Melbourne to Perth trip
Submitted: Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 16:21
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nchandler
Gday all,
For a few months now, i've been researching the idea of doing the
melbourne to
perth drive along the nullarbor, and back over 3 weeks. I have no intention of doing any serious 4WDing, but I am currently in the process of selling my Volvo, with a view to buying a peugeot 405, or some sort of 4WD in the region of less than $10k. Basically, I am unsure as to what would be an ideal vehicle to do this trip in. The peugeot would be nice for the road trips, but prevents any exploration. I'll be needing enough room to carry me and 2 friends, as
well as our swags, and the other necessary gear. As I said, i wouldnt want to be doing any serious offroading, but something that would allow me access to the Nullarbor cliffs, and the various sites along the way would be good. A suzuki vitara wagon looks like it could be competent enough (and being the 4 door, big enough) to cater for such a trip. Any advice on the trip, potential vehicles, experience, etc. would be greatly appreicated.
Thanks,
Chandler
Reply By: Phil P - Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 16:55
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 16:55
Have you considered renting a vehicle for 3 weeks ? If you divided the costs by 3, could work out cheaper than the stamp duty on purchasing a car !
It's amazing how a rent a car has good 4wd capability !!!
AnswerID:
22069
Reply By: nchandler - Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 17:07
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 17:07
I'm 19, so a rental is a bit difficult, plus, I really think that i'd like to do it in my own car, as any damage done is my problem, and I don't get shafted by the insurance company of the rental place. My main question is do I really need a 4WD to do this trip, and see some of the more spectacular sights?
Chandler
AnswerID:
22070
Reply By: Member - Willem- Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 17:36
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 17:36
According to my road atlas
Melbourne to
Perth is 3439km. If you travel 500km per day it is going to take you close to seven days there and seven days back, leaving seven days for sightseeing. You won't get much chance to go into out of the way
places. The road is bitumen all the way and so are most of the side tracks. Other roads have very good gravel surfaces. If you have sold your Volvo already buy another cheap car/wagon...Ford or Holden( their parts are easily found in the outback).When you get back to
Melbourne then you may consider a 4x4 if you are that way inclined. Happy travels.Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 19:07
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 19:07
More realistic is about a relatively easy 800-1000 km/day (7am to 7 pm). If the destination is more important than the drive then it is 3.5-4 days.
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Follow Up By: Member - Willem- Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 19:32
Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 19:32
Gary,
I wrote a long response to your comment but as fate would have it my browser froze when I hit the submit button. So I will leave you wondering as to what I said. Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 19:58
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 19:58
Chandler,
For your budget, get a sedan/wagon, you'll get more for your money, and won't miss out on too much. Trip will be more comfortable, and quieter too.
Remember if you venture down a sandy track, that you will go better in early morning, when the sand is cool. Will be a good trip. Hooroo...
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Reply By: Member - Chris (W.A.) - Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 20:22
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 20:22
Don't forget to
check out
the caves at Cocklebiddy.
Regards.Love the bush.
Chris
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member -BJ (Sydney) - Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 11:26
Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 11:26
Chris what's that black thing flying off your roof in rig picRegards Bob
3 Weeks till Gulf trip
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Follow Up By: Member - Chris (W.A.) - Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 14:47
Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 14:47
BJ, I've never really looked at the black thing before - you had me laughing at it though.
That's actually a black plastic freshwater tank on stilts behind the bush although I wouldn't stand under it.
Very observant.
RegardsLove the bush.
Chris
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Reply By: nchandler - Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 23:47
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003 at 23:47
So general concensus is that a
sedan or wagon would be good enough to see the best sights of the trip? I am thinking a peugeot 405
sedan (like my frenchies), or even something like a volvo 240 wagon to buy especially for the trip (and hopefully subsequent others.
Chandler
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Michelle from ExplorOz - Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 19:19
Monday, Jun 09, 2003 at 19:19
Your itinerary doesn't really allow for any side trips that would necessitate a 4WD vehicle. The cliffs and other sites of interest to you are all accessible by conventional vehicle.ExplorOz
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Reply By: Member- Rox - Tuesday, Jun 10, 2003 at 01:36
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2003 at 01:36
nchandler, Done the Padock 7 times and love it never been across in my 4wd yet. Any car that is proply maintained will be ok as the road is like a freeway but if buying a new (to you) car make sure of your oil consunption, cooling abilaty etc befor leaving. I wouldn't buy a new (to me) car and take off for about 1 ,month just to make sure everything works. keep a eye out for Wegetail Egals they are great to look at. The clifts are great, You can see some
ruins along the way of a long ago failed sheep run. The clifts as mentioned b4, Have funAround Oz 06/2004
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