Advice please - driving from Perth to Karratha

Well, I'm finally headed up to Jay and PilbaraBrad's way at the end of this month.
I'm picking up my new Suzuki Vitara in Perth and will be driving to Karratha.
I haven't driven in over 12 months as I've been living in the UK (London) for the last couple of years.

Any advice that you can give to make the drive safer would be good.
I'm planning on stopping for the night in Carnarvon on the way up.

Mum is going to fly over from Brisbane and share the driving duties.

So what do I need to look out for? Any particular bad stretches?  Be off the road before dusk? 

Cheers,
Dan.


Goatch's picture

Posts: 1011

Date Joined: 03/07/07

Perth to Karratha

Sun, 2007-11-04 09:24

Look out for the goats and roos and if you can avoid it Nanutarra road house as this is the most expensive place to fuel up just about anywhere and if you don't mind paying 15 bucks for a burger!!!!If you can avoid the night driving .
Wintersun caravan park in Carnarvon is good and the owners are friendly


Does a one legged duck swim in an eliptic circle

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Adam Gallash's picture

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Date Joined: 29/11/05

Winds

Sun, 2007-11-04 10:24

Just be careful with your fuel consumption as the headwinds can chew up a fair bit of gas.

Definately try and get off the road before dusk, cattle, sheep, goats and god knows what else roam the highway.

Definately avoid Nanutarra! Just take it nice and easy, life isn't worth risking for that extra few hours.

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mitch's picture

Posts: 1285

Date Joined: 14/08/05

Nanutarra.rip off

Sun, 2007-11-04 10:36

Nanutarra.rip off capital.charged me 5.50 for a vegimite sandwich

always in it just the depth that varies

Colin Hay's picture

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Date Joined: 23/10/07

Drive to Ktha

Sun, 2007-11-04 10:48

Anywhere north and south of Carnarvon on dawn and dusk is a serious hazard with Kangaroos, particularly north. Apart from that its a pretty nice drive. Just make sure your radiator and air con are in good working order. Have a safe trip. Colin Hay

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dogsoldier's picture

Posts: 943

Date Joined: 04/11/05

Might also be an idea to

Sun, 2007-11-04 12:48

Might also be an idea to have a spare upper and lower radiator hose and spare fan belt, just in case 
 
Tackle junkie
 Andrew

Posts: 55

Date Joined: 12/08/07

Thanks for the comments so

Sun, 2007-11-04 15:29

Thanks for the comments so far guys.
I will avoid stopping at Nanutarra where highway robbery still seems legal.

I am going to purchase a large evakool esky and stock up in Perth to avoid buying food other than in Carnarvon.

I'm hoping I don't need radiator hose spares as the car is brand new, but I suppose you never know.
Speaking of which, any ideas on who is a good WA vehicle insurer?

Dan.

Goatch's picture

Posts: 1011

Date Joined: 03/07/07

western QBE...

Sun, 2007-11-04 16:06

Have been good for me but make sure you mention going above the 26th parallel in your application

Does a one legged duck swim in an eliptic circle

____________________________________________________________________________

Just one more cast , honest !!!  

Posts: 241

Date Joined: 30/10/05

look out

Sun, 2007-11-04 19:45

look out for the big bulls on the corners from nanutarra to fortescue. they just appear

Pete D's picture

Posts: 1681

Date Joined: 07/06/07

Cows

Mon, 2007-11-05 06:39

As Mike said, watch out for cows - usually near the bridges near Nanutarra.  You'll see the skid marks from my Patrol/boat and me from last year!

Take ya own coffee mug too, to take advantage of the coffee stops.  We take those flash coffee sackets with us too as the roadside coffee is shite.  Just use their hot water and milk.

Watch out for the 'wide loads' - slow right down or pull over.  Also be prepared for the roadtrains (38m long) coming towards you - the wind WILL push the little suzuki around.

Drive with ya head lights switched on too.

Cheers Pete

Posts: 441

Date Joined: 10/06/06

Travelling North

Mon, 2007-11-05 16:49

Hope all this imformation does'nt make you change your mind about heading North Dan.Have a safe trip.

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Goatch's picture

Posts: 1011

Date Joined: 03/07/07

I agree with.....

Mon, 2007-11-05 21:52

you Kev , chuck caution to the wind , just do it and you won't regret it , it is a good drive , balls to the wall and all that chaps , man the guns we've got incoming , aaahh shit just had one of those brain thingies , ahhhhh I love flashbacks

Does a one legged duck swim in an eliptic circle

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Just one more cast , honest !!!  

Posts: 55

Date Joined: 12/08/07

Definitely coming boys, my

Tue, 2007-11-06 02:00

Definitely coming boys, my wife is up there already!! :)
Sent her on her way a couple of weeks ago from London, since she's a teacher she gets Housing on the great WA Government!

And I have to give Jay his Alvey reel.