OZ - which way round? does it matter?

Submitted: Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:23
ThreadID: 66848 Views:4518 Replies:9 FollowUps:7
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when doing the lap around OZ is there a general consensus that its preferable to go around one way rather than the other (ie: clockwise or anticlockwise?)

does it depend on the season, weather etc and your starting point, or maybe your end date, when you have to be back?

for those that have done it, or are in the process - which way did you go and where did you start from?

i know i would be happy enough to just go with no end date in mind and just keep on going - so if that was the case i wouldnt really care which way as i would be taking a long time seeing as much as i could. probably have to allow an airfare to send SWMBO home somewhere along the way as i couldnt see her doing it indefinately - now we are talking, just me and the dog :)))
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Reply By: DIO - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:38

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:38
It's a shorter distance if you go anti-clockwise ! Doesn't really matter where you start from or which direction you travel. Your choice.
AnswerID: 354075

Follow Up By: bruce - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:49

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:49
Re shorter distance.....by about a few metres , if at all...to many variables to be accurate or argue...
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncs - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 18:54

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 18:54
77kms I hear.

Duncs
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Follow Up By: Member - dieseltojo K (VIC) - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 22:23

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 22:23
Hi PradOz,
I once read that if you go around oz anti clock wise you will save around 50 klm by always being in the left lane. Not very helpful but funny.LoL.
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Reply By: Axel [ the real one ] - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:41

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:41
Anticlockwise the prevailing winds help a little on the fuel bill.
AnswerID: 354077

Follow Up By: Time - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:54

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 09:54
I would have thought the seasons and your starting point would have more bearing on your direction. i.e. if living in Mexico and heading out in winter the natural assumption would be to head North, aticlockwise. If in FNQ and heading off in Summer then it would be sensible to head south, clockwise.

An easy decision for me as my truck pulls to the left so I would go anticlockwise, leaving Canberra in Autumn!
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Follow Up By: Cairns Offroad Training & Tours - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:19

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:19
Prevailing winds can make a enormous difference specially with a van.By travelling anti clockwise you have predominant southeasterlys pushing you up the east coast and usually strong westerlys to push you across the Nullabour. Cheers Rob berrill
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Reply By: Member - Malcolm (Townsville) - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:39

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:39
PradOz

In May 2005 I went around clockwise towing a 20' van with a V8 Fairlane. Across the Nullarboor we had a tail wind (and it was raining). From there on, it was all downhill :-( head winds all the way. Across the Barkly, if I didn't have the extra two jerrycans of petrol I wouldn't have made it.

Next time it will be anti-clockwise :-)

Malcolm
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AnswerID: 354092

Reply By: ozwasp - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 14:23

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 14:23
I think you'd get a 50-50 split from most people. How much time do you want to allow?
I live in Perth and if I were going to do a 'lap' I'd head north from here and go clockwise - but I prefer the north. I'd leave Perth around early May to be up in the Kimberleys/NT by June.
If you were coming from the East coast to do a clockwise lap, then I would probably be leaving now as to spend some time in the south west prior to going north. If you wanted to spend more time in the south west, then I would leave the east coast in spring and have the summer here.
If you were heading anti clockwise from the East Coast, then now would also be a good time to leave, as there is a lot to see and do going up the east coast and you'd want to be in Cairns around June, as to spend some time doing the gulf savanah (Cairns to Broome) in the dry season.
AnswerID: 354109

Reply By: Member - Matt & Caz H (QLD) - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 21:41

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 21:41
Hi There,

We started in November 08 did out back QLD in the summer and about to do Tassie in the winter - total opposite of what people told us to do!!!!! just depends on you and what you want to do.
Yes we sweated it out in QLD and will freeze our butts of in Tassie - the positive with Tassie being we got a real cheap deal on the Spirit (we are over 13.5m long all up with van and cruiser) and the girls will get to see the snow!!!!

Cheers
Caroline
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Follow Up By: Member - Matt & Caz H (QLD) - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 21:43

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 21:43
Also you do need to think about up nth (QLD ect) I do believe it is not advisable to travel this way during certain months.

Cheers
Caroline
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Reply By: NigeB - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 22:14

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 22:14
Hi there
How about a figure eight? There's a bit of stuff in the middle worth looking at too! Wifey and I left Geraldton in March 2007 (towing 8 metre van) got to Kununurra in April. Left there in September and after a quick look at Darwin, went down the guts and across to Melbourne and ferried to Tassie by November. Thought that would be the coolest place to spend summer. Did'nt realise how cool. Snow on Mt Wellington in February! Left Tas early April 08 and arrived in Cairns end of May. Stayed here a bit longer than expected (had to work to top up the piggy), so got to see what the wet season is all about. Heading for Darwin in the next week or so to beat the rush, and will spend the "Dry" there before heading down the centre and across to Esperance....... Hence the figure 8 (ish). We too had to lash out on airfares, but luckily, X-mas, dads 80th and daughters 21st were all in a 4 week span. If you can plan ahead there are some reasonable airfares available. Any'ow, in the long run, it don't matter which way you go as long s your out there living the dream! Hope you have a great trip!
Cheers.
AnswerID: 354214

Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 22:21

Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 22:21
Gee Wizz!!! What a dilemma, Hmmm!! left or right??
Just toss a coin heads left, tails right and go.



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Reply By: ExplorOz - David & Michelle - Monday, Mar 16, 2009 at 19:02

Monday, Mar 16, 2009 at 19:02
have a read of the article I've just linked at the top of your post. This covers your exact questions (I hope :-)
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AnswerID: 354379

Follow Up By: PradOz - Monday, Mar 16, 2009 at 21:36

Monday, Mar 16, 2009 at 21:36
thanks heaps - exactly covers my questions and is really informative - more so than the reply above yours (#7)

thanks again for your expert guidance
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Reply By: philldeb - Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009 at 06:14

Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009 at 06:14
How do i know witch way i am going if i have a digertel clock
AnswerID: 354468

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