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Travel Capsule - Ghan and camping trip

Sal

Veteran

Hi All

I am going on a travel adventure in late May and early June.

I fly to Adelaide (with my Dad) and we have two nights there. It is late Autumn/early winter weather.
We then take the Ghan (train) to Darwin for two nights (three days). Train is air conditioned but there are some active excursions along the way.
I meet DH in Darwin, pick up a 4WD with a rooftop tent and we make our way to Broome over 11 days.
(My Dad is then going on an adventure tour- he leaves us in Darwin - he's going to remote WA Cattle Stations/ranches at 83)

It will be the dry season (hot and muggy and then hot and dry with some cooler nights). I cannot imagine needing anything dressy during this time - it will be shorts, tees, hiking shoes, swimsuits etc
I have to take soft luggage and want to travel relatively lightly but will check bags.

As always footwear is the tricky one.

Non negotiable
- Merrell hiking shoes

Probables
- black and white rollie (sneakers) for flights and Adelaide and Ghan
- birkenstocks for travel in the north

Or
- should I purchase EVA birks for showers and waterholes and take my black or tan sandals as an alternate for driving and any evenings out
- if I go walking in Darwin or Adelaide do I wear the hiking shoes or take my running shoes as well?
- do I purchase TEVA sandals?

I love birkenstocks but I can't walk for miles in them (I need an ankle strap) and Adelaide in late autumn will require covered shoes.

What would you take for this type of travel with three or four footwear choices?

Thanks in advance!

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Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Sport Sandal (Women) | Nordstrom

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31 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Sal

Veteran

This is my general thinking for the clothing

Adelaide and Ghan
- black and white pants
- olive pants
- lilac merino
- lilac merino tee
- black tee
- denim jacket
- scarf

Camping Trip
- olive pants
- denim shorts
- black dress
- peach and blue tees
- green tank
- linen cover up

Active wear/Gear
- one swimsuit
- two pairs shorts, one pair leggings
- active wear tee, active wear tank

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Joy

Veteran

What are "rollies"? I would guess roller skates , but it does. It make sense here. I would take footwear that would protect feet and could get wet. Nothing open like sandals. Not enough protection.

Sal

Veteran

Sorry Joy - the Rollies are a brand of footwear (see the find below). Roller skates would be fun though!

I plan to wear hiking shoes for any walks but will also have time sitting in the truck, roadside stops, campgrounds etc and a couple of days in Darwin. My feet get very hot so I imagine I would need sandals for these times at 30 degrees C plus?

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote roller skates

Sal, your Dad is AMAZING!!! You are an AMAZING daughter! WOW to this adventurous trip!

Is WA Western Australia, or Washington state in the US where I live?

I'm with Joy on the foot protection most of the time! Yet a pair of sandals to allow your feet to breath is important too. I vote NOT the Birkies since you can't walk far in them. Take the Eileen Fisher.

I'd bring your running shoes to walk in too. Looking after your feet is VERY important.

Are you going to help Dad pack too?

Sal

Veteran

Western Australia Angie - US is on the horizon though and we have family and friends in Seattle.....

Dad has done a lot of local travelling since 2020 - he's pretty independent and sorted. He is with me for six days and then on his own for three weeks (with two weeks on a tour).

Maybe I am best to take hiking shoes, running shoes, sandals and flipflops. We will be swimming and in waterholes and using campground bathrooms so I will need something rubber.

If I wash my running shoes they should be tidy enough for days out in Adelaide.

On the Ghan I could wear these in the day or the EF sandals at night for dinner? I want one non-gear option and the temperature in Adelaide could be 10-19C (potential for rain) and Darwin 20-30C (rain unlikely).

Anonymous

Definitely take sandals that are good for hiking! Sounds like the running shoes and hiking shoes would serve the same function, but the majority of your time will be in hot weather, so probably not both.
Your dad sounds amazing!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The temperature difference makes it so much more complicated, right? I understand the issue. I definitely think you need a sandal type item for Darwin. But/ and the EF sandals would work for sure for dinner...and so would the Rollies with the right outfit. And you definitely need the hiking shoes or the running shoes.

This sounds like an amazing adventure in all ways! You and your dad are intrepid travellers!

Sal

Veteran

It has been a bucket list trip for Dad (the Ghan) since Mum died so we are making it happen. And Jon (DH) loves deserts so he will like Northern Territory and Western Australia.

It is the change of temperatures that makes it tricky. The only dressy occasions really will be the dinners on the train - I think I could wear shorts and a teeshirt or a casual dress and denim jacket everywhere else. Probably with flip flops or birkenstocks - it's just not a dressy part of the world!!

I think I could do

Hiking shoes, running shoes, flipflops, sandals
Hiking shoes, TEVA walking sandals, flip flops, dressy sneakers

The hiking shoes will be good for rocky trails and if I am going through water. I love my Merrells and they are so good on uneven ground (much better than running shoes). I don't think I will be doing much city walking, but potentially a couple of times in Adelaide and one day in Darwin.

I also need something to travel on the plane in.

I will be washing clothes along the way - I don't mind doing this at all. So I would rather have my footwear sorted and repeat and wash clothes!!

rachylou

Veteran

When I camp, I do trail sneakers and fake crocs… I also wear dresses, which I suppose is another conversation. But I have a couple of dresses that are meant to be fancy; however, they’re made from a hard wearing technical fabric that can take abuse. If I were going, I’d do those and throw in a pair of shoes with some shine but good soles. Like patent wedges.

Sal

Veteran

I would wear dresses too for days with travel in the 4WD or for hanging around at night. I plan to take one easy summer dress that I could layer over as the nights might be cooler.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

No advice re shoes other than be comfortable (!)but just wanted to wish you a fantastic time ,it sounds like it will be an amazing trip.

Bijou

Veteran

A trip of a lifetime indeed!

As a teen, I camped in the Kimberley's with family and an experienced guide (a family friend), it was amazing. You will have beautiful summer weather up north. I remember sleeping soundly in my swag at night under the stars.

I would wear light pants or shorts and hiking boots for any outback adventure. You are likely to come across snakes, which is why I would have my ankles covered. The snakes want to stay away, so no need to fear them.

Sal

Veteran

Bijou- Jon is hoping we see snakes….. I insisted on the rooftop camper rather than the tent to avoid them.

We leave late May so I have a few weeks to prepare!

ChrisM

Veteran

What an adventure you have planned!!

I have a pair of EVA Birks and they are perfect for showers, to and from swimming, quiet evening padding about (with or without socks). I travel carry-on only and they are an essential.

Also, if you’ve not checked out merino wool tees for travel (especially for hiking and hot weather), I highly recommend. Shockingly, they are not hot and the stink repellent nature of wool is amazing. Perfect for hiking. They also very easy care - they dry quickly. I can wear mine multiple times before they need to be washed.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

That sounds AMAZING! What a fun adventure. Someday I want to come there.

This: “Maybe I am best to take hiking shoes, running shoes, sandals and flipflops.”

This is an active, casual trip, so this is exactly what I would do. I’d take my hiking boots, my trail runner sneakers (which are good for alternating with hiking boots but are lighter, so good for hot weather and less extreme hiking), some secure sport sneakers like Tevas or Chacos (I need to replace my old ones and have been procrastinating), or maybe even a covered toe version like Keens (I can’t wear those but I know others who swear by them), and some flip-flops for camping/beach/showers. I might even throw in one more pair of casual lightweight (not bulky) sandals that are not sporty but good for walking around town, but I don’t know if you’ll need such a thing.

So excited for you!

Tanya

Veteran

This sounds like an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime adventure trip, and hope you have a wonderful time!

I am the exact opposite from outdoorsy and have almost no knowledge about dressing for such activities. However, I believe in having the right choice of shoes and nothing can ruin a trip so fast for me like shoes that don't work for what I want to do, so I fully support taking all the four pairs you are considering.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Sounds great!

Definitely hiking shoes for any outback walking. I went bushwalking recently in a fairly urban area and a black snack went right over my foot. I was in sandals!

I think flip flops/thongs would be useful for wearing around your room, sitting around the campfire at night and adjacent to swimming activities.

Sneakers for flights, Adelaide and Ghan.

Sandals for Ghan and Darwin.

Roberta

Veteran

What an adventure and such a wonderful time with your Dad! I think you are right on about all the shoes, and I just want to mention these Crocs, which I bought for poolside and shared shower facilities. They don't slide off my feet and have good treads to prevent slipping. They have been used two or three times a week for a year and still look brand new. I am taking them to Mexico in June along with sneakers and dressier sandals.

Also, if you are looking for a reason to get NEW shoes, these LL Bean hikers are on sale. I am loving the sand/orange combo.

Crocs Women's Kadee Ii Sandals

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Women's Vista Slip-On Hikers, Low

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Minaminu

Veteran

what a lovely capsule!!! Personally, I would not recommend the EVA birks for shower, I purchased them a couple of years ago for the same purpose and found them very uncomfortable.

Will the denim jacket be OK for the forecasted weather?

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all! It is exciting.

I do have one short sleeve merino tee, and two long sleeve ones (one is more of a merino blend sweatshirt). I plan to take at least two of these!

I have some Oofos https://www.oofos.co.nz/products/oolala-luxe that are not in immaculate condition (paint splatters from home jobs) but that might serve for bathrooms, swimming etc.. They have a fairly thick sole.

I did check out some Teva's as well and these could be a good option. I didn't like Keens in the past. My feet get VERY hot and sometimes sweaty.

I also need a new bag (I have hard luggage or very small inadequate hand me down duffles from my son's rugby days)...Once I get that I will know how much space I have...

bj1111

Veteran

My dream trip.

No packing advice tho. Have loads of fun.

Bijou

Veteran

A friend of mine who does lots of hiking and camping loves crocs for around the campfire and wearing when walking through streams etc.

RobinF

Veteran

Sounds like a fabulous trip! I do like slip on sandals for camping - easy on and off.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Dad is a gem and very impressive man!

salt-sea

I love these types of posts, and particularly shoe dilemmas as I have the hardest time packing limited shoes. I'm late to weigh in on this, but I would do:

a pair of comfortable Tevas - I find the Original Universal (the tan ones below, and they come in a zillion colors) super comfy for long walks, and very adjustable. They have fabric straps so aren't ideal for showering in, because they can take a while to dry, but in a pinch they are fine for that too. If you want a firmer sole, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 (black ones below) are great and you can clamber over rocks and hike stony trails in them.
I'd also say trail running sneakers, that could double for running shoe comfort and more robust foot protection. If not, I'd bring the hiking boots. I find gaiters + low trail running shoes a good mix of leg protection & light weight/small packing size. If you don't have trail runners, and are bringing the hiking boots, I'd also bring the running shoes.
And then the brown woven sandals if they are really comfortable. If you get Tevas, I would consider bringing sandals of another color; so maybe the Eileen Fisher ones. But - if you got Tevas I think you could wear the Tevas with any of your outfits and with a maxi dress I think they look inoffensive, and the plain colored ones not much like gear, and then devote the last pair of shoes to the swimming/campground bathroom etc:
A pair of havianas or other very compact, if you can. I don't find my EVA Birks comfortable for long walks; they stick to the top of my foot and get sweaty. I'd say the Oofos are great but a bit bulky.

Your trip sounds wonderful!

Teva Original Universal

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Chloé Z/Cloud 2

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Sal

Veteran

Thanks all! I am going to purchase a bag and do a bit of a trial pack soon. Lots of good ideas here - shoes are tricky indeed! Bulky but the most important!

There will be some trade offs and practicality will be ahead of fashion.

I am pretty keen to take my Merrell hiking shoes - they are comfortable in all conditions including if wet or in the heat - and very stable on rocks or slippery paths.

It is very exciting and yes my Dad is adventurous! He’s very outgoing so the Ghan will be him making friends from all over the world!!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You've probably figured it all out. But I love my waterproof Birks for shower and poolside. I would take the Merrells, waterproof Birks, Rollies, and EF sandals. I would wear the Rollies on the plane. The Rollies and EF sandals will have you covered for town activities whether hot or on the cool and wet side.

Sounds like an amazing adventure! The best adventures can be a packing and planning challenge, and so rewarding!

Astrid

Veteran

That sounds like an awesome trip! I have no advice on the shoes other than to commiserate, I always find deciding on shoes the most difficult thing to do with lightweight packing.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all! I plan to go with Firecrackers approach. I may take the flat sandals instead of the Eileen Fisher as they take no room at all - both are fine for city walking but there will only be one day of that in Darwin. I plan to purchase EVO birks - I think since the shape works so well that these will also work for any walks that are not hikes. Going to buy them soon though to check!

I have found a bag too that I plan to get so that’s all - I am sorted for clothing as I have added the two merino tops and already have everything else.

It’s going to be a fun adventure!

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