Trip Timing

G'day Jason,

It will be cool in August travelling through central Qld and it will warm up when you get to the three ways in NT. It will be the dry season and already past the peak tourist season so hopefully it won't be so busy. IMO your time travelling through central Oz will still be cool at night but it sounds like a perfect time to me.

The only issue for me is that it seems like an overly long distance with a van and kids but it depends on what they are used too.

Sounds like a great trip.

Kind regards

Jason,

Wouldn't head north any later than August. Days can be perfect, or a bit hotter, but nights are cool, as there's usually little humidity. We went up to Kakadu late Sept/early Oct one year, and it's getting a bit sweaty by then.

Just watch some of the long stretches on Landsborough/Barkly and Stuart Highways. They can be quite boring for some, and it's easy to get fatigued if you don't have regular breaks, or swap drivers.

Enjoy the trip, there's some magic spots along that route,

Bob.

Thanks Bob. Yeah I was wondering if we were leaving it too late. I did a similar trip as an 11 year old and absolutely loved it. My favorite spot was mataranka springs. Looking forward to spending a couple of nights there. I am really excited to give the same experience to my kids and wife.

Did a similar trip last year. Wagga to SA, up to Darwin, back to 3ways, across to Cairns, back down to Wagga via Dubbo.
Took us about 8weeks.
3 Adults 8 kids, eldest about 14, youngest about 9, two cars. Kids all loved it. Did not worry much about electronic gadgets. They did school work, looked at scenery, played games(eye spy, cricket, etc), talked, sang, etc

The top end comes alive during the wet season. A bit of humidity wont hurt. I think that the times you have picked will work well. October is the start of the build up but it is not unbearable. Swimming is more enjoyable and the kids will love Mataranka. If you do find it a bit uncomfortable....head south earlier.

Enjoy the trip

Hi Jason

We did a trip last year from Brisbane to Carnarvon, Winton, Longreach, Mt Isa, Lawn Hill, Karumba then tracked back toward the coast and home again. Took three weeks, and we were pretty rushed. The kids will love Lark Quarry and the Age of Dinosaurs both near Winton if you have time...and also if you have time, Lawn Hill was also quite spectacular. Seems a shame to almost drive past without dropping in!

Anyway - back to the topic...I think we left it a little too late by leaving in late August, and encountered some quite "unseasonal" hot weather along the way. Our camper has a/c so not too much of an issue there...but with kids I reckon mid-late July rather than August would be a safer bet. Still if you can't change your timing - then anytime is good!

Chris

Thanks all, really helpful responses.
Yes, I am quite familiar with Lawn Hill. After working for AAco for 6 1/2 years, I have been on Lawn Hill station a few times now as well as many other stations in that area. Lawn Hill was definitely the best for scenery etc.

The planning continues!

cheers