I can supply several old keyboards for just such shenanigans. No, I'm not kidding. :wink:
Now, I've had a thought, specifically for those on a tighter time schedule, or more into the classic road-trip/road-rally thing. Please don't mistake this for a hi-jack, it's just a thought.
Everyone meets in Melbourne on whatever the appointed day for leaving is, I'm thinking breakfast here, so pretty early, we can all do final fluid checks, talk some shit, and make last minute plans, then split into two groups.
Group one could be the tourers, going through, taking their time, short(er) drives, likely more scenic, more restful, many stops in all the little townships along the way as per the initial plan in the OP. This applies to those with plenty of time on their hands.
Group two in this case would be the shooters, making the more traditional mad cross country dash, 3 long legs, one leg per day, only stop for topping up fuel and munchies every couple of hours, and make a straight shot for Brisbane, in car UHF radios would be close to a necessity as the legs would be ~10 hours each, and everyone likes to talk crap over a radio, because it's fun, and frankly, you can only convey so much information through hand signals. :P
Barring a major breakdown, should hit Brisbane in 3 days on a fairly conservative run, which would leave more available time for visiting friends/family/RC members, drinking, eating cake, whatever suits.
Obviously this would suit those with less time better, or even those who just want to road-trip for a giggle(or a coconut).
I'm putting forward this suggestion purely to see what the overall feel is about it, it's pretty half baked, and needs a little improving, but you get the basic idea.
Thoughts?
/textwall