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next big trip, QLD-TAS.. where to go? how to camp? what to do?

3K views 26 replies 17 participants last post by  chrisbre 
#1 ·
allo strommers.

time has come for the second big trip - the first (gold coast to cairns and back last summer) was great fun and relatively easy (we were 2up on the return trip); so the mrs and I will this time be having a crack at going the other way!

im fairly poor and cheap.. and it will be summer so we are planning on camping - at least where possible or until we get fed up with it :)

its another big trip of firsts: never been to tassie, have never ridden the bike in cold weather, have never motorcycle camped before (in fact havent camped at all in ~25 years)

Adventure, woo!

going to lay out my gear and current plan below (its helpful for me to type this out also - I am seeking any ideas/experiences/tips/suggestions/destinations/alternatives, no matter how small, trivial, or brutally honest from the more experienced trekkers among you :) thankyou in advance.

BIKE:
my old and busted but lovely and much loved 650, almost 150ks, never skipped a beat on the 4500km cairns trip (or since ive had her) and she will get a thorough pre-trip service. I dont carry tools and have no real idea about maintenance. I do have racq and a credit card (neither of which have ever been needed for the bike on my trips so far *cross fingers*)

LUGGAGE:
we already have Hep&Bek hard panniers/big topbox/tankbag...
will likely strap a weatherproof duffel somewhere and possibly add some small bags to the front side crashbars? (yet to buy)
have considered getting bigger hard panniers (bunnings tool bags) and fixing them to the racks i have already but not sure if thats worth it or practical.

PERSONAL GEAR:
we have good comfy safe riding gear to wear, full face helmets this time (my mrs saw a poor bloke come off a cruiser and lose half his face a few months back - no more open face helmets for us)
we do need to purchase a few wet cover gear bits.

BIKE FARKLES:
we have no heated grips or cruise control (not sure if i should consider buying these?) tassie december summer temps sposed to be 15-20 degrees, but im a QLD wuss so not sure if i should.
Ill have phone and mp3 player, am considering a bluetooth set, but they seem expensive..
anything else i should consider?

CAMPING GEAR:
i need to purchase: tent (or swags?), tarp, sleeping matts and bags, gas/cooking system (jetboil gets talked up a lot?) eating/cooking utensils, some camping tools...
will have niceties like a hario and aeropress (must have coffee), some water storage and toilet stuff, a bottle of 12yo scotch etc etc all the necessities! :) any glaring omissions here?


ITINERARY:
approx 1 week or so gold coast to melbourne (along the coast mostly - we'll be diving along the way, southwest rocks, nelson bay etc) 3-6 hours a day for 4 or 5 riding days - depending on weather - this seemed easily manageable last time, and we have flexibility. Our longest riding day was almost 8 hours, that was a bit much.

ferry+bike across to tas (get a cabin i am told!) then a fortnight or so exploring tas (not quite sure where yet - any suggestions? probably head south first, faff about around hobart, maybe a little bit into the west rainforests?? then over and head up the east coast for a week and back to devonport for the trip back)
xmas and NYE will be somewhere in tassie (probably camping or staying near a nice remote pub or winery)
approx 1 week to get back home
dates roughly 17th dec - 17th jan.

will have a good tough camera this time (took maybe 4 photos total last big trip, determined to document this trip a lot more) but aside from the above pretty much going to buy some camping shit, load up wikicamps, jump on the bike, turn it south and see how it all turns out!

i did have couple of things i wanted to achieve on this trip but not sure how/where ill manage them all yet:
1 - camp somewhere remote so i can see proper stars. perhaps somewhere known for stargazing? (or perhaps just in the middle of nowhere on a clear night.)
2 - get the bike on some (very light and easy) offroad stuff somewhere
3 - get into some real rainforest
4 - cook and eat something in the open!
5 - .... what else should i aim for?

I am also considering selling my old lady V for $3k and buying a less used one before the trip (seen a few 60k-80k ones with good farkles going for ~4k lately) but not sure if thats trying for too much.

I love my vstrom (so does the mrs), and altho i dont post much on here i still read these forums regularly and appreciate the community.

thanks for reading if you made it this far.

if you care to offer any sage advice, ideas on what to see or what not to miss out on.... or places to buy the stuff i need to buy id like to hear it!

cheers, safe riding.
Troy
 
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#2 ·
Yes, get a cabin on the ferry, unless you can sleep on a bench seat with heaps of other people. Anywhere in Tassie is good. Do Google (top right hand box) searches for destinations and trip advise. Check out Targa Tas maps, these blokes go on the twistyest? roads.

Enjoy the ride

PS; once you've been, you will want to go back as often as possible
 
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#3 ·
Tassie

Take comfortable wet weather gear. Stay in Caravan Parks with good camp kitchens and you won't have to carry too much gear. The roads are brilliant. "The Wall" at Derwent Bridge is worth a visit. The last time I was there I did it on my Wee Strom and had a ball.

I'm planning a ride down there in March on my SR500. Should be fun on Tassie's windies.
 
#4 ·
Unless you plan on slabbing it down the expressway I would not bother with the cruise control but for 100 bucks I would get the heated grips, they can make all the difference if things get sour and wet.
 
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#5 ·
Howdy TroyBoy

Not sure where you are but I am in Hervey Bay.

My days of "tent" camping are over.
I carry a credit card rather than a bed roll.

If you are not too far away, I still have a dome tent, 2 x OzTrail (-5C) sleeping bags and an RJays expandable explorer rack bag.

I used the bag on a previous bike on a home built rack which also served as a back rest for the wife.

The sleeping bags are "mummy" style so would not suit really large people but will zip together to make a double.

You can have the tent. I would like something for the sleeping bags and rack bag.

PM me if interested
BanditDave
 
#6 ·
Some motorcycle travel tips

We did a number of 7000-8000Km trips on a Suzuki Bandit and learned some valuable tips.

Let the other half pack as much as she likes then unpack 80% when she is not looking.

A pair of jocks is good for 4 days, right way around, inside out, back to front then finally inside out on day 4.
Go to Woolies/Coles on day 5, buy a new pair and throw original jocks in rubbish bin. BTW this also negates carrying washing detergent.

On one trip we left Mackay in April with only lightweight clothing and travelled through NT, SA and into Vic.
By the time we got to Vic we were bloody freezing so pulled up to a Salvos shop and purchased extra socks, beanies, jackets, scarves and mittens. They were a funny colour combination but the total purchase price was $12.
When we got back to mid NSW we took all of this extra gear and put in into a Salvos charity bin as we had no further use for it.
If you can get hold of a gas stove with the disposable cylinders (I thought they were banned) they are a cheap and lightweight cooking option.
 
#7 ·
Some motorcycle travel tips #2

To keep accommodation costs to a minimum consider staying in pubs in the tiniest of towns between major ones.

Towns that don't rate a dot on the road map are the best.

In my experience a room will typically be half price or less and if you ask nicely will probably include breakfast.

Also be aware of school holidays or special events when the price goes up.
 
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#9 ·
When we toured from WA to tassie we didn't have a top box, but used a a large duffel bag across the top and the panniers. It also allowed us to strap the tent on top. Make sure your tyres are ready for the distance, or know where you are going to replace them. You don't want to be waiting for three days in Sydney on the way down trying to get a new set.

Otherwise, enjoy your trip. We did. Tassie weather may be wet, but I wouldn't worry about heated grips, just winter gloves should be OK.
 
#10 ·
for coffee or expresso, the aeropress is good and compact. for water bags, I use the platypus water bags. take up little room when empty; but you will have to figure out how to carry them when full; some are 3L. camelback water bags (water bag in a backpack) can be easier to carry water. sleep pads-thermorest self inflating work good. I have a 2 person tent for one; allows room to store stuff; could work for two people. I have purchased Coleman 2 person tent for about 45 USD (Campmor). good rain gear is essential in rainy areas. scotch is my choice as well for riding; travels well. have fun
 
#11 ·
If you haven't been camping for many years it will come as a bit of a shock, with steep learning curve. Especially with significant other.
I suggest you do a few weekends away first, couple hours ride, pull up early to give you time to unpack and relax.
Be aware of the extra weight for two people.
When I am camping I usually make an early start and then begin looking for a place from 2 pm onward. Takes the stress out of being caught up a strange road in the dark.
It's also amazing the amount of things you think you need but never use. Think carefully about everything you pack, some things can be multiuse.
Tassie has a lot of free camp areas even close to the towns a lot run by the Rotary club. Just a gold coin donation. Water and toilets provided with the Hotel up the road for a good meal.
Maybe organise new tyres in Tassie beforehand.
It's also good to pull in to a cabin or motel or B&B now and again. Keeps you fresh.
 
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#12 ·
thanks one and all, some great tips!

not sure about the 4 day throwaway underpants thing banditdave; think ill try for the occasional wash stop :) some great other tips tho!
im on gold coast, so bit far to check out your gear and ill be keeping the big top box we have - but appreciate the offer nonetheless.

Im seeing tonnes of local camping stuff on gumtree (tents/swags/equipment) that will be useful, most of it dirt cheap and always seems to be 'only used once' i imagine camping gear is one more of those things that lots of ppl buy but never/seldom use, ill trawl the classifieds for a few weeks and put together a set that will suit the bike i think, good value.

ill check out those tassie links later thanks Vman, have been looking a lot into tas past few days... there is SO MUCH we are going to want to see! national parks/caves/ diving/history/ food and grog places/massive ancient trees/awesome looking beaches / big mountains, islands.. convict stuff... the east coast looks worth a week at least...
going to be very hard to just limit it to a fortnight!.
also we will have NYE in tas (xmas in melbs) so theres the falls festival or hobart taste festival to consider.. guess thats all the fun stuff tho.

We will definitely be loading everything up and testing the ride and camping a few times locally before we set off.

Couple of things bothering me about the camping - one is camp chairs - i think we can manage tight sleeping quarters ok but the idea of getting anywhere to camp and only being able to lie down or kneel bothers me. Much more interested in being able to at least cover the ground (and maybe our heads) and have somewhere for us to sit at night... checked out some cheap Aldi camp seats today but they were far too long and big to take; hoping i can find a reasonable seating/side table solution that packs small.
other thing is the sleeping matt/pillow situation, havent actually checked out a swag yet but the idea of something thats got the bedroll and headrest included sounds good (and light/space saving) but guess ill have to check things out more thoroughly to choose the housing situation. also how in hell do you sleep without a proper pillow? i forsee two fluffy pillows being tied to my handlebars, idea of riding with a crook neck is a worry :)

hadnt even thought of tyres, will see what my mech says, probably go a fresh set before we leave.
 
#13 ·
Chair + Helinox
 
#14 ·
It sounds like you will be travelling during the school holidays so be aware of accommodation shortages.

A couple of times we have stopped at pubs that have rooms but are also willing to let you put a tent out in the yard.

This provides you with food, bathroom and you are usually right in the centre of town. Much better than most caravan parks in my opinion.
 
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#15 ·
G'day TroyBoy,


NYE at the docks in Hobart is awesome, its like a double celebration with the Sydney to Hobart on at the same time. :party: :cheers2:


The Taste festival is a good day out with all local food, wine, beer and other produce all made & grown in Tassie.


If you are Launceston & looking for a feed try the Jail House Steak House...best steak ever. :thumbup:


Cheers V2man & GotaV2
 
#16 ·
Hi TroyBoy,
Helinox chair excellent quality, we have 2 models, the chair one (the original) and the new luxury model the sunset chair.

Air bed can recommend the exped synmat they fit on a stretcher or by themselves and in a swag they are insulated and have built in pump or you can use a compressor.

Pillow I would suggest thermorest pillow very compact and comfy we have medium.

Swag is good with a hoochie over the top but a tent is handy as well just depends on how much you like putting up and pulling down.

Not that i sleep much but being comfortable is important especially on a long road trip.

A of word caution on tassie roads, watch out for gravel on left hand corners thrown onto the road from caravans and trucks & road kill as there is quite a lot.

Cheers GotaV2 & V2man
 
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#17 ·
Some Tassie Comments

I did Tassie in February. I stayed at hostels and pubs.

I can recommend "Pub in a paddock", the hotel at Waratah and the hostel at the southern end of Cradle Mt NP. The advantages of hostelling - fairly cheap, meet interesting people and pick up travel hints and food is frequently cheap nearby.
There's also cheap pubs in many towns - just look for the chalkboards advertising out the front - but NOT during school holidays.

If you've never been on a ship, a day cruise on the Spirit can negate the argument about cabin versus ocean recliner. Personally I can sleep almost anywhere with my iPod drowning out external noise.

It is great fun, especially if you chat with people in the smaller centres. Scottsdale Visitor Centre has free WiFi for a short time AND an offer of free coffee from a place in town (I had raisin bread with it, so a cheap morning tea but I felt I was doing my bit for the local economy).

Doug
 
#18 ·
Hi Troyboy.
+1 on the cabin on the spirit if you are doing a night sailing, but I think at the time of year you are travelling, they also do day sailings, so you probably wouldn't require a cabin.

We took the boys to Tassie back in '03 in early May, and most days we were wearing jeans and polo tops, so December shouldn't be too bad.
When we went, we had a cabin at Richmond for a week and did day trips at that end. The second week, we stayed in a cabin in Laugana, very pretty, and did day trips from there.
Having said that, the boys were only 6 & 9, so it worked ok for us then.

Both the boys are now about to get their motorcycle licences, so I think we'll be planing a trip south in a year or two with all of us going on bikes :)
I look forward to your ride report when you get back so I can pinch some of your tips!

Are you going to post your rough route before you leave? We might be able to give you some options if you are staying in Victoria ie; sleeping where you can see the stars.
Cheers
Sharon
 
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#19 ·
Just a thought re the "Spirit of Tasmania" - floating RSL club..
We planned our arrival in Melbourne for late afternoon which gave a few hrs to wander around S t Kilda beach area and have a beer/snack before embarking for the overnight voyage. This way we saved a nights accommodation in Melbourne.
Despite just leaving Port the snack bar on board was barren-no pies or sandwiches. though plenty of expensive food in the restaurant...grr. so we had a few schooner burgers ;)
Sleeping in a cabin had us arriving reasonably refreshed as we could shower etc. And gave us a full days riding in Tassie, instead of getting there in the evening and having to pay for another nights accomodation and not riding.(motorbike). This way we got an extra 2 days riding each way!
Also when you get off the ship at Devonport there are a few cafes just outside the carpark area offering a decent feed cheapish ;)
Salamanca Bay markets are worth a look, but dont expect value meals at night. The pubs imo are very expensive. cheapest local light beer $8... just regular Boags or Cascade.
I would also suggest a protracted fast or diet regime some weeks before leaving for Tassie,or taking a bigger clothes as the food in Tassie - like the roads, is Irresitable! Just accept the fact, dial up the preload on the suspension and enjoy!
 
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#20 ·
Hey BanditDave, I tried the undies trick...but my G string was just too uncomfortable on days 3 and 4. >:)
 
#21 ·
Go Commando:wink2:
 
#24 ·
:) :)

thankyou all, keep it coming, some great stuff specially the gear recommendations!

the current southern route looks like coastal the whole way - stops at:
south west rocks
nelson bay/port stephens
jervis bay
batemans bay
canberra
merimubula
big ride along the south east coast through vic
then onto melbs for xmas/boxing day

if you are a diver you'll see its pretty much divesite to divesite along NSW coast.. then bit of a rush to get to melbourne for xmas day.

hope to get a few short trips inland at some of the stop points (day trips, detours etc)

slowly coming along, havent bought gear yet but currently getting RWC/fixup for the vstrom to see if i can flog it off and buy a slightly newer one this month... a man can dream! :)
 
#25 ·
If you end up in Canberra, then want to make your way to the coast, and you like a bit of dirt (it's pretty easy, not too technical), there is an awesome road from Captains Flat (it's not far from Canberra) to Merimbula (it's on the coast near Batemans Bay). It goes thru' the Deau National Park. Very nice...I've done it on my V Strom! There are also free camping sites along the way.
 
#26 ·
Hey Troy,

Tassie is well worth it - A mate and i did the trip from Port Macquarie last november and it was great. A couple of tips if your interested.

- We headed west first down through to stahan - weather is worse on the west coast so get that out of the way earlier and you will finish the trip up the east coast which has beautiful coast roads which are a great way to finish tassie
- Your right about the cabin - we did ocean recliners across and back and regretted it the whole time :(
- We had swags and a couple of tarps and they did us just fine
- definitely do the ride up to cradle mountain - well worth it
- Do the cascade brewery tour in Hobart - they have some great beers that arent too available on the mainland

We did our trip in 12 days (just over 5000km) so we only had 6 days in tassie, which is nowhere near long enough.

Have a great trip and if you need any advise on camping spots or routes, give me a yell.

Cheers,
Tim
 

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#27 ·
It's be personal preference for sure -- but a good night sleep for me means a good pillow has to be used. I've recently started using a Nemo Fillo -- and it is wonderful. Blow up insert, memory foam top and loose lacing on the underside that you put a large clothing item through to give you the desired height.
Other items I use and like are:
Helinox chair, self inflating sleeping mat -- and I prefer a sleeping bag that you can unzip at the foot, as well as the upper edge. That way, you can use a slightly warm rated bag -- and adjust the sleeping warmth by unzipping the foot if needed.
 
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