14 DAY SELF GUIDED TOUR

14/08/2019
by Admin Admin
aussie biker dirt road tours
LOCATIONS VISITED IN THIS TRIP:  Noosa - Carnarvon Gorge - Longreach - Birdsville - Marree - Wilpena Pound - Broken Hill- Byron Bay - Gold Coast - Brisbane - Noosa
 
This itinerary is designed for dual-sport adventure bikes such as the BMW G650GS type motorcycle.
 
Under no circumstances are these itineraries permitted to be used by normal sealed road type motorcycles or cruiser style bikes.Due to the nature of the outback dirt roads, pillion passengers are not permitted on motorcycles that are following these itineraries.
 
It is highly recommended for your safety and security that all outback travel should be enjoyed with a riding companion on another motorcycle.Because the outback dirt roads are often corrugated and rough, the standard BMW pannier system is not suitable therefore we provide large canvas "gear sacks" that strap length-ways to the rear passenger seat and luggage rack. To minimise the amount of gear to be carried, hotel, motel and cabin type accommodation should be used instead of tent camping.
 
14 DAY OUTBACK BIRDSVILLE TOUR
This Tour combines the outback towns of Longreach and Birdsville. Due to long sections of outback dirt road, this tour route is only suitable for dual sport motorcycles without passengers.Total tour distance: Approximately 5500kmTotal dirt road sections: Approximately 1300 kmWould you like to turn this self guided tour into a guided tour with the security of a tour guide in an accompanying 4WD support vehicle? If you are part of a group of three or more riders, please email us atdave@aussiebiker.com.au for details.Please take note of the Special Conditions and Recommendations pertaining to the use of these tour notes. These are located at the bottom of the page.
 
Day 1 - NOOSA TO MILES 470km (dirt 100km)Departing Noosa, ride out to the small rural town of Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Turn right 6km south of Kenilworth at Sunday Creek Road and follow this dirt road to its end (approx. 40km) where you turn right at the 'T' intersection towards the tiny town ogf Jimna.Heading north there is another 60km of dirt road on your way to Murgon. At the start you will pass the Jimna Fire Tower that you are welcome to climb if you don't mind heights! Arriving at Murgon, head south to the larger regional town of Kingaroy. Follow the signs to Dalby but remember to turn left 28km out of Kingaroy for the ride through the Bunya Mountains National Park. This section will be one of the highlights of today's ride and should not be missed.On the other side of the Bunya Mountains, reconnect to Dalby through the small town of Kiamkillenbun. Dalby to Miles is an easy run westward along the Warrego Hwy.
 
DAY 2 - MILES TO CARNARVON GORGE 382km (dirt 23km)Leaving Miles, continue your ride westward to the larger town of Roma that would make an ideal mid morning coffee stop. Riding out of Roma, take the Carnarvon Developmental Road heading north toward the town of Injune where you will need to top up with petrol.Turn left for Carnarvon Gorge 110km past Injune. Beware because the easy dirt road into the Gorge can become impassable after heavy rain. If in doubt, contact the Carnarvon Ranger on (07) 4984 4505.The Wilderness Lodge has boutique accommodation in rainforest cabins and has full restaurant and bar facilities in house. Phone (07) 4984 4503 or freecall 1800 644150 to book.
 
The Takarakka Bush Resort has low priced cabins and camping areas but bookings should be made in advance. To book phone (07) 4984 4535.With arrival in time for a late lunch, the afternoon could be spent discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, lookouts and fern linedravines from the various walking tracks.
 
DAY 3 - CARNARVON GORGE TO LONGREACH
640km (dirt 43km)Today's ride is one of the longest but is quite easy apart from the short section of dirt leaving the Gorge. Your first stop today is Rolleston for petrol. Leaving Rolleston, head northwest towards the regional centre of Emerald, which would make an ideal midday meal stop. Emerald to Longreach is a straightforward ride with some interesting roads and views as you negotiate the Drummond Ranges on your way out west.
 
DAY 4 - LONGREACH SIGHTSEEING
50km Among the many points of interest at Longreach is the new Qantas Air Services Museum, which opens daily at 9am. The 'Long Distance School of the Air' has two tour times, 9am and 10am on school days only. Sit in on a lesson as the teacher interacts by two -way radio with students studying at home on remote outback stations.Longreach's major attraction is the Stockman's Hall of Fame. 
 
The scope of exhibits here will hold your interest for 3 or 4 hours. You can also enjoy your midday meal in the comfort of the air-conditioned cafeteria.
 
DAY 5 - LONGREACH TO WINDORAH
320km (dirt 70km)NOTE: You are now in the real Aussie outback with many unfenced roads and therefore some special precautions need to be observed. Australian wildlife such as wallabies, emus and kangaroos do not have a firm grasp of Australian road rules. They do not alter course in the face of an oncoming vehicle. As a result, slower speeds are necessary and caution should be exercised at all times when riding.Leaving the bustling town of Longreach, point your machine southwest to the town of Jundah some 220kms away. After fuel for the body as well as the bike, continue on Route No 79 south to Windorah.
 
DAY 6 - WINDORAH TO BIRDSVILLE
380km (dirt 272km) NOTE: Be sure to do your calculations to ensure you have enough fuel on board. Next available petrol is at Birdsville. Before leaving Windorah, it is essential to contact the local Police for a road condition report. Either call in to the station or phone them on (07) 4656 3133 where you will find them most helpful.Heading west towards Birdsville, the first 108km is single lane bitumen or sealed tar.
 
This means that if you spot a large road train (usually a huge 3 trailered cattle truck) approaching from the opposite direction, you must slow down and get off the road ?quickly! Near the end of the sealed section, take the left turn to Birdsville. The remaining 270km is all dirt and is mostly in good condition however care needs to be taken with the bull dust holes on the road.
 
These 'holes' or craters filled with fine powdery dust known as 'bull dust' can be spotted and avoided so long as you keep your speed down allowing plenty of reaction time. Another hazard are the cattle which are the same colour as the red dirt road therefore they are sometimes hard to see. Despite the ever-present dangers, the stark beauty and remoteness of the region never fails to impress.
 
DAY 7 - BIRDSVILLE TO MARREE
517km (all dirt)Legendary Birdsville is steeped in outback pioneer history and there is no building so well known as the much photographed Birdsville Hotel.The Birdsville Track is also one of the great icons of the outback passing through the Sturt Stony Desert on its way to Marree.
 
Your only fuel supply is 308km to the south of Birdsville at Mungerannie. Allow the entire day to complete the whole track and again, keep a watchful eye out for stray cattle, wildlife and the bull dust holes. Birdsville Police can be contacted on (07) 4656 3220.For more info please visit:www.exploreoz.com/treknotes/deserts/birdsville_track.asp
 
DAY 8 - MARREE TO WILPENA POUND
244km (dirt 178km)The first 80km of today's ride is dirt. After Lyndhurst, you are back on the smooth bitumen! Continuing south, you will notice the rugged Flinders Ranges on your left. Soon you will arrive at the tiny town of Parachilna. Turn off the sealed road and head east into the Parachilna Gorge on your way to Blinman. From Blinman, head south to Wilpena.Wilpena Pound appears to be a huge meteorite crater ringed by rugged peaks. Time today's ride to arrive around midday to allow for some interesting exploration around The Pound in the afternoon.
 
DAY 9 - WILPENA TO BROKEN HILL
471km (dirt 60km)Leaving the awe inspiring Wilpena Pound, its time to head south to Hawker. Stop for coffee, sit back in the main street and imagine life in these parts? uncomplicated and uncluttered! Enough philosophical nonsense, its time to ride! From Hawker, follow the road through Carrieton, Orroroo and then onto Peterborough for the midday meal stop. An easy afternoon ride east to the large mining town of Broken Hill will complete the day.
 
DAY 10 - BROKEN HILL SIGHTSEEING
100kmBroken Hill has many attractions from its architecture to its people. This town is home to many of Australia's great artists including Jack Absolom and of course, Pro Hart both of whom have galleries that you can visit. A short ride out to historic Silverton will astound with more artisans and their galleries. The contrasting architecture of the turn -of-the-century city hotels and the many corrugated iron miners' cottages gives a feeling of a different era.Since the dirt road sections are over, you must find time to give your bike a good wash and as well, attend to maintenance such as air cleaners and adjusting chains etc. Lastly, we would like you to phone us just to let us know that you have completed the dirt sections in good shape.
 
DAY 11 - BROKEN HILL TO NYNGAN
587kmIt is a straight run eastward today with the well known towns of Wilcannia and Cobar as the only stopping points for petrol and food. As you ride, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the places you have been and the people you have met yet there is plenty of adventure and kilometres still to go!
 
DAY 12 - NYNGAN TO MOREE
475kmJust 58kms out of Nyngan, take the left turn towards Gilgandra. At Gilgandra you will pick up the Newell Hwy (No 39) for the ride north through Coonabarabran, Narrabri and finally onto Moree. The Newell Highway carries a lot of interstate heavy truck transport and is the main inland road route between the major cities of Brisbane and Melbourne.
 
DAY 13 - MOREE TO BYRON BAY
514kmYou have an interesting ride today with some nice twisty roads on your way to the sea. Leaving Moree, head east on the Gwydir Hwy (No 38) passing through the towns of Warialda, Inverell, Glen Innes and onto Grafton. The section between Glen Innes and Grafton takes you through the Gibraltar Range National Park, which is a riders delight? you will like it!From Grafton head north on the Sunderland Way to Casino, then head east to Lismore following the minor roads to Byron Bay through the localities of Bexhill, Clunes and Bangalow that will reward you with some relaxed country riding.
 
DAY 14 - BYRON BAY TO NOOSA
335kmA nice'n'short ride today will give you time to look around Byron Bay before you leave. A ride up to the lighthouse is a must-do for great ocean views from the cliff tops.On your way north to the Gold Coast, take the coastal tourist road that leads to the Gold Coast's most famous resort location of Surfers Paradise. You may even choose to have lunch at the Hard Rock Caf? in the centre of town!After lunch just follow the signs to Brisbane choosing to pass through the city centre. This will provide you the opportunity to check out our wonderful river city before continuing north to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, the end of your adventure.If you have the time, why not spend and extra day at the end of your adventure just relaxing at Noosa and enjoying the beautiful ambience of this resort town and it's beaches!
 
 SPECIAL CONDITIONS : It is a condition of hire that the hirer agrees not to deviate or choose another route from that described in the itinerary between the towns of Longreach, Birdsville and Marree unless weather conditions do not allow the use of these roads. It is a condition of hire that the hirer does not add more unsealed roads to the above itinerary than that which is already included. It is a condition of hire that the hirer agrees not to carry a passenger whilst following this tour route itinerary.
 
SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS:  We recommend using motels or campground cabins during this tour to avoid having to carry camping equipment. This will leave space for extra fuel, water and other necessary equipment. A compact sleeping bag should be included as some campground cabins may not supply linen and blankets and nighttime outback temps often drop to zero degrees.
 
This tour route itinerary should be ridden with at least one other riding companion or a group of riders. The local Police should be contacted at the start of each outback dirt section for a road condition report. Phone Aussie Biker on 07 5474 1050 upon your arrival at Birdsville, your half way point. We want to know that you have arrived there safely!
 
A copy of this itinerary will be provided when you collect your motorcycle at the start of your adventure.
 
WHAT IS INCLUDED? 
Basic Motorcycle insurance. Outback Kit that includes detailed maps, basic tools, puncture repair equipment, spare tube and chain oil as required. Breakdown assistance in the unlikely event of mechanical failure. Security cable lock.
 
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Petrol and oil for the motorcycle. Accommodation, meals and drinks. International and domestic airfares or personal travel insurance.
 
AGE AND LICENCE REQUIREMENTS
Hirers of motorcycles must hold a current foreign, international or unrestricted Australian motorcycle licence and be over the age of 25 years. Previous large bike riding experience is also required.
 
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Lighter summer wear for Queensland tours. In Queensland, most riders ride with light clothing under their jacket during most of the year however you may wish to play it safe and pack an extra long sleeve shirt! Fleecy lined winter jackets and heated vests are not required in Queensland. Winter time coastal day temperatures generally range from 16 to 22 degrees C. while autumn (fall) and spring coastal daytime temps. generally range from 22 to 28 degrees C. Outback temperatures tend to be 4 or 5 degrees higher during the day however outback night time temperatures can fall to zero degreesYour riding apparel including helmet, jacket and gloves although we can supply if needed.
 
FLY-RIDE-FLY PACKAGE
We are happy to organise two nights accommodation at Noosa (one at each end of your tour) as well as transfers from and to Brisbane Airport if you are flying in from overseas. 

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