Advise 4 driving around Oz

Arm yourself with a copy of Lonely Planet and Camps Australia Wide (available from the shop on this website). Then try and appreciate just how big this place is. I have just been around Oz, and it was nothing to travel 200 - 300km from one attraction to the next, especially in WA.

There will be heaps more advice here including travelling in a reliable strong vehicle, water, communications, medical, weather, etc etc ....

On the other hand, if you are just doing the suburbs up the east coast (which is not "around Oz"), Lonley Planet will suffice as far as hostels is concerned.

Jack

Seek and take advice about every destination and route. If venturing off the tar, remember that it's a big country, a health problem or mechanical breakdown can leave you stranded a very long way from nowhere. Don't forget the water, no matter where you are off to. It get's hot here in summer,and it can bucket down in the same season. Choose the southern bit in summer and leave the top bit till its a bit cooler and not so wet.
The beer is cold,and the locals are friendly but it's a huge country. Don't expect to see all of it in the one go.
Have fun and drive safely :))

Hi Steel - Others who have done the trip may have more detailed advice, but one site you may find helpfull is the travel planner by our Motoring club RACQ. This gives distances, towns, attractions etc. Click Site Link.
Some basic distances - The east coast from the Cape York to Melbourne - 4,500 klms. From Melbourne to Perth - 3,500 klms. From Perth to Darwin 4,000 klms, and from Darwin to Cairns about 2,600 klms. Say 15000 klms with no deviations from just the main track, or anything in Central OZ (like the Alice or the Rock).

We set off for a short trip in June, from Brisbane (Qld) to Broome (in West Aust) - will cover about 12,000 klms. We hope to see about 25% of the major sites in just one state - the Northern Territory ( the 4th smallist state at the top end of Aust). Some large parts of OZ (in the north) cannot be traveled in the wet season - floods, so you will need to plan your trip
As above, Camps4 Aust is the best guide for free and low cost camping sites - you need basic camp gear (tent, cooking gear, water etc).
Do you research and budgets first, and you will have an unbelievable time......Keith

As mentioned above - the Lonely Planets are the go.
We travel with them always - in Oz and abroad.

The Lonely Planet 'Outback' is a good one for the interior. Some of the old pops on this forum would probably even have it.
Another favorite is Lonely Planet 'East Coast Australia' this covers Melbourne to Cairns along the coast. It differentiates between party Hostels and quiet Hostels :)

The Perth Lonely Planet covers most of W.A.
But then again, you don't want to fill the pack up with books. Trade them at Hostels.

Your best resource are the people you meet on the road. Plan your start and end destinations and keep away from the top half of the country between November and March - it gets a little warm.

good luck

Suggest thay you consider joing up with someone like YHA (Youth Hostels Australia) Link YHA There are heaps of Back Packers accomodation sites in all cities and many towns particularly those in proximity to major tourist attractions and activities. Most of these will have plenty of info on attractions, travel, group tours/excursions, tips and tricks for travellers etc. Go for it.
Whatever you do, don't underestimate the great distances that can be encountered when traversing Australia. The weather can be extreme at times and you need to be very mindful of what precautions to take particularly in regard to adequate water/hydration when subjected to extreme heat. Most importantly, read, plan, read, plan and try to prepare yourself mentally for a few challenges. You'll have agreat time, see outstanding sites, meet great people and have access to plenty of cold beer. Enjoy yourself.

There are quite a few publications about camping and hostels. Most of the good ones have been mentioned already. The east coast is relatively populated and in the coastal areas you should not have too much trouble getting around. Be mindful that the northern areas are very wet in the wet season and many roads may be impassable for weeks or months. The north is also prone to cyclones in the wet season. The central areas are best avoided in the summer as temps get extreme (>40C). Most of the more touristy areas like Mission Beach or Broome will cater for young people well. Outside the cities the town visitor centres are often good value.

If you are driving outside the cities, plan out your route carefully and have a decent map (Hema maps are normally pretty good). Even on main highways it can be 200 - 300km from one town to the next. "Just in case" is a good catch cry. Ask around before heading off and someone will usually have some good tips. Pay attention to any warning signs particularly in the northern areas.

If you are planning to go places that are more remote, good planning is essential. There are all sorts of roads/tracks marked on maps that should not be attempted without significant preparation. Ask before you try any of the roads and someone will help. Listen to the locals, they usually know the conditions on the local roads. Be aware that help is not always close. Some remote tracks only see a few vehicles a month. Remember that if no one knows you are lost or broken down no one will be looking.

Steve

Yes to all above but one thing you need to know is your mobile phone may not work in some areas {if you break down} and you'd do well to ponder a sat; mobile, i know this as it happened to me going over the Nullabor, thankfully Main Roads helped me out otherwise it could be a long wait, have a great time,
regards,
Dave

Hi steelman01,
Even though our fuel is way cheaper than yours at home you can still subsidise your travelling costs by giving others a lift on certain sections of your trip.Plenty of people looking for rides on www.needaride.com.au who will chip in a share of the fuel costs on sections of your route.
Cheers Mark

Thankyou everyone who replied, your advise will be noted and hopefully i will have a blinder!! cheers

Hi steelman01

I would like to give you one tip, which you never ever will forget.
When you come to Airlie Beach at Whitsundays (which is must anyway)
take small plain above Barrier Reef. Don’t look at cost, it is one of the
most a mazing experiences which will stay with you to the rest of your life.

Good luck

Think hard about whether you really need to use a 4WD. Do the homework using the references others have advised and plan your trip. Then look at the roads you will be on. Most trips around Oz do not need a 4WD to cover the most popular sights and huge slabs of the outback. You only need a 4WD if you particularly want to do more extreme off road stuff. A lot of our gravel roads can be done in standard vehicles.
If there are only two people travelling, an Australian ute or a station wagon can make a lot of sense for this kind of trip. You can save yourself a lot of dollars if your research shows you don't really need the 4WD.
Have fun.