MORE TIPS for EXTENDED TRIPS
by Doug Hammerton (570)
Map of trips completed by Doug & Wendy Hammerton
Planning & Advertising
• Preferably start research and planning 12 months ahead,
• Preferably plan trips for the shoulder seasons eg April - May, August – September.
• Avoid Australia’s interior from October – March, and June – July when temperatures are
extreme
• Limit planned daily travel eg most days 8 hours max per day
• Plan a rest day every 4 days preferably near a town — for rest, recuperation, vehicle
repairs, showering, washing clothes, shopping.
• Do not develop a programme that is too ambitious - travels too fast. Allow time to see
things.
• Advertise the trip months ahead describing the proposed route and programme
• Limit member numbers to 6 vehicles
• Vehicles must be suitable for the trip eg low range versus all wheel drives
• Advertise if caravans or camper trailers are acceptable for the trip conditions bearing in
mind possible sandy and muddy roads & tracks, and proposed highway travel speeds.
• Do not permit trailers if entering sandy desert areas
Hold a participants meeting
Hold a participants meeting at least a month ahead of the trip to run through arrangements, and to
advise participants on matters such as:
• The trip is an adventure, things do happen; routes and programmes sometimes have to
change, and each changed circumstances creates a new adventure.
• They may not get back home by the programmed date, but the intention is to keep to the
programme.
• If travelling in the outback, rain can cause all roads in every direction to close forcing the
convoy to pitch camp, sometimes for days
• To have vehicles serviced and important components inspected, particularly suspension
components such as springs, shockers, tyres