driving across australia

[ste v]

any advise about driving across australia in a camper van (perth - ularu - adelaide  - sydney - cairns)

[dothawkes]

Don't stop for hitchhikers possibly?

[jno]

You sure? That's one hell of a drive, much of it through desert. I'd fly the first leg. The rest would give you more varied scenery, but even those cover a lot of ground so prepare to be saddle-sore.

[morg_monster]

If you're going to buy an old one for the trip, don't buy a volkswagen - you can't get the parts if they break down out of the main cities (or even in them!)  and they are air not water cooled and can't handle the heat.  Also make sure you go on the proper tarmaced road, not any of the 4x4 trails.  If you're going in their summer, it will be really really hot. Maybe think about taking some bed rolls or a swag so you can sleep under the stars! 

DON'T go by yourself, either have a couple of mates with you or pick up travellers from hostels who need a lift.  It is no fun having to do all the driving yourself and there is a LOT of space between Perth and Uluru and Uluru and Adelaide.  You should take plenty of spare water and fuel. 

Having a van or car/tent of your own is class for the west coast and across the middle, but in the big cities, you are better off staying in a hostel as the campsites are too far away from all the fun.  I would totally recommend seeing the west coast this way, it is so beautiful, deserted beaches and all the rest.  We went from Perth up the west coast, then back down due to cyclones, then across the Nullarbor to Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.  Didn't fancy to drive all the way to the middle just for Uluru.  We bought a big car - a Ford Falcon - it was brilliant.

Finally if you are starting in Perth go stay at the Club Red backpackers http://www.redbackpackers.com.au/ they are so friendly and will help you out with buying a van.