PREPARATIONS
Flight
Update
The flights keep changing. First Qatar Airways, then Quantas, and now JetStar, which I'm using for the last leg of my outbound journey from Bali to Darwin. I'll arrive there around 4:00 PM on Sunday the 18th and was supposed to depart at 1:00 AM. That last flight doesn't leave until around 11:30 PM, just before noon on Monday the 19th. I've also booked a hotel at Bali Airport.
4WD
RedSands
I've rented from Apollo before, and I've always been very pleased. Last time, I chose the Apollo Trailfinder. The downside of this 4WD is that all the modifications and installations made it heavy, and the relatively narrow tires made driving through very loose sand more difficult. Another option is a 4WD campervan from RedSands. These 4WD campervans are somewhat similar to the Apollo Overlander, except that they also use a rooftop tent. These 4WDs come standard with two spare tires, which makes them attractive, especially for the Gibb River Road and other 4WD tracks. They certainly look nice, but they are a bit more expensive than the Apollo ones.
Accommodation(s)
Mirambeena
The beginning of my trip, except for the flight(s), begins in Darwin. From experience, I know it's helpful to spend a day or two acclimatizing before leaving for the first leg of the journey.
It Mirambeena Resort
Van Travel Lodge has always been a good choice. It's within walking distance of Darwin's city center, quiet, and easily accessible from the airport by shuttle.
Paradise on the Beach
At the end of the trip, relax on the beach at the Great Barrier Reef.
A travel agent recommended this resort to me as the ideal place to end your trip to Australia. Here you can relax and prepare for the return trip that will inevitably follow. Paradise on the Beach
is a resort in Palm Cove, a coastal town about 25 kilometres north of Cairns.
It has a swimming pool and is located right on the beach and within walking distance of the jetty where a lot of fishing takes place during the day.