around australia

Could you suggest any alternate vehicles that are big enough to sleep in then?
We are both inexperienced and will more than likely be sticking to sealed roads- we just thought a troopie because of its size and practicability

There are plenty of choises. You just need to choose one that meets your needs. It is hard to recommend a vehicle as it depends on your size and shape, and what comforts you are used too and lots of other personal factors. Some swear by Patrols others by Toyota's. They are both good cars, just horses for courses really. I would stick to the more common vehicles though. I used to own a Jackaroo and on its last outing had four mechanical problems doing 15,000 km. This is not to say the Jack was unreliable because generally it was very reliable. But it does show that even if well prepared stuff just happens. Even though Holden have an extensive network, and we met lots of others with a Jack, it always took days to get parts. Every place we needed mechanical repairs the equivalent parts for cruisers and patrols were stock items. I really think you should look at what you want to do more carefully. You say towns and cities but as soon as you start you may find that the idea of driving along a beach and camping by yourself to be a very attractive option. If you are by yourself you need to have a vehicle up to the task. If you take a 2wd somewhere and get stuck, people will still help but are not going to be happy. I have met plenty of people who started out like you two and 10 years later are still going but in a well setup 4wd rig. They often started with the same intention you have but get addicted to the remote nature of the Australian outback. Don't underestimate this aspect as there are plenty of us out there. You will either hate it or love it. If you love it, there is nothing like driving for a few hours, walking 4-5 km and going for a swim in a rock pool not many other people bother with because it is harder to get too. People often start with a 2wd but find they hear about places or meet up with someone they get on with well and go to places they never dreamed of going too. This is what is so attractive to many travelers. For example we met two cars at a crossing on the Batavia Downs (Cape York) road and got on well and ended up touring with them for three weeks. Stuff like this just happens. Here is an example of what may happen. You are in Broome, nice place, stuff to do, good lifestyle but crowded in the peak of the season. You hear about Coconut Well or Cape Leveque (?sp). The track up the cape is generally good but very sandy in places. Generally considered 4wd (signed as such I think). I have only been to Cape Leveque but it was well worth the trip. Easy in a 4by probably dodgey in a 2wd most of the time. The choise of vehicle now effects if I can go or not. I could fly but it is probably $150 each. By the way I currently have a troopy so I would lean that way but you need to be comfortable in the vehicle. It was an evolutionary change for us to end up with a troopy. I really like it and respect its abilities off road but would I if it was my first 4wd? I don't really know. If I was you I would assume you will eventually end up wanting to go somewhere where 4wd is required. If you are just going to drive the black top around Australia I think you will be missing out on what Australia is really all about. My opinion I suppose, but it would be like going to New York and LA and saying you have done the US.

The following is a cliche but in many ways I have found it to be very true. "You are the sum of your experiences. Push the envolope and find out who you really are." A bit corny but after travelling around Austrlia, I now (partially) understand why people stay on farms and struggle for years.

Have a good trip.

Steve

we hadn't really decided on a troopy- but had heard a lot of good things about them.
we are going to do the complete lap of australia over about 18-24 months so want something that is going to be obviously reliable and comfortable as well as economical and big enough. we are planning on just staying at powered sites so will obviously need to carry a lot with us.
you have suggested a kombie, can you offer any other suggestions for what we are doing, cheers

I'll grant that the troopy is reliable and big enough but not the most economical of vehicles to punt around Aus,

Anyhow it will do the job, plenty of people do it like that with a tent. If you ever feel like a bit more comfort you can save up your dollars and shout yourself a cabin or on site van every now and then.

You only need to decide if you want "Off Road" ability or not because any large wagon or Kombi, or People mover type van will do 90% of Aus.

replacement parts are often a concern (unneccessarily) on imported vehicles but many have the same engine in another model here in Aus. For example the Delica may well run a 2.8 turbo diesel that runs in the older Pajero's if this is the case (as I don't know for sure) then parts would not be an issue.
If you wanted to stick to Aussie sold vehicles try the L300. It will be not so new but it may fit your requirements???

Cheers, Trevor.

I think the Delica is based on the triton floor pan and running gear.

Has the same 2.8l turbo diesel as the triton and series II pajero (1990 to 1999).

There is always the 4wd VW Traka - VW kombi ?

Never thought of the Trakka. Good one Oldplodder.