Part 2 starts in Hobart, Tasmania: Australia’s cool, green southern tip, with rugged coasts, mountains and old forests. After our time on the island, the Spirit of Tasmania takes us and the cars to the mainland.
Part 2 starts in Hobart, Tasmania: Australia’s cool, green southern tip, with rugged coasts, mountains and old forests. After our time on the island, the Spirit of Tasmania takes us and the cars to the mainland.
From there we drive to the tropics in about five weeks: coast, outback and rainforest. Two places are fixed: the Daintree rainforest at Cape Tribulation and the far north of Cape York, along Archer River. The finish is in Darwin, where the cars are shipped on to Timor.
The exact route and overnight stops will follow after our inspection trip. Hotels will be inspected and chosen for location and calm.
A capable 4×4 is required. Think Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Hilux, or similar. Essential items include adequate ground clearance, underbody protection, quality all-terrain tires, two spare wheels, a compressor, and a VHF radio; helpful extras include a dual-battery system, a fridge, tablet mount, and additional USB power. All modifications are documented so any mechanic knows what sits where. Technical support will be on the road, border assistance is arranged, and the goal is simple: everyone reaches the finish.
We select and personally inspect hotels for location and calm before departure; dinners and breakfasts are included on driving days, and in larger stops you can dine independently with recommendations provided and costs reimbursed to keep the experience simple. Where the route enters very remote areas, expect a few simpler nights that trade luxury for access and atmosphere.
Part 3 runs from Dili in Timor-Leste via Flores, Lombok, Bali, Java and Borneo to the finish in Kuala Lumpur.