PLANNING Ahead
here is so much of Australia to see and so many ways to see it. Today, even the most remote sections of this vast continent are accessible, particularly to 4WD vehicles designed for use on bush tracks and unmade roads.
For some, exploring Australia will mean touring the made highways and staying in motels, Bed & Breakfasts and farm-stays. Others will tow their accommodation behind them in the form of a caravan or camper trailer, and probably, as a result, stay mainly on made roads. Still others will opt for a mobile home with sleeping and cooking facilities, and yet another group, perhaps the true adventurers, will load a tent into the back of a 4VVD and go bush. In all cases, some careful planning will enhance the journey immeasurably.
Obviously a one-, two- or three-day tour will not require the time and effort necessary for a round-Australia jaunt;
here is so much of Australia to see and so many ways to see it. Today, even the most remote sections of this vast continent are accessible, particularly to 4WD vehicles designed for use on bush tracks and unmade roads.
For some, exploring Australia will mean touring the made highways and staying in motels, Bed & Breakfasts and farm-stays. Others will tow their accommodation behind them in the form of a caravan or camper trailer, and probably, as a result, stay mainly on made roads. Still others will opt for a mobile home with sleeping and cooking facilities, and yet another group, perhaps the true adventurers, will load a tent into the back of a 4VVD and go bush. In all cases, some careful planning will enhance the journey immeasurably.
Obviously a one-, two- or three-day tour will not require the time and effort necessary for a round-Australia jaunt;
but in any case, advance planning of the route and of overnight stopping-points, and a careful estimate of travel time, make for safety, comfort and enjoyment. So, indeed, will the roadworthiness of the vehicle. While as a matter of course your travel vehicle will be properly maintained and in reliable condition, some extra attention will not go astray, especially for long journeys. More of that later.
Advance Information
Any journey will benefit from careful advance planning. The idea of throwing a bag in the back and taking off is attractive in theory but creates complications in practice. Try to gather as much information as possible as far ahead of your planned departure as you can. Remember, the planning is half the fun. Research will confirm, or perhaps deny, your original choice of destination; it also will reveal ways and means, and problems where they exist. And bear in mind that although information sources are extensive, there is nothing like local ‘on-the-spot’ knowledge.
The first places to obtain information are:
State tourist bureaus and motoring organisations (see: Useful Information). They are excellent sources for travel brochures, regional maps and accommodation guides, and they usually have up-to-date knowledge of local conditions. For details of specific areas, they can put you in touch with the appropriate tourist authority.
Travel agencies, airline travel centres and the main railway booking offices in each State can help if you are planning a fly/drive holiday, or intend to combine rail and motor travel.
This book. The introductions to each State provide information on main tourist areas. Once you have decided on your destination, check it out by consulting the A-Z entries for specific towns and the feature articles for the major tourist regions.
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