Travelling alone to Darwin
Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016 at 23:20
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uppy
Hi Travellers,
I'm travelling alone to
Darwin, my plan is leaving from
Perth to Mt Magnet up to
Newman then
Nullagine and on to
Marble Bar. I'll head off to
Broome and then via
Fitzroy Crossing and on to
Darwin. I've got a Black Wolf tent, and travelling in a fully equipped manual 4.8 Patrol. I've travelling in the outback before - but not alone. Questions for you - any general hints about the route and camping spots along the way. I've got radios, 4wd gear, water, fuel, etc - any hints or advice on travelling by myself. I plan to leave in very early November (it's the only time I can travel and yes I know it's the wet season) and reach
Darwin around the 20th so I've got time to stop off along the way.
Appreciate your help.
Safe travels to you all.
cheers, Uppy
Reply By: Dean K3 - Wednesday, Oct 19, 2016 at 20:05
Wednesday, Oct 19, 2016 at 20:05
PLB is useful to have as mentioned earlier
I did similar as far as WA border alone back in 2014 no issues at all free camped where i could and just told folks where i was going and when i was expected back in comms (didn't have sat phone on order but arrived 2 months after i left)
4.8 is that the petrol hoep not as willd rink it fairly quickly -as does the v8 diesel in cruiser for that matter.
fuel always
check out a unmanned sites if your running diesel as its often far cheaper than the manned sites -as long as you have a active credit card to pay for fuel -
meekatharra 135 vs 145-150 cpl as example - when I was there 4 weeks ago
kununurra similar deal 199.9 cpl for both petrol and diesel 179.9 at
ord river co-op back in 2014
24 hr main roads rest stops useful to use at least the have a eco-loo and sullage
dump point but gets bit rubbishy Europeans/asian backpackers tend to leave litter behind from my observations -note white washign but from i have seen first hand.
Bilyn
pool 70 odd kms north of meeka and 12 kms west of GN HWy
good spot for few nights stay remember wild cattle do use this as a regular watering hole.
de
grey river 80 kms east of pt hedland also nice spot -popular also
halls creek is one place best staying at caravan park and ensure everything is locked away out of site been a few issues there of late
BOM tour also interesting book in advance with tourist info in town - nice spots nearby
china wall saw tooth
gorge (
nice camping spot) and
palm springs -nice for a dip as long as you don't mind having little fish nibbling at your legs -maybe fresh water crocs at both locations
always keep eye out for cattle never drive at night they even harder to see at night than daytime
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: uppy - Thursday, Oct 20, 2016 at 09:39
Thursday, Oct 20, 2016 at 09:39
Thanks Dean, some good advice there . Yes my Patrol is petrol . Ive been told petrol is available on the route that I`m taking.Are the caravan parks going to be open that time of year? and yes I`ll be keeping every thing under lock and key .What about jerry cans of petrol on the roof ? if you know what I mean, regards to
Halls Creek. Cheers Uppy
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Robin Miller - Tuesday, Nov 01, 2016 at 17:54
Tuesday, Nov 01, 2016 at 17:54
What made a huge difference to our flexibility was when I made our 4800 patrol so that we could sleep inside it , took a bit of work but it can carry a lot more , you can even squeeze (just) 4 jerries along the back doors.
Presume you have a way to cope with flat battery , only other thing to carry is spare fuel pump , unlike diesel ones they are cheap at $75 and good insurance for doggy fuel.
Presume also that you know you can roll start that car but it will only fire up when you turn key to start after dropping clutch with an almost dead battery.
Also worth getting a spare key cut ($10) but without the electronics in it.
This enables you to drive car a few meters, or rotate the engine, without the engine starting. (Saved me a couple of times)
AnswerID:
605615
Follow Up By: uppy - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2016 at 11:40
Wednesday, Nov 02, 2016 at 11:40
Thanks Robin , Yep i know how to jump start a car. Born in the 50s, will take a extra key .My truck is 2005 manual,2 batteries ,Will need to carry fuel on the roof (60 Lts ) and 40 Lts water . Sphere wheel and tool box,Fridge 60 Lts with 20 lts of water ,food ,and beer are inside ,will sleep inside when I don`t feel like putting my turbo tent.Will
check out a fuel pump.Was that the price for a 2nd hand one .Cheers Uppy
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