What is this rally all about?
The rally is open to owners of vintage and classic cars, modern 4x4s, and enduro motorcycles, who wish to explore Australia in their own vehicle. It is particularly suited to those who like to drive, and enjoy taking time to discover those wonderful hidden places off the beaten track.
This rally is designed for anyone wanting to discover the country using rally techniques that give you the freedom to travel on your own. However, it is not a race and there is no dash against the clock. Therefore, winning will be about experiencing a fun and unforgettable holiday, making new friends, and re-discovering the joys of driving a classic car or 4x4 on scenic open roads through beautiful countryside.
Different categories of vehicle will take different routes; classic cars can choose the asphalt routes or easy metalled roads, while 4x4 drivers and motorcycle riders will be given alternative routes taking them along jeep tracks into the outback. There will be options for those who wish to get straight to the next destination or want to take longer routes through back roads and rarely visited places.
Is the organiser experienced and reputable?
Tim 'Jingers' Riley has been in the rally business for many years. In fact, he grew up surrounded by rallying. With his father an international rally driver and his mother a world-class navigator, he could hardly escape from it. Jingers took part in competitive racing and rallying himself when he was younger, and participated in numerous long distance rallies throughout the world. After a few years, he was invited to join the crew on HERO events and 4x4xplore rally tours, and since then has spent many years working on these events.
An experienced motor mechanic, he has an established business, which specialises in the repair of classic and vintage cars at his workshop near Christchurch, New Zealand.
Jingers has a reputation for service and reliability; he is well known to many classic car owners and has plenty of satisfied customers throughout New Zealand and the World.
How long is the event? What do the days consist of?
This tour is provisionally 30 days long; however, it might be extended to 32 days or even 34 days if there is the demand. As it is a 4x4/classic car journey, naturally a large proportion of time will be spent driving. Some days will require early departures to ensure you have time to enjoy the whole of the day's itinerary.
Every day there is a recommended route in the form of a road book and maps accompanied by a list of the villages and towns en route. Included are recommended coffee and lunch stops as well as fascinating places to visit during the day. Breaks are important to stretch the legs, as well as a chance to chat to fellow participants and view the scenery or points of interest.
It is a non-competitive event; therefore, there is no need to hurry to your daily destination. Each night's accommodation is handpicked and vetted by us for charm, comfort and location. Evenings are relaxed and friendly social occasions, where you will have the chance to compare the day's adventures and plan your options for the following day.
The itinerary will include a number of rest days in some of the main tourist centres. These will give you a chance to explore interesting sights at your leisure, join other excursions, or relax at your hotel resort. There will also be the opportunity to carry out any vehicle maintenance required. We will listen to the majority and add one or two extra rest days, if customers would prefer a more relaxed 'jaunt'.
Will navigation be difficult?
Participants do not need to be experienced navigators to take part in this event. Detailed route instructions, 'tulip' road books, marked maps and city plans will be provided. Your vehicle will need to be fitted with a GPS to aid navigation. The route will be described in briefings and the rally organisers will be very willing to give you any further advice.
Participants are free to drive in convoy with a group of friends if uncertain of their navigation skills, but this is not compulsory. Neither is it strictly necessary to follow the planned route. There will be choices and participants will have the flexibility to make their own decisions given their personal interests, whether to explore tourist sites, enjoy day walks or take photographs, with plenty of stops for cafes and restaurants along the way.
What are the roads like? How difficult is the driving? How experienced do I need to be?
Driving in Australia is a breeze!
The area of Europe fits easily inside Australia, with a population of 20 million compared to Europe's 495 million; it follows that the driving is less frenetic. The main highways are busy but not by European standards, the secondary roads and 'Outback', however, are pretty isolated and care should be exercised before embarking on any long 'Outback' drives. If you go off the rally route ensure you let others know!
The route covers approximately 10,000 km and consists of a mixture of sealed and unsealed roads. However, driving in a strange country over some bumpy roads is never completely without challenge. As much as possible, we will keep off the main highways to give interesting and varying alternatives. Travelling in a 4x4 you will be able to relax on the main highways and yet "go bush" when the mood takes you. Certainly travelling by 4x4 will allow you to get into the 'great outdoors' in comfort.
In terms of proficiency, participants should be skilled drivers on normal roads.
You should hold an international driving permit and a current driver's licence issued in your own country; this MUST be carried with you whilst driving.
What kind of vehicle is best?
How long is a piece of string? These two questions are remarkably similar! It is a personal choice, and participants will have to make their own decision. However, our advice is that it should be a robust vintage or classic car capable of cruising at 100 kph for the duration of the day. It must be in top condition and 100% trustworthy.
To stress, it would be unpleasant to spend every day and each evening fixing your car, while others spend their time enjoying the sights of Australia and relaxing with new friends. Bring a reliable vehicle!
If getting 'off road' is your preference, then we'd recommend the 4x4 or enduro bike option. Travelling by four-wheel drive gives versatility and offers participants the chance to see some real backcountry. 4x4s can be hired in Australia, reducing shipping and insurance hassles. Contact us for details.
Do vehicles need special preparation?
A big, bold YES! Your vehicle will need some special preparation, but nothing more than a GPS, a 600-km fuel range, good tyres and brakes, and an oil-tight engine. It must be capable of travelling in temperatures that could reach 45°C. Vehicles should be comfortable for both driver and passengers; there will be some long days of driving, so comfort will aid enjoyment! Over and above these basic requirements, it is up to each participant; our advice is "Keep it simple!"
The open road speed limit in Australia is 110kph and 130kph on given stretches; this is strictly enforced.
Vehicles will be required to comply with Australia standards on arrival. Therefore, there must be no doubt about your vehicle's road worthiness before it is imported.
There are constraints on how long you can have your vehicle in Australia without liability for tax charges. If you are considering leaving your vehicle here longer, please contact us for details.
What if I want to do only part of the event?
No problem. We will act as a 'dating agency' for those looking to share the costs or those unable to afford the time away from other commitments. If you would prefer to do only one section of the event, we will tailor-make a holiday to your needs. Please contact us to discuss the options.
How will we get there?
The rally will start and finish in Sydney in Australia. Regular International flights arrive and depart on a daily basis. Your travel agent should be able to assist in booking these; however, the Rally Organiser will give you any advice as necessary.
Where will we stay?
We have chosen a variety of accommodation to give you a taste of the real Australia. In the cities, we'll stay in the large five-star international hotels, and in the remoter localities we've opted for places with a little more exclusivity. We've selected some elegant boutique lodges with the highest standards of comfort and hospitality. After a long day of driving, it is nice to relax in luxury amidst some of Australia's most beautiful surroundings. However, there will have to be more basic levels of accommodation in some isolated spots.
Why September?
Being such a vast country with many climates denotes when one should travel in Australia. September avoids the wet season in the tropics, but being spring in the more temperate zones we can enjoy the fresh vitality of the early growth, we also manage to avoid a large proportion of the school holidays.
Anticipate temperatures to vary widely throughout your journey. Generally it's warmer in the tropical north and cooler in the mountains and deserts of the south. As a rough guide, temperatures will range from 10°C to 45°C. Shortly before the wet season in the tropics can be hot and humid, therefore be prepared for heat and insects. We have decided to go before the wet season because after 'the wet' the roads can be heavily damaged and impassable for several months in the far north. You will find all our accommodation has air-conditioning in the rooms.
What if I want to stay longer?
No problem. We'll help you with advice and tips, and can even book hotels for you if you plan on staying extra days.
Health?
Australia is a western country with western medical facilities. Before you depart, see your doctor for his recommendations about flying long haul and travelling in Australia. A first aid kit for your vehicle is compulsory. We suggest you bring suntan lotions, headache and stomach-upset potions, and mosquito repellent, as both mosquitoes and sandflies are prolific throughout the country. There are no reported cases of malaria in Australia; however, mosquito or sandfly bites can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable. All the usual standard pharmaceuticals can be purchased in chemists en route.
In the event of a major accident, we will have medics travelling with us and access to the usual accident and emergency services; there are 24-hour medical services in all major centres. Our medical staff are widely experienced and equipped to cope with the majority of scenarios.
We require you to arrange travel insurance to cover yourself for injury or illness. (Australian health services can be very expensive.) There is no automatic cover; you get what you pay for!
