Australia Nov-Jan 2014
 

Hi!

I'm going to travel in Australia, starting near Sydney and going to the center first (Uluru). From there i want to go either west through the dessert to Port Hedland or from Alice Springs along the Tanami Track to Halls Creek or Fitzroy Crossing. From there I want to go further to Perth and back to Sydney along the south coast.
I start next week (mid November) and especially for the trip through the dessert (beginning of December) I'm looking for companions. I have some experiences in riding on sand and dirt roads. I'm riding a DR650.
Martin

It is going to be hot ... peak of summer .. so over 40C.

For the desert you'll want lots of fuel .. big range required as gas stops are widely spaced. Suggest you use Trek Notes @ ExplorOz Treks to find out the distances and present conditions.

Most bike riding Ozies won't be going out there now - too hot. As well as carrying lots of fuel you'll need lots of water to drink. At least one visiting motorcycle rider dies each year due to lack of water. :funmeterno: Do carry water .. at least enough for a day! Depending on what route you take there may not be much traffic - thus no passing vehicles for quite some time... think week or two for some tracks. Buy a PLB/EPIRB as an emergency help device, cell phones won't get signal out there!

Martin,
Good luck with your ride and be careful. I will be riding up to Uluru in a few weeks so our paths may cross. If your travels takes you to South Australia PM me and we should be able to host you for a few days and to show you around the Adelaide Hills. Take Warins advise and do you reserch before heading through the Outback during the time of year that you plan to travel.

And don't forget that the "Wet" will close most of the dirt tracks up north.
$1000 fine per wheel if you drive/ride on a closed track.

The advice regarding water is correct. I came back from Kings Canyon/Uluru to Queensland via South Australia about two weeks ago. The temperatures were 40deg and getting hotter. Your personal water needs will be high. Take sufficient water for a day plus some in case you get stuck. Keep your body covered as you will get sunburned quickly.

Keep an eye on the weather. If the rains come early it will be a problem for you.

Have a good trip, be safe and I hope the DR has a large tank.