kidman way

Hi Dusty. You didn't say when. If in winter time, make sure that you are ready for low temperatures. The days may be warmer, but the nights can be 3 dog nights :))

Hey Dusty, the only specific advice I can give is that Bourke has been known for its rough neighbourhood. Not sure if it has been cleaned up recently or not but some of those outback NSW towns are full of people with nothing to do so they sit around causing trouble (as my Mum always said: Idle hands make mischief). Make sure you know how much you'll spend in fuel over that distance (it adds up quickly) and be careful of stock & roos wandering on the roads (esp. at night when black cows are v. difficult to see!)

Apart from that, it's good that you're starting your travels early but talk to the 'oldies' when travelling (in campgrounds, etc.) - you'll learn so much and most of them are so happy to talk and share a cuppa with almost anyone, including young fellas like you. And you'll hear many of them say "I wish we'd started travelling early like you instead of waiting until now."Well the reason they couldn't was because many of them were building the country that young fellas like you and I take for granted.

My first major trip was at 25 and if I hadn't talked to seasoned travellers (before I left and while travelling), I would have just driven right past the best things without even knowing. Don't be shy - if you're happy to discuss your travel plans and listen for advice, you'll learn about places that you won't read about in the tourist books. Hee hee, I guess that's what you're looking for in this thread!

Hi Dusty canvas
My daughter is also 19 and at Christmas time she did a road trip to Tasmania and loved it. As most young people are cashed strapped here are some tips to try and save some money, take cooking facilities even one of those butane stoves are good and cook for yourslf take aways cost a fortune, if you like tea or coffee take a thermos flask if you like cold water do the same and leave your water container outside at night time and the water will get cold then put it inot your thermos in the morning we picked up one with one of those drink top thingies used it last holidays on a road trip great.
If you want to save money spend the money and buy a camps australia book and free camp there will be other people camping there so it is not too scary, saves heaps before you buy your petrol drive around the towns and check out the prices and but the cheapest.
Like other people talk to others and go to the tourist info places for free maps and do the things that are cheap or free even if you think it is just for the oldies you might find some of the things intersting.
Now I had better stop being a mum just have a good time
barb

hey thanks heaps aye, yeah hopfuly getting out there around the middle of july (uni break), so ill back a couple of jumpers lol.

me mates mum lives in bourke and im plaing to stay with her, ive heard bout people gettign stuff ripped off their utes (espically airals and mud flaps :P)

im planning to moslty bush camp, they want about $20! a nite for an unpowerd site in some places. and giving my self pleanty of time to have a look around out there, so driving at nite wont be much of an issue.
im just eager to get out and see the red stuff lol

cheers

Get in your car and drive .Dont be scared of anything .My mates and I travelled all around Australia in a HX holden ute and an escort panelvan in the early 80s when most of the roads where dirt,and grey nomads were non exsistant.The pubs are a great source of info and the people are freindly.Dont stay in caravan parks .The camps book is very helpful or in big towns there's some good backpackers if you want some company.

Hi, We did the Kidman way 12 months ago. Had a great time. Just on the outskirts of Cobar, just around the corner of th "Cobar" sign there is a great over night spot. Don't be surprised in the morning if you are surounded by road trains. A interesting bunch of blokes.Bourke is not like it used to be . One local told us the good guys told the bad guys to disappear. The only there are any problems when there are weddings and funerals. We mostley followed the Camps 4 Australia sites stayed in caravan parks in Bourke about 7 klms out of town great caravan park, sorry can't remember the name
'Coachman" or something like that. At Charleville stay at Bailey's barn it's a great park. When you get to longreach stay out at the water hle about 4 klms out on the Winterton road. You will find a map at the info center in town. Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Cheers

Racey

Its called Kidman's Camp.
If you want any more info about what to do or where to camp near Bourke, send me an email to joker19@bigpond.net.au.