Journey to the Centre...

In June 2012, my good friends Alexi, Nito and I travelled to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. A ten days road trip which started from Sydney via Broken Hill and Coober Pedy and then back again.

What many people do not appreciate is just how big Australia really is. What we were attempting was a huge amount of driving for a very short amount of time. Our schedule meant that we were driving 8-10 hour days, depending on which leg of the journey we were at. A four day journey one way. Added to the challenge, June in Australia is winter which meant shorter driving days.

Whenever I mentioned this road trip to my colleagues at work, many of whom enjoy road trips across this vast country-continent of ours, I was met with scepticism that we could do this in that short, limited period of time. And to do it safely. Ten days is not enough time to enjoy this.

But we were determined, keen for this road trip of a lifetime.

We decided to break up the trip in this way:

Day 1: Sydney to Dubbo
Day 2: Dubbo to Broken Hill
Day 3: Broken Hill to Coober Pedy
Day 4: Coober Pedy to Uluru
Day 5 and 6: Explore Uluru and surrounds
Day 7: Uluru to Coober Pedy
Day 8: Coober Pedy to Broken Hill
Day 9: Broken Hill to Dubbo
Day 10: Dubbo to Sydney

While out initial research had just going via Wagga Wagga and Mildura, further research and enquiries lead us to go via Broken Hill. This was more direct, less country towns.

Alexi, Nito and I divided the responsibilities to ensure that we were prepared for this road trip. One of my task was to enquire about the best route to take and suggestions about how to this safely.

These were some suggestions we took on board, many of which are common sense, but it was good to be reminded. Better to be over prepared than not.

1. Do not drive at night - a car travelling at 100km/h in the dark and kangaroo/cow/animal on the road will not have good outcome.
2. Rotate drivers every two hours - Stop, Revive, Survive.
3. Bring lots of water - keep hydrated.
4. Ensure the car is in good working order - bring spares.
5. Bring a satellite phone for Emergency - we may be driving for hours and not see other vehicles.

Here are some photos from our trip:

Broken Hill, NSW

Cooper Pedy, South Australia

Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory