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. Read the rest

What does it mean to travel like a local? We’re all shy to some degree and it’s always tempting to spend most of our time travelling in the company of friends or to seek birds of a feather to yarn around the campfire.

Being part of a social group is great and such friendships will be part of the special blessings of your journey. On the other hand, beware the risk of isolating yourself too much from the local population.

The tourists around your campsite often merely visit the places that the locals wish to make public and generally pay full commercial rates for accommodation, meals and other services.

By contrast, the locals know where the better, more private and free campsites are to be found. They know how to find cheap local produce at a good price or the best catered meals. They know who to go to when things break down and who to avoid.

The locals know the shortcuts, the bad roads and the best routes. And they know where and when the hazards are likely to appear on the roadside.

So to travel Australia like a local, the first thing you need to do is connect with the locals. Read the rest

Welcome to On the Wallaby Track.

This site is a resource for travellers of all kinds visiting the Australian bush.

On the Wallaby Track will collect the stories of expert travellers and will help you to connect with generous Aussies throughout this country who are prepared to share their part of the world with you.

We will monitor new products of interest to travellers and will publish reviews of the ones we consider useful and good value.

If your idea of travel is a quick fang around capital cities then you’ve come to the wrong place but stick around for a while in case we can tempt you to to visit some of the nicer parts of our world.

The Australian bush is not a place to take for granted but it’s not unsafe if you pay attention to some commonsense guidelines and follow them to the letter.

Welcome one and all.