Driving to the eclipse

[Danack (Dan Ackroyd)]

Hi guys,

I'm currently out of the country at the moment (due to visa issues) and am planning to come back at the end of October to do some wildlife photography and watch the eclipse whilst my permanent residency visa application goes through.

My rough plan is to buy a 2nd hand campervan in either Sydney or Brisbane and then get to Cairns for the eclipse, before driving back to Sydney, stopping off for interesting wildlife spots on the way there and back.

So I'm hoping you guys can give me some advice:

1) The best route to Cairns from Brisbane goes along the coast, whilst the route from Sydney goes inland away from the coast. Would either of these be significantly more dangerous to drive e.g. because of heavy transport traffic?

2) Can you get satellite phones for emergency use only? While I'm not totally mechanically incompetent, I would have almost no idea how to fix a engine that suddenly stopped working in the middle of nowhere, so having a satellite phone for emergency use only sounds like a Good Idea.

3) Is it worth getting break-down cover ahead of time, or does it work out to the same cost if you have a break down and actually need someone to come out to you?

tia for any advice.

cheers
Dan

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Hi Dan,
I just got back from a trip around Australia and found that the Telstra 3G phone system covered us most of the way.

You can buy or hire Satellite phones but they do seem to work out expensive. But if you can afford it, yeah, they are definitely available and provide a safety blanket. I don't have any experience in this area though, sorry.

Like you I will be driving a second hand campervan from here (100k north of Sydney) to Cairns (Mt Carbine actually). I will be going up the New England Highway to Toowoomba, then inland to Roma, then up through Emerald and Charters Towers.
I expect Telstra coverage most of that route.

I will be taking a portable UHF radio just in case.
Tune in to Channel 40 and you have the Truckies network that will warn you of on-coming heavy transport, and most other dangers. This can also be used to call for help if outside normal phone coverage areas.

From experience, there will be heavy vehicles both ways. But most of the Tourists seem to stick to the Coast roads, which is why I prefer the inland road.

For breakdown cover, definitely join the NRMA Premium Care cover.
For $177 it provides peace of mind.
We joined just before leaving and WOW glad we did.
Breakdown help anywhere in Australia, Towing, Accommodation, Transport, Hire Vehicle, up to $3000 per year.
NOTE: If your Van is over 3.5 tonne, you should pay an extra $122 for premium plus which cover vehicle towing up to 10 tonne.
They were great for us.

It is probably a good idea to travel with another camper-van heading the same way.
I am looking for someone else doing the same route about the same time.
Anyone else driving up from Sydney?
I plan on Free Camping most of the way, which is not everybody's idea of comfort.
I am booked in Mt Carbine from the 9th.
So I plan to set out about the last week in October. TBA.

Allan

[Danack (Dan Ackroyd)]

Hi Allan,

Thanks for the info. It looks like you're planning to take about 10 days to travel the approximately 2600km.

Is that just in case you have breakdowns etc on the way or do you find that driving that distance needs to have that much time scheduled for the driving?

cheers
Dan

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Hi Dan,

You could probably do it in three days if you really wanted to.
My van is only a 2.2litre diesel and I find it travels best at or below 90kph.

I found about 300k per day was comfortable on our longer trip and just used the same estimate.

It also allows for a stop over along the way if I choose.

I just wanted to enjoy the trip up, and not make it a rush trip.

But I can be more flexible this trip as i will be travelling alone.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Allan_L

You could probably do it in three days if you really wanted to.
My van is only a 2.2litre diesel and I find it travels best at or below 90kph.

I found about 300k per day was comfortable on our longer trip and just used the same estimate.

We've decided that these days 4 hours driving is all we want to do on multi-day trips. The last time we went to Nth Queensland we did 700-800 Km a couple of times and don't want to do it again. We're several years older now. I've allocated 10 days with my Prado to get to Cairns going up the coast with a couple of 2 night stops.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

One idea about buying the camper van is to look at backpacker hostels. When living in the caravan park in Cairns years ago we saw the same vehicle several times, each time with a different owner. Of course they haven't had 'one careful owner' and you could get a lemon but all the ones I saw were sound. Given they don't spend much time in cities they've probably had a pretty easy life.

I'd go the inland way to save distance and avoid the crowds. Years ago some of those roads were lonely, which is good until you break down. Perhaps they are busier now but would still be much less busy than the coast - even with all the eclipse traffic . It will also be hotter but there are few hills or bends so it's easy on the vehicle. The obvious precaution about breakdowns is to carry plenty of spare water so being stranded is a hassle and not a disaster. I've got a 50l water tank in the troopie but also carry an extra 20l 'just in case'.

We look like we will take about 8 days, so there will be days off (at least one at the lava tubes) and I haven't planned on more than 600km on any day. The longer days are at the start then I can relax and have a few more stops along the way.

[xstream (John)]

Allan,

Anna and I plan to leave Emerald on the 6th we don't have to be in Cairns till the 12th, so if you wish to tag along with us we're than happy for you to do so.

For anyone that plans to travel the Bruce Hwy (coastal route) please be aware that road works from Brisbane all the way through are VERY EXTENSIVE and you can expect to add many hours on to your travelling time. If you do plan to travel this route please be aware of this fact and be patient in your travels.
None of us wants to hear of bad news!

Originally Posted by Allan_L

Hi Dan,
I just got back from a trip around Australia and found that the Telstra 3G phone system covered us most of the way.

You can buy or hire Satellite phones but they do seem to work out expensive. But if you can afford it, yeah, they are definitely available and provide a safety blanket. I don't have any experience in this area though, sorry.

Like you I will be driving a second hand campervan from here (100k north of Sydney) to Cairns (Mt Carbine actually). I will be going up the New England Highway to Toowoomba, then inland to Roma, then up through Emerald and Charters Towers.
I expect Telstra coverage most of that route.

I will be taking a portable UHF radio just in case.
Tune in to Channel 40 and you have the Truckies network that will warn you of on-coming heavy transport, and most other dangers. This can also be used to call for help if outside normal phone coverage areas.

From experience, there will be heavy vehicles both ways. But most of the Tourists seem to stick to the Coast roads, which is why I prefer the inland road.

For breakdown cover, definitely join the NRMA Premium Care cover.
For $177 it provides peace of mind.
We joined just before leaving and WOW glad we did.
Breakdown help anywhere in Australia, Towing, Accommodation, Transport, Hire Vehicle, up to $3000 per year.
NOTE: If your Van is over 3.5 tonne, you should pay an extra $122 for premium plus which cover vehicle towing up to 10 tonne.
They were great for us.

It is probably a good idea to travel with another camper-van heading the same way.
I am looking for someone else doing the same route about the same time.
Anyone else driving up from Sydney?
I plan on Free Camping most of the way, which is not everybody's idea of comfort.
I am booked in Mt Carbine from the 9th.
So I plan to set out about the last week in October. TBA.

Allan