We
have outlined on other pages travel by foot,
road, sea, air, hitchhiking, bike, train,
bus etc but there are other alternatives
if you want a really different holiday in
Oceania.
MOTORCYCLE
/ SCOOTER
This is a good option for getting around
islands in the pacific. Big cities will
have rental options.
Australia
The opportunities for exploring Australia
by motorbike are vast and many travellers
use this as a means of transportation.
Long, open roads make touring easier and
best for vehicles above 750cc. It is probably
better to buy your bike on arrival because
of the restrictions and registration requirements,
shipping is also expensive. Check newspapers
and bike press for classified advertisement
sections. Alternatively try a buy-back
arrangement with a motorcycle dealer in
a large city.
Motorbike riders often find similar problems
or bone shattering or straight roads that
require considerable concentration and
hence fatigue. Only experienced riders
are advised to travel through the outback
this way. If you do stick to main roads
unless you're with others and don't plan
on travelling much more than 300kms per
day initially. The bigger the bike the
better it will handle on the roads.
Safety
- you must have a rider’s license
and a helmet
- in Australia beware of kangaroos and
stock that feed at dusk and dawn and wander
onto the roads
- always carry spares and tools even if
you can’t use them eg. Spare tyre
tube, puncture repair kit with levers
and a pump, spare tyre valve, valve cap
to unscrew the valve, tool kit, spare
throttle, clutch and brake cables, tie
wire, cloth tape, spare bolts and nuts,
fuses, workshop manual for your bike,
elastic straps etc
- take plenty of water and drink a lot
to protect against dehydration
- never leave your vehicle if something
goes wrong. Park it where it is visible
and stay with it.
Destination Ideas
People do and can travel through the outback
on motorbike but if you are really doing
remote tracks it is probably best to travel
in tandem with others. It may be difficult
to carry the amount of fuel and water
you need for these tracks on a bike so
do some research first before you set
out. If you stick to coastal or more well
used routes there should be little problem.
Tasmania in particular is a popular touring
destination but be prepared for cold weather
and rain at any time of year.
TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
This is a form of hitch hiking but truck
drivers are often glad for a bit of company
on the road and commercial or delivery
drivers have been known to take tourists
along for a ride in return for some help
on the job. If you do hitch with a truck
driver remember that this is a vehicle
and also where they sleep and live so
respect their property. Don’t leave
food wrappers and rubbish. Also provide
some conversation and entertainment. They’ve
taken you along for the company so don’t
fall asleep. At road side stops an offer
to buy the coffee or some snacks or even
a beer at the end of the day would not
go astray.
Many truck drivers may seem a bit rough
around the edges but they’re usually
good blokes who will do you no harm.
CARAVANS
Caravans or "grey nomads" are
an increasingly popular way to travel
through the outback. Usually retired Australians
or families will have vans. You can rent
them or buy a second hand one cheap. If
you've got a van you'll want to have a
good vehicle to pull it or it will be
slow going. Vans also restrict your travel
if you're wanting to go bush as many are
low wheel base and don't handle the rough
roads. Caravans can also be a frustration
to other drivers on the road.
If you know of any other means of alternative
transport around Oceania then please contact
us with the details oceania@backpackglobe.com
