Doing the big trip

oh you lucky things ... hey the first thing you need to let us all know is how much $ you have to spend on the car ect then we can all point you in the right direction .. and probally time frame you have will help
Cheers guys

Hi Arnie and Judy,
It sounds like you're heading for a great adventure! You should be able to get a pretty reasonable set up for that much. If you can, try to get a vehicle that has been set up for touring because it will have many of the extras you will need already fitted. Once you start your actual planning you will find that you will probably have to do some inland deviations so that you don't miss some of the great spots the inland has to offer. In general if you can tour the north during the southern winter and do the south when it is too hot up north you will find it more enjoyable!
Enjoy your planning,
Cheers
Neil

Hi Arny & Judy
Understand the excitement. Go with it. It's part of the trip.
We are currently doing The Loop and have been on the road since March last year (2010). Never want it to stop.
Although we have done some of the off-road stuff unfortunately our van is not set up for extended off roading but that hasn't stopped us.
We currently have a 2003 Nissan Patrol 3lt turbo 4WD. Can't fault it.
When we left home in March we headed across to Broken Hill from NSW coast down to Port Pirie up The Centre to Darwin and down the west coast (WA). Currently in Perth then heading south west corner and then along coast.
Met some fantastic people along the way and have made friends who we believe will remain so for life. Shared some wonderful moments with them.
There is always assistance out there if you need it no matter what the problem.
We did the trip anti-clockwise and those we met going the other way (clockwise) always commented that the headwinds impacted unbelievably on fuel consumption. Even many of the locals we met along the way commented that the 'only way to go was anti-clockwise' and that was from people particularly up the Top End, Kimmberley and down the west coast.
One comment I will offer is that you need to 'Just Go and Enjoy'. We found our plans seemed to go out the door once we were out there doing it. Yes, have basic direction, when to leave, what to take etc but most importantly be flexible for as you travel things will come up that you never thought of. The best piece of advice we were given is that when you are in a place always think about it along the lines of 'Do it all I may never be here again'. Great attitude and you never miss anything.
At the end of it all remember the journey is the most important. Enjoy each and every day and boy will they be full
All the best
BCA

Hi Judy
Send us an email at dydee3@hotmail.com
Have some info you may find useful

Di

The problems with a 3.0 Patrol are well documented.

Just search "Patrol genade"


If you choose to do the lap in one of these be sure to have an extra $10-$15,000 in your pocket for recovery and rebuild.

Bruce