Hi everyone

I am planning a trip away in my beloved 1973 1800 Auto kombi, down to Sydney from Brisbane.... This will be my first major long drive in my kombi... I was wondering if anyone could answer my following questions... they may seem a bit obvious but im quite new to the volkswagen scene (only 17)

My kombi has been recently serviced and i was told she was in good running order (despite the 4 cv joints which got replaced) I am planning to go down in late June/early july

I have heard "elephant ears" help keep down temperatures.... do these really work???... how much do they cost???

Is there anything i should check/have checked in particular before i head off

Could my kombi cruise at 1ookm/h or should i drive at around 90km/h (i will not be in a hurry just curious)

Is there anything else important that i should do to ensure my kombi makes it there and back

Sorry abdout the silly questions, first driving trip away with my girlfriend and not really sure what things i have to be wary of

Thanks in advance for any help

elephant ears...yes...not much

or should i drive at around 90km/h (i will not be in a hurry just curious)

good advise

Have a look at this thread!

http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=6502 

Would you suggest an external cooler... if so how much do they cost??
Thanks for you help

The kombi will make it fine, there are plenty doing the oz circuit with uncaring backpackers.

beware of big trucks, holidayers with caravans, speed cameras, kangaroos if going at night, overtaking

take the pacific highway if you want it to be scenic and take all the side roads

dont forget to wave to other kombies!!

Quote: "Sorry abdout the silly questions, first driving trip away with my girlfriend and not really sure what things i have to be wary of "


You mentioned them in your statement!!!!

I took a Friend to Cape York with me a couple of years ago, Yep put her on a Bus in Airlie Beach, sent her home. Had a great time after that.

I'm sure you girlfriend is nothing like her, have a great time....:kiss

Thanks for the advice.... and rachael every kombi i see i wave too.... well i have only actually seen one whilest out driving my kombi (just passed the driving test).. everytime i go out i never seem to pass any driving yet when i am in my mums car they are everywhere, begining to wonder if all the other kombis are avoiding me ... I do love the friendlyness of most volkswagen drives it is really great to be able to wave to a complete stranger with the same passion as you and get a wave back

[Edited on 20-5-2003 by Newbie]

Just took mine from grafton to nowra no problems. Just stop every couple of hours,plan your stops so you just back off for a few kms before trying to fill up with petrol.Don't forget the fire ext. Maybe some one can help me who was the poor buggers kombi that burnt out around the harwood bridge near Maclean(around the nationals time):bounce

[size=4]The Most Important thing is to Carry is a good Fire Extinguisher ... and a spare fan belt... and don't forget the BIGGEST VW WEEKEND IN AUSTRALIA - the VW Spectacular at Nambucca Heads-Valla beach on the 1st WEEKEND in AUGUST... The Main Street is FULL of VWs for 2 hours on the Saturday Morning - ONLY VWS-- then a Show & Shine & Swap meet on the Sunday... Try to make it... UNREAL.. nice looking Kombi too..[/size]:bounce:bounce:bounce:bounce:thumb:thumb

Took the wife and two kids on our first major drive last year. Sydney to Melbourne (down the coast) and back (inland). No grief with the Kombi

Just please please make sure you take plenty of breaks. We saw ALOT of cars drifting along the way with very tired looking drivers at the wheel and passengers usually fast asleep.

You will have a great time

[Edited on 20-5-2003 by KOM123]

kangaroos... i cannot stress enough about kangaroos!

depending on the route you are taking, you are either going to see not many, or waaaaaaay too many kangaroos... if you are taking the outback roads, or even the new england hwy, watch out for roos and dont drive at dusk if you are in heavily roo-ed area. My bf and i drove through half the country (well, almost!) last december on a massive road trip and not a day went by where we didnt see roos!

If you have time and feel adventurous, give the outback roads a go. the scenery is surreal but very beautiful, and the sunsets are amazing! The new england hwy rocks and is usually quite free of traffic and trucks now that the pacific hwy is the shortest route syd-bris.

I wish i had the time to go for another road trip... HAVE FUN!

YAY another 17 yr old! im not the only one on the forum!

Kangaroos! in Australia:o no way...

The best roo bar: slip-streaming a B-Double travling at 125km, at night

Anything thats increases air-flow is a good thing, so buy and fit elephant ears

Oil cooler is your choice. This time of year prob not needed

I guess you r only travelling from Bris to Syd, so take the advice of the experts, I would'nt have a clue:P

I've only crossed the Nullaboor 3 times:thumb (in a Kombi)


[Edited on 21-5-2003 by DakDat]

[size=6]Lee[/size][color=Red]

No need to shout

[Edited on 21-5-2003 by jenz58]

[Edited on 21-5-2003 by jenz58]