Two weeks off in September 2013, where should I go?!

[mountnman]

Hi everybody

Due to the impossible task of getting time off from work when I actually want it, I'm not able to get any time off in January 2014 (more than a year in advance!). I had to go with my next preference of two weeks September 2013. I was planning to do the Overland track, but from what I have read and from checking climate reports, it looks like it could be a very wet and muddy trip. I'd just like to experience the OT in summer with the better weather.

I'm looking to go somewhere different, exotic even maybe! Looking for walks around the 7-10 day mark, but am looking for something close to public transport as I hope to fly somewhere!

[Hallu]

That's a tough one. You have some long walks in the South West (South of Perth, not SW TAS) like the Cape to Cape walk. The Kimberleys would be a nice season for a long walk, but without a guide, I don't think it's a good idea. If you've got the money, there's a whole range of long walks in the Top End and the Kimberleys to consider here : http://www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au/index.shtml .

There's also the "classic" Larapinta trail in the West McDonnell ranges, and September is a good time for this. It can be cold at night, but since you were already prepared for Tassie, it doesn't matter. It starts in Alice Springs and it's a one way walk so you need a shuttle you should find some info here : http://www.larapintatrail.com.au/trail.html

Anyway, I think you should have a look at John Chapman's "Bushwalking in Australia", here is the content list : http://www.john.chapman.name/cont-ba4.pdf , it describes only multi-day walks in Australia, in every state, better than we could probably do.

If I had the choice, I'd probably go with Willis's Walkabouts, it's expensive but he really goes to remote places

[mountnman]

Thanks Hallu,

I was looking at the Larapinta Trail, but unsure how I would go about food drops when relying on public transport.

Will have to dig out my copy of Chapman's book, it's in one of my book boxes somewhere!

[nq111]

[quote="mountnman") it looks like it could be a very wet and muddy trip. I'd just like to experience the OT in summer with the better weather.
[/quote]

I would still go to Tassie. Wet and muddy is pretty much what you get 90% of the time - nothing to put you off. Plus the short range weather forecasts can be crap nevermind the long range ones. You may go somewhere else and it turns out sunny and 24oc every day down there.

If you are keen with that timeframe the eastern arthurs would be more fun.

[wayno]

you've got plenty of time to find another employer who will give you leave for january 2013

[mountnman]

I'm very tempted to wayno!

[Nuts]

[quote="mountnman") it looks like it could be a very wet and muddy trip. I'd just like to experience the OT in summer with the better weather.


I would still go to Tassie. Wet and muddy is pretty much what you get 90% of the time - nothing to put you off. Plus the short range weather forecasts can be crap nevermind the long range ones. You may go somewhere else and it turns out sunny

September is generally known for rain and wind but only degrees more reliable than the other rainy windy months. One of the best snowfalls iv'e seen was in sept (though that may not excite you much).

[madmacca]

I was looking at the Larapinta Trail, but unsure how I would go about food drops when relying on public transport.

From what I can recall from looking around the Larapinta Trail website a few months ago, some of the companies providing transport are also willing to do a food drop for you. I think they mentioned a lockable hut somewhere on the trail.

[frenchy_84]

I was looking at the Larapinta Trail, but unsure how I would go about food drops when relying on public transport.

Do you really need a food drop? if you only have 2 weeks (minus a day or so either side to get to Alice) then thats only 10-12 days of food and considering you can use lighter weight gear for walking in the desert i wouldbnt have thought that a food drop is really necessary.

[stuey69]

Go for Tassie, forget about the Larapinta in September.
I reckon June to early August is better for that one.

[mountnman]

I've been doing a bit more research, and Larapinta looks like a definite possibility for September. I was speaking to my boss at work and and an extra week in September is ok, and I can get time off in February 2014 (so won't be taking the kids to Tassie then...)

So Larapinta in September, and OT in February 2014.

I'll order a copy of Chapmans Larapinta book, but was wondering what water availabilty would be like in September, especially considering it's near the end of the dry season.

[Eremophila]

There are water tanks at the beginning/end of each section on the Larapinta. A couple of overnight sections don't have any water along the way so you'd need to carry enough for 2 days. You can't rely on groundwater at all.

Contact Parks & Wildlife NT - I believe they keep the tanks fairly well topped up. Also the guys at Lone Dingo should be able to point you in the right direction re shuttles and food drops.