Sounds like you have it under control- just be aware mid Jan is height of the AUS summer. I did this trip many years back, same time of year, it exceeded 50C. Fuel stations are hundreds of kilometres apart and there is nothing- and I mean nothing- between them. Although- last time I did was indeed a long time back- it may be different now.

Just one other observation- Ive spent a fair bit of time in CA, probably has the most perfect climate in the world. But it gets pretty hot away from the coast. Ive seen little kids at a pool in Cali on 42C (108F)day- which is plenty hot- and been amazed by the fact the their parents seemed unconcerned by them running around in their swimmers. In Australia, kids are dressed neck to knee in UV rash suits, brimmed hats and smothered in 40+ sunblock.

They say its the hole in the ozone layer, who knows, but aware the effect of long exposure to the Australian sun. Sunstroke, motorbike, 70mph.....It'll be a great trip, have fun.

Does sound like you have planned for the heat.

Have you chosen a route yet there are options like go around the South West or Gt Eastern Highway to Kalgoorlie. Both are good. We did the South route last month at night, DONT we sufferd badly from kangaroos and extreme cold. Couldnt do more than 60 kph and all fuel shut. Great trip for the daylight tho through the Valley of the Giants

Esperence

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...cemorning1.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/IMG_3378.jpg


Coolgardie on Gt Eastern Highway

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...rlieTrip24.jpg


If you cant guess I love the remote places and touring by bike.

There is still nothing betwen fuel stops on the Nullarbor, this is what water is so important, help is a long way off if needed.

Buy plenty fly repellant as well.

Graelin

Did I mention fuel lol

Guzzi Mike really should be more thankful lol

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/IMG_3744.jpg

Despite carrying extra fuel the Guzzi dint make it through the night.

My riding companion to Bremer Bay South coast Alison enjoying 1000kms in the day ride.
Dont know why I go with Mike so much LOL

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/P2070085.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/P2070094.jpg

Graelin

Here's our suggested route with hotels. As I am generally not a clever fellow, I make a 100% habit of taking advice--so any you can throw my way will be greatly appreciated. I will surely stock up on water and fuel more than I had planned, now, so thanks for that.

␣ Perth to Dunsborough – Big Boyz Toyz to Toby Inlet B&B
␣ Dunsborough to Margaret River – Toby Inlet to River Trails Retreat
␣ Margaret River to Pemberton – River Trails Retreat to Treen Ridge Estate
␣ Pemberton to Albany – Treen Ridge Estate to Norman House
␣ Albany to Esperance – Norman House to Esperance B&B by the Sea
␣ Esperance to Madura - Esperance B&B by the Sea to Madura Roadhouse
␣ Madura to Ceduna – Madura Roadhouse to Best Western Ceduna
␣ Ceduna to Port Lincoln – Best Western Ceduna to First Landing Motel
␣ Port Lincoln to Wilpena – First Landing Motel to Wilpena Pound Resort
␣ Wilpena to Adelaide – Wilpena Pound Resort to Adelaide Riviera Motel
␣ Adelaide to Halls Gap – Adelaide Riviera Motel to Kookaburra Lodge Motel
Grampians National Park – 4 main things of interest: Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre, Boroka Lookout, Reed/Balconies Lookout, MacKenzies Falls
␣ Halls Gap to Apollo Bay – Kookaburra Lodge Motel to Sandpiper Motel
␣ Apollo Bay to Melbourne – Sandpiper Motel to Victoria Hotel
␣ Melbourne to Bright – Victorian Hotel to Bright Avenue Motor Inn
␣ Bright to Jindabyne - Bright Avenue Motor Inn to Jindabyne Quality Resort
␣ Jindabyne to Batemans Bay - Jindabyne Quality Resort to Mariners on the Waterfront
␣ Batemans Bay to Sydney – Mariners on the Waterfront to Bikescape

Excellent.

I'm thinking of doing the softer option of all the way up and down the east coast. Cape York - Melbourne.

I have until the 10th or 11th of Feb to catch my flight back from SYD so, if I get time, I may hit NZ--you down there, bill?

That is an excellent route and the only thing missing is Kalgoorlie but you will have our forests and coast line to make up for that. And a cooler route which will make much more enjoyable.

The new Bunbury Forrest Highway opened last month may not be on your maps. Very heavily policed with cameras and police. Even at 11.30 night one was triggerd by a friend. Takes 30 mins off the journey now.

Perth to Dunsborough – Big Boyz Toyz to Toby Inlet B&B. (Try the Dunsborough Bakery some good scenic spots in this area of coast line.)

␣ Dunsborough to Margaret River – Toby Inlet to River Trails Retreat -- (We have stayed here good Place)

␣ Margaret River to Pemberton – River Trails Retreat to Treen Ridge Estate-- (I got lost on way to Pemberton LOL on my CBX 1988. Had just come to live here, ended up in Albany. Havent been to Pemberton YET!!! I should folow you guys.) Caves Road is a must for bikes.

Albany when Lost had holiday here instead.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...SCAN0006-1.jpg

In Albany Mt Clarence lookout and Military museum are great. The old WW2 Gun implacements are there and open to walk through.

Albany link
Albany WA Attractions - Mt Clarence & Mt Melville | Albany WA | Albany Western Australia | ALBANY WA - ALBANY WA Accommodation & Tourism Directory. For all your accommodation, attraction, restaurant and local business needs in Albany Western Australi

␣ Pemberton to Albany – Treen Ridge Estate to Norman House

␣ Albany to Esperance – Norman House to Esperance B&B by the Sea

Esperence just cant go wrong!
Bremer Bay off the Road on way Albany to Esperance is good place there is a dirt road short cut I havent used available to cut back to the main route.
Ali enjoys Bremer Bay fishing boat harbour.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/P2070075.jpg


Porongorups in the distance.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/P2070068.jpg

␣ Esperance to Madura - Esperance B&B by the Sea to Madura Roadhouse

␣ Madura to Ceduna – Madura Roadhouse to Best Western Ceduna

Madurah Road House is below this pic the only good corners for hundreds of kilometers here lol
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...IMG_3612-1.jpg

␣ Ceduna to Port Lincoln – Best Western Ceduna to First Landing Motel
␣ Port Lincoln to Wilpena – First Landing Motel to Wilpena Pound Resort
␣ Wilpena to Adelaide – Wilpena Pound Resort to Adelaide Riviera Motel

The Adelaide Hills are bikers paradise.

Sorry end of the World as I know it.

Sunset at the Border Village
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...errsunset1.jpg
\Hope others can fill in for you.

␣ Adelaide to Halls Gap – Adelaide Riviera Motel to Kookaburra Lodge Motel
Grampians National Park – 4 main things of interest: Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre, Boroka Lookout, Reed/Balconies Lookout, MacKenzies Falls
␣ Halls Gap to Apollo Bay – Kookaburra Lodge Motel to Sandpiper Motel
␣ Apollo Bay to Melbourne – Sandpiper Motel to Victoria Hotel
␣ Melbourne to Bright – Victorian Hotel to Bright Avenue Motor Inn
␣ Bright to Jindabyne - Bright Avenue Motor Inn to Jindabyne Quality Resort
␣ Jindabyne to Batemans Bay - Jindabyne Quality Resort to Mariners on the Waterfront
␣ Batemans Bay to Sydney – Mariners on the Waterfront to Bikescape

Thanks Graelin!

Getting excited by the day..

Dang, Graelin, but your boy Stoner can ride in the wet...

Sure am. Google Earth me at 22 Lyall Parade, Wellington, New Zealand :)

Bill

Iam sure our friends would enjoy the Rimutakas!

A you tube link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ88V0siqm0
Graelin

Just had an idea--we can't get 'roo leathers in the states and mine are worn out.

Anyone know any shops in Perth or Sydney or Melbourne that could hook me up?

I have not heard of any leathers like you are looking for. Sorry.

Graelin

Dag, you shoulda sent me a PM to ask me for it, i never re-visited this thread after my initial comment. LOL...

Hi

There is a quick way and a more fun way to Busselton your first nights stay.

Let me know if you want the fun way.
First stop Jarrahdale morning tea

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/IMG_3427.jpg
Dwellingup

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._/IMG_2323.jpg

Quindanning Hotel
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1.../P6012732a.jpg

Through to Collie then Bunbury and then Busselton.

Cheers

Graelin

Graelin,

Thanks for that. I was looking for record of mailing you our thoughts on getting to Leeuwin Park the first night and how do-able that is.

What's the opinion on going down the Coastal Hiway versus more inland? May help you to know that we're landlocked in Austin and love looking at the ocean. But if inland is a greater ride then I'm all ears.

I'm also thinking that once we're in Perth we'll get with "those who know" and a map and really plot out the trip. As good as google maps and email are, they're no substitute for sitting down in person.

So are you going to be around on 1/22? Jack

Barring any unforseeable work trips I will be around. The Inland road is better than the highway which is new but boring on a bike.

I was planning get back to the coast for Bunbury and do a trip along it there and a couple of photo stops. Then its about 35 mins to Busselton where there is coast. Some very scenic coastal views if you take some of the side roads off Caves Road.

There is not much coast to see on the way down to Bunbury anyway as the road does not follow the coast line.

How many days do you have in Perth before you head South? If possible I could ride down to Bunbury with you guys. Can you give me the dates you arive in Perth and head off please.

I have 2 daughters in Bunbury.

Cheers

Graelin

WA Fires
 

This is a link to our fires in WA.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/518875-west-australian-fires.html

Graelin

Nice digs, Bill.

Hoping to get to NZ--looks like it will be a strong possibility.

Jack

LOL, it looks good from the air - close up it's pretty rough.

Otago, the bottom quarter of NZ is nice. Big mountains, big rivers, all that stuff. Good 911 country too.

I kind of like Australia more than NZ but it's that grass is always greener thing I guess.