Some expected road conditions

 

Melbourne to Cairns

We have a dual lane bitumen road for the entire length of this stage. There is a large shoulder to Chiltern on Day 1 & 2. Care must be taken from Dubbo to Gilgandra as truck traffic increases on the Newell Hwy.

Always be aware of emus and kangaroos in particular north of St George. Wildlife is particularly prevalent between Hebel and Thallon.

Care must also be taken north of Townsville (Bruce Hwy)

Summing up good quality roads, throughout the ride. We will be on the road during the Easter break so extra care will need to be taken.

Perfect road although not much of a shoulder

Cairns to Darwin

19k climb near Gordonvale to just south of Yungaburra (Day 1)

Dual lane bitumen road till the Savannah Way turn off south of Mt Garnet. Road reverts to single lane road at 3kms west of turn off. Savannah Way intermittently alternates from single lane road to double lane till Normanton. South of Normanton road is a double lane bitumen road till Darwin.

Road is being upgraded between Normanton and Savannah Way turn off

Road trains are prevalent between Mt Garnet and Savannah Way. Always be vigilant of road trains around mining towns. Increased road train activity between Cloncurry and Darwin.

Rider’s must give way to all traffic on single lane roads.

Mining roads have to have a pretty tough surface.

Darwin to Broome

Good quality road all the way to Broome. Heavily used tourist route-BEWARE OF CARAVANS!!!! Many single lane bridge crossings make sure the road is clear in both directions before attempting crossing. Use bicycle lane at Fitzroy Crossing and Willare Bridge.

This only occurs on trips onto properties or bush camps.

Broome to Perth.

Good quality dual lane bitumen road all the way to Perth. Can be a little rough between Roebuck and Pt Hedland. Care must be taken 35k north of South Hedland and till the Great Northern Hwy turn off just south of South Hedland. Care should also be taken near Karratha (mining activity).

There is a fantastic new road just south of Cervantes to Lancelin.

Increased vehicle activity as we near Perth and Geraldton.

Dual lane, no shoulder & water hazard on the road.

Perth to Melbourne

Short sharp climb over Greenmount.

Beware of Road Trains beyond Northam. Good quality road across the Nullarbor. Wide shoulder intermittently. Smooth surface on SA side.  Busy around Pt Augusta and as we near Adelaide & Melbourne. Great Ocean Road can be particularly busy and care must be taken.

Stage 3 filling fast!!

Email sent out to past riders & new interested overseas riders:

Dear All,

Just wanting to alert you all that 'Stage 3 Darwin to Broome' is filling fast & there is only 7 places left. We will be taking 20 riders.
I know it is still another 16 months ahead but if you think you may be interested in this stage it would be a good idea just to put in an expression of interest now
and then confirm it closer to the time. We would hate for any of our regulars & our newly interested parties to miss out.
The dates for this leg are June 1st to June 20th 2013.

The other stages still have at least 10 places left but will warn everyone if they start to fill.

Cheers for now

Kathy & Collis
Cycle across oz



Within 2 hours of the email being sent we were down to 5 spots left.

Famous Hotels on our trip

Nindigully Hotel (The Gully)
With a town population of six, you’d wonder where the other drinkers come from. But they do! Especially for New Year’s Eve. Queensland’s oldest hotel, on the banks of the Moonie River (fishing allowed), has been dealing with thirst since 1864. Check out the collection of donated Akubras and try to spot the police hat. George Rd, Nindigully, 07 4625 9367, www.nindigullypub.com  

The Daly Waters Pub
This tiny iconic pub, the oldest in the Territory, has been welcoming travellers since 1893. It also has one of the first airports in Australia, which once serviced planes on the London-Singapore leg. During WWII it was used by the Australian and American air forces. Famous as a break
for drovers moving cattle between Alice Springs and Darwin, it’s now also a bank, post office and police station. An absolute classic. Stuart Hwy, Daly Waters, 08 8975 9927, www.dalywaterspub.com

Adelaide River Inn
With the best beer garden outside of Darwin, you’ll be absolutely dying for a drink by the time you reach this oasis on the banks of the Adelaide River. Not just a shrine to Charlie the Buffalo from Crocodile Dundee, you can also order up tasty buffalo steaks at the counter – and the Barra ‘n’ chips is also worth the drive. Stuart Hwy, Adelaide River, 08 8976 7047.

Palace Hotel, Kalgoorlie
Before he was US President, Herbert Hoover was a regular guest of this grand gold rush hotel. His mirror and a poem he wrote to the barmaid he loved remains. Meanwhile, the vibe of this mining town lives on. 137 Hannan St, Kalgoorlie, 08 9021 2788, www.palacehotel.com.au   

Whim Creek Pub
In the Pilbara region of far northwest of WA, this century-old shocking pink corrugated iron pub has survived cyclones, white ants and much more. Once it even had a camel that loved drinking beer, and a python that lived in the rafters and nicked food. Excellent Barra Burgers too. North West Coastal Hwy, Whim Creek, 08 9176 8700.

At The Mataranka Pub at Mataranka Springs just south of Katherine you can lean against the bar with its brightly coloured paintings then toddle off to see the nearby replica of the hut in which Jeannie Gunn lived at Elsey Station. Her story was captured in the book We of the Never Never.

Over on our west coast, The Roey, Broome's oldest pub, lives by the saying "if it's going to happen in Broome, it's going to happen at the Roey". If you stumble across a local character by the name of Swindle, pull up a chair and order a coldie because he has enough tales about pearling and gangsters to last a week.

The Purple Pub: Although known as the Purple Pub, the National Hotel is a typical Outback Pub and a popular spot for travellers to stop in for a drink while exploring the Gulf Country. Just look for the purple painted pub, you won't miss it. 

Normanton, QLD
Gulf Country

Established in 1897 as a shanty inn and trade store, The Crossing Inn is The Kimberley's oldest established hotel and is a welcome site to travellers passing through the region. The Inn sits on the banks overlooking the Fitzroy River in Fitzroy Crossing, and also offers accommodation in motel rooms and has an extensive caravan park and camping ground.

Big things we should see next year.

Big Barra in Normanton

Big Gumboot in Tully

The big cassowary at Mission Beach

The big lobster at Kingston

The big Marlin in Cairns

The big Galah in Kimba

The big Whale in Eucla

The big Wheelbarrow in Port Hedland

Big crocodile in Normanton

Big Captain Cook in Cairns

Big Easel at Emerald

Big Roo at Border Village

Looking at Darwin to Broome

Darwin to Broome
1st June to 20th June 2013
20 nights camping
5 meals provided
1 free cycling jersey
$1,870.00
including GST

This leg (Stage) may end up being our most popular one as we have had alot of interest in it already. I suppose as a cyclist it is not a route many people would ride unsupported due it's remote areas. We will be leaving Darwin on a Saturday morning so the traffic should be OK although I don't think there are too many peak hour traffic jams in Darwin too often.
We travel down the Stuart Hwy to Adelaide River.

This is a must see at Adelaide River- can't miss him as he is holding up the bar

The Big Croc- what a happy chappy he looks.

This guy just looks hungry

We will need to watch the crocs around this area or probably for most of this leg although Collis says I over exaggerate the dangers of the crocodiles.

Pine Creek Railway- worth a quick look.

We stay going south on the Stuart Hwy until Katherine when we start to head west.

Katherine Gorge- rest day.

Katherine Gorge is a must see & there are many tours going down the gorge or you can canoe down by yourself or as a group.

My favorite tree- they are just so huggable. This one is just outside Victoria River

Once we leave the Stuart Hwy the terrane changes & becomes quite barren at times. The colours keep changing & the fauna changes frequently as well.

Timber Creek Caravan park- shaded!!

Lake Argyle is a huge expanse of water- lucky we have a rest day.

Lake Argyle is like a mirage & very enjoyable break to take.

Great swimming hole & quite an energetic walk to get here- lucky we have another rest day. Kununurra

Things start becoming a little sparse as we leave Kununurra.. We will be having to make our own fun & entertainment for a few days I think. A couple of bush camps will do the trick.

The Bungle Bungles can be accessed out of Warmun but they are difficult to get to unless you have a 4WD or take a tour. We don't have a rest day here so time is tight but the riders could get together & take one of the flights that fly over them.

Then we hit Fitzroy Crossing and things start looking up again for a little while.

Fitzroy Crossing- another rest day here.

Fitzroy River at the Willare Bridge

Preparation for Cairns to Darwin

 Cairns to Darwin
29th April to 27th May 2013
28 nights camping
1 night backpackers
7 meals provided
1 free cycling jersey
$2,640.00
including GST   

Cairns to Mt Isa
29th April to 11th May 2013
12 nights camping
1 night backpackers
3 meals provided
$1,210.00
including GST


Get those Granny Gears Goin!!!!19k climb up the Gillies Range to the lovely little town of Yungaburra. BBQ tonight and a nice comfy bed for those weary legs. If you fancy some platypus watching there's a chance you might catch a glimpse of one down at the local creek.

Our first night is here

Yungaburra Pub- not sure if still working as a pub.

Platypus

Lava Caves

 Once we get over the first day of climbing, any other climbs look like baby hills.

The surprise at Mt Surprise is that there is no mountain. Can anyone guess what Mt stands for?  Take the opportunity to check out the Undara Lava Tubes or take the Savannahlander train down to Einasleigh for a beer at the pub!! A real treat.                                                         

 

Georgetown

The Purple Pub

Krys The Savannah King

The largest crocodile ever caught!!!The best fish & chips are at Karumba which works out to be a 71 kms ride on your day off & then the same back again.

Burke & Wills Roadhouse- staying here.

From the B & W Roadhouse we head to Mt Isa. We pass through Quamby& hope the pub is still open by the time we get there as we are planning on staying.Looks as though it's going to be a bush camp. Then onto the hottest town in Australia & hopefully the temperature will be reasonable when we get there- this is Cloncurry. At Mt Isa we join up with the Rocky to Darwin route and we get to have a few bush camps which are usually a lot of fun. Dirty but fun!!!!

Then before we know it we will be entering the Northern Territory. We cross the Barkly tablelands onto the Stuart Hwy where we hook up at Three Ways & the road to Darwin.
From here on we start entering the tropics with thermal pools, ferns, giant termite mounds and hopefully lots of wildlife- watch those crocs & fruit bats!!

We go to some unusual pubs with undies hanging around the bar, graffiti over every inch of wall space & the best steak in NT.

Daly Waters Hotel- Rest Day

Mataranka is the capital of the thermal pools and we have another rest day here to soak those tired bones.


From here we go to Katherine & Katherine Gorge- another rest day before we get to Darwin & the end of this leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cycle Across Oz

Frequently Asked Questions about our rides.

1. What does Cycle Across Oz provide daily during rides?

Cycle Across Oz will supply

• Carrying of personal equipment up to 15 kgs per rider
•  Daily ride updates with maps & directions
• Adequate water supplies that may occasionally be fresh artesian bore water.
• Morning & afternoon tea supplies.
• Meals as per ride itinerary
• Basic first aid supplies
• Basic bike repair tools & assistance
• Camping accommodation nightly

• Satellite phone for emergencies
• Basic cooking equipment

2. What do we need to bring?

Cycle Across Oz insists that each rider has a total maximum of 15kgs luggage, which does not include your bike.

•  Personal & riding clothes- all caravan parks have laundry facilities.
•  Bicycle & helmet
• Bicycle mirror (compulsory) & lighting
• Camping equipment- small tent, mat, sleeping bag
• Eating utensils- plate (or bowl), knife, fork, spoon & mug
• Spare tubes x 2 & spare tyre x1
• Appropriate spokes
• Cycle Across Oz is unable & will not carry bike boxes, bike bags or bike cases.

Don't forget the bike!!

3. What about road trains?

Road train drivers in Australia are usually very courteous of cyclists. They will generally give you lots of room when passing, but you must get off the road if you are aware of 2 road trains passing each other within your vicinity. Safety & road conditions will be discussed daily in the evening.

4. How far do we have to ride each day?

Distances are as per itinerary however at the discretion of Cycle Across Oz the route/direction/distance may be altered according to weather & road conditions. The shortest day is approximately 35 kms with the longest day at 185 kms. 

5. What if I’m not well & am unable to ride the distance on a particular day?

We do not encourage use of a “Sag Wagon” however if you are unwell or struggling to complete the distance within daylight hours then we do have capacity to provide transport to the next evening’s camp. It is expected that all riders have an adequate amount of training prior to the ride, as it is not recommended that you train into the ride. To ensure a rider enjoys the trip it is to their advantage to prepare themselves & their fitness levels.

6. What about meals?

Every rider will be provided with

• A food storage box
• Air tight container for dairy products
• Communal milk, margarine, tea & coffee supplies
• Morning tea- plunger coffee, tea & biscuits with the occasional extra treats depending on the occasion & the availability of ingredients.
• Food shopping suggestions & information on food purchasing availability will be provided as necessary.
• Meals are provided as per itinerary & always on bush camps.
• When meals not provided there is always the ability for the rider to purchase a cooked meal.

Bush camp with a couple of stirrers!

7. What, if any, services pre & post ride?

Pre ride:

•  Pick up from airport will be provided on one occasion only at a pre-arranged time per ride depending on location of ride commencement.
• Contact Collis or Kathy for details of pick up times each city.
• Taxis & shuttle buses are available at all airports within Australia.

Commencement of ride

• A briefing will be conducted on the eve of each ride (see further details on individual ride details).

Post ride

• Celebration meal will be provided at the completion of each ride.
• Riders must organise their own transport & accommodation post ride.
• Cycle Across Oz is unable to provide transport of riders belongings post ride, as they will be continuing onto their next ride.

8. What about toilets out on the road?

Most highways have regular rest areas, which occasionally have a toilet available. These are not always situated where we would like them so it is advisable for each rider to carry with them on their bikes the following items:

• Toilet paper
• Wet ones
• Small spade (as all human waste must be buried).

9. What accommodation is supplied?

The main accommodation will be camping in caravan parks or roadhouses and paid for by Cycle Across Oz- riders provide their own tents & camping equipment. There is usually an opportunity for riders to upgrade into dongers/cabins or motel rooms at their own expense.

On occasions Cycle Across Oz will pay for upgraded accommodation in towns where there is inadequate accommodation for camping. These can be at a backpacker style accommodation or the local pub (see itineraries for details).

On each ride we will have bush camps depending on the distance between each town- an area that is cleared, off the road with easy access and where firewood available is sought and organised by Cycle Across Oz. Bush camps are usually an enjoyable experience but showers & toilets will not always be available. When possible we camp by a river for washing ability otherwise water can be restricted for personal needs so as to ensure we have adequate drinking supply.

Woody in a Donger!

10. Do I need to carry anything on my bike?

Cycle Across Oz suggests you carry a spare tube, tyre levers, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as camera, wallet, toilet needs and perhaps rain gear if it’s threatening. We transport your luggage, food & extra water. All riders are expected to be able to repair their own flat tyres.

11. What is the age group & gender on average each ride?

Our last ride from Broome to Perth we had an equal amount of male & female riders. There has been a steady increase in the amount of women who join our rides.

The age range has been between 33 and 72 with an average around mid 50’s.

12. What will the weather be like?

• We are leaving Melbourne at the best time of year for cycling.
• Stable weather patterns persist during March & April. Winds will be of good assistance particularly from Cairns across to Broome.
• Very likely to be rain-free from Cairns to Geraldton (WA).
• Expect the possibility of tropical rain between Charters Towers & Cairns (but we may dodge it).
• Cool with the possibility of showers from Perth to Melbourne.

13. What type of bike should I ride?

Comfort is the main factor. A road bike, tourer or mountain bike fitted with slicks are suitable. Recumbents, tandems & small-wheeled tourers are suitable.

14. What’s not included in the ride price?

• GST
• Airfare to and from the ride city.
• Accommodation before and after the ride
• Personal accident or travel insurance
• Personal items purchased during the ride
• Optional activities and sightseeing
• Bike parts & major repairs if required.
• Transport pre & post ride.

15. What do we need to pack?

We recommend you bring a soft bag or backpack. Cycle Across Oz will not carry suitcases, as they are bulky, difficult to stow on board vehicles or trailers and heavy. You may be required to lift or carry your own luggage from time to time. We have a limit of 15 kgs per rider including camping equipment but not your bike. Any excess luggage may need to be stored or forwarded on to your final destination at your own expense or carried in panniers on your own bike. We advise that you pack as light as possible.

Suggested list of items will be provided once rider registered & deposit paid.