ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Steep Point to Cape Byron
Australia’s Westernmost Point to Australia’s Easternmost Point
EXPEDITION PLAN
A four-vehicle, 6700 km 4WD journey across the breadth of Australia, from Steep Point in Western Australia to Cape Byron in NSW, from 5-21 June 2027.
1. Executive Summary
Across Australia is a four-vehicle 4WD Expedition between Australia’s westernmost and easternmost mainland points. The route covers ~6700 kilometres across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales.
The Expedition team comprises four participants travelling in a Suzuki Vitara modified trayback, and three Suzuki Jimny Wagons.
The human-interest angle of a mature-age team undertaking one of Australia’s great geographic traverses in small, ageing vehicles is considerable, proving that adventure is not the exclusive domain of the young.
The key challenge in this undertaking is to keep the vehicles roadworthy for a sustained period in difficult conditions. Foremost in this challenge is tyre damage, dirty fuel, wild animals, suspension failure, and overheating.
The date of the Expedition is 5-21 June 2027. It has been scheduled to coincide with Australia’s biggest off road racing event, the Finke Desert Race.
The estimated cost of the trip is about $25,000 (total for four vehicles). Food is not included in this costing as it is considered an every day cost regardless of location/activity.
The Key Risks in undertaking this venture are the age of the vehicles, the age of the participants, the remoteness, and the duration, distance and time constraints of the trip.
Terminology – the section from Steep Point to Cape Byron is termed the Expedition. The entire journey from Perth to Steep Point (liaison) to Cape Byron to Perth (liaison) is referred to as the Road Trip.
Four independently equipped 4WD vehicles carrying satellite communications, PLBs, comprehensive recovery equipment, first aid capability, and sufficient fuel and water reserves to operate independently in remote areas for up to 72 hours and crewed by competent personnel provide the Expedition with a great chance to succeed in the cross continent challenge.
Success would be seen as completion of the traverse of Australia from Steep Point to Cape Byron while maintaining participant safety, and vehicle serviceability, all within budget.
2. Overview
2.1 The Start Point at Steep Point
Steep Point, within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, is Australia’s westernmost mainland point. It is the departure point for this Expedition for a number of practical reasons:
- Short run to the start point through familiar country.
- Travelling west to east means the team drives into the morning sun on early legs, not the setting sun on afternoon runs — a safety and comfort advantage on long daily drives.
- The ~1100 Simpson Desert dunes have a gentle western slope and a steep eastern face. Travelling west to east provides an easier windward climb that is far more manageable than the reverse.
- The return route to Perth from Byron Bay passes through a greater concentration of locations through which participants are unlikely to have travelled. There is more time to see these POIs (if desired) that would not be available on a time sensitive schedule to get to the Start if the reverse direction was selected.
Steep Point is accessible by 4WD only.
Full tanks at Overlander are sufficient for the Overlander-Steep Point-Overlander round trip (370 km).
2.2 The Expedition Route
The Expedition Route from Steep Point to Cape Byron is divided into 31 Legs covering a distance of ~6700 kilometres. Generally, the end of each Leg coincides with fuel availability and/or an important POI/Navigation Point.
More detailed information about each Leg.
2.3 The Finish Point — Cape Byron
Cape Byron, near Byron Bay on the New South Wales north coast, is Australia’s easternmost mainland point. The cape is marked by the Cape Byron Lighthouse (1901) and sits within Cape Byron Marine Park and the Cape Byron Headland Reserve. Vehicle access to the lighthouse area is available.
3. Route and Itinerary
3.1 Overview
The Road Trip is scheduled to depart early June 2027, timed to coincide with the Finke Desert Race (FDR) in Alice Springs.
| Date | Event / Milestone |
| 2 June 2027 | Depart Perth. |
| 4 June 2027 | Arrive Steep Point — layday. |
| 5 June 2027 | Depart Steep Point. |
| 5 – 12 June | Legs 1–11: Steep Point to Alice Springs. |
| Sunday 13 June | Travel to Finke. |
| Monday 14 June | Spectate for the return leg of FDR about 20 k north of Finke. |
| 15-21 June | Legs 13-31: Finke to Cape Byron – formal completion documentation. |
| 22 June | Layday in Cape Byron before commencing Liaison to Perth. |
| 23 June | Continue with Road Trip Option A – southern route to Perth or Option B – northern route via Gibb River Road to Perth. |
3.2 Liaison Pre Start
Depart Perth and stop overnight at Nerren Nerren.
The convoy moves north, refuels at Overlander Roadhouse and continues to Shelter Bay. Camping accommodation (fees payable) is available at Shelter Bay, seven kilometres distant from Steep Point, and while difficult to secure it is not impossible – particularly 12 months out. The Team will spend two nights/one day at Shelter Bay in prep for the start.
3.3 To Alice Springs
The biggest challenge of the Expedition is remoteness and the first example of this is at the Start Point. Providing the four vehicles leave Shelter Bay by 0730 there should be sufficient time to reach Murchison Oasis in daylight on Day 1. The distance travelled on the first day following this strategy would be 374 kilometres.
This means that refuelling at Murchison Roadhouse (very slow) does not eat into the schedule as it would if we were to camp somewhere on Butchers Track (before Murchison) and have to refuel during the early morning at the Roadhouse.
The biggest challenge in this part of the Expedition is the Gunbarrel Highway. The Expedition will drive this iconic outback track only to Heather Highway which leads to the Great Central Road. The ongoing sealing of this road (part of Australia’s longest shortcut) does not detract from it being a great outback drive.
The GCR leads to Kata Tjuta and Uluru viewing opportunities before camping overnight at Yulara.
From Yulara we will access Kings Canyon and the Glen Helen via the Mereenie Loop. Visit iconic Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge and Simpsons Gap on the way to Alice Springs.
3.4 At Alice Springs
| Sunday | Arrive Alice Springs. Refuel, re-victualise. Depart for Finke via Suart Highway (Erldunda and Kulgera) |
| Saturday | Depart for Glen Helen Gorge (132 km west on Namatjira Drive) via the Red Centre Way. Overnight at Glen Helen. Red Centre Way information. |
| Sunday | Overnight at Palm Valley camp. |
| Monday | Return to Alice Springs via Larapinta Drive. Arrive in time to spectate at the 30 km mark of the race course as competitors return from Finke (Apatula). Camp at this location. Resume Expedition on Tuesday morning from this location. |
3.5 After Alice Springs
Camp 10Km north of Finke and, after the cars have passed drive to Dalhousie Springs to prep for the journey across the Simpson Desert. The time and distance figures show the desert crossing needs the best part of two days.
After the desert trip head east to Haddon Corner and stay overnight at Innamincka. Drive south to Cameron Corner and on to Tibooburra. Then follow the Darling River from Bourke to Brewarrina, Walgett, Collarenebri, and Mungindi to Goondiwindi. A one day run to Cape Byron.
3.6 Liaison Post Finish
Broad Route ~4200 km.
Cape Byron – Tamworth – Broken Hill – Flinders Range Circuit -Port Augusta – Ceduna – Norseman – Hyden – Perth
3.7 Permits
The course of the Expedition passes through numerous regions for which Permits and Passes are required.
4. Navigation
4.1 GPX Route Files
GPX files have been prepared for:
- Route — full Expedition route with all legs
- POIs — points of interest along the route
- Fuel — all confirmed fuel stops
- Hospital / Medical — nearest medical facilities by leg
- Towns — all service centres along the route
4.2 Navigation Apps/Tools/Maps
| ExplorOz | Primary MMS App. Laptop and iPad. |
| GaiaGPS | Secondary MMS App. Laptop and iPad – will be run simultaneously with EO. |
| iPad | ExplorOz App |
| Hema HX-2 GPS Navigator | Off-road navigator. Load GPX files via microSD card. Will be run simultaneously with EO. |
| Hema Explorer App | Secondary device. Download all offline maps for WA, NT, SA, and QLD before departure. No mobile in much of the route. |
| Google Maps / Waze | On phones. |
| Hema Australia Road Atlas | Have. |
| Digital maps | On laptop. |
| Paper maps | On board. |
| Download all offline maps, GPX files, and road condition information before leaving. | |
4.3 Track Condition Sources
- ExplorOz — track conditions, road closures, and community notes
- FB Group (e.g. Simpson Desert)
4.4 Live Tracking
Live tracking of the Road Trip via the ExplorOz Tracker app and That Group App. Dependent on Starlink.
5. Participants
| Name | Decision Making Roles | Notes |
| Kim Epton | Coordinator/Planning Navigation Media |
Pre – Route Planning During – Navigation, Diary Post – Photo essay |
| Cliff Hills | Vehicle Preparation/Mechanic | Pre – Vehicle preparation, Tools During – Vehicle Maintenance |
| Greg Barndon | Campsites | Pre – Route Planning During – Campsites, Vehicle Maintenance |
| Scott Overstone | Mechanical/Route Planning | Pre – Vehicle Preparation
During – Mechanica/Route Planning/Sweep |
| Rod Dally | Catering/Medical/Insurance | Pre – Catering, insurance, Medical During – Cooking, Relief Driver |
- Emergency contacts
- Identification documents
6. Vehicles
| Vehicle 1 | Suzuki Vitara, Series 1, 1600 cc, inline, 4 cylinder, petrol | Kim Epton | Ute |
| Vehicle 2 | Suzuki Jimny, 1600 cc, inline 4 cylinder, petrol, . | Cliff Hills | 1600 |
| Vehicle 3 | Suzuki Jimny, 1800 cc, inline 4 cylinder, petrol | Greg Barndon | 1800 |
| Vehicle 4 | Suzuki Jimny 1800 cc, inline 4 cylinder petrol | Scott Overstone | 1800 |
6.1. Vehicle Preparation
Minimum preparation for all four vehicles:
- All-terrain tyres with three-ply sidewalls
- 730 km fuel range at 11L/100 km
- 80L tank (700 km range)
- Snatch strap, rated recovery point, MaxTrax, rated bow shackles/soft shackles
- Dual-battery system with DC–DC charger and/or solar for camp power
- Handheld UHF CB radios for inter-vehicle communication
- Starlink in Nav vehicle and Sweep Vehicle
- GME MT610G PLB
- Spares Kit/Tool Kit/Tyre Repair Kit – CH to organise
- Water storage: minimum twenty litres per vehicle beyond drinking supplies
- 2 x 20-litre outboard motor fuel tanks.
7. Refuelling
7.1 Fuel Requirements
The vehicles will be heavily laden. The surface on which they will be travelling is mostly unsealed.
The ‘base’ fuel usage is 11L/100 km.
It is posited that additional fuel will be required when driving these Legs:
- Gunbarrel Highway +50%
- Simpson Desert +90%
7.3 Fuel Calculator
Fuel Burn Rate, Usage, Requirements, Locations, Costs.
Download Fuel Calculator
More detail in the Operations Plan.
8. Catering
8.1 Meals
Participants to prepare their own breakfast and lunch. Dinner will be prepared by Rod for everyone. Rationale is that Cliff and Scott will be working on vehicles, Greg will be preparing camp and assisting Cliff, Kim will be preparing the next day’s route/activities and working on the diary of the day’s activities just done. This strategy uses less water in washing up, requires fewer gas bottles to be transported, needs fewer gas stoves, and provides better, higher standard meals for all participants.
8.2 Cooking
Propane not butane. Storage of gas bottles outside vehicle cabin.
Only one x two burner gas stove and 2 x bottle needed. Greg, Scott and Cliff need supply only what they require for non-cooked breakfast (bowl and spoon) and non-cooked lunch. Hot water for coffee/tea in the morning, mid-morning, lunch, mid-afternoon will be provided by Rod.
8.3 Cooking Equipment
Group stove, windbreak, pans, pots, spatula, cutting board, paper towels, kitchen knives, washing up bowl, detergent, scourers.
Individual plates and cutlery.
9. Equipment
9.1 Group Equipment List
Communications equipment
Medical equipment
Navigation equipment
Tools and spares
Group power tools will be constrained to one brand (Ryobi). Need only one blower.
9.2 Individual Equipment List
Recovery equipment
Camping equipment
10. Pre-Expedition Checklists
Vehicle Preparation
Navigation
Communications
First Aid/Medical
Food and Water
Fuel
Recovery gear
Camping equipment
Personal gear
Documentation
Emergency contacts
11. Communications
Communications Priority
- UHF Radio
- Mobile Phone
- Starlink
- PLB
| Method | Use |
| UHF | Routine convoy communications |
| Mobile | Normal communications where coverage exists |
| Starlink | Remote communications and emergency support |
| PLB | Immediate life-threatening emergency |
11.1 UHF CB Radio
- 5 W UHF radio installed in each vehicle.
- Second 5W radio scanning
- 5 W handheld UHF radio in each vehicle.
11.2 Mobile Phone
Although connectivity is absent for much of the Route outside populated places, the use of mobile phones is still preferred method of communication after UHF radio.
11.3 Starlink
Starlink satellite internet is the communications platform that will be used for contact outside the Expedition when mobile coverage is not available in remote locations. Starlink provides broadband for content uploads, social media, weather and road condition research, voice and video calls, and emergency communications support. The Starlink Roam plan allows use while travelling.
11.4 Personal Locator Beacon
Fourth in the communication hierarchy is a GME MT610G PLB. The PLB is for if/when out of vehicle or if Starlink is inoperative for whatever reason.
Communication Procedures.
Radio check on departure.
Loss of visual contact with vehicle.
- Stop.
- UHF call.
- Return to last known position.
12. Accommodation
Bush camping is the preferred option.
Caravan parks as available every two to three days.
Details of all Accommodations Options during Expedition.
13. Vehicle Recovery Plan
The knowledge, skills and expertise among the team is sufficient to overcome most mechanical issues.
Level 1 Minor roadside repair.
Level 2 Vehicle towed by expedition members to nearest settlement. This would generally only occur when parts or specialised equipment/tools are required and it is considered more efficient to move the vehicle to a workshop rather than attempt to effect repairs in the field.
Level 3 Catastrophic issues that prevent a vehicle continuing with the Expedition and requiring recovery present a logistical challenge that is exacerbated by the general remoteness of the area of operations. This has the potential to be very expensive. Vehicle abandonment is not an option unless completely destroyed (e.g. burnt out).
A Vehicle Recovery Plan has been devised to deal with vehicle mechanical/recovery issues.
The expedition is capable of self-recovery from most foreseeable incidents. Nevertheless, formal recovery procedures have been developed for circumstances should self-recovery be non-feasible. So although the Recovery Plan is graduated, it should need to be effected only in extreme circumstances.
Some possible recovery triggers are:
- Engine failure.
- Transmission failure.
- Chassis damage.
- Vehicle rollover.
- Fire.
14. Media and Publicity
| Platform | Proposed Use |
| Adventures.net.au | Primary long-form content hub. Photo essays per leg. |
| ExplorOz | Use the ExplorOz Tracker app for live Road Trip tracking and cross-platform audience engagement. |
| Facebook — Adventures 4×4 Touring, Camping and Boating | Primary social media community channel. Day-by-day updates and photos. |
| Establish and build a presence. Photo-led daily content. |
15. Finance and Funding
15.1 Budget Categories
Fuel
Accommodation
Food
Medical/Travel Insurance
Comms
Recovery
Contingency
15.2 Funding Strategy
Participants fund their own:
- vehicle preparation costs.
- fuel usage costs.
- mechanical breakdown/repair costs
- insurance costs
Group costs split equally among participants.
16. Daily Operating Procedures
Morning Routine
- Vehicle inspection
- Fuel check
- Water check
- Route briefing
Evening Routine
- Vehicle inspection
- Refuel before camp and where possible
More detailed Routines and Procedures are in Operations Plan.
17. Medical Plan
A detailed Medical Plan has been prepared.
Each vehicle will carry a first aid kit.
One trauma kit will be carried.
Participants are responsible for their own prescriptions medications.
Medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the Expedition are disclosed and managed.
Importantly, each participant will complete a first aid course /refresher in March prior to the Expedition.
Response to Injury
Minor injury
Treated by expedition members.
Injury beyond ability of Expedition members to treat
Patient transported to nearest medical facility.
Life-threatening injury
Activate PLB and satellite communications while first aid is administered.
Local Travel Insurance is available for participants under 75 years of age and needs further investigation.
18. Risk Register and Risk Management Plan
The entire Road Trip has been subject to a risk audit and a resultant Risk Register and Risk Management Plan has been formulated.
An example of some possible risks:
| Risk | Likelihood | Consequence | Control |
| Tyre failure | High | Medium | Tyre repair kits, spare tyres |
| Fuel contamination | Medium | High | Fuel filtration |
| Vehicle rollover | Low | Extreme | Driver discipline |
| Medical emergency | Medium | Extreme | Medical plan, evacuation |
| Wildlife collision | Medium | High | Daylight driving |
| Heat illness | Medium | High | Hydration procedures |
The Risk Register and Risk Management Plan will be updated before departure.
19. Go/No Go Criteria
Pre-Departure No-Go Criteria
- Participant medically unfit/dies and cannot be replaces.
- Critical permits not obtained.
- Vehicle preparation incomplete.
- Insufficient funding available.
Postponement is not an option as the departure date is scheduled to allow arrival in Alice Springs prior to the commencement of the Finke Desert Race.
Track closures are the most likely impediment and in these circumstances the Expedition will be re-routed.
The timeliness of Vehicle Preparedness and Permits may appear to be issues, however, 12 months lead time obviates this potential concern.
During Expedition
Expedition modified or halted if:
- Two vehicles become non-operational.
- Medical emergency occurs.
- Route closure prevents progress.
- Fuel availability becomes uncertain.
20. Operations Plan
The Operations Plan is how the Expedition will run. It drives all other actions and procedures.
© Kim Epton 2026
2764 words.
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