Forums > Global Touring > Touring Australia

Following business in Sydney, I rented a Harley for a self-guided tour of Nouth South Wales for five days (Did this in NZ as well once).  Spectacular time.  Have done this in other countries as well.  Search on the web for a place renting motorcycles.  Make the reservation, go to a bookstore and buy a map or two, plan your adventure.  Maybe ask a question or two on the web.  Have had a great and memorable trip each time.

Recently my wife and I lived in Australia, and your plans for a tour there will be a wonderful experience.  My advice is to plan your route carefully with professional assistance.  Australia is a  continent not an island like New Zealand.  The East coast is well populated and has many attractions and all services are available.  However the interior of Australia must be treated like a motorcycle adventure tour.  Town and services are long distances, so without planning you can find yourself out of petrol with no option except a door knock at a distant farm house.  Since Australia is so big; nearly the same size as the USA, you will need at least a month to do it justice, and six weeks to do a complete circumnavagation of this beautiful country.  Extra things you will need:

1..  Sun protection for your head,ears, and neck. The rays are very strong down under.  ( after you take your helmet off) Have extra strength sun screen for your hide.

 2.  At least three batteries for your digital camera - charging is a problem( don't forget the Australia plug adapters too)

3.  A pair of binoculars - for viewing wildlife.

4. Provisions for extra water on board.

5. Be careful where you go swimming on the North coast of Australia - the Crocdiles catch and eat several tourist each year.

6.  A dual purpose bike would allow you to explore more of this brilliant destination.

Send me a personal note if my wife and I can be of further assistance in planning your trip.  Wish we were going with you.

Sincerely,

 John and Ruth Long

San Antonio, Texas

 

                                                                   

             

       

 

 

 

 

Thanks, sounds like great advice, one forgets how large Australia really is!

Get yourself a copy of 'Australia Motorcycle Atlas 100 Top Rides' by Peter Thoeming  (2nd edition) ISBN 10: 1-86500-236-4 ISBN 13:978-1-86500-236-1.  A$29.95Published by Hema Maps.

Peter "the Bear" Thoeming is a motorcycling journalist and his atlas consists of a set of roadmaps of all Australia with 100 great motorcycle rides individually described and referenced to the specific map.

Thanks for the info

Hi, I planning with some friends of doing a motorcycle tour of New Zealand in 2009, any tips?

Well, You have two choices... go with an organized tour company (search Google for them; there are many), or rent a bike and self guide yourself.  I rented a bike from nzbike.com out of Auckland and had a fantastic time.  Had no problem finding lodging; had no problem finding great sites to see, saved $$$.

If Ewan McGreggor and Charlie Boorman toured Australia would theycall it Long Way Under?

Good luck with your travel plans. Kevin

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SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES .. . . THEY ARE NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY STILL BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN YOU PUSH THEM DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS.

I did 27,000 miles in one year downunder in 2001...  from Tassie to the middle of the Tanami Desert track road...  if you know where and how long you got let me know will try give you some interesting places to head to....

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From out of a dream I rode to beyond the Horizon. Got Adventure? The Zen Gear One Meteior Crater surrounded by a lot of roos, emus, Yowies, drop bears and one major flood in the driest desert on Earth... There still was a bottle of red with dinner. IBA#13157 BB1500 SS2000 Die Hohen Berhunde Agent X