joe

we'll visit Australia -taking time for that: 1 1/2 or 2 months- and are not sure if these three long drives are worth for its beauty, sense of freedom, or are boring, dangerous and a waste of time: <BR>- Adelaide-Perth <BR>- Perth-Broome-Kununurra (4.400 kilometres, wow!) <BR>- Darwin-Alice Springs <BR> <BR>Obviously, having rented a car you are much freer than flying to a place and depending on the public transport. Maybe, since I'm European, I do not exactly consider the great distances -althought I know how long they are in kilometres, how the trip might length 2-3 days easily-, but I find itinteresting and like driving. By the way, is it worth any special flight in Australia -not so much in order to go from one place another one, but just to have a different sight?

Paul S

Hi Joe, <BR> <BR>To answer your question in a nutshell the answer is all three trips are long, boring and dangerous. <BR> <BR>You will encounter wandering stock, emus that run out in front of you, kangaroos that jump in front of you and 100's of kilometers of dead straight road with no sign of human habitation. The only thing you will come across is the very occassional road house for fuel. <BR> <BR>I have attended numerous accidents from people unfamiliar with our driving conditions out in the outback of Australia and none have been prepared for the trip except they thought it would be an adventure. <BR> <BR>I regularly drive the routes you have asked about so please if you do these drives make sure you have adequate spare parts, fuel, tyres, and a good first aid kit. Also make sure you have a vehicle capable of making it. <BR> <BR>If you want specifics about anything feel free to e-mail me direct. <BR> <BR>Cheers

Kay

Hi Joe, <BR>I agree with the above post but don't be completely put off. You could drive a bit, catch the train and also fly a sector here and there. <BR> <BR>There is a train (the Indian Pacific I think) from Adelaide to Perth which takes 2 days, you could take that and see the Nullabor Plain and the open empty outback from the comfort of your seat and not worry about road-trains and hitting kangaroos. You could hire a car in Darwin and drive to Alice. Places worth stopping on the way are Katherine Gorge (really beautiful place to spend the day) and Mataranka Springs where you can swim in the warm waters. Also visit Kakadu near Darwin and Kings Canyon near Alice if you have time. <BR> <BR>Australia is NOTHING like Europe when it comes to driving long distances, there are hundreds of miles of nothing much to see with just an occasional place to buy (very expensive) petrol. <BR>I'm sure you'll really enjoy your stay here, maybe just modify you plans a bit. <BR>Kay

Barb

Hi Joe, <BR>6-8 weeks is amle time to see Oz if you plan carefully. The trips you mention are arduous driving but regions well wotrh seeing, why not make these your "special flights" for different sights. <BR>The highway between Sydney & Cairns has spectacular scenery, <BR>is well maintained and well populated , very safe traveling & many sights! Beautiful beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, diverse agricultural regions, wildlife, restaurants - whatever you are looking for. What time of year are you visiting? The Victorian state also has lots of beauty, depends on the time of year & what you are seeking. Whatever you plan, I'm sure you'll have a great time - we have an expression down here - it's God's own country! Truly magnificient! If you'd like any further info please email. <BR>Cheers from Oz' <BR>Barb.

Patrick

How are you getting to Australia? When we went a few years ago on Quantas (via American FF miles) we found a seldom advertised bonus with Quantas that lets you buy any number of single flights within the country for $99 each (US) at that time. This was only available to those from other countries and was dependent upon your flight to Australia. We used them for Sydney to Perth ($99 what a bargain!), Perth to Hobart, Hobart to Adelaide, (then drove Adelaide-Melbourne-Sydney), Sydney to Brisbane, and Brisbane to Cairns. We did a lot of driving within the country during our two month trip --the longest being the Melbourne to Sydney trip which wasn't even that exciting, but passed on routes such as you mention as they just didn't look that exciting.

Suzanne

Hi Joe, Australia is such a big country, where to start. I'm based in Adelaide and have to say Adelaide to Perth would be truly spectacular but there is so much to see & do. Please take a peek "http:www.aussieassist.com" and email me direct id I can assist you further. Cheers, Suzanne.

Mike

G'day Joe, <BR>I agree with some that has been said, disagree with other answers. <BR> <BR>Here is my 2 bobs worth: <BR>Of course these drives are worth it. <BR>The long distances and isolation are part of an Australian experience! <BR> <BR>In 2 months you can do it and take your time along the routes for detours away from the main roads. <BR>I would get a 4WD, at least for the Perth to Kununurra leg. <BR>There are so many places along the way, in the Pilbara and Kimberley especially where you'll need it if you really want to see things. It certainly isn't boring there. Landscapes and scenery are beautiful. <BR> <BR>Make a rule to keep your daily distances to between 300 km and no more than 500 km. Don't drive after the sun starts to set - that's when you are likely to strike Kangaroos and lifestock crossing the roads. <BR>Before you go, research your intented routes thourougly and you'll find that there is plenty to see only just short distances from the main roads. <BR> <BR>Just figuring - Adelaide to Perth, allow 8 to 9 days ( whale watching at the Head of the Bight during May - Oct. ). <BR>Perth to Kununurra and Darwin, 22 days. <BR>Darwin to Alice, including Kakadu and Katherine, 8 days. <BR>Around Alice and Ayers Rock, 5 days. <BR> <BR>Allow a few day's extra in case you would like to stop for a day now and then along the way. <BR>That's lets say all up 49 days, leaving you still some time for Adelaide, Perth, Darwin. <BR> <BR>I do these routes quite frequently by 4WD and those are reasonable times. <BR> <BR>Have a good one, <BR>Mike

joe

well, I'm not still sure what to do. Have been thinking on August-September or September-October, but do not know if should buy a 2nd hand car in Sydney and sell it again, as it looks to be made frequently or rent a car (a 4WD? motorhome?). I've been searching places which were worth a stop, and definitely, Adelaide-Perth looks it is (maybe from Norseman going north to Calgoorlie and back south to reach Perth along the coast, Esperance-Albany-Bunbury). It looks the longest side (and maybe most boring) is after Monkey Mia and until Broome, with few places to stop (Exmouth?, Port Hedland?). From there on, I've found interesting places: that peninsula between Broome and Derby, the whole Kimberley (what about a round trip Gibb Road to Windham and back from the motorway?, maybe going from Fitzroy Crossing to Alice Springs and visiting the meteorite? <BR>The last trip I'd like to ask is around Darwin: I've found an island ruled by aborigenes, what about visiting it? and, is it possible to go on tracks in Kakadu and Arnhem Land, maybe paying an Aboriginal guide? <BR>Oh, I forgot the last! And the last aventure: what about north of Cairns until Cape York? <BR>We know cars and have repaired some of them, so I think we would be able to make repairs if we were on a trouble. But, if things get worse, is it possible to call/be called to a movil-phone at these areas? If not, and we had told the police what we'd like to do, would they worry about us if we do not call back? <BR>By the way, thanks to everybody for your replies

marg

We're travelled extensively around Australia with car and caravan so know a bit about the roads etc. First of all, Australian roads aren't nearly as good as US roads (I assume you are coming from there?). A lot of minor roads in the outback are dirt and not always well maintained. The Gibb River Road is a horror story to most travellers - I certainly wouldn't take a motorhome or a 2WD car on it. <BR>Mobil phones don't work in the outback -you will only get reception around major centres unless you invest in a really expensive satellite set up. <BR>As to leaving messages with police, it's certainly a good idea in remote areas. <BR>A lot of Kakadu and Arnhem Land is aboriginal land and you would need a permit to go there. I think there are tours from Kakadu which you could arrange. <BR>You can go from Darwin to Tiwi Island and Thursday Island - there are tours which include airflights and accommodation. <BR>Going north from Perth, you could visit Kalbarri (particularly if you are there in wildflower time - August to October - as the flowers are spectacular. Another nice spot is Coral Bay - good for diving or glass boat tripping. <BR>Incidentally petrol on the Nullabor in September last year was $1.37 a litre and petrol costs have gone up since. A good website for travelling in Australia is www.travelmate.com.au.