Hello explorers,
I am planning a road trip from Darwin to Sydney around mid of December. I will be driving a mazda 3 and planning for approx. 24 days return trip. Stop over at Alice springs 2 days, Adelaide 2 days, Melbourne 2 Days, Sydney 3 days and rest as we go. Anyone out these who has done this trip around this time of year? I am just worried about weather and accommodation across the trip. Any advice, would make me plan better guys,
Cheers
Planning to attend Boxing Day cricket and NYC @ sydney. Was thinking of the route via qld , but don't want to take any chances with my small car. Would love to come back via qld if everything favours
Sounds epic. What do you mean about not taking chances with a small car through QLD? Isn't it the same risk as going back the other way?
With accommodation, were you thinking more about camping, or 4 star hotels?
The weather is going to be a shocker for travelling that sort of distance at that time of year, but to each his own, I guess.
Best advice I can give you is make sure a member of a motoring organisation, on a better-than-base level of membership - go for a level that offers assistance when away from home - you can always drop the level when your renewal comes up, and take PLENTY of water. Take more than what you think you'll need on any particular leg of your trip.
FWIW Qld roads are no different to any other.
+1 to joining the roadside assistance in your state, it is the AANT for you. I'd say this is more a requirement rather than a suggestion.
You NEED the highest level possible (premium) so if something goes wrong they will help you with accommodation, towing, taxis, hirecar, flight home etc.
Here is more information.
I'd also suggest joining ASAP - you can't join on the day and expect them to tow you 200kms or pay for a flight to get you home!(YES I found that out the hard way with the RACV)
Make sure you get comprehensive car insurance as well.
Carrying some jerry cans with water, maybe some extra fuel isn't a bad idea as well and some oil and coolant. Maybe a basic tool kit too.
Also a head torch
I dunno about phone coverage on those roads. If you aren't with Telstra then buying a blue tick prepaid phone for emergencies probably is a good idea.
Maybe a CB radio as well but you probably can do with out that
Planning to attend Boxing Day cricket and NYC @ sydney.
Boxing Day Cricket in Sydney? I agree with NYE in Sydney but come to Melbourne if you want to go to the cricket :)
Sydney roads > QLD roads
Source: many banana benders visiting
Already with AANT and the car is only 19 months old and recently serviced. I am rather worried about hitting a roo and the rain and high temp while driving. Basic tools, food and water all sorted out. Any suggestion about hotels during Christmas. Btw 26 @ mcg and 30 @ sydney :)
So long as you dont drive during dusk/dawn/night the chances of a roo strike is minimal, just continually scan the shoulders/bush.
Its a long and boring drive, sounds fun on paper but the Stuart will have you tearing your eyes out of their sockets after a few hours, as is the trip up from Melbourne to Sydney. Fatigue will be your biggest problem, and being you arent conditioned for long distance driving it will be your biggest issue.
Dont bother with extra fuel, plenty of fuel available, both on the Stuart and when you get on the east coast, water, take enough for 24 hours (so 5L per person, all the roads you are going along are well travelled so not as if you wont be stuck in the middle of no mans land for days. Phone reception will be spotty on the Stuart, but again road is well travelled so if you have a problem you wont have any issue getting a lift to somewhere with reception.
Otherwise make sure your tyres are in good condition and inflated correctly (including spare) and that your tools to change a tyre are in good working order. If you are going to have a problem it will be a blowout or flat from the high tar temps (which can exceed 80c+ on a hot day)
Drive with your headlights on, helps you stand out from heat shimmer, give road trains plenty of space, if the road is narrow, yield to them otherwise you will cop rocks to the windscreen/front of car, dont overtake like an idiot.
I do alot of driving for a living (truck driver) so any other questions or what to know some more interesting routes let me know.
Excellent. Make sure you go up to the premium level with AANT if you aren't already.
Getting the car serviced just before you leave probably isn't a bad idea. Getting your tyres checked and replaced if necessary as well.
Are you going on your own or with friends? Have you got a way of listening to music this will help keep you alert.
I'd be worried about roos as well. Avoid travelling at dusk.
Do you have a budget for hotels in mind?
Looking around for hotels now. Weighing my option for pre book or on the go ? Any recommendations?
Hotel Budget???
Approx $1500
Can you please be more specific
Is the $1500 for the entire trip? Or can you blow that at Crown Towers in Melbourne?
Trying to be economical with hotels. Not flashy but a comfy one will do. So that would be for entire trip
@darkamit11: Not sure if it will be helpful but HotelClub have 25% off WA hotels (might be alright for your first night).
You can also use the code GOWEST14 for a extra 14% off.
Check out HotelClub, Hotels.com etc for Melbourne and Sydney hotels. I suggest you book something ASAP for Both Sydney and Melbourne both get very busy at that time of the year.
Do your research - use TripAdvisor to find reviews.
Got a vico Marcus 2 thanks
Have you sorted your driving music collection for the trip?
Too hot. Too long. Just fly.
Why don't you return from Sydney to Darwin via Queensland. Maybe even go all the way up to Airlie Beach and do a Whitsundays trip, then come back via Mount Isa. Maybe at least that way you won't feel like you're back-tracking for 5,000 km. Are you planning it so that you're in Sydney for NYE?