How far is too far??

Kev knowing how much you love to drive long distances this question has to be tackled not in terms of driving logistics as with you anything is possible I'm sure... but what you are going for... what is the purpose... and who is with you and what do they expect to see/do on this trip? How long does it take to put up/pull down your camp, do you have travelling companions that like to take their time in the morning - walking, looking for wildlife, reading and soaking up the campsite ambiance, taking time to chill. It has to be fun for everyone. Is there time to stop for impromptu photographs, hikes, resupplying, and cooking etc? Other's will comment I'm sure on the driving logistics but you know my viewpoint on these things.

Kev I just did 10,919km in 3.5 weeks mind you I did Derby to Perth in 3 days on the way home so you can knock of nearly 2,400km there. Sure we had a couple of long days on days where it was driving between points eg the Tanami & Perth to Laverton, but we saw a stack of stuff and saw heaps on our trip to the Kimberley via the central deserts. If you're time poor like the most of us then do what you can and allow a couple of days to get out from your various bale-out places.
We did the Old Abandoned Gunbarrel Hwy and the Western End was in fantastic condition with hardly a ripple, the eastern end from around the turn off to Lake Christopher was a bit average but in no way horrible. A fantastic trip. Have you also considered doing the Sandy Blight Junction Rd as the scenery through there was fantastic.
Enjoy the trip and the planning.
Dunc

You can of course max out your driving in 4 weeks or opt for more 'quality' of experience, but in my view, its hard to have both....so its all about choosing the travel formula. Averaging 290km a day for 4 weeks on those indicated roads might leave you wondering 'what all that driving was about'...and as Michelle mentions, regimentation and discipline for all will be required just to do the camping and cover those distances (that is IF everyone in the group is happy to keep to the plan :-) .If you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the outback and appreciate the varied natural environment, it is way to far in my book. But...whatever you do, have a great time !

I could easily do it on my own, but with 6 cars full of other people, the chances of grumbles about the pace could be annoying. If you know them well including their travel habits then that makes the decision easier.

Hi Kev,
You are talking of averaging 290 k's a day. I left home (Melbourne) at the begining of June with 7 vehicles and will get home after 13 weeks down to 4 vehicles having done 21,000 k's an average of 230 k's a day. We went to many of the places you are planning to go and if I had my time over I would have taken a bit more time. I therefore conclude that your plan is very ambitious. If you could get to Innaminka in 2 days and get home from Alice in 5 days, you would give yourself half a chance.
A thing to consider if you do undertake this trip plan is there is no time allowed for the unexpected. Unfortunately vehicle issues, illness and the weather can cause delays and with this plan there are no short cuts home. This means that if Mr Murphy catches up with you, you will be late getting home.
I agree with Michelle. You will need to know your travelling companions very well and be sure this is the type of trip that they are expecting. You would be on the go most of the time and there would not be too much sniffing of the roses.
Having said all that, you have planned a great trip which takes in some great country. I cannot see how you can easily shorten the trip so as to save some time as it is basically an out and back trip. I would say that 6 weeks would be about the right time for such a trip but even if you can squeeze in another week it would be doable more comfortably.
What ever you decide to do, have a great time.

Hi Kev again,

I agree the Sandy Blight is a great track and well worth the effort. The drive up Sir Frederick Range is awesome. If you do this you could bypass Alice Springs so saving some time.

The Anne Beadell has recently been graded from Mabel Creek to Voakes Hill, see
http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/133311/Anne_Beadell_Hwy_grading_and_Emu_to_Maralinga_Rd_closed.aspx

This should make the trip on the ABH much quicker. The ABH on the SA side has been a shocker for years, particularly around Emu, I can't wait to do it again and see the difference.

Chris

As they say with group travel, you're only as fast as your slowest vehicle. That's probably not going to be you by the sound of it, so pace won't be fully in your control.

8000+klms in 4 weeks! You ask is it too much. I reckon you know the answer already. If your that keen sell the car by an ex Dakar 4wd racer and do the trip in 2 weeks....

Seriously...why the rush? Stop and smell the roses. Its all about the journey..not getting to the finish line.

Kev : " i think " if your traveling each day on these types of roads you could do it easy 300 ks a day ....
as long as you don't get held up anywhere .

we just did 11,000 ks in 6 weeks stopping & camping at POI for few days
& not traveling much more than 80k p hr for most ... what was slow is the towns when in more populated area's .our biggest day was ~ 700ks ?

I bloke well traveled i know has just done the Anne Beadell july aug
and said its rough as & very slow.

Is that 6 vehicles set in concrete or do you want a couple of spares namely Gary and Billy.alias Larry and Curly.