GPS - Yes or No ?

As a relatively newcomer to Melbourne, Roland, I have found the GPS indispensable as I don't travel on the freeways and major roads enough to be completely confident as to where I'm going. Also, my geographic knowledge of Melbourne suburbs etc is still very low. However, I don't switch my brain off and follow it blindly and always check the map before I travel somewhere new so I've at least got some idea. Just relying on the GPS doesn't teach me much.

We used it for our trip to West Wyalong in NSW last week and, other than a detour around Tocumwal which we followed for the hell of it, it was spot on and was a help since we didn't know the road (I last travelled it in July). We came home via the Hume which we'd never done before so again it was useful but not our only source. Again, map reading before the trip helps.

Hi Roland when i was in your country in 98 i wish we had one as it would had made it easy on me the driver and the navagator but we suvired ok with the old maps and saw plenty of nook and granies. Dave

i dont use a gps when i travel in my truck.. but when im with the missus she uses one in her car ..last month we drove down to melbourne from newcastle(1050kms) it was indespensable especially as we wanted to avoid toll roads etc ..

G'Day all
Thanks for your replies. Taking them all into account I think I will try VIC without for a few days and see how I get on.
As I said, I do not intend to do a lot of city driving, so I wont be using addresses much.
I will bring my handheld GPS with me in case of emergency.

Cheers

FWIW
On my home page i have sum usefull links

Metric conversions, Currency Converter, Melbourne Weather, World Times, Melway Street Directory, VicRoads
n Route palanner etc

as a lot of our work can be charged out by loaded kilometer travelled
I use Route Planner a fair bit

it has the x act kilometers n time to travel the said K'z
depending on way U wanna travel

CliknHereWillGetchaThere
www.visitvictoria.com/displayObject.cfm?...A88-8B4680C476A9047C

Tiz worthy of a bookmark n it'z FREE

Jist tryn to help U not get lost

Cya

[ch9787]

G'Day Mate
Thanks for your advice and the link.
It looks like a very useful item.
I think the Melway and Sydway maps are really good.
We have PostCodes here, but NO easily available postcode maps !
I just use Google Earth/ Maps, which are brilliant, and are great for planning my trip.
Due to travel restrictions, the computer will be staying here !
I am putting together a pack of maps and locations, and doing days of research.
I am finding it very interesting, and feel I am learning about Oz at the same time.
Thanks again.

Cheers

Hi Roland,Maybe once you have your route mapped out you should post it on here so,any forum members along the way could then contact you and get to meet you as you travel round.ian

Roland

We could also offer advice as what is good to visit and what to avoid.

YEAH, Those two blokes bourke and wills were Probably pomms and their choice of route Left a bit to be desired. A little local input could make the all difference . ian.

G'Day Trevor

Thanks for the suggestion. I will do that, nearer the time.

Cheers