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General => Previous Member Trips => Trips, Tracks, Touring and Reports => 2014 Red Centre Trip => Topic started by: JCOJ on August 16, 2013, 04:24:47 PM

Title: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: JCOJ on August 16, 2013, 04:24:47 PM
The official dates for this trip will be 28th June until 14th July, 2014. - 16 days.

The gathering will be in around the Alice Springs area.

Time to lock in your annual leave :)

I will post an itinerary by the end of August which will incorporate ideas already given to me by PM and posts already made.

There is heaps to do and see around this area so it should make for an excellent trip.
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: berlitza on August 16, 2013, 04:26:53 PM
Awesome, definitely will work harder now to get a new tug :-)
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: KingBilly on August 16, 2013, 04:32:27 PM
As long as my son gets to climb the rock, we will be there.

Over via the Plenty and home via Big Red are our plans at this stage.

Let me know if you need a hand with any of the organising.

KB
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: chester ver2.0 on August 16, 2013, 04:35:16 PM
Where in either coming via the great central road or along the bottom and up the middle if any other WA swaggers want to join us
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: GeoffA on August 16, 2013, 04:53:50 PM
Where in either coming via the great central road or along the bottom and up the middle if any other WA swaggers want to join us

I've driven both. I'd go the GCR.

Of course, you could do a loop....... ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Bird on August 16, 2013, 05:02:00 PM
I bet this thread hits 90 pages before the gathering.
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: GeoffA on August 16, 2013, 05:14:04 PM
I bet this thread hits 90 pages before the gathering.

.....only 90?? I think you're safe.....
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: JCOJ on August 16, 2013, 05:43:55 PM
As long as my son gets to climb the rock, we will be there.

Unfortunately I have no control over that  :police:, but at the minimum he will be able to see it and touch it.  :D
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: pajnmaj on August 16, 2013, 05:50:17 PM
Not sure if this is the thread to comment on but we will be attending in some capacity. 2 adults and 3 kids. We will be watching this thread/s with interest as we are already in the area around June/ July so we will catch up for a few nights.

We will be in our last 2 months of an 8 month trip around parts of Oz. We will be going home via the central road to Kalgoorlie.

Todd and Mel
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: chester ver2.0 on August 16, 2013, 06:01:01 PM
I've driven both. I'd go the GCR.

Of course, you could do a loop....... ;D ;D

A loop was the plan ;D
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: WilSurf on August 16, 2013, 06:05:16 PM
Where in either coming via the great central road or along the bottom and up the middle if any other WA swaggers want to join us

Might join you (if you are real)
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: fuji on August 16, 2013, 06:10:38 PM
As long as my son gets to climb the rock, we will be there.

Over via the Plenty and home via Big Red are our plans at this stage.

Let me know if you need a hand with any of the organising.

KB



Yeah what he said.
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: MrCruza on August 16, 2013, 06:47:21 PM


Over via the Plenty and home via Big Red are our plans at this stage.


KB

Sounds like a plan  :cheers:
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: SteveandViv on August 16, 2013, 06:53:11 PM
I think we will be in that as well. While we have done the centre quite comprehensively we enjoyed our time out in the ranges. So we will be coming down the Tanami and then out to Willuna and back up the CSR.
Title: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Black Diamond on August 16, 2013, 08:45:11 PM
What a coincidence. I have a month locked in through there at that time.
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: xcvator on August 16, 2013, 08:49:10 PM
Bugga, doin Mcgirr's cape trip  :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Black Diamond on August 16, 2013, 08:51:59 PM
Bugga, doin Mcgirr's cape trip  :'( :'( :'( :'(
If the Dicky Knee recovers in time Old Mate ;D
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: fuji on August 16, 2013, 08:57:52 PM
I think we will be in that as well. While we have done the centre quite comprehensively we enjoyed our time out in the ranges. So we will be coming down the Tanami and then out to Willuna and back up the CSR.



Might have to take an extra month and do the CSR :D
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: toeball on August 16, 2013, 09:15:54 PM
I can't commit but I'm interested, on a side note it would be great to have a "fair dinkum" traditional land owner as a guide, it may help convince my wife to take the kids out of school!!
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: liney on August 16, 2013, 10:53:19 PM
Me & the family would be keen as this years plan to do that turned to custard with a funeral overseas. I'd be going on the Great Central as well.
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: SteveandViv on August 17, 2013, 01:13:43 PM


Might have to take an extra month and do the CSR :D

Yea mate. I still feel a bit embarrassed we had to put you and Yogi off this year and I haven't heard from them so maybe they are already there, hope they pop in. So with that in mind I'm going to be cautious about making it a planned get together but rather what we usually do and just decide while there, sort of. I just don't want to upset any one again if our plans change or we just decide to go else where cause we love a place so much. It held us in good stead while we spent 6 Months Sydney to Broome.
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: KieranR on August 17, 2013, 04:57:00 PM
Yeah, I'll come along, missus and kids will tag along as well
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: D4D on August 17, 2013, 05:03:36 PM
I'll see if I convince the boss to do another 'up the guts' trip again.
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: fuji on August 17, 2013, 05:49:24 PM
C'mon, about time you did a trip. Do I have to come over to speak to SWMBO?
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: fuji on August 17, 2013, 05:52:11 PM
Yea mate. I still feel a bit embarrassed we had to put you and Yogi off this year and I haven't heard from them so maybe they are already there, hope they pop in. So with that in mind I'm going to be cautious about making it a planned get together but rather what we usually do and just decide while there, sort of. I just don't want to upset any one again if our plans change or we just decide to go else where cause we love a place so much. It held us in good stead while we spent 6 Months Sydney to Broome.


No that's fine, I think they are in Fraser as we speak.
We will do it when someone is willing to tagalong with us. Don't really want to do it by myself especially when we get close to Lake Gregory ;D
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Black Diamond on August 17, 2013, 05:53:09 PM
I'll see if I convince the boss to do another 'up the guts' trip again.
There goes the neighbourhood ;D bring it on brother  :cheers:
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: SteveandViv on August 17, 2013, 06:52:16 PM

No that's fine, I think they are in Fraser as we speak.
We will do it when someone is willing to tagalong with us. Don't really want to do it by myself especially when we get close to Lake Gregory ;D

You are a funny man Fuji  ;D
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: nuthermug on August 18, 2013, 12:17:12 AM
Alice and the rock been there done that but I,ll do it again
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Shoey on August 21, 2013, 05:11:20 PM
were here have it now lol :cup:
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: thommo19 on August 22, 2013, 12:57:18 PM
 Sounds like a great trip .My wife and I are very interested.
Do you need a full offroad CT ?We have a Cub with the transpack semi offroad.
We have not been on any trips as yet only been CT owners a very short while,but keen.
If the Cub is ok may need some guidance as to what extras would be required.

Jeff
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: chester ver2.0 on August 22, 2013, 01:27:01 PM
Sounds like a great trip .My wife and I are very interested.
Do you need a full offroad CT ?We have a Cub with the transpack semi offroad.
We have not been on any trips as yet only been CT owners a very short while,but keen.
If the Cub is ok may need some guidance as to what extras would be required.

Jeff

That will be fine most of the off road sections are pretty good due to the amount of tourists the intinery is also arranged that you can jup back on the tar and leapfrog some of the offroad sections if you want. For example when we did a similar route in 09 a Jayco expanda on road did all the dirt sections with no trouble and just a bit of guidance coming in and out of some of the parking areas

If you were going to invest in anything maybe some decent light truck tyres for the camper if you dont already have them
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: thommo19 on August 22, 2013, 09:26:30 PM
Thanks date is my calendar.
Jeff
Title: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Ynot on August 23, 2013, 09:28:31 PM
We rushed this area last year and my wife said this afternoon (unprompted) we should do the centre again next year.

I said well have I got a deal for you!

I will let you know if I get her across the line, I would love to spend more time around the east and west macs


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: shrek4 on August 23, 2013, 09:38:35 PM
At this stage we're in too. 2 x teachers (sorry kids) and 2 kids which will be son (7) and daughter (3).

First question from us, we have a stock standard NT Pajero (with dual battery and fridge so far). What if any mods might we need to make?
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: batto on August 23, 2013, 10:46:21 PM
Myself and Unsure Camper are in, keeping an eye on this as it progresses. We may not be able to be there the whole time but will try to join most of it. Living in Alice we have done most areas but only few with camper and always good to get out with a group and enjoy it.

 :cheers: Batto.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: JCOJ on August 23, 2013, 11:10:59 PM
At this stage we're in too. 2 x teachers (sorry kids) and 2 kids which will be son (7) and daughter (3).

First question from us, we have a stock standard NT Pajero (with dual battery and fridge so far). What if any mods might we need to make?

Hi Shrek4,
Hope all is well for you!!
Be aware that our school holidays here in SA don't start until 5th July so you will need to get that last week off  >:D. (Catie is on LSL).

As for the Pajero, I would say light truck tyres would be a must but apart from that you will be fine. A lift wouldn't go astray, but not absolutely necessary.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: shrek4 on August 23, 2013, 11:50:06 PM
Hi Shrek4,
Hope all is well for you!!
Be aware that our school holidays here in SA don't start until 5th July so you will need to get that last week off  >:D. (Catie is on LSL).

As for the Pajero, I would say light truck tyres would be a must but apart from that you will be fine. A lift wouldn't go astray, but not absolutely necessary.

Hi John, family is well. We looked at the dates and had planned the last two weeks off for LSL so no problems there. We were planning an extended trip in 3-4 years so this mini trip might be a good tester. I'll be looking at tyres (soonish anyway), lift (possibly), underbody protection. Might add up $$$ wise so will play it by ear.

We love the sound of the trip and will start our planning e.g. Time off etc.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: brickiematt on August 29, 2013, 04:25:04 PM
We're in, pending leave approval. Will be myself, wife and youngest daughter (12) 
Really looking forward to this, cant wait ;D
Cheers
Matt
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: JCOJ on August 29, 2013, 06:17:27 PM
We're in, pending leave approval. Will be myself, wife and youngest daughter (12) 
Really looking forward to this, cant wait ;D
Cheers
Matt

Sounds great Matt.

With you, Shrek 4, and myself, the Pajero's will be well represented!  :cheers:

I will be putting up a 'Register Here' topic, but as the trip is still far away and so many things can change between now and July, it probably won't be until early in the new year, as by then people will be more definite with their attendance.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: brickiematt on August 29, 2013, 09:18:38 PM
With you, Shrek 4, and myself, the Pajero's will be well represented!  :cheers:

Love that car ;D ;D She'll hopefully look a little different by the time the trip comes around!

John, how far in advance do you recommend booking sites at places such as alice springs and ayers rock resort, given it's a busy time of year in the area?
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: JCOJ on August 29, 2013, 10:40:47 PM
Put it this way - I've already booked my sites.

I am sure that you will always be able to find something in Alice, but I'd want to lock in something at Ayers Rock Campground sooner than later.

When making bookings remember to say that you're part of the MySwag Group so we are kept fairly much together. They should have that on record, but if not mention my booking (John Cullen).
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: shrek4 on August 29, 2013, 10:42:25 PM
Put it this way - I've already booked my sites.

I am sure that you will always be able to find something in Alice, but I'd want to lock in something at Ayers Rock Campground sooner than later.

When making bookings remember to say that you're part of the MySwag Group so we are kept fairly much together. They should have that on record, but if not mention my booking (John Cullen).

What dates did you book for?
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: pinarelloman on August 30, 2013, 03:39:09 AM
I will be interested also.
A couple of questions.
Any idea of the expected numbers?

Would anyone be interested in returning over the Simpson to Birdsville?

Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: KingBilly on August 30, 2013, 06:51:01 AM
Would anyone be interested in returning over the Simpson to Birdsville?

If we go, which we hope to, we will be returning this way.

KB
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: JCOJ on August 30, 2013, 09:39:10 AM
What dates did you book for?

For myself I have booked:
Alice Springs: MacDonnell Range - arriving 28th June, departing 30th June

Ayers Rock Campground: arriving 2nd July, departing 5th July

Kings Creek Station: arriving 5th July, departing 7th July

Ross River Resort: They don't take bookings for their campground - I just need to confirm numbers with them two weeks in advance for the 9th and 10th July, but they have entered us into their group bookings

Gemtree Caravan Park: arriving 11th July, departing 12th July


Any idea of the expected numbers?

Not at this stage - I will open a 'Register Here' topic early in the new year once people can be more definite with their attendance (ie: leave approved etc)
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: StevenB on September 02, 2013, 08:11:58 AM
I was just talking to SWMBO last night and we were thinking a Red Centre trip for September next year, so I think we're interested
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: SharonB on September 05, 2013, 04:09:35 PM
Anyone interested from the Penrith/ Sydney area? Hubby and I are interested. We have three kids, ages 7, 2 and 3 months.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: pinarelloman on September 06, 2013, 03:43:40 AM
Anyone interested from the Penrith/ Sydney area? Hubby and I are interested. We have three kids, ages 7, 2 and 3 months.
We are looking at it. We are in the Sutherland Shire area.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: StevenB on September 16, 2013, 10:56:44 PM
Would this trip be suitable for soft roaders? The in laws (Subaru outback) and sister in law (Nissan X-Trail) have said they are interested in doing the trip
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: brickiematt on September 18, 2013, 04:59:08 PM
Well, my wife had her leave approved today, so we're good to go ;D
All I need to do is submit my LSL forms 4 weeks before we leave.
Now I can book our spots at the various sites :cup:
Its going to be a loooooong 9 months :D  Got a list of stuff to do to the Paj and the CT which will keep me busy though!
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: bushbandit on September 18, 2013, 06:46:18 PM
Would this trip be suitable for soft roaders? The in laws (Subaru outback) and sister in law (Nissan X-Trail) have said they are interested in doing the trip

Mate the Exy is pretty capable in certain areas but the best thing to do is get them to join the Australian Xtrail Forum if they haven't and get feedback from members who might have done more difficult parts of the itinerary.When in the NT last time we meet a guy with a Exy towing a CT and he had just done all over the Gibb River etc.No Probs .Difficult sand areas could be a problem.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: SteveandViv on September 18, 2013, 10:38:46 PM
The only part that is a bit of a bump is the Merrinie Loop (SP) that is really corrugated but apart from that you should be OK. Getting in to Gem Tree is easy as is Palm Valley if you are doing that. I'd say go for it. Just some good tyres I would say.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: StevenB on September 18, 2013, 10:50:18 PM
Didn't think it would be a problem.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: brickiematt on September 23, 2013, 08:10:13 PM
Booked all our sites yesterday :D
Now to plan the trip up via the Oodnadatta Track!
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Paul (SA) on February 01, 2014, 08:34:08 PM
Hi JCOJ and friends,

We are in!

Sarah and I are keen to visit the red centre this year with our two boys (Jos 7 and Caleb 5), so we have decided to take two weeks off work and join in the fun.

As we only have two weeks, we will join in with you guys at Kulgera and part ways at Owen Springs. We are going to travel up there via the Flinders and Oodnadatta and then scoot back home to Adelaide down the black stuff.

We will be towing our Jayco Swift behind the trusty 2012 diesel SR Hilux.

Woo hoo! Can't wait now!

Cheers, Paul

Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Carlisle Rogers on March 06, 2014, 06:22:53 PM
Hey - I think we will be in the area filming then. Can you lot keep your shirts on if you're in the shots?

Carlisle

The official dates for this trip will be 28th June until 14th July, 2014. - 16 days.

The gathering will be in around the Alice Springs area.

Time to lock in your annual leave :)

I will post an itinerary by the end of August which will incorporate ideas already given to me by PM and posts already made.

There is heaps to do and see around this area so it should make for an excellent trip.
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: JCOJ on March 06, 2014, 09:18:53 PM
Be good to catch up again Carlisle - I'm sure we can look decent if we have to!
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Shelbyright on March 22, 2014, 07:07:08 PM
Were off on an 8 week trip as of 1st July. Heading up the centre and along the top from Tenant Creek.
Hopefully we can catch up with a few people from here.

Cheers,
George
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Darren253 on April 14, 2014, 02:59:33 PM
Might join you (if you are real)

Any other WA late additions?
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: theins on April 14, 2014, 05:56:03 PM
I am hoping that we will be able to meet up with you somewhere in the centre.

Planning to leave Melbourne on June 30 with the intention of being in the Alice on July 12th for the Camel racing...

up via Flinders Ranges and Oodnadatta track....

not long now - just need to get the camper first... still being built...

 :cheers:
Title: Re: 2014 Red Centre Trip - Official Dates
Post by: Gemtree on May 15, 2014, 06:49:53 PM
Hi guys - so excited that you're all heading our way, and good on you for getting in early so we can plan ahead and keep you all together as a group in the park.

Here is a link to our page if you want to see what we get up to here at Gemtree - can't wait to meet you all!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gemtree/121877771172739 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gemtree/121877771172739)

Cheers.

Kate xo
Title: Re: 2014 Desert Gathering Trip - Official Dates
Post by: chester ver2.0 on June 20, 2014, 02:25:01 PM
Any other WA late additions?

Sorry guys boss canned the wifes leave so we have had to pull out