont flog it carry oil for everything and some oil seals and you should be fine.
It can be as hot as hell at that time of the year I use to find travelling at night was much more pleasant never worried much about Skippy just watch Wombats on the Nullabor (tired driver Wombat under front wheels usually means inverted Land Rover).
I would be very wary of travelling from Ayers Rock to Perth via the desert at that time of the year there will be little traffic, its not impossible that if it all goes pear shaped it could cost you your life.
Throw a 44 of diesel in the back and enjoy the trip.
From memory the 2.25 diesels were more sensitive than the petrols with heat so make sure the cooling system is in good nick, the occupants will be fine if use to heat, get a couple of atomising water bottles to help keep cool. If you havent already done it cover the floor with carpet or something I have seen thongs melt on the floor of an unsealed Series in hot conditions.

If you don't I'll do it!!!

I have Uni holidays coming up and was planning something big anyway

Would be an unreal trip.

Nice one Ben, get it done mate, what an experience it will be!

Strangely enough, I'm sat in the study typing this as my missus is telling my mate (who's over from Portugal - who you met at Harvey) about how her Dad took them across Australia on un-sealed roads in the early 70's when they were kids in a Toyota Corolla (or similar - not entirely sure what it was, but a small car of Jap origin) with spare tyres thrown on top of a home built roof rack !

It's an experience that she's never forgotten and never will, one life and all that, get it done asap, I just wish I was tagging along, but it will be done one day no doubt!

Jon