Anthony replied:

My best recomendation would be the off road camper and a tent.You will find you can travel to many more places and still have the equipment for a comfortable stay. Dont underestimate the tracks that you follow as the terrain can be more harsh than maybe anticipated.I haven,t been around the north for 6yrs or so but we were unprepared last time and are going again soon and taking a landrover defender,2 tents(1 small & 1 larger) and off road camper.Hope this helps.

John Duce replied:

In 1998 did an extensive trip covering some 20000kms with Nissan Patrol towing a Jayco Eagle Off Road Camper Trailer. Also took tent and camping gear but only used it at Palm Valley in West Mac Donnels. Enjoyed all the comforts but still did the rough stuff. Went up east coast to top of Lakefield NP via Cooktown and Battlecamp road. Back to Undarra and up to Karumba on Gulf. Then to Lawn Hill NP up to Bourketown and around Gulf Track to Roper Bar. On to Darwin, Kununurra into Purnulu NP (Bungle Bungles) then across Tanami to Alice. Home via central Queensland and Carnarvon Gorge NP. Planning an around Australia commencing May and Plan to do it with same Patrol towing a Jayco Outback Caravan with even more home comforts.

ExplorOz Team replied:

Hi guys, have you read our trip notes/diary from our 2 yrs around Oz in Troopy with trailer at www.itbeyond.com.au? Our trailer was primarily used to carry toys - scuba gear, windsurfers, fishing stuff, clothes, camping equipment etc so our Troopy was setup for sleeping - a pop top/camper. There are times when even a good offroad trailer will need to be left behind for side trips, so the ability to camp in the Troopy was ideal, it definately provides all the comforts because it eliminates the need to pitch camp in rain/dark etc. We much prefer to camp in the Troopy than tenting it - much better sleep when its windy etc. I wouldnt do it with a Troopy without the pop top because there would be poorer airflow/ventilation and headroom. We could stand up in our Troopy in the back. We also carried another tent for the times when we wanted keep a base camp for more than a week and drive off for day trips ie when in a town) but we actually only pitched it about 10 times. Disadvantes of the pop top was having to break down living quarters each day when you drive off. Having said that however the advantage is a very quick camp setup, not pitching tents in the rain/dark/mossies. We have had to sell the troopy to make room for our first child and now have an 80 series cruiser. For our continuting field research trips we will use a camper trailer. There are pros and cons - the major issue being how good are you driving with a trailer? Either way, you should consider being prepared to exist for up to 4 weeks without your trailer from time to time otherwise you will be restricted. Over the 2 yrs intensive travel we circumnavigated Australia and extensively explored the centre doing over 45,000kms.Hope this helps - Michelle and David

Paul Mery replied:

We did a two year trip of Aus. 1 year with a caravan, 3 months with just car and the rest with a specialist off road camper trailer. The best was jus the car, but we only saw rain once (Ayers rock) and didnt have much comfort. The off road trailer is the way to go, we took it everywhere (Kimberley, Steep Point etc.) and it was great...