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Maps

Each of the tours listed below has a map included with its description showing its route and overnight locations using Google Maps.  As with all Google Maps, the detail can be zoomed in to quite a detailed level using the tools at the top left hand side of the map.  You can also select the type of view required from the drop down box in the top right hand corner of the map (map, satellite, hybrid, etc).  The map can be moved to another part by placing the pointer on the map and holding the left mouse button down then dragging it in the direction that you wish to expose the country for viewing.  Descriptions of the waypoints can be seen by placing the mouse pointer on them and clicking the left button.

The detail shown on the map is only intended as a guide as its track points are plotted about every kilometre.  However, GPS users will be able to use the finer detail by downloading the GPX files for use in their GPS and/or computer mapping programs.

The time taken for the map to appear will depend on your download speed.

Profiles

Each tour has a daily profile included on a Profiles page.    The detail shown is only intended as a guide.  The frequency of the plotted points typically range from about every 100 - 500 metres.  Some of the tracks have been recorded by my GPS as I travelled along.  Others have been plotted on maps and the heights obtained from the SRTM Height Data (World 3 seconds).  This is a worldwide altitude database that shows the heights 3 seconds apart - which equates to about every 70 metres or so - generally reliable enough to provide useful profiles for cycling.  However, wherever there are a lot of short sharp hills very close together, this may not be the case, as the heights taken from the SRTM data may be from the surrounding hillside or top of a cutting rather than the road itself.  Hence the "guide only" factor.  Should anyone have actual tracks of any parts of the routes shown, they could forward them to me and I will update the information where tracks have been taken from maps rather than recorded on my GPS as I was riding along.

The vertical and horizontal scales on all of the profiles are the same so that you can compare one day's ride with another.

"X" kms

These distances are approximations, and will vary slightly depending on a number of factors.  They also exclude any side trips mentioned and are from one night's stop to the next overnight accommodation.

"X"  m climbed

This information is shown for each day's ride and represents the approximate number of metres altitude gained while riding that day's route.  I have used actual figures where they are available.  Other height gains are derived from the profiles and therefore are intended as a guide only.

GPX files

These are special GPS eXchage format files. They are designed to be loaded directly into your mapping software or the GPS unit itself.  Each of the tours has this information able to be downloaded via the ride description page. This is useful if you want to cycle (or even drive) the route yourself . Your GPS will direct you all the way. Each day's ride is a separate track so that most GPS track point limitation problems are minimised.  Each track has been limited to no more than 500 track points.  Each tour also includes waypoints showing the overnight stops.

The file that you download has been zipped and contains all of the track files and a waypoint file for the tour nominated.  Once you have downloaded this *.zip file, you will need to extract the files using WinZip to use the *.gpx files.  If you do not have the WinZip program, ask Professor Google to point you in the right direction to obtain a copy.

Climate

Where it may be appropriate, I have included climate details in each of the tours.  I have tried to use a weather station that is at the coldest location enroute, as this is the extreme that you will need to pack for.  For more information on that location, including wind roses showing wind strength and direction on a monthly basis, go to "Climate Statistics for Australian Locations" on the Links page.  You can also obtain similar details from other locations enroute from that site.

Routes

Many of these tours can be linked to form extended tours.  Some tours cross over others, and wherever this has occurred I have tried to take different routes to see more of the country.  It may be that some sections of one route may better suit you than the one shown on another ride when you are planning your trips.  Mix and match as you see fit.