Member - Jack replied:

Hi Simon:

I know a lot of tourists/backpackers actually buy a vehicle, do their travelling and then sell it on completion of their travels. Many I have spoken to say it cuts their travel costs to virtually nothing. Downside is that you need to be sure your vehicle is reliable (especially for Cape York) , and there is also the risk that you may not be able to sell it quickly for the price you would like when you are done with it.

But it is something you can consider.

Jack

Member - Reto (Switz.) replied:

Hi Simon

I think you can get a landcruiser with full equipment - winch, Snorkel, electr, fridge, 2 Battery-System, 2 Spare Wheels, EPIRB, ... - for $150 a day. If you travel for about 4 to 5 weeks, you waste your time for buying a suitable car and selling it after your trip.

Note, that a lot of hire companies do not allow to travel cape york, the old telegraph road or other sidetracks on the road.

If you travel in July/August, you will have a wonderful time up there. If possible, don't miss the mt isa rodeo, starts mid August.

Some information and photographs on my travels in FNQ you will find on my website Travel Australia - Cape York

You can contact me on email for more information.

Cheers
Reto

motherhen replied:

My sister has in-law-relatives from Switzerland, who both work for a couple of years, then come over and tour Australia for a few months. They hire a landcruiser camper outfit, and they do take it on the non bitumen roads (against hire policy). They have seen so much of Australia and love it so keep coming back. They also love to meet people and join in activities - the day they came to see us it was very hot and dusty, and we were yarding sheep. The young lady had never been on a 4 wheel motor bike, and took to it and had a great time yarding the sheep.

I do think the suggestion of buying and reselling is a wiser way to go considering the risks of hiring - huge costs if something goes wrong - eg an accident on a dirt road. A colleague toured Europe with his family - he bought a fairly cheap car in Enlgand, toured for a few months, then gave it to the luggage boy at the Paris airport. Still worked out cheaper than hiring.

We did tours out of Cairns (not as far as Cape York) with my daughter in her old Landcruiser Troop Carrier which was fitted out for camping, and a tent. Its a wonderful part of the world to see. She and her partner started out with it pulling a fold up caravan, but the camper didn't take the rough roads well, so they abandoned it and spent a year or so living out of the Troopie and touring, renting accommodation when they stayed somewhere for a while and got work.

Enjoy our wonderful land and climate

Thomas&Gabriela replied:

Have you checked out Travel Car Centre in Sydney, www.travelcar.com.au. They offer buy and sell back contracts. Choose your vehicle, accessories and camping gear that you need. Good luck!

BigJim replied:

Thank you for your replies.
I am still contemplating what to do. Either buy or rent.They both have there (dis) advantages.
If I can find a 4X4 for around the Aus$ 100- 125 pd that would suit me better.
When buying the biggest problem would be finding a reliable 4X4. Plus gear ofcourse.
Anyway, we still have a whole year of planning time so I will continue my search.
If anyone living around Cairns area is reading this could he or she keep a lookout for a good 4X4? Either rental or to buy? TA.
Meanwhile I will keep on scouring the inet for "a good deal"..
'Cruisers never die"...Nor does the Holden.