A Big Lap of Australia

34 Days on the road, Friends, Bikes and a car. The counter clockwise trip the shortest way around and tail wind Read more

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Trip start
September 5, 2022
A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Planning, packing and building
July 26, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 7 °C
6 weeks out and the trailer is ready (Rego in a week) to go! Planning is well under control.
Leave is booked, excitement is building!
Group get together on the 7th for a meet and greet all, check the trailer out and publicity photosRead more
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Pre trip catch up and photos
August 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Pre trip meet up and pictures. The whole gang is together having a great chat.
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
7 days to go
August 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Let the final week before start!!! 7 days out and I can’t wait, just some sign writing, packing and a bike service to go. WOO HOO
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Home to Eden day one
September 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
And we are off, an early start saw us arrive the CFA District 8 HQ in Dandenong at 7:45, a quick meetup with Tony and Mark and a few photos. Pakenham Bunnings was the next port of call with most of the team meeting there to kick off, swap out of cars for the trailer and again some more photos. Peter, Andrew and John have joined Craig and I. Last hugs before we set off to collect the last member Ian in Warragul. A quick splash and dash of fuel. Mafra is our lunch spot, trying to miss roadworks on the Princess before Sale! With lunch done and time rushing by we push on to our next fuel stop in Cann River! A welcome stop to stretch and rest while waiting for the car to catch up. It’s raining 😔 just enough to be annoying, once in Eden the first nights camp is everything I expected (needs a little work) but we will all learn! Oh someone bumped there head 🥺 Bed time - till tomorrowRead more
TravelerThe start of an amazing adventure. Another bucket list item ✔️ 😁
9/7/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 2 Eden to wollongong
September 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
The day started with a chill and Pete’s bike not liking the cold - suspension crapped itself again - beautiful sunshine with a clear sky chill, perfect for riding. Eden was a splash and dash of fuel before watching Pete bounce down the road. Ulladulla is the goal and a meet up with Mick James from Australia 18. Pete is off to BMW and hopefully a cure. Maccas is the meeting point and coffee is a must. Off again and trying to chase down Pete, got him just in time to pull over for fuel in Bomaderry! With the tanks full it’s the last push for Wollongong. Camp is much better tonight and quicker! Pete has set up for a movie and I’m doing this - I will leave it here as I’ve been tempted to watch Ford v FerrariRead more
TravelerShuffle shuffle…. Glad everything is falling into place. Enjoy the adventures
9/7/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
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Day 3 Wollongong to Harrington
September 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Great start to the day, Peter is off to BMW to sort the bike out, we are off to meet up with Dwight Foreman (an MAL from Sydney) we are being treated to a guided tour along sea bridge and awesome views from Stanwell Tops and they are incredible views. From there we set of for the Harbour bridge awesome to ride across. The weather has been awesome with no rain.Read more
TravelerAbsolutely magical photos again today - and what an amazing road to enjoy today. Fingers crossed Pete’s Beamer is sorted.🤞
9/7/22Reply
Traveler Wow! Stunning photo!!!
9/14/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 4 Harrington to the Gold Coast
September 8, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Woke to an awesome morning! Some much needed Sunshine. Ian is an hour up the road visiting family and Peter got in about 8pm. A slow start and some effort to dry out wet gear. Crowds point light house and we are off. Drive through Nambucca Heads and Urunga (our lunch stop) and off to chase the car down, Andrew said it’s getting warm with the load so he is driving on at his own speed.
Rain hit us at Tweed Heads and we are all doing cabins for the night! I headed out for dinner with Issy and Georgia, it was awesome to see them and hear how well they are doingRead more
TravelerSolemn Day around the world 💔. Our beloved Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. Forever with her Prince
9/16/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 5 Gold Coast to Bundaberg
September 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 16 °C
Wet and miserable start to the day. Woke to the news that Queen Elisabeth 2 had passed away 😔 there is big rains coming, I have a lunch date with Steph, a break in the weather has John and I on the road. Craig is with Andrew in the car ahead so as it is easier on them (hopefully they see some sights and not just windscreen wipers😔) Ian is meeting us at the caravan park and Peter is headed to BMW to service his bike.

Late in, no pic of me with Steph 🥺 throttle still no good - I’m doing that in the morning, think I know the problem but if I can fix it it will have to wait until Cairns or Darwin where I can get a new throttle switch.Read more
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 6 Bundaberg to Clairview
September 10, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Well that went pair shaped really quick. After the difficulties of yesterday the three of us (Ian, John and I) are waiting on the car to collect the trailer! It arrived late last night and this morning it’s a no show! A few phone calls to the network and we found it a home till we can come get it. Ian is now doing the Daintree, Darwin and going down the middle. Craig and Andrew have family around Innisfail and I have no idea what Peter is doing! So it’s John and I left to complete the lap. After getting everything arranged today we left the park at 11am only to head to the trailer to get gear out for Peter😵‍💫😔 anyway, we finally got to Clairview after dark and set up camp. Let’s see what tomorrow brings 🤷🇦🇺🏍🏍 no photos as we had a haul arse day and no time to sight see 🥺Read more
TravelerYour day may not have gone to plan but here in Melbourne I was spending a love over weekend long with Tracy & Tanya. Lachlan was excited because mum was gone & he was having a boys weekend - which included Finnegan 😎
9/16/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 7 Clairview to Townsville
September 11, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 16 °C
Well, that was a better day! Apart from John leaving his credit card at our last stop🥺 which added an extra 240klm to the day lmao we rang the park an where able to upgrade to a cabin for an extra $50🧐😎 and a very nice cabin it is ☺️
The ride was full on with heat, roadworks! Bike was flawless and John was on point. Filled up in Marlborough (for the second time in 2 days lmao) and turned north with John in the lead. A catch-up with one of his mates is on the cards for Cannonvale (on the Whitsundays) I have an interest in the turn off as well, a little history. That turned into almost 800k’s today so no time for pictures really - Apart from this mornings sunrise WOWRead more
TravelerSensational sunrises that give you the chance to reflect, clear the mind & focus on what’s ahead.
9/16/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 8 Townsville to Cairns
September 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Today is an easy ride and an opportunity to rebalance/rejig this ride! What can I say - 1 week in and we’ve made it to Cairns 1/4 done. Rain for the first three days, personality clashes and a split but we are continuing. No support car and trailer and down to 2 bikes 😔 Got to take in some beautiful sights. Cardwell was a stand out and I will return, castle hill look out was closed 🥺 Suncity Harley don’t carry poker chips. Found a memorial to the battle of the coral sea. Cardwell is awesome and well worth the stop. Tomorrow is our first rest dayRead more
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 9 Cairns Rest day
September 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Rest day!! Catch up with Dave Everard and a nice drive to Port Douglas. Loved walking up and down the strip. Caught up with Muzz and when Dave came to get me we all spent an hour having a chat and beers. Harley Cairns is also out of Chips 😔 at least we have wine and cider to enjoy with dinnerRead more
TravelerAmazing trip, Roger. I am enjoying your adventure!!
9/14/22Reply
TravelerThe tent situation looks more than a little cozy….
9/16/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 10 cairns to Normanton
September 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 28 °C
Long day on the bike, over 700k’s out of cairns we headed up through the hills (Gillies Range road) WOW, forget the tail of the dragon! and the views where to die for! Over the top onto the Atherton table lands and the temperature is rising. Today peaked at 39°Celsius. Fuel stop at Georgetown (the halfway mark) and lunch. Then the last push to our abode for the night in Normanton. I’ve never been happier to see a pool than tonight lmao. It was huge and cool. Then a few drinks with John to celebrate 71 years… awesome day and more photos to add once downloaded from camerasRead more
TravelerHi Roger. Have to say …. that is one brilliant trailer. Connie told me that you built it. It is amazing! What an awesome job. Well done. Sorry it’s not on the rest of your trip but enjoy all your adventures along the way xx
9/14/22Reply
TravelerOh The Acorn, must head in once they’re open again. Paying there respects & closing during the mourning period for The Queen 💔
9/16/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 11 Normanton to Mount Iss
September 15, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C
What an awesome day! What can I say, Coffee (This little place has 2 Italian Baristas) and some local sights - Normanton. Biggest croc ever shot…. Local train station etc. Next stop was the Burke and Wills roadhouse for fuel. Sneaky The Acorn Bar & Restaurant photo. Stopped at the Burke and Wills tree Memorial (but someone stole the plaque 😔) Also did Mary Kathleen historical sight in Cloncurry and the ghost town before reaching Mount Isa for a cold beer and I nice roomRead more
TravelerReally need to teach you both to smile…. 🤣 You’re on the trip if a life time, you could at least pretend to be enjoying it. 🤣
9/16/22Reply
Traveler😃 how’s that for a smile 😂😂😂
9/18/22Reply
Roger has the weather been kind to you, have you been meeting any of the local people as you go through their town , I bet they will have stories to tell about the two riders they met on their ride round Australia Ride safe [Maris Sloan]
9/17/22Reply
TravelerThe people are fantastic. It’s all about who you meet and what you see! As for the weather - well 40.5°c and no sun is hard on the body and mind but we are coping the best we can with cider or beer at night lol
9/18/22Reply
Traveler😘
9/18/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 12 Mount Isa to Tennant Creek
September 16, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Mount Isa to Tennant Creek, lots to see! 🥺 670k’s of the same lol, you turn onto the Barkley Hwy and the GPS says “turn left in 634k’s” stopped for fuel at Camooweal and had coffee! Then across the border into the NT (Stubbie holder out for The Acorn Bar & Restaurant) and a long straight road to the Barkly homestead for another fill. Leaving early worked well with us in the pool at Tennant creek by 15:30. But you can’t buy grog until 4pm and then there are restriction. Quiet dinner with a few ciders and off to Mataranka hot spring tomorrowRead more
TravelerAustralian roads …. Ugly & beautiful all at the same time. What an opportunity & wonderful experience. Take it all in and enjoy the journey.
9/16/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 13 Tennant Creek to Mataranka
September 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 38 °C
Tennant Creek is like the Wild West!! Show your ID to get grog! Restrictions on what you can get and combination! The local youths roaming the streets all night making it hard to sleep. There is a family of Aboriginals in the next cabin and we’ve had to tell them to get off the bikes twice! The pool is cold so winner there. Head out in the morning and first stop is fuel at $1.94 a litre! Not to bad. John has us stopping for some candid photos and then a beer at Daly Waters, lunch is in the hanger at the Daly Waters airfield. Next stop Larrimah and the Pink Panther Hotel before reaching the Mataranka Homestead and thermal pools - wish I had room for more photos (I will sneak them in tomorrows) 😂
😃 big smile for you Connie 😂😂Read more
TravelerSo jealous of the amazing adventures you’re having. Photos will never do justice to this beautiful country of ours. Can’t wait to hear more stories 😘
9/18/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
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Day 14 Mataranka to Darwin
September 18, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C
Today is a shorter day (only 400ish K’s) so an easy start and a soak in the pools before hitting the road. The Peacock was fascinated with the bike (I really don’t know how he could see himself through all the dirt) and wouldn’t leave it alone. Fuel at Mataranka, Katherine is a COFFEE stop and met Brad then headed to Pine Creek, camp ground is awesome, toilets are incredible, lunch is gluten free pizza and a few coldies - Brad caught us and joined us for lunch. We all headed off to Adelaide River together to the war Cematery. Then the pub for another coldie. Brad rode along with us to Darwin. Tonight is rehydrate and washing before bike services and resting tomorrowRead more
TravelerMagnificent pictures. Glad the two of you are still enjoying making miles…. 🥳
9/18/22Reply
Traveler Great photo, Roger.w
9/18/22Reply
Traveler Sorry… was going to
9/18/22Reply
Traveler Ooops!!!! Was going to say… WONDERFUL TRIP!!!!
9/18/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 15 Darwin rest day
September 19, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
No pictures today. A quiet start with both bikes in for service! 8am at Hidden Valley Harley, coffee and breakfast a few doors down and all is quiet. Post service we caught up with some of John’s mates and I had a lemon lime & bitters! It’s hot. Shopping done for an early start tomorrow and all our washing is caught up on. Some goodies in the swag from Harley (couldn’t resist). We will be on the road to timber creek at 6:30am to try and beat the 40° heat 😔 wish us luck.
As a side note! Thank you Hidden Valley Harley, if you where closer to home you’d get my bike for every service! Harley Heaven could learn a thing or two!!!Read more
TravelerGlad you’ve taken the time to rest & catch up with people, bike service & washing. Half way around the country - wow, just wow. Enjoy your night and safe travels for the second half of the Big Lap ♥️
9/19/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 16 Darwin to Timber Creek
September 20, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 38 °C
WOW, what a day. Started early to beat the heat and well on the road by 7am, fuelled and on the road. The first leg is a retrace of Sunday as we head out of Darwin for Katherine. Riding past Adelaide River and Pine creek (Lazy Lizard) to get a refill of fuel and Coffee. Then back on track to Timber Creek.
The road through Jadbarra/Gregory National park and over the Victoria river was amazing. Awesome roads and sights to see, but the jewel in this little crown was Timber Creek. Awaiting us was an icy pool, cool drinks and a crocodile feeding show. Followed by a Kite feeding show! I felt at home, just different birds lol.Read more
TravelerThe history hidden in plain sight, absolutely amazing. Too much to take in. Thank goodness for blogs 👍🏻
9/20/22Reply
TravelerAmazing scenery… and great photos!
9/22/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
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Day 17 Timber Creek to Halls Creek
September 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C
So Day 17 saw us going from Timber Creek to Halls Creek! Left the hotel and pulled into look at a unique bridge to a closed gate 😉 salt water crocks in the river as well, stopped by a boab tree and took the 34km diversion to have a look at lake Argyle (Ord river dam) WOW. Finally in. Gated community in Halls Creek with an awesome pool and eatery a few coldies and off to Broome tomorrowRead more
Traveler Amazing scenery!!!
9/24/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 18 Halls Creek to Broome
September 22, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Well a big day into Broome today! Not many photos because this was the longest day on the trip at 700k’s and it got hot! 45° at one point and we where stuck in roadworks! Really only stopped for fuel, drinks and food, Anyway, we are in Broome in a hotel and enjoying the pool and some adult beverages 😎🏍🏍🇦🇺🥃🥃🥃🥃 rest day tomorrow and some touring BroomeRead more
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 19 rest day in Broome
September 23, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Rest day in Broome!!! This place is on my must return bucket list! Into town for a look around, including the pier. Over to Zander’s at Cable beach (The The Acorn Bar & Restaurant) and a couple of little creatures Roger’s dark ale’s. Some shopping on the way home for the next few days (that’s an adventure, you can’t buy two bottles of spirits at the same time and you have to show your licence) pizza for dinner tonight and off to Port Hedland in the morning but for now, more beer and the poolRead more
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 20 Broome to Port Hedland
September 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 26 °C
Hot day on the road. Today was about getting away from the heat lol. Fuelled up 30k’s out of Broome and off. Stopped Sandfire for fuel and a cool down drink then we stopped at Pardoo to see the end of the first half of the Grand Final. It’s big sky country out here. Port Hedland full of surprises and we are being looked after well.Read more
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
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Day 21 port Hedland to Nanutarra
September 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
What can I say about Day 21? Well after a great night at Bellie’s (cracked open a bottle of Jack 😉) We started off with Breakfast in Port Hedland after a little ride around town, Silver star is a rail car cafe and it’s the best bacon I’ve had since I left home - yummy, the coffee was awesome as well! Karratha was dirty and boring however Dampier was amazing! Saw a memorial to Red Dog, sat and had lunch on the waters edge. A quick stop at the Fortescue river and a quick picture of the bridge before reaching our camp site for the night at Nanutarra roadhouse! A great dinner (more perfect bacon) on steak sandwich - todays little diversions added 75k’s to the planned ride but it was well worth it 😎Read more
Traveler Love this photo!
9/29/22Reply
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A Big Lap of Australia Traveler
Day 22 Nanutarra to Hamelin Pools
September 26, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Day 22 today rode from Nanutarra to Hamelin Pools, it was a much cooler day (thank goodness) however the view didn’t change! Google took us around Carnarvon and lunch was a roadside stop . Tomorrow is a big push to Perth just under 700k’s so early start and long day but a rest day to follow (by pushing we also get to steal a day somewhere else) no pics as nothing worth stopping to takeRead more
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