Doesn't Know What She's Getting Into..

[Carlyle]

Hi,

I'm super keen on doing some serious bike touring in Oz. I'm from Canada, currently travelling in NZ and have only limited mountain biking experience. I would like to give myself 2 months in the saddle but have NO idea of my abilities and distances and times btwn places. Is there a site one can recommend for obtaining such info? Also, doing it on an already stretched budget so any insider tips for travelling more lightly than I already am would be greatly appreciated. ie: is freedom camping an option in Australia?

I guess the main details of my potential journey are concerning either Melbourne headed North, or Brisbane headed North. Can someone compare the two in terms of What You Think Is Better?? Any idea on how long it would take to get from Melbourne to the Great Barrier Reef?

Also, how much one can expect to pay for used gear for a whole kit-n-caboodle? And.. any recommended Used Bike Stores in Melbourne or Brisbane?

My attack to this is still very fresh, highly unorganized but ridiculously caffeinated. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

m:)

[mikesbytes]

Hey Carlyle, welcome to the forum.

What do you want to see in Australia?

What touring have you done in New Zealand ?

[wongaga]

Buy the Lonely Planet "Cycling Australia" book, and enjoy boning up lots of useful stuff about Oz, while you simultaneously learn the ropes on rides around home.

We love Canadians here - sound a bit like Yanks, but think like us.

Good luck!

[Carlyle]

Hey,

Thanks for the posts! I'm now in Melbourne, desperately anxious to see a kangaroo, and will start going NE as soon as I can find a used bike.. This is a great website, kudos to whoever is taking care of it!

Sound like yanks?! Oh geez.. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get over that one..

Cheers,

M

[wongaga]

Yikes! Sorry about that, I um, I meant to, um, well, we Aussies sound like Kiwi's but you like us right? So, oh dear, now I've dissed the the kiwi's, I think I better shut up.

Have a great time in Oz, and PM me if you need any help in Melbourne.

[heavymetal]

Freedom (Stealth) camping option is an option in Australia, just make sure no one can see you. Be aware of testosterone nights (Fri and Sat) if camping near towns = Drunks and hooligans in cars.

In WA it's OK to stealth camp as long as you are not on private property (get permission first) and not within 14 kms of a township. I presume it's similar in the eastern states.

There is also a recommended distance to be away from the road if camping off road. It's a secret amongst cycle tourers You'll figure out the distance and why if you try roadside camping

Enjoy your tour.