Newbie needs help - Horizons Unlimited

***Touring Ted*** · #1 19 Jul 2005

Hi guys, im looking to do a trip in Aus,Im looking to pretty much see as much as i can in 4-6 weeks.

I want to ship a bike over and do it on a budget... Can anyone point me in the right direction ?? Im pretty new to overlanding, I did a month over Europe on a Africa twin 2 yrs back but that was pretty much a dodle with the channel ferry and cheap hotels.

Thanks , Eddie

**Mark Smith** · #2 19 Jul 2005

Crickey mate, how long's a bit of string - depends on what you fancy seeing - coming from the UK it may be best t o start in Perth and head across the nullabor - then you have the option of turning north at port augusta and seeing the rock and head east to the barrier reef - down there to sydney and other points in between - depends on you i spose

**Frank Warner** · #3 19 Jul 2005

Budget = cheap? = camping. Well for the country areas.

Size - OZ is about the same size as Europe, with far less people.

When - the climate will select what areas you will find comfortable (summer head south - Tasmania is good then, winter head north)

What ;
Roads - sealed tar - limits your options!
Good dirt - opens up most sights
moderate dirt - all major and minor sights.

Sights - natural, measums, history etc ...

You have given us how long .. but not what your interests are. In 4 weeks I would not try to cross the country - you'd not see that much unless you stick with fast tar. Your on holiday - relax and take your time. I spent 8 months running around europe.

***Touring Ted*** · #4 19 Jul 2005

Thanks for that guys, i realise i have allot to plan..

Iv decided that i might as well buy and kit out a bike in Aus instead of the huge cost and beaurocracy of shipping my KTM with carnet etc.

Has anyone done this and do they recommend it ?
Is it easy to get insurance ?

***Touring Ted*** · #5 19 Jul 2005

Forgot to add... Gonna probably up this to 2 months now, I was going to fly the bike as i just really wanted to get going when I landed. But people have told me im best buying when im over there.

I was also playing with the idea of moving onto South America afterwards.... God, this is getting more and more complicated

**simmo** · #6 19 Jul 2005

If you were only going to be in Aust for 4 weeks you would probably be better off hiring a bike. It a lot to try and do in 4 weeks.

**Kudi** · #7 21 Jul 2005

Also depends a lot on where you go. If you just want to cruise around on the east coast a hired bike will do the job. If you wanna go for the remore outback pists like Gunbarrell, French Line or Old Telegraph Track then I would suggest to bring your own, well prepared bike or it will eat a lot of your holiday just buying and preparing the bike.

Met a couple of japanese guys in Alice who prepared themselves for the French Line. Took them nearly a month to buy an appropriate bike and to prepare it. We shipped our KTMs to Perth (ca. 1000€ both ways from/to Switzerland) and 4 days after flying in we were on the bikes and off.

Might be different if you ship into Melbourne or Sydney, was told customs and MoT are harder to get through on the east coast. That was very easy in Pert.

Did you check the "TRAVEL Bikes for Sale / Wanted" section on the HUBB?

Cheers, Kudi

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Ride Your Dreams

[This message has been edited by Kudi (edited 21 July 2005).]

**knobbly** · #8 8 Feb 2006

Am shipping my bike into Oz later on this year after a half RTW from UK. Have been advised ion having to get a V.I.D. from somewhere (vehicle import document) or something along those lines. Anyone know of this???

Have also heard of a Temporary Import Permit! any info on this would help also.

Cheers

**Em and Hame** · #9 8 Feb 2006

Knobbly,

Check out 'Paperwork' section on left-hand side, scroll down to 'Australia Temporary Import'. All information and links to relevant sites are there. Application forms can be downloaded from linked Australian Government sites.

Hamish

I

**Dingo** · #10 10 Feb 2006

Hi Ted,

If it is of any interest I have a 2002 R1150GS Adv for sale that is already to rock and roll! 32000 km old and has been across Oz 4 times, so it knows the way be it either through the centre, around the top or even the bottom. Have either touratech or hepco and becker panniers to fit it as well and all the travel options and corbin seat for extra long days.

I can send you photos of it if your interested? Is on the east coast at present in Mackay but can send anywhere. Oh has rego until July as well.

Cheers
Ivan