Around Australia: Formulating My Trip

I always wanted to drive around Australia — since 1995. I had a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle (Mitsubushi Pajero 3500 long wheel base), I was a member of a Queensland (QLD) 4WD club, and I signed up for quite a few trips into the wilderness and outback Australia. Guess what? Work was the prohibitive factor in regard to travelling for longer periods, and I only managed some smaller trips in QLD, and a bigger one of 11,000 km from Brisbane to Tasmania and back.
Today, many years later: My plan is to go around Australia on a motorcycle.

My love for motorcycle riding re-ignited in 1999, and I bought two wheels in 1999. Considering the 100 km/h speed limit on Australian roads, I did not see a point in getting anything faster than 120-ish. I bought a new Honda Foresight 250 FES, followed by a Suzuki Burgman 400 in 2006, followed by a Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive in 2009.

My latest ride, the Burgman 650 Executive, gave me the right size bike "package" to comfortably do the distance, be in regard to storage, bike configuration, and bike performance. The Burgman 650 has proven itself nicely in the long distance ride I have undertaken thoughout 2009, such as 5,000 km in 5 days, a SaddleSore 1600K, and other trips around the 1,000 km mark.

Riding conditions in Australia vary greatly, depending on the season and the areas you are riding in. Many people, including Australians significantly underestimate the conditions the country presents; e.g. climate, weather, temperatures, distances, etc. and what that means for preparations and equipment that ensure a safe trip. While I have done long ditstance riding in all weather conditions and know what I have to prepare for, this article will not cater in-depth for these requirements; though I may make occassionally comments in that respect. You are well advised to research when to travel (season, day/night), the wildlife encountered on roads, how much water you need to carry with you, sun protection, where to go swimming and where not (crocodiles, sharks), and so on. What I will say: Do not take it lightly preparing your trip!

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