The Outback Way

Submitted: Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 19:56

ThreadID: 78716 Views:3941 Replies:4 FollowUps:4

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Outback Way

Linking Laverton in WA to Winton in QLD, the Outback Way was coined to promote the development of a 'third strategic link' across Australia,

crd patrol

Hi All,

Will be (hopefully) doing The Outback Way (starting in Winton) later in the year (end of sept through to approx 5-6 october). Anyone completed this trip. There will be a number of vehicles going and I will tag a long with them. I will be driving a Nissan Patrol 3l Auto with 2" susp lift with Mickey Thompson MTZ 265/75R16 tyres on steel rims.

Are long range fuel tanks necessary.

Any good books to read about the areas I will be going through.

I know there are permits required for this trip and they are being arranged.

I would also like to spend a week or two over in WA, just looking around the bottom end at this point in time (my wife and I will explore more areas when she quits work and when our daughter leaves home in approx 4-5 years, so this whole trip is more of a research and development trip for me as I have seen nothing of these areas) so what are some places to see, good books to get of the area etc. I will be visiting the Margaret River area to sample some local beverages, but only for a few days (I know it's not long enough).

Which is the best way to come home as I have to be home (Maryborough Qld) by the end of October at the latest as it is starting to get to hot for me)

crd

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Reply By: ross - Monday, May 24, 2010 at 11:49

Monday, May 24, 2010 at 11:49

A week or two to explore the south west is not too bad. I would start in Perth and head south along the coast to Margeret River,Augusta,Walpole ,Denmark,Albany and then Espererance.
The drive from Albany to Esperance is particuarly enjoyable with an overnight stay at Hopetown.
I did this trip earlier this year and would like to go back and spend more time in the Fitzgerald River national park.(between Bremer bay and Hopetown.)
Too much to list here about what is worth seeing on that route but being a reconnaissance trip you will have plenty of time to list things as you go.

From Esperance you can begin your journey home by heading to Norseman.

AnswerID: 417921

Follow Up By: crd patrol - Monday, May 24, 2010 at 18:53

Monday, May 24, 2010 at 18:53

ross,

Thanks for the info.

I will do some research about the areas you suggested.

cheers

crd

FollowupID: 688031

Reply By: Graham & Ann - Monday, May 24, 2010 at 18:33

Monday, May 24, 2010 at 18:33

We went thru that way in 2004, good trip, fuel not a problem back then, but back then fuel was availabel at Tobermorey, but not now, still it's only 480km from Boulia to Jervois, or another 120km to the community at Harts Range, or another 200km to Gemtree. It's an easy trip, big wide dirt or gravel roads, maybe some bull dust and corrugations but we towed our van thru no problems and the big tour buses go thru that way from Cairns to Alice.

enjoy the trip...

AnswerID: 417968

Follow Up By: crd patrol - Monday, May 24, 2010 at 18:55

Monday, May 24, 2010 at 18:55

Graham and Ann,

Thanks for the info.

A couple of jerrycans might be an easier option (and a less expensive one too)

cheers

crd

FollowupID: 688032

Reply By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Monday, May 24, 2010 at 19:36

Monday, May 24, 2010 at 19:36

Check out the Outback Way Website for lots of info.

AnswerID: 417981

Follow Up By: crd patrol - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 17:38

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 17:38

Rod,

Thanks for that. Just downloaded all the info from their site I will hopefully need.

cheers

crd

FollowupID: 688137

Reply By: greenextreme - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 00:21

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 00:21

Get the Outback Way Guidebook [published by Hema]. It has everything you'd hope for re sites, attractions, camping, fuel, etc. Two jerries will suffice, no LR tanks required. Do take 2 spare tyres or a repair kit [some drivers have tyre problems along the way]. Get yourself a hand held GPS and try searching for the 30+ hidden treasures [geocaches] along the Outback Way - most of them are hidden at very scenic places. There's bush camping spots aplenty [except Uluru to Docker River, very few]. The Outback Way website [http://www.outbackway.org.au/ ] is a great place to start. I agree with the previous suggestion / route via Margaret River, Esperance and Norseman [or back home along the Outback Way!?]. Enjoy the trip.

AnswerID: 418016

Follow Up By: crd patrol - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 17:53

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 17:53

greenextreme,

Looks like I need to buy another guide book. I only have ones for here on the east coast, a National parks one and I also have a book that has some major treks in it but not the outback way.

Looks like that the trip via Esperance and Norseman is the go for the trip home.

I might even have a crack at the really long golf course along the way home too (as was in the 4wd action mag a couple of issues ago) If you see a guy in a wheelchair or on artificial legs looking like a complete nob trying to hit a golf ball then that will most likely be me.

Thanks for the info.

cheers

crd

FollowupID: 688141