Russell Vincent replied:

I use a small GPS unit while hiking for DofE expeditions and have been trained in navigating without GPS. I reckon that if your navigation skills are up to scratch and can triangulate your position then you can do without a GPS, however, in saying that they do come in handy when you come across irregularities on a map and need to confirm your position. GPS in itself I believe comes second to someone who knows how to use a compass. I hope this helps.

Allan replied:

Max, We had the same doubts as you but after having to refer to it on only two occasions, we changed our mind. Once in the Kalumburu / Pago region of the Kimberleys we followed another vehicle into a remote area and then tried to find our way out on our own. All the tracks look the same when you come from a different direction. Using a GPS with a plotter you can soon see when you depart from your original route.
Another time we were quite close to civilisation but became lost in a myriad of tracks. Using the ‘track back’ facility guided us back to safety. If you ever need to call for help you can give the rescuers your exact coordinates guiding them directly to you. Overall a cheap insurance policy and saves you having to write down your every move.

99% of the time they sit on the dash and are nothing more than a gimmicky toy but when you need them they are invaluable. I found a cheap basic unit has more features than you will ever use (or remember how to use). Most have a basic plotter and this is what I use most of the time. Make sure you get one with an external power supply so you do not have to worry about batteries.

Will replied:

Max,
I had a GPS for several years now, it is a handy thing to have as you do not have to stop to workout your position. On a trip to the Cape last year we went through Kawanyama and the Gulf and at one stage we could not find the river crossing they told us to use.... Using the GPS connected to a laptop and software called Oziexplorer (written by an Australian) we found it on no time but we would have wasted fuel trying to work it out otherwise. It is also a nice thing to have to add waypoints as you drive past a nice camp spot you may want to come back to.
Get one you can connect to an external power supply and one you can connect to a Laptop.

Nigel replied:

Something to keep in mind is if you have a HF Radio that allows connection with a GPS then it may be worth getting a GPS that has data output (eg most Garmins). This gives you the ability to transmit your position to another HF radio digitally, which is more likely to work in bad propagation conditions when voice communication can be difficult.

Mark Callaghan replied:

Hi Max
I agree with the others that you must have good nav skills first.
A GPS is a great backup and i have used one for years.
The ability to send your posi via HF radio, not needing to stop to find your posi, saves fuel by not taking the wrong track,
and the best is navigation at night or in poor weather.
We often return to camp in the dark and this guides you in perfectly
Get one that runs from cars power supply because they chew up AA battery like mad.
Its like having an EPIRB, good cheap insurance when you need it.

Edwin Callard replied:

Max.I crossed the csr just a while back with no GPS (I HAVE ONE NOW) with no problems. The Well positions keep you on track so you wont wonder to far out of the way. There are not to many other tracks to get confused with. I have a complete itnerary if you want a copy give me a hoi and Ill send it off to you. Either way its a great trip. Ill be doing it again. Edwin.

paul replied:

Max, As you already know a gps wont replace a good map and compas. Where a gps is good is when you have no idea where you are and there is nothing distinctive around that you can triangulate on to find you position. with a gps and a decent map you can work out exactly where you are and which direction to head,(using either map or compass). After all for all the money youve no doubt forked out to prepare for the canning, a garmin etrex for under $300 is cheap insurance. If buying one got to a Marine place not a 4X4 place. they are always cheaper. Eg if in VIC Whitworths marine in Melb or Boronia Marine In east suburbs.

max boyley replied:

Hey Paul - that is a real help, thanks. I have scratched around finding someone in Sydney that wants to talk about anything less than about $700! We had pretty well decided to rent one instead, but I will head off to a Marine shop and see what they can offer.

It certainly seemns that a base level unit offers all the functionality that you need!

Many thanks

Max