Reference for trip around Australia

What did you have in mind? and how long?

Alan,
there are two books that will give you plenty of basic information: Discover Australia 4WD edited by Ron and Viv Moon (Random House), and Explore Australia 2004, 2005 etc. The latter is an encyclopaedia of towns and places. The former covers the major treks.
The other useful thing to have is a large map of Oz on which you can pencil in a proposed route.
When you start to firm up on your itinerary you can ask specific questions on this site, and the trek notes are invaluable.
Basically you will just have to wing it, but after 4 to 6 months you'll be able to write the book!

Alan,

Check out the trip planning section on this web site

Do a google on "kimberley 4wd tours" or similar, a lot of companies put up fairly detailed trip itineries and at least point you in the right direction.

Visit Great Divide Tours. Vic Widman has notes on an "Australia Twice Traversed" trip he did. He also offers a trip planning service which has detailed info customised for where you want to go and for not too many $ for what you get.

I recomend three books all available from this site,
They are.
Priceless camping in the nth of Western Australia.
Priceless camping in the South of Western Australia
Priceless Camping in the Northern Territory.

I have found these books a wealth of information, each site has a description that shows if you need a 4wd to get there, the lats and longs plus a description of things to do.
At around $20 per book great value as they will save you hundreds of $ in camp fees etc.

Alan
If travelling with a family always be prepared to compromise on distance travelled to ensure that all family members have enough relaxing time to enjoy the trip.

There is no better way to put the family off travelling than to hurry the trip.

What about posting some basic partciulars of your family, where you'd like to go, time of the year and time available? I'm sure there are many men and women on this site who have done it before and would make helpful suggestions.

I'd add Collyn Rivers to the list of authors - just read a useful A4 bound booklet of his.

There are some videotapes on 4X4 and Australia travel. Some are available from libraries. Maybe some forumites can suggest titles. Jack Absolom produced some.

EV700

Ole Jack produced a few bloopers, such as filling up the spare to extra high psi as an air reservoir. Great for 2 ply car tyres. Has some OK stuff too!
Greatest resource may well be other fellow travellers coming the opposite way who canrelate their experiences & what to see.