Around Oz by caravan

Both Nissans and Toyos would have the greatest availability for parts as they are the most popular. Aust 4WD monthly mag always has these two as the top vehicles. Make sure the vehicle is strong and adequate to do more than you might expect.
We come across a lot of caravaners who take a bit of camping gear also so that they can visit places where the vans can't go. It's a good tip because there are so many places to see on a trip that you never think of in the planning. So think about how you would set up the 4WD to take a bit of extra gear for a few days away from the van.
I haven't heard a lot of rave reports about the TD5, actually, to the contrary.
Stay away from the north and centre during the hot months.
Estate Agents can be a good source of maintainance work but finding materials in small towns can be a pain in the butt.
Good luck with the trip, you'll have a great time.
Carpe Diem

Nothing wrong with the TD5 (despite what the Jap fans say), but being only 2.5L it would struggle a bit on hills with a 24ft van.
Stephen.

Go Turbo diesel and posably Auto for your needsI don't save My daylight

We did a twelve month round Oz a couple of years back, no kids but saw a lot of travellers with them.

Do it Anti Clockwise, spend April through to early Sept over the top, head down the west coast around Late Aug Sept for the wildflowers. The 4 Year Old will have a ball.

Whatever 4WD you buy, don't tow in top gear if its a manual.

Keep an eye on the littlies for dehydration,

Enjoy!

Biggy,

For tips on travelling with kids, have a look on this site under the "On the Road" menu, Travelling with Kids.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

If you are interested, we did a round Aus trip in 2001. From Geelong; 12 weeks up the Centre and down the west coast. You won't regret it. Our kids were a bit older- 8, 14 & 16. Plenty of young families doing it though. I have a write up of the whole trip I could send you.
As far as the car goes; a 24ft van is pretty heavy. Diesel will be best. Cruiser or Patrol would be fine but don't overlook the Landrover as they have an excellent towing capacity. Not sure what you intend to do on the trip but it is pretty civilised around the main drag. A defender may be a bit of overkill, Discovery may be more comfortable for the family. Consider a DVD setup for the kids. We wished we did.
We did some overnight 4wd camp-outs and got to some pretty remote places but for the majority of the km's a well prepared comfortable car is a benefit. National Park campgrounds are good up north, but you need to be self sufficient with power etc.

We did the Centre and Top End as the wet season was drying out in May/June - Best time. then down the West and back home across the Nullarborin August.
The web has a lot of info and Explore Australia is a great book to take with you for info on towns as you go. Good luck and enjoy the trip.