Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast...

[stilletto_rebel]

I'm due time off from work and have been thinking about going for a drive.

I'm planning on making Broken Hill my first destination, after which I intend to drive in the general direction of Cairns before turning round and heading home to Melbourne. I'm currently planning on doing this from 17th to 25th Jan (nine days), but know I can go longer if I need to. I fully realise that this is a lot of driving per day and I might not make it fully to Cairns.

I'd like to keep driving on unsealed roads to a minimum; don't fancy using my space-saver for extended periods, although any suggestions of 'nice drives' along the route will be considered.

Would very much appreciate any offers of a spare room or sofa to help keep my costs down! I'll be on my lonesome as SWMBO will be working.

I'll be updating this thread with pics and vids as I go.

[fastfreddygassit]

"What a guy!"


Sounds exciting!
I cannot remember, are you running straight gas or dual fuel?
Could be an idea to plan your trip around the availability of LPG servos?

LPG locator for the iPhone
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/lpg-locator-australia/id475270456?mt=8

[stilletto_rebel]

I'm dual fuel - but will resort to running on petrol only when I can't get LPG.

[93_Clubman]

Re Broken Hill - some suggestions here:
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=47376

[bruce]

Smeggin hell! That's a bit of a casual.drive.
I did the drive and lived in cairns. Roads get narrower the further north you go. Fuels, food gets dearer too.

[Mr Morlock]

Its not like driving in UK nor Melbourne. I would not even consider those distances for a jaunt at that time of the year. You can easily get 40 deg heat or lots of humidity. Broken Hill in Summer- no thanks, An MX5 without air cond would be purgatory. Addiitionally accommodation may be hard to get. There are just so many other choices of places to see. I would also think about whether the car is covered say with RACV Total care because cars really do breakdown esp older ones.

[stilletto_rebel]

Thanks Paul; good link. I'm already putting together a list of spares and things to take.

Bruce, from your comment I'm assuming you know where I got my thread title from! I'm resigned to the fact that fuel especially will get rather more expensive, which is why I'm looking to keep my costs down where I can. I'm packing my sleeping bag and tent.

[Nevyn72]

Roads to travel between Melbourne and Cairns?

The Oxley Highway....... that is all......
(Seriously though, make sure you include this in your trip)

[Mr Morlock]

Melb to Cairns is 2900 klms one way- can people do sums?

Fuel is not an issue. LPG is reasonably available but lpg may well be less attractive choice against petrol in the bush.Also availability is not always correct i.e. databases are not always up to date. Taking spares is not much value- i.e. what do you take. A spare wheel tyre should figure in the equation. Even old MX5s are electronic so do you take a cam angle sensor, a crank angle sensor , a fuel pump, spare coil etc.RACV total care is the best insurance against getting stuck. Driving can also be very hazardous i.e. rule out night driving as kangaroos are a distinct risk. Anyone doing really long trips i.e. just driving really don't get to see much apart from the bush going by at a rate of knots. My advice take on a trip where you can drive and see the bush but also get to enjoy some great spots. Mildura / Renmark and down the Murray and maybe as far as Clare Valley or Barossa is still plenty to take on in such a short time. At least tent and sleeping bag gets you into caravan parks with facilities including camp kitchens.

[slug_dub]

Go for the roads you drive and not the places you stop at!

Go up through the Snowy Valley Way... being summer it'll be extremely nice driving for an MX5: Albury through Corryong and up to Cabramurra and Tumut is the way I've been. Out of my whole trip this was the best bit. One days worth from Albury up to Sydney or so, maybe Singleton/Newcastle... but I'd stay inland and not go Newcastle if going again. Don't go the Pacific Hwy any more than you have to.
If at Dorrigo don't go to Nana Glen, its dirt. Take the Armidale Road from Dorrigo to Grafton, very technical but had some potholes when I was there.
North of Grafton I'd say to not go via Warwick, there'll be more interesting roads to take ending up on the Gold Coast.

Be happy if you get to Brisbane, in my personal opinion the driving isn't as interesting much past the Sunshine Coast anyway.

[Nevyn72]

Here's a little drive on the approach to Biz-Vegas someone posted up that I've got saved for future use.

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/-29. ... !3e0?hl=en

[sailaholic]

Lions way is the best way over the nsw/QLD border, got to come inland a bit but not too much.


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[bruce]

Your thread title is such a classic line delivered by ol' mate Rimmer.

[JBT]

Here's a little drive on the approach to Biz-Vegas someone posted up that I've got saved for future use.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/-29. ... !3e0?hl=en

Yep, I guarantee you it's a beauty. And you can get to it via the Waterfall Way from Armidale through to Grafton.

I really wouldn't consider going further west than Dubbo unless you have a pressing need - there's a lot of GAFA (Great Australian Ferk All) out there and boooring roads.

[taminga16]

Mr M,
In the early 2000's I rode my motorcycle (no spare, roof, place to snuggle and with limited luggage to Brisbane on three ocassions, they were some of the best trips that I have ever done.
Greg.
P.S. The 650 BMW that I had just rebuilt broke down at Forbes (a failed ignition unit) and as result I spent two days waiting for a part, a new shirt, a haircut, use of a workshop (FOC), a day at the World gliding Championships where I was able to assist with traffic management and a $25.00 room.
G.K. Chesterton once said "An adventure is only a disaster viewed correctly".