Modes of Travel 1

People wander the Wallaby Track using all kinds of weird and wonderful modes of transportation. I can’t help but admire the hardy souls who walk, ride bicycles and use miscellaneous livestock to get from A to B. However, most of these modes of travel require a support team and we’re more interested in self-sufficiency here.

Motor Cycles

Motor cycles have their fans and we’ve certainly been amongst them in the past. In fact, two of the best preparations for life on the road are motorcycle touring and cruising on a small sailing vessel. You learn to maximise your comfort with minimal equipment and also how to be very creative with limited cooking supplies.

With careful preparation, it’s possible for two people to live off the back of a suitable motorcycle for months on end. A modern motorcycle in the right hands is very safe, reliable and the most economical form of motorised transport available. It is even possible for a larger bike to tow a purpose built trailer if you really want to take the kitchen sink but we’ve never found either to be necessary.

While there used to be a stigma against motorcyclists, the image has been totally softened by annual Toy Runs and groups like the Ulysses Club. So if you want to “Grow Old Disgracefully”, go right ahead.

Motorcycling will not suit everyone. It takes a level of fitness just to get on and off a big bike and if your joints are starting to go or if you suffer from poor circulation, it’s probably not the best option. If you’re keen, try shorter trips first of at least a couple of weeks at a time first and see how you get on.

Cars

Next in line would be the domestic motor vehicle, solo or with a caravan or trailer. Almost any recent model car out there will be able to circumnavigate on the tar with suitable driving habits but it’s not a great idea to go too small or too exotic. Personally, I’d recommend reading the safety and reliability records on any models that you are considering.

The Royal Automobile Association in South Australia has a great used car safety guide here. New cars are tested by the Australian New Car Assessment Program and their results can be viewed here.

If you are going to be travelling long distances, think long wheelbase. Small vehicles will jerk you around a lot whereas a long-wheelbased car will float more smoothly over the roads’ lumps and bumps and will have greater directional stability.

The best choices will be the most popular marques that have good service networks around the country. If you’re tempted to take something unusual, I’d recommend that you pick up a copy of “The Dog and Lemon Guide” to make a proper assessment of your chances of reaching your destination.

Tents

Going without a van or trailer means tenting or using some form of rental accommodation. Tents are amazingly cheap for what you get and tent sites are often easier to get without notice and are cheaper as a rule.

Chosen carefully, modern tents are easy to get up and down. Anything of a realistic size is best dealt with by two people even if designed to be erected singlehanded. Camping stores are full of great gear (which we will be reviewing elsewhere on this site) that will ensure that tenting is a comfortable option.While tents may be less private than vans and buses, privacy may be enhanced through an increased ability to access more remote sites. Somehow, tent sites are usually more memorable than the lump of concrete with a power pole that often serves as a caravan site.

If travelling by car or station wagon, it will be necessary to ensure that all gear is well secured and preferably stored in a separate space to the travellers who need to be able to spread out a bit on long trips. Small vans like ‘people movers’ have a lot going for them if equipped with suitable storage facilities.

Four Wheel Drive

The four wheel drive is often the first choice for long term travellers and comes in a range of styles and configurations. Generally tough, strong and well supplied with tie-downs and gizmos, it’s almost irresistable until fuel costs come into consideration. Many larger 4WDs have an irresponsible thirst for fuel, especially those using petrol.

If you don’t go four wheel driving now, the chances of doing so while you are away may not be especially high. Most popular tourist attractions have good roads into them and there’s nothing wrong with a little hiking from time to time.

Don’t assume a 4WD is essential. Care and reasonable ground clearance will get you into a lot of good spots enjoyed by the locals. A standard vehicle may suit you just as well and deliver such good economy that you can afford to hire a 4WD or take a tour in one from time to time. Is this an expedition, a holiday or a way of life?

Camper Vans

The next candidate for our consideration is the small camper van. These vehicles represent an attempt to cram a lot of facilities into a very small package. Just like a boat on wheels really and some people have been known to take their trailer sailers. The camper may represent a good choice for a couple especially if they like each other!

For longer trips, give consideration to packing a tent as well. This will allow you to leave a base camp set up and drive freely around without the hassles of having to pack up the bedding and other gear every time you run out of milk or decide to go back to that fishing spot you found.

Camper Trailers and Caravans

Which brings us to the obvious advantages of the camper trailer and caravan. Depending on what you choose, there is the impact of towing on your touring speed and economy as well as the related driving challenges of managing a towed vehicle. But once you arrive, you’re home. It’s your place just the way you like it.

Slide-On Campers

There is considerable variety available in slide-on campers and most modern designs are easily converted to free standing accommodation, providing the benefits of a small van as well as the versatility of the utility or truck carrying the unit. Pop top units are particularly worthy of clsoer attention.

Buses and Trucks

From here, the sky’s the limit. If you’re a great mechanic and handyman, converting a truck or bus is clearly a cost saving option. Getting these rigs finished is always a challenge. Keeping them going in the bush if the base vehicle is at all old may also be an issue as spares may become increasingly scarce. It’s fine to chase up rare bits on Ebay while you’re at home but what are you gunna do from Gunnadoo?

But don’t be discouraged if you know you have the skills. There are some great home built rigs out there and best of all, they’re usually tailor made for their inhabitants. From time to time, you’ll also come across a bargain where a project is well advanced but the creators’ health or other circumstances have let them down.

Motor Homes

Professionally built motor homes have clear advantages especially if you can influence their final configuration to ensure the specifications and facilities meet your needs. Don’t go any bigger than all of your drivers are comfortable handling.

Think carefully about some of the gadgets you include. Do you really want to share your living space with a noisy washing machine or dishwasher? Could that space be better utilised for storage, perhaps?

The large mobile home or bus also shares the major drawback of the smaller campervan. Once it’s parked, it’s a hassle to pack up and go elsewhere. For this reason, many of these rigs tow a smaller vehicle which adds to the complexity of travel as well as exacerbating the already challenging business of finding a parking space in country towns.

Fifth Wheeler

The fifth wheeler is a comparatively new option and has many things going for it. Price-wise it sits at the top end of caravan pricing and near the lower end of mobile home figures. But you have to add the cost of the ‘prime mover’ which can be a medium sized ute. This arrangement does mean that you then have a ute for commuting once you have established camp.

Conclusion

So there are many choices and pluses and minuses for each. As they say, there are no simple and no right answers, no one size fits all. Pick the style that best suits your personality and your dream. If you can afford a five star mobile mansion, go for it. If you just want to get around the country on the smell of an oily rag, it’s an option. And yes, we will look at fuel later in this series.