never carvanned before!

Fly to Perth...much cheaper in the long run

we will have about 8 weeks and have talked for years about driving across the nullabor.

Where will you be coming into and what time of the year?

ditchjumper

If you are set on caravaning, presumably you plan to buy a car and van, as renting is not commonly done. If you do that, crossing the Nullabor is not a real good place to learn the tricks. I am guessing you will fly across the ditch from NZ and won't want to waste too much time learning caravaning.

I reckon you'd be best off looking at renting a motorhome in Sydney, Adelaide or Melbourne and drive it west with a one way rental. You won't be disappointed - not only is the Nullabor trip interesting for those willing to take several days, but the journey there has lots of interest - don't miss the Adelaide area, Eyre Peninsula and the south coast of WA.

When you get to Perth, maybe you turn in the motorhome there and stay with your daughter, then take Willem's advice and fly back home at the end of your trip.

Try this web site for an idea of the attractions of the Nullabor Nullabor Net, and this for a start on Eyre Peninsula Eyre Penninslua . There's lots more to find there too - don't miss the boat trip to the top of the Gulf and the "Afghan Express" steam train every Saturday from Port Augusta to the Flinders and back. For WA you could look at WA South Coast .

Eight weeks is time for lots of fun.

Happy planning
Max

I have to say that I agree with the previous posts. The biggest thing I've towed is a trailer across there. I've driven it a few times, and there's no way I'd learn to tow a van by going across there. Believe it or not there's a lot of traffic, trucks mainly and the road is good but...rather long and remote compared to many NZ roads. There are a few motels etc if you're desperate but not every 50Km :))
Take their advice and have a very safe and enjoyable trip.

relocation of campers and motor homes

If you do go the motorhome way then this site might help cut the cost a bit.

Thank you so much. Next year I should think we will get a campervan...we are then hoping to do an extended trip (yes buy and caravan and 4WD). And thanks for the relocation site! excellent. We have been to oz several times and hubby use to live there

Hi Ditchjumper,

There is a mob in Sydney that hire caravans and they have a good selection of sizes and types and prices. try this url http://www.babyboomerscutloose.com.au/rates.html

They may be able to put you on to a suitable car hire company as well

If you have never caravaned before you will more than likely really enjoy yourself. When on the road be sure to talk to as many people as possible and you will pick up a lot of clues.

Regards,
Gazal.

thanks gazal (love the babyboomers name..thats us!). I am so thrilled we found this site, you've been soooo helpful

What is everyone getting so excited about?
Firstly, IMHO the Nullarbor is probably the most boring road trip in Oz. I did it about 8 or 9 times before it was sealed, it was an exciting trip then - but still boring - 3 days of endless dust and corrrrrugggatttions. Now it's just endless miles of black stuff.
And caravanning is not such a bloomin' art. It's simply towing a big lump of a trailer. No big deal. Learning to reverse? There's always someone who'll unhappily help watch your back, especially if they are parked next to you. Otherwise it's just common sense and take-it-easy.
Frankly, I reckon if you're looking at hiring a caravan or camper to do the Nulla', you might be better off looking at hiring a nice comfortable car and staying in cabins or motels. The extra you'd spend on juice towing a van would probably cover the tariffs.
Yep, the trek is very different to anything you'll have experienced in NZ - one of the world's most beautiful places - for starters, the roads don't fall out from under you.
Don't be put off by all the negative types. Just do it! I hope you enjoy touring here as much as we love touring NZ. Over your side of the ditch we stay in YHA's - as good as caravan parks for meeting people.

Nomad thankyou! Hubby has always driven a 4WD and a trailer is generallly hooked up so I hardly think backing is a problem. Comments are interesting to say the least lol.