Itinerary

Submitted: Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 22:44

ThreadID: 67919 Views:4739 Replies:13 FollowUps:17

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Member - Jeff M (WA)

Hope this isn't too much of an overkill but I have put together a rough itinerary of our trip leaving on 15 June 2009 from Mandurah WA, travelling to Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide and back to Perth (Mandurah). (see below)

Would appreciate any comments people may care to offer regarding this eg is it too tight or have I missed any must see places that you might suggest. Towing a 20 foot Roadstar caravan with my Prado so not keen to do much travel off the black top but happy to consider short hops, say up to 20km on good gravel roads.

All destinations and camp numbers shown have been taken from the new Camps 5 book.

Thanks

PERTH-DARWIN-ALICE-ADELAIDE-PERTH (ex Mandurah)
Western Australia
Day 1 Arrino 402
Day 2 Coronation Beach 441
Day 3Kalbarri – Galena Bridge 448
Day 5 Whalebone Bay 458
Day 6Denham Caravan Park
Days 7-8Gladstone 463
Day 9Rocky Pool 468
Day 10Carnarvon
Days 11-12 Blowholes 473
Days 13-14Coral Bay
Day 15Exmouth - ?
Day 16House Creek Bridge 495
Days 17-18 Paraburdoo-Tom Price
Day 19Onslow Turnoff 497
Day 20Onslow
Day 21 40 Mile 503
Days 22-23 Karratha/Dampier
Days 24-25 Whim Creek Hotel/Balla Balla Inlet 517
Day 26 Yule River 520
Day 27Port Hedland
Day 28Marble Bar – Coongan River 603
Day 29-30 Cape Keraudren 617
Day 31Goldwire Rest Area 619
Days 32-34 Broome
Day 35Fitzroy River (Willare) 627
Day 36Derby
Days 37-44Gibb River Road
Day 45Derby
Day 46Fitzroy Crossing
Day 47 Mary Pool 637
Day 48-49 Halls Creek/Old Halls Creek/Wolfe Creek Crater
Day 50-51Spring Creek (Bungle Bungles) 644
Day 52 Cockburn South Rest Area 650
Days 53-54 Wyndham/Kununurra
Northern Territory
Day 55 Saddle Creek 205
Day 56Timber Creek 201
Day 57 Mathison Rest Area 194
Days 58-59Katherine
Day 60Adelaide River Showground 145
Days 61-62 Darwin
Day 63Kakadu – Merl Camping Area 172
Day 64Jabiru - Jim Jim Billabong 177
Day 65 Harriet Creek 184
Days 66-67Katherine Gorge Campground 133
Day 68King River Rest Area 132
Day 69Mataranka – Stirling Mill 131
Day 70Daly Waters
Day 71 Goanna Creek Rest Area 15
Day 72 Brunette Downs Rest Area 11
Day 73Frewena Rest Area 6
Day 74Tennant Creek – Mary Anne Dam 21
Day 75Bonney Well Rest Area 23
Day 76 Connor Well 34
Days 77-78Alice Springs
Day 79 Desert Oaks Rest Area 61
Day 80Kings Canyon
Days 81-82 Sandy Way Rest Area 69 (short hop to Yulara – day trip)
Day 83 NT/SA Border 71
South Australia
Day 84Mathesons Bore 525
Days 85-86Coober Pedy
Day 87Lake Hart Lookout 510
Day 88Woomera – Roxby Downs Rest Area 508
Day 89 North Tent Hill Rest Area 500
Day 90-91Port Augusta
Day 93Peterborough-Port Pirie (Rangeview Caravan & Cabin Park) 328
Days 94-102 Adelaide
Day 103 Germein Gorge 334
Days104-105 Point Lowly 554
Day 105Whyalla – Cape Hardy Beach 566
Day 106Port Lincoln – Wangary Rest Area 585
Days 107-108 Streaky Bay – Point Westall Camping Area 607
Day 109Ceduna
Day 110Yalata West Rest Area 665
Day 111Scenic Lookout 13k Peg 678
Day 112 Jillbunya Rockhole 15
Day 113Afghan Rock 22
Day 114Norseman
Days 115-117Cape Legrande National Park 41
Day 118 Overshot Hill Nature Reserve 150
Day 119Hyden
Day 120Gorge Rock Pool 161
Days 121-122 York
Day 123Home (Mandurah)

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Reply By: Dunco (NSW) - Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 22:56

Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 22:56

Heaps of time as I did Sydney, Melb, Adelaide, Alice, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Sydney.....in about 5 months and I had plenty of time.

One thing I will say is....I bet you don't stick to your itinerary :-)

AnswerID: 359898

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:08

Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:08

Thanks for the vote of confidence Dunco. I'm certain you are right about the itinerary and it is very rubbery but I thought I should put something on paper.

FollowupID: 627855

Reply By: new boy - Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:08

Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:08

Many people will say to regimented but I ,m with you must have a felxlible basic plan A

Up to carnarvon very familar with
Why are you going the inland road through Arrino ,Brand highway is shorter and you could make Coranation 1st night
You pass through Carnarvon to get to Rocky pool (good spot)
Both Gladstone and Rocky Pool any sign of rain get out road turn muddy and very slippery
Enjoy

AnswerID: 359903

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:38

Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:38

Thanks new boy. I used to live in Carnarvon so I am very familiar with the roads in this area. Appreciate and understand your comments regarding rain. Arrino is just an alternative as we have done the coast to death up to Geraldton so we thought something different for a change.

FollowupID: 627862

Follow Up By: disco driver - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 18:47

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 18:47

Hi Jeff,
Since the Brand Hwy was completed the old Highway, now known as the Midlands Rd, has not had a lot of maintenance over the years and IMHO is in pretty poor condition for a "major" road.
If you want to stop and check out the attractions of each town or settlement, and there is plenty to see, (New Norcia, Moora, Coorow, Carnamah, Perenjori, Mingenew then on to Dongara-Denison etc) you would need a week or more to do them justice. Most of those towns have suffered since the Brand Hwy opened but there is still plenty of history and character to be explored.
It would take considerably more than a day or two though.

Disco

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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 22:47

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 22:47

Thanks Disco. Pretty well much been to all those towns with work and holidays over the years.

FollowupID: 627962

Reply By: Member - Fred B (NT) - Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:12

Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:12

Interesting trip. See you in Darwin. Enjoy it.

Fred B
VKS 737: Mobile/Selcall 1334

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AnswerID: 359905

Reply By: That Troopy Bloke (SA) - Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:18

Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:18

Just a couple of suggestions:
"Days 107-108 Streaky Bay Point Westall Camping Area 607 "....this is a spectacular stretch of coastline, but wild seas around here and very exposed.....I would suggest Perlubie Beach as an alternative. It's only a few km's away, and you can still take in the Westall Way.

"Day 110 Yalata West Rest Area 665 "....I personally wouldn't camp too close to Yatala....there is a good rest area about 20km (from memory) west of Nundroo, with good sites well back from the highway.

Sounds like a great trip :-)

Cheers
Glenn

AnswerID: 359907

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:49

Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 at 23:49

Thanks TTB

Perlubie Beach it is.

You didn't say why Yalata West Rest Area is no good in your post. The other one you refer to west of Nundroo could it be Kidnippy Rest Area or Colona Rest Area?

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Follow Up By: That Troopy Bloke (SA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 00:04

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 00:04

Without trying to get the PC crowd too excited, I believe Yalata has a few 'social problems'....perhaps google Yalata.
Not sure on the rest area as I don't have the book handy, but there's a couple around that area that are similar.

Fowlers Bay is a nice spot to hole up for a few days too.

Cheers
Glenn

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Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 00:21

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 00:21

Jeff, from one Mandurah-ite to another:

Have a Great Trip.

(That Troopy Bloke's advice re staying too close to Yalata is good advice)

cheers

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

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Reply By: Member - Tony S (WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 00:17

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 00:17

Hi Jeff,
While you are at Le' Grande, head out to Warton. There is a nice C/van park there and a bit to see if you dont mind a bit of beach work. You turn right at Condingup.

Looks like you are going to have a great time.
Have fun.

Tony

The rig

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AnswerID: 359916

Reply By: Ozhumvee - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 07:46

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 07:46

I agree with the others that it is good to have a rough itinerary otherwise you tend to keep going, missing places where you should have spent some time along the way. You also want to spend as much time as far away as possible.
I remember our first couple of long trips where we just had a list of where we wanted to go without actually planning a timeframe.
Two weeks before the end of the trip we found ourselves only two days travel from home wishing we had spent another week in the Kimberley. Instead we spent the two weeks visiting places we could easily reach on annual holidays or a long weekend, bit of a waste.
Itinerarys are easily changed on the go and usually are due to road conditions, weather or some unforeseen problem, these days we tend to make the first few and last few days purely "transport" days where we try to cover 600 odd k's to get away and return home.

AnswerID: 359930

Reply By: Member - John Q (QLD) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 08:30

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 08:30

Hi Jeff,

It is good to have a plan but look at it as "Plan 1(a), subject to change". I did nearly 5 months on the road last year & changed my itinery on many occasions due to the different places of interest I found plus of course the weather.

Another place to look at, if you have time, is Port Gibbon about 23km south of Cowell on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula.

Enjoy your trip.

John

just crusin & smelling the flowers

1. At Halls Creek (Is he really lost?)
2. East of Cameron Cnr

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Follow Up By: Member - John Q (QLD) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 08:34

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 08:34

tut tut "my itinerary"

just crusin & smelling the flowers

1. At Halls Creek (Is he really lost?)
2. East of Cameron Cnr

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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 14:45

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 14:45

Thanks John. I'll check out Port Gibbon.

Jeff

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Follow Up By: Member - John Q (QLD) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 15:29

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 15:29

Hi Jeff,

The best way into Port Gibbon, particularly with a caravan, is via Igloo Road, 23km south of Cowell & it is about 6km to PG from the main highway. It's a dirt road but in good condition. Good fishing & plenty of beach for walking.

John

just crusin & smelling the flowers

1. At Halls Creek (Is he really lost?)
2. East of Cameron Cnr

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Reply By: Bushed-Tracker - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 12:34

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 12:34

What with all the ginning around at Derby/Fitzroy/Gibb/Derby?

Personally I would have done the whole of the Gibb RR + Kalumbaru/McGowans Island and the Mitchell Plateau. Then from Kununurra - Bungles - Halls Creek - Wolfe Creek Crater back up to Old Halls Creek and then follow the Duncan Highway or the Buntine into the NT.
B-T

AnswerID: 359964

Follow Up By: Bushed-Tracker - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 12:37

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 12:37

Sorry - I must have missed the bit about not heading too far off-tar. B-T

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Reply By: Matt(WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 13:15

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 13:15

Jeff,

I am not sure of school holiday dates this year, but from experience I would not want to be anywhere near coral bay during school holidays.

If you haven't booked I don't think you will have much luck getting a site during school holidays and I wouldn't consider rocking up there with out a booking if its school holidays.

Good place not to be during school holidays.

I would also steer clear of Yalata, why don't you detour down to Fowlers bay, south of Nundroo?

Matt

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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 14:43

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 14:43

Thanks Matt I have now included Fowlers Bay on my itinerary and dropped Yalata. Coral Bay shouldn't be a problem as we are self sufficient with our own ensuite in the van so we can camp out for up to 5 days without the need to go into a park to access water or find it from other sources eg roadhouse or local council. We are travelling with friends who have a similar rig to ours and we want to show them a lot of the north that we have already seen through 20 years working for the Government on the Pilbara and Kimberley before I retired 2 years ago.

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Reply By: Rod, Sydney - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 15:26

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 15:26

Hi Jeff.

When crossing the Nullarbor I'd consider the Eyre Bird Observatory. You can leave your van at the top of the scarp or at Cocklebiddy Roadhouse to travel down to the coast.

And I bet your Prado won't be that shiny by the time you get back!

Cheers

Rod, Perth

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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 22:45

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 22:45

LOL it's only shiny because I just washed it.

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Reply By: briggzee (WA) - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 15:53

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 15:53

Jeff,
I'm not sure of your level of fitness, but the "rim walk' at Kings Canyon was one of highlights of our trip. You have 1 night scheduled there which may not be enough as the rim walk can take a few hours but is well and truly worth it. Early morning is the best time.
Happy holidays, that list of stops bring back many pleasant memories
Cheers Craig

AnswerID: 360008

Follow Up By: Motherhen - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 16:00

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 16:00

I agree with your Craig about the Rim Walk. We did a lot of walks in Central NT, and King's Canyon was tops. We aren't fit and have a few aching and grinding joints, but did the walk easily. Early morning is best to start the climb too - before it gets hot. Quite a hike to the top.

Motherhen

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Follow Up By: dact - Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 at 14:55

Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 at 14:55

I agree with Craig ...1 night is not enough. Arrive afternoon, camp, get up early (like 7.30 ) do the rim walk (well worth the effort) spend afternoon recovering/relaxing, then head off the next day.

We stayed at Kings Creek station www.kingscreekstation.com.au - was brilliant, and being there the 2 nights hubby had time to do their quad bike sunset tour. Sadly I missed out cos we had Miss3 & Mr9 in tow.

cheers and happy travelling
Terry & Amanda

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Reply By: Motherhen - Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 16:20

Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 16:20

Hi Jeff

The Kimberley was the highlight of our trip last year. I note you have seven days Derby to Derby on the GRR - i take it you will leave the van in Derby? No long enough to see much. Each of the falls requires a walk, so we stayed overnight to walk and swim in the morning. Then in afternoon usually travelled on to next feature. You need to take your time on the roads depending on their condition. We spend a total of nine weeks in the Kimberley.

We spent three and a half weeks last year just Derby to Kununurra, including Mitchell Falls and Kalumburu. Then spent some weeks in and around Kununurra including Purnululu where your two days should be adequate (we spent three days and two nights, including travel to and fro). We could have spent less in Kununurra, as we were doing maintenance and later stayed with friends.

I prefer to do less distance, see more, spend less on fuel and relax more.

Our plan for a holiday is no plan. We had a set date to return by, and took it as it came. We had no idea if we would spend four months in the Kimberley, or whether it would include some of NT. As it was, we did get into the NT. We spent five weeks in and around Alice, including rocks and valleys to the south. A few days were spent on r&r.

This year we will head back into NT to see areas north of Alice that we totally missed last year, and where ever the road takes us. We can always turn half way through the holiday and head home on a different route.

Motherhen

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Reply By: rapid80 - Saturday, Apr 18, 2009 at 16:43

Saturday, Apr 18, 2009 at 16:43

How about the jewel of the Pilbara ,Karijini?

AnswerID: 360176

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Saturday, Apr 18, 2009 at 22:29

Saturday, Apr 18, 2009 at 22:29

hanks rapid80. Already done that one and great country. I used to live in both Karratha and Hedland so got a good look at the Pilbara. Pretty keen on more info about the NT though if anyone has anything.

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Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . . (WA) - Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 at 15:46

Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 at 15:46

Take a good Barra rod & reel set-up because I'm sure you will stay in the NT for longer than you presently expect to, it's fantastic up there compared to the lower latitude's of Australia (NSW & Victoria)

Kakadu is one place where time stands still, with so much to look at and enjoy.

Mainey . . .

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