A quick tip about renting your motorcycle:
The security depost / rental bond for your hire period will be processed onto your credit card when you collect the motorcycle. It is therefore a good idea to inform your bank or credit card company that such a transaction will be occuring, otherwise they may block or cancel your card and you will be unable to pick up the bike. Nobody likes a delay to the start of their trip of a lifetime!
Nannup Bush Retreat
If you need somewhere to stay in the heart of the South Western reaches of W.A, then the Nannup Bush Retreat offers everything you could ever need, and more! www.nannupbushretreat.com.au
Traveller's Tips
It's a serious problem. Where to go? Australia offers a huge variety, from desert to tropical rainforest, mountain ranges to beaches, cityscape to ghost town. Big Boyz Toyz is located in Perth, capital of the largest Australian state. Beyond the coastal fringe the landscape gradually becomes harsher, hotter and drier and eventually becomes desert. Key things to remember when planning your trip are our climate (harsh in an outback summer), and the vast distances involved. It may be several hundred kilometres between fuel stops. That goes for water too!
A Little Geography
Australia is almost as large as all of Europe put together. It's even bigger than Texas! Motorcyclists on an extended trip around the continent with a diversion into the centre of Australia generally ride over 20,000 kms. Years ago motorcyclists used to race around the country, and every couple of years someone would break the record for the 10,000 km round trip over some of the worst roads and through the harshest country imaginable. Two policemen finally beat the 10 day mark (well one did - the other had an altercation with a 'roo) on Z1300's back in the early 80's. That record stands, and probably will forever. Speeding is rather frowned upon these days - go fast enough, and they'll lock you up!
Climate
You will find the climate varies in Australia just as much as the geography. The climatic conditions vary greatly throughout the year and will depend on the area you are travelling through. Beware of travelling through the outback during the high summer. Spring: September to November Autumn: March to May Summer: December to February Winter: June to August Big Boyz Toyz does not recommend travel in Central and Northern Australia during the summer months, as the conditions are ... hot .. damn hot. Ideally Central and Northern Australia should be travelled to during the winter months, when daytime temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees. At night it often drops to freezing temperature, so take your woollies! The area north of The Tropic of Capricorn is subject to monsoon conditions, with a wet and dry season. The Wet (November to March) is subject to daily storms and occasional cyclones. This heavy rainfall makes travel on unsurfaced roads hazardous if not impossible. The warmer months are perfect for travel in the coastal areas of NSW, Victoria, Tasmania (if you don't like the weather, come back in 10 minutes), the Southern coast and areas of South Australia, and Perth and surrounding areas in Western Australia. Queensland, so they say, is beautiful one day, perfect the next - and anyone who says it's full of rednecks best watch their back.
Road Conditions
Australia has very good highways along most of the eastern seaboard and across to South Australia, linking the major cities. The more populated the area, the better the road conditions. Generally these areas have sealed roads, which can vary from well maintained highways to narrow sealed country roads. For the dirt bike enthusiast the secondary roads in the outback and in Central Australia are almost all unsealed. Fire trails and dirt roads through the Western Australian hinterland are easily accessed from Perth. Whether you choose a road bike or a dirt bike, there is a wealth of adventure ahead. Westrider recommends that you avoid riding a motorcycle between sunset and sunrise, particularly at twilight. Riding flat-out at kangaroo feeding time is a known health hazard. And when camping, watch out for the dropbears.
Personal Injury/Travel Insurance
Westrider recommends you obtain this type of insurance before departing for Australia. These policies generally cover you for medical expenses incurred whilst travelling, and for theft of passport, money and personal effects.
Motorcycle Licence Requirements
An International Licence is the most convenient and popular method of riding legally in Australia and is available for short term visitors and holiday tourists. International Licences are valid for three months from the date of entry into Australia. We will accept a licence from your own country, providing it clearly defines, in English, the right of the holder to ride a Motorcycle.
Third Party Personal insurance
This is a component of motor vehicle registration in Australia. If you are involved in a accident whilst riding in Australia and you are at fault, then you are insured against any injury caused by you to another person (including a pillion passenger) in the event of an accident. You must never ride or drive an unregistered vehicle on public roads or lands.
Language
The official written language of Australia is UK English. The spoken version is quite colourful and is often interspersed with unprintable monosyllables. If there is something we haven't covered, please just ask us and we will help you. Please note that the insurance comments are a guide only and not legal advice. We suggest you obtain further information from insurance companies at home regarding personal and travel insurance.