Planning a trip somewhere new?

Submitted: Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 18:13
ThreadID: 135875 Views:4678 Replies:19 FollowUps:18
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If you've got a trip planned within the next 12 months and it's either your first visit or first time back in many years, then please tell us where you're going!

Just post a reply below with as much/little info as you like but we're keen to see how far/wide people are exploring. It would be good to see where you're starting from (town/state), and approx what time of year you intend to go etc.

If there is any specific information you're seeking, then mention that too.
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Reply By: The Explorer - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 19:05

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 19:05
Hi

Doing the Overland Track in Tasmania in February.



Have been to Tasmania three times before (Western Arthurs, South Coast Track, Casino) but not this area - should be fun.

Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 19:39

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 19:39
To walk the overland track is on my bucket list too...im turning 50 in feb and it was one of the ideas.
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 19:59

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 19:59
I dont have a bucket list - maybe I should. Someone just asked and I said yes.

Trick is not to stop moving (on your feet). Too many places to look at that you cant get to in a vehicle. Plently of time to sit down or drive around when you are really old :)

Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Reply By: the_fitzroys - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 20:20

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 20:20
We're heading from Melbourne to the Kimberley in late April, aiming to make it to Broome in 6 weeks.
Despite all the bush camping we've done over the years (upper and lower Darling River, Murray, Lachlan, Flinders Ranges, Vic High Country etc.) I'm puzzled by some of camping conditions up there. We're not that keen on caravan parks but it seems like there are places where you really have no option. Station stays are fine up to a point. It's not that we're unwilling to pay. Far from it. But I have read of some campgrounds and station stays that insist you have a chemical toilet. We're not prepared to go that route. We have a post hole shovel, dig a long drop and deal with waste and TP responsibly. I get that you don't want people digging holes in campgrounds but I can't understand why they have toilets that only day trippers can use.
So my question is, is good bush camping easy enough to access? Are there places where we will have to stay in a CP?
Lou
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Reply By: Tim F3 - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 20:42

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 20:42
Live in the illawarra nsw..leaving roughly june up through the centre to darwin spend 2 to 3 months around darwin then birdsville for the races for 2 weeks then home..
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 21:12

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 21:12
CSR - mid year

Simpson, with a twist, and Strzelecki

Cairns and back through Mt Surprise, Georgetown.

Maybe another SA trip that have been invited to join

Based in Waltzing Matilda country.

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Follow Up By: Theo D - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 22:39

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 22:39
Bob on your way around Georgetown and Mt Surprise there have been a few new National Parks open including Rungulla NP. It's around 50km south of Forsyth and is based on the Gilbert River, next to Cobbold Gorge (also worth a visit).

Rungulla is formerly a cattle station that was stocked extremely lightly and therefor the country side is in good condition. There is some very basic campsites there, probably only good after the wet season when there is some water in the Percy River/Gilbert junction. Heaps of aboriginal rockart including Mushroom Rock... well worth a look!
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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 08:48

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 08:48
Thanks for the follow up, Theo.

Some interesting country through that area, and keen to get back up there. Have been down the Ootan Road a couple of times, and across to Mt Surprise, then down to Einasleigh.

Will see what 2018 brings?

Thank,
Bob

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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 10:30

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 10:30
Great part of the world, and worth going into the old township of Gilberton when in the region...well, what's left of it which isn't much.

Cheers, Baz - The Landy
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Reply By: Member - Taxi Driver - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 21:16

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 21:16
Hi, we are ?? my to head on first long trip either melbourne Darwin or melbourne Western Australia
Now retired Time is not a big deal but looking to head off March April.
Starting to really get into preparing an itinerary
Brian and Denise
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Reply By: andy - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 22:20

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 22:20
Hi Michelle

Next winter:
Hanns Track in WA
Area north west of Mungilli Claypan
Road from Acacia Puce to Colson Track and then south to French Line

Any comments from people having travelled these tracks recently are welcome

Cheers
Andreas

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Follow Up By: Member - RobnJane(VIC) - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 20:08

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 20:08
Hi Andy,

I think the Mungilli Claypan is off the Gunbarrel, and would be interested in comments and/ experience you have of that area. We travelled along the Gunbarrel a couple of years ago but did not explore the area around Mungilli, and it seems to be something that needs to be done! Any comments would be appreciated.
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Follow Up By: Member - JOHN C16 - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 00:34

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 00:34
Hanns Track.
I drove this route in August 2015 and wrote some comments on track conditions in Thread 131576.

Mungilli Claypan.
I last visited here in August 2017. The Gunbarrel is graded all the way from Wiluna to Mungilli Claypan and a short distance beyond to the shire boundary. The Gunbarrel passes through the Southern section of the Claypan. To access the much larger Northern section turn off the Gunbarrel at the Eastern end, drive anti -clockwise around the edge of the Claypan for a kilometre or two until you see a clear route over a low sand ridge. The view from the top of the ridge is impressive. It is an easy drive North over the ridge. In August this year the Northern Claypan was full of water while the Southern section was dry. In some years the Gunbarrel can be blocked by water in the Claypan. A detour route exists to the South. All of these different areas are attractive and provide many good camping options.

The Eagle Highway is an interesting track North. The 18 km from the Gunbarrel to Mungilli Outstation is graded. Maps state that the outstation is abandoned. This is not correct. The outstation is the base for a busy Aboriginal sandalwood collecting business. North of here the Eagle Highway is in fairly good condition as far as the Warri site (the location where the last Aboriginal nomads lived). North of there the track deteriorates. The section from the Western Dogleg Corner to the Talawana Track is particularly rough and overgrown but also very beautiful. I drove the Eagle Highway a few years ago.

Colson Track.
I drove this track between the WAA line and Madigan Camp 5 in May 2017. The Northern half is good. The Southern half is slower due to thicker vegetation growing on the track.







Cheers,
John
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Follow Up By: andy - Friday, Nov 24, 2017 at 04:06

Friday, Nov 24, 2017 at 04:06
Hi John

Thanks for the info on Hann and Colson tracks. It encourages us to travel the two tracks in 2018 if weather permits. When travelling on the Colson from the French Line north last year we found that that the track deteriorated north of the Colson Oil Well. As we did not know the track conditions further north we returned.

We have been at Mungilli Clay Pan, travelling the Eagle Highway up to Warri and the continued to the Talawana Track about 20 years ago. When have you been out there?
BING Satellite images show a settlement at Mungilli Outstation and and a recent exploration track heading northwest.

Cheers Andreas
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Follow Up By: Member - JOHN C16 - Sunday, Nov 26, 2017 at 19:56

Sunday, Nov 26, 2017 at 19:56
Hi Andreas,

I travelled down the Eagle Highway from Talawana to Mungilli Claypan in August 2015. It was part of a 5 month trip which included Hanns Track and the Simpson desert. All of the photos on my profile are from that trip. I also visited Mungilli Claypan in 2016 and 2017.

I have not seen the track heading northwest from Mungilli Outstation. I would be interested to read about your experiences there after your trip.

Cheers,
John
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Reply By: Paul E6 - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 23:10

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 23:10
Me and the wife are renting the house out and heading east over the nullabor in March. We will be gone at least a year and we don't know where we'll end up or when we'll be back.
That's how desperate we are to get out of WA.
Just kidding, sort of.
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 23:20

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 23:20
Great plan. Have a good one

Cheers
Greg
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Reply By: Drew - Karratha - Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 23:21

Thursday, Nov 16, 2017 at 23:21
Currently looking at Dirk Harthog for Dec / Jan.. researching the best way to get the boat over...
We usually head to Exmouth once or twice a year, after many years of camping at Ningaloo Station.
Living near Bunbury, so it isn’t too far!
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Reply By: GarryR - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 06:18

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 06:18
Judy and I just came back from visiting and touring 2 Bush Heritage Stations in both far north NSW- Naree Station, and in Sth Aust - Boolcoomatta Station. then returning home via as many dirt gravel roads as possible, including current and old royal mail runs. Next year I will pickup Judy off the Ghan (from north to south) then head off to the Gammom Rangers for a week or so.
location - Warragul -Victoria
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Reply By: Hewy54 - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 06:41

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 06:41
Need to deliver an antique drum to a mate in Brisbane so we plan on looking at some outback NSW and Qld on the way, and maybe back through corner country to Adelaide.



Going to BRB in July, then north for a while till we run out of road, then west for a while till we run out of road then south for a while until we need to go east to get back to Adelaide some time in September (or maybe October or November but by Xmas for sure)
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Reply By: dirvine - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 09:22

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 09:22
Heading off to Perth via the old Eyre Highway, inland/across land to Coral Bay , to Perth then along cost and beach drives back to Melb in Jan to March. Not the ideal time for heat but has to fit in....
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Reply By: 1952 - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 10:11

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 10:11
Off from Adelaide end of May, head west, Geraldton, inland WA, Tom Price, Derby, Gibb River Road, Kimberlies and across to Darwin. May continue around the coast to Burketown, as that is the only stretch of Australian coast we have yet to traverse.
And then the following week .. only kidding!
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Reply By: Phil - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 13:44

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 13:44
Heading north from Melbourne after Easter towing poptop caravan and camping gear for offroad excursions. Itinery: Not really. Staying in a combination of caravan parks, free/bush camping etc.Time away: As long as it takes. Route: Victoria, NSW, Queensland, NT, SA and home. Reason: Retired.
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Reply By: batsy - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 13:51

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 13:51
Heading off May 2018 from the Darling Downs to Pt.Agusta then Ceduna & across The Great Australian Bight via the dirt & beach to Esperance including a visit to Maralinga, then to Kalgoolie, Laverton & back along The Anne Beadell to Coober Pedy back to Pt.Agusta, Quorn for the Pitchi Rich Railway & back home around early July.....maybe..
We have done a fair amount of research but if anyone has any information to pass on on the Great Australian Bight beaches/tracks/camping/fishing etc please do so.

Cheers
Batsy
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Reply By: Member - coutaboat - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 22:40

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 22:40
We are planning a trip from Point Lonsdale to Karumba next July August. Did the Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks and beyond this year and would like to get the Gulf next year. The remote places in this country are too good to miss. Not sure about the flies and mozzies up that way though. Only one way to find out I guess.
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Reply By: Life Member - Talawana - Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 23:47

Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 23:47
Leaving Anakie Victoria early July heading West, when we get to Esperance then head North to Katherine. We will relax, enjoy and visit things that take our fancy. Home early October.
Cheers



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Reply By: Baz - The Landy - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 07:57

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 07:57
I'm working on a plan to walk the Heysen Trail (north to south) in 2018...

Otherwise, will be Out & About up in the NSW Corner Country in Sturt National Park.


Cheers, Baz
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Follow Up By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:36

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:36
Only just yesterday was I updating our Fleurieu Trek Note and noting all the fabulous sections of coastline that the Heysen Track follows there - definitely whetting my appetite. Last week I was updating Places along the Larapinta Trail and friends and I discussed doing the trail run there in 2019... and then I have a friend just completed the full walk along the Cape to Cape and a few weeks ago a group of my training buddies did the annual Cape to Cape MTB event - there are so many fantastic multi-day hikes in this country. I hope you get to do the Heysen Trail - how long do you estimate? 50 days is the recommended isn't it? Will you be solo or will Mrs Landy be your support crew to supply scones and jam and massages at appropriate locations? ;) An interesting trek for logistics.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 21:04

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 21:04
Hi Baz and Michelle

Hey Baz would you do the full 1200 kilometre walk or sections of it?

They say it is a little long walk, but there is some unreal scenery.

That's the same as walking from Clare to Canberra....




Cheers




Stephen
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Sunday, Nov 19, 2017 at 11:00

Sunday, Nov 19, 2017 at 11:00
Hi Michelle & Stephen

To put some context on the walk…

During my 42-years in the corporate world of Investment Banking I often considered how would I “transition” myself from that environment when I decided to give it away…

I arrived on doing a long walk and had said to Janet (Mrs Landy) that I would walk from Sydney to Brisbane to “detox” from the mindset of the corporate world. You can walk to Brisbane in parts along tracks and I have walked Sydney to Newcastle (240klm) on a couple of occasions, but in reality the walk would have limitations.

Fast forward to 2017 and I “graduated from work” (I don’t like the word retired), deciding to leave on a timing of my own choosing to pursue “adventure” on a full-time basis whilst health and “youth” is on my side.

Many said, just hangout and wait for a retrenchment, but that isn’t my thing and is too mediocre for my liking – I want control over my life and not abdicate outcomes to someone else…

So back to the walk, I decided that the Heysen Trail fits the bill perfectly for me.

A long walk that I can do at my own pace through some of the most spectacular countryside Australia has to offer. And I quite like just having a backpack on and hiking through the bush.

My plan is to walk the whole track, but if there is one thing I have learnt from my “corporate upbringing” and travels into remote areas, is that one needs to be flexible – so it is with that mindset I am planning the trip.

You might be familiar with a book written by Cyril Ayris “Gulf to Gulf” about a walk he did from Spencer Gulf to the Gulf of Carpentaria – Cyril’s account of the walk he undertook in the early 2000s has always inspired me that ultra-long walks are within everyone’s grasp, just an open mind, preparation and planning is all that is required…

TomO, the Crown Prince, is undertaking his final year of school in 2018, so this may influence the timing of the trek as “mum and dad” provide him with support in this important year for him – but he is telling me to just get out there and do it; something we have always encouraged in any of our pursuits!

I am comfortable with “extreme” adventures and some of these have been hatched over a “couple of beers” before being enacted with little more than – let’s just get going.

And there is an element of that involved here, just get going (with some planning!). The planning may well be as simple as working out were Mrs Landy can deliver those fabulous scones of hers.

I am guided by the 50-days plus that is suggested, but here is one of the best things about being “retired from work” – it won’t matter if it takes me longer…

And I’ll have some time for planning coming up, having some minor surgery for a hernia, so about 6-weeks with the feet up will have me climbing the walls, planning, and chomping at-the-bit to get out there…

I’ll keep you posted…!

Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: equinox - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:32

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:32
Thinking of having a good look at Ernest Giles Range, might have to buy a drone :-)

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



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Follow Up By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:40

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:40
Love the different perspective that a drone offers. Really magic. We certainly are looking to get one soon - just a matter of finding the funds. David seems to the think the DJI Phantom 4 with 4K camera is the only choice - have you looked into it much yet?
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Follow Up By: equinox - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:47

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:47
I've had a good look around - the DJI Mavic Pro seems to fit my needs.
I like the portability - can fit in a backpack. Active track I would use a fair bit I would think and that can be done easily using just your phone without remote control. Price is good too at about 2K for a full kit, maybe cheaper post Christmas.


Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



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Follow Up By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:53

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 14:53
$1799 now on Kogan.
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 21:52

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 21:52
I have a Mavic Pro

Two weeks ago in the Little Sandy....





They are indeed compact which is their selling point. Get the "Fly More Combo" as you will need the 2 extra batteries (they only last ~ 20 minutes, so one is not enough) and you get a car charger. Comes with a controller but you need to connect your smart phone (apple or android) for full control. I use ipad mini as larger screen is better. I dont think it is possible to fly a Mavic just from your "phone" as suggest by Alan - have to use the controler at least and for full control of all functions phone/ipad/tablet required.

Can't comment on DJI phantom though have seen one in action and pretty flash - assume they have a better camera (?) but I think functions are the same?

Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 22:21

Saturday, Nov 18, 2017 at 22:21
and a shot over Hillarys :)



Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Reply By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Monday, Nov 20, 2017 at 20:37

Monday, Nov 20, 2017 at 20:37
Fantastic responses - thanks everyone and best of luck with these wonderful adventures. Hope we can help you.
Michelle Martin
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