Member - Dunworkin (WA) replied:

Sounds like you know where you're going, I'd say jump in the deep end and go anti-clockwise, A) you will be all enthusiastic and eager and will enjoy the backblocks more and B) a leisurely drive back from Newman will help when you have to head back into work.
I usually can't wait to get into the blackblocks, that is why I suggest going that way. Which ever way you go sounds like a lovely trip so enjoy it.

Cheers

Footloose replied:

If you jump in at the deep end, you'll be better provisioned and fresh. You'll have all the energy and enthusiasm to really have a ball. Then across to Newman and wind down on the black top to Perthvagas.
Just my 2c

Willem replied:

Equinox

I always take a day to settle in to travelling. Do an easy run first and then slowly get in to the outback stuff. This is the norm here as we normally have to travel at least 1500km to get to remote country(to the west). All the remote stuff is done in the middle of the trip and then there is the transport section home. I would go clockwise as you will always(more or less) have the afternoon sun on your back. There is nothing worse than driving cross country into the sun.

I take it you are going out to that Pillar(can't remember name) east of the Gary.

Next year in the winter I am planning an extended trek out in the Western Deserts again travelling along some little used tracks and also some Heavy Duty cross country, and overgrown tracks, driving. If you are interested to join up you can email me through my website below. I only plan on having 2 to 3 vehicles in the convoy

Cheers and enjoy your trip.

Member - Jack replied:

Doesn't matter which way you go as long as you take the time to enjoy it.

Through the need to be in Perth at a certain period of time, I went around clockwise, having left from Sydney. We rarely encountered the dreaded headwinds, or any of the many other "fuel consuming" terrors we hsad been told to expect. After 37,500 kms I was not that interested in saving myself the extra 94kms (or whatever it is) by travelling anti-clockwise.

I enjoyed having the ocean on my side of the road as well, especially crossing the Nullabor and coming down the east coast.

You can research yourself to a standstill on many of these things ... which I call "paralysis by analysis" ... and never get anywhere. As the tv commercial says .. "Just Do It"... and love it.

Jack