The Big Trip (I come to you), May to September, most states and territories

[mudnut]

Melbourne -> Broken Hill -> Flinders Ranges

We'll leave 17 May from Melbourne. First destination will be the beautiful Flinders Ranges. Any suggestions?

Yeah... put me in your suitcase you lucky bugger

[Flo-w]

Since you drink Bear, you must be a Queenslander!

Bugger!

Cape York has a few not so well known places that in my book are worth a looksy, particularly if you aren't towing a camper.

You are also entering peak-hour traffic period on the Cape at the moment with every man and his dog heading up there and back. Parks & Wildlife now have a full online booking system that they want everyone to use and I'd get in asap if you haven't already.

I'm away with work a fair bit, but enjoy a Bundy bear or two and if you are passing through Cairns can point you at some not so visited destinations.

I'll book as soon as I know when I'll be there. Worked for Fraser last time, I hope it'll work for the Cape. I'll send you a message when we come to Cairns. Cheers mate!

Walkers Crossing Track is listed as open to 4WD with caution for ponded water, it can get slow and interesting after rain.
The Simpson really depends on how adventurous you want to get, I have crossed 3 times and gone a different way each time.
I would take Binns track to Alice.

I'll give Walkers Crossing a go. It was closed last time I was there but then Cooper Creek was flooded.
Ah, Binns Track is a combination of other tracks and called Old Andado Track between Mt Dare and Alice. That's the one I wanted to take anyway.

Yeah... put me in your suitcase you lucky bugger

There's a spot on the roof rack if you don't mind flies between your teeth...

[Flo-w]

Made it through the Simmo safe and sound (pics are coming soon). Only needed the shovel 3 times, otherwise no worries. What a beauty! One of the best spots I've ever been to.

Binns Track / Old Andado Track from Mt Dare to Alice was a great choice! Very diverse landscape and amazing colours everywhere. Pretty fast too and good camping where it heads into the ranges south of Santa Teresa.

Alice Springs -> Airlie Beach
Now for the next leg. I'll tour a bit through the western MacDonnells first, haven't been to Palm Valley yet and will drive south from Hermansburg. Then it's the eastern MacDonnells. I'll head north from Ross River to get to the Plenty Highway.
My big question right now is: Plenty Hwy or Sandover Hwy?? And any tips how to continue from there? Looks all pretty boring on the maps...

The other question is: can anyone recommend a good mechanic in Mt Isa? I need to get the car serviced.

[Flo-w]

I forgot to mention (and thank you guys for the recommendations) that I had a blast in Silverton (Hotel and Mad Max museum), took a scenic flight from Rawnsley Station, enjoyed the Skytrek and the rest of the Flinders Ranges as well as the Gammon Ranges (took the PAR around the northerns side and then through).

[Flo-w]

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Flinders Ranges from above

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heading towards the Gammon Ranges

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east of Gammon Ranges heading north

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Sturt Desert Peas

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Mad Max Museum in Silverton

[krbrooking]

Good luck on your adventures, sounds like an awesome trip. I cant wait to be able to do this sort of trip with my family. Stay safe out there!!!!!

P.S awesome pics.

[Flo-w]

Cooper Creek
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Good to have signs (Walkers Crossing Track)
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It's a birthday!
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Gibber plains
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[Flo-w]

Cairns -> Darwin
The Cape is pretty much planed now. The Gulf is next. What to do, what to see other than the Savanna Highway? Which side trips are worth it? And as always, are there any members who want to meet up?

[cgm]

Great photos!

[rusty_nail]

wowee, that is absolutely spectacular! makes me want to pack my bags and head out now! thanks for sharing mate!