What's best for driving around oz?

Question

Me and my girlfriend are going to pick up a car in perth and drive to sydney though darwin. Whats the best cost-wise?

A campervan we could sleep in - but cost more in fuel, normal car and camp? station wagon with a bed in the back? do we need a 4x4 to get the most out of our trip?!!!!!

Answer 1

The best vehicle is the one with air conditioning; especially if you're planning this trek anywhere from September through to May.  Beyond that, whether you travel in a regular car or a 4WD is purely a monetary consideration.  Both will do the trip; but obviously a big 4WD will guzzle the juice.  If you opt for a campervan, you will be limited on some roads; as a lot of the area from northern West Australia through the Territory to Queensland doesn't have "made" roads.  And getting bogged in the bulldust is no fun.

Ultimately, I would make the decision based purely on comfort.  If you're comfortable camping, then that's the way to go.  If you don't like creepy crawlies in your sleeping bag... I suggest one of those small vans that has been tricked out for camping rather than a great big Winnebago.  It won't cost you much more than a regular car, and certainly won't drain the wallet like a 4WD or a big campervan.

Enjoy the trip.

Answer 2

for sheer comfort get a campervan from Apollo or Britz . This way you will have airconditioning a place to eat and sleep. You cant go off road but really there is no need to you will see plenty . and it also depends how long your trip is because the first leg of your journey perth to Darwin is 4,000 kilometres. so you would want at least 2 weeks to do this , There is such a lot to call in and see from the pinacles to the world heritage coral bay having a swim on the ningaloo reef , Broome is a must see and the kimberlies are amazing. Hiring a campervan you won't have to worry about breakdowns as you will be covered by road assistance. You can hire a 4wd but unless you want to go on dirt roads these have no comfort attached to them. Remember this is probably a once in a life time experience. The cheaper way of course is to go by car with a small tent but really I think you will find that you are trying to sleep amongst having a big sweat and you will be dreaming of a nice bed so will then book into  accomodation . I've campervaned through Australia and it's wonderful pulling into places not having to worry about buying meals just hop in the back and throw the veg in a pan with a tin of soup to flavour and meeting others on the road at the rest areas comparing notes on must see places.

Answer 3

Im not sure where you are frrom but u may be surprised just how big Aust is as i have spoken to european tourists who said they should have got a flight instead.

Australia is about the size of europe.

Dont drive a mitsubishi.

Take ten times as much water as you need

Have fun

Answer 4

You're going from Perth to Sydney via Darwin - that's different!!

Whatever you pick, make sure you know how to do on the spot maintenance.  Pack plenty of water and extra food.  Make sure the spare tyre is OK. And take a fuel container just in case.