Australia's longest shortcut

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

I commonly think that the grading of walks and cautions about them in such places are overly conservative but I guess it reflects the neurotic times in which we live.

And, I believe the general inclination of parks authorities in Australia to subtly discourage people from using their park tracks in general. Leads to:

* erosion;
* rubbish;
* additional maintenance;
* sprained ankles etc.;
* interaction with wildlife.

Reminds me of the Yes Minister hospital episode where the health bureaucrats had a wonderfully efficient and cost effective new hospital. No patients.

 

[JohnM]

Hopefully this map is clear enough.

 

[RB]

I just tried to map the route out on Google Maps but there were too many points for it to handle to get the detail. A PITA.

The total distance travelled over the two weeks was 5393 kms.

The roughest sections of road were on the Mereenie Loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon (not strictly on the Outback Way/Australia's Longest Shortcut: Outback Way - Australia's Longest Shortcut - Home) and from Kata Tjuta to the WA border, but generally roads weren't excessively bad (but I have travelled a lot on dirt roads and am accustomed to them). The air suspension on the gutsy fully automatic MAN 4WD truck handled it well, even towing the heavy trailer.

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and I'll be lining up for more of this type of thing in the future.

Not sure if it will suit but maybe travellerspoint will let you plot the trip on a map. We are going on a bus trip to Birdsville Cup via the gulf in a week or so

 

[JohnM]

Not sure if it will suit but maybe travellerspoint will let you plot the trip on a map. We are going on a bus trip to Birdsville Cup via the gulf in a week or so

Thanks - I'll check it out.

 

[RooFlyer]

Not sure if it will suit but maybe travellerspoint will let you plot the trip on a map. We are going on a bus trip to Birdsville Cup via the gulf in a week or so

My thanks too! I also have been limited in Google Maps in plotting out a route with >13 points or so (and its been enhanced so you can no longer save plotted routes!). Any downsides to setting up an account just to plot maps (trip planning) - do they pester you with e-mails etc?

 

[craven morehead]

Hopefully this map is clear enough.

View attachment 54056

One hell of a trip !!

 

[RB]

My thanks too! I also have been limited in Google Maps in plotting out a route with >13 points or so (and its been enhanced so you can no longer save plotted routes!). Any downsides to setting up an account just to plot maps (trip planning) - do they pester you with e-mails etc?

Since I joined I have never had any contact from them. I have shared my maps but haven't been able to create a live link-have had to cut & paste the link. looks like the most points I have saved has been 17-not sure if there is a limit

 

[JohnM]

Not sure if it will suit but maybe travellerspoint will let you plot the trip on a map. We are going on a bus trip to Birdsville Cup via the gulf in a week or so

I tried it, but no go. Anywhere away from main roads won't let you select 'Car' and 'Drive' to mark a line on the actual road route. It reverts to 'Straight Line' or 'Curved Line' between the points when the road goes too minor. Pity.

 

[amaroo]

Nice TR. We're thinking about doing a Longreach/Winton drive next year... only a Sunday drive compared to your adventure.

 

[JohnM]

Nice TR. We're thinking about doing a Longreach/Winton drive next year... only a Sunday drive compared to your adventure.

It was a bit of a pity we didn't go as far S as LRE but can't do everything. Have signed to do the loop Broome-Kununurra-Bungles-Broome via the Gibb River road in June next year.

 

[amaroo]

It was a bit of a pity we didn't go as far S as LRE but can't do everything. Have signed to do the loop Broome-Kununurra-Bungles-Broome via the Gibb River road in June next year.

Just been checking the tours on their website - looks good!

 

[JohnM]

Why don't you join in if there are vacancies!?

 

[amaroo]

Why don't you join in if there are vacancies!?

We'll be in Adirondacks, NY celebrating SWMBO birthday

 

[drron]

We'll be in Adirondacks, NY celebrating SWMBO birthday

A nice place to celebrate.