Guide Books

Hi Paul

For WA and NT only we found the Jan Holland Priceless Campsites and Rest Areas series the best tour guides.

For the Kimberley, i purchased Ron and Viv Moon's guide to the Kimberley.

Neither of these are recent publications, but bearing in mind freedom to camp in some places has changed, not much else has.

I use the website for each state's parks department to research National Parks and other parks. I also use the internet for research (there are many many tourism websites) as well as ask questions on forums such as this.

How do i plan our trips? Head in a general direction, knowing that there are a few must see priorities, and react to advice from other travellers we meet as well as local. I start with a copy of a map of the region being visited and put circles on all the suggested places that really appeal, and try and get as many on our route. Ask questions on the forums are we approach a region. Most of the knowledge of the out of the way places to visit are only gained once you get into the area.

Motherhen

"....how do you go about planning your trips?"
To start I read guide & history books on the area I'm interested in so I know what features there are to see & where to camp etc. Following early explorers routes particually in central Oz is a great way to set out a trip. I then get a quality map to plan my route & work out travel, rest & sightseeing times. This ensures I make the most of the few weeks holiday I have. I then look at sites like ExOz for specific fuel usage, critical distances & recommendations from others.
Once on the road much of the plan goes out the window as it's now that you get all the gossip from fellow travellers, tourist information & locals. This is when you'll find all the interesting little places off the beaten track. It pays to be flexable with your itinerary to make the most of it. Parks & Reserves will often have great maps with all the highlights, camps walks etc that you may not be able to source before you go.

Ron Moon's series of "Adventurers Guide to ......." are all excellent & the best available for those areas.
Chris Bowens 4x4 Tassie book is great.
Eric Guards book is the bible for the Canning.
Westprint possibly has the best collection of books for planning an Oz touring trip.

Cheers Craig..............