Driving from Perth to Melbourne

B, it is a relatively easy drive, take it easy, try not to do it in a day,lol, relax and enjoy the scenery. Sat phone not required, plenty of traffic. Plenty of servos, just be prepared for the price of fuel. Was a post the other day on here about prices and where to buy from. Should be no need for a second spare. Make sure your car is in good knick, repairs will be expensive, if needed. Would also suggest that you look into RAC total car, just in case you do have a breakdown, cheap insurance. Have fun and enjoy the trip. Revive to survive.

A truckie mate of mine does it on a regular basis.
It's 40 hrs driving.
In a car, do not travel at night, that's foolish..To many animals on road.

Get fuel when ever you need it , will be a bit dearer, but you have to have it.

Cheers Bucky

It would be remiss of you not to stop to look for the whales at the Head OF The Bight viewing plarform. Whales congregate here during winter. It's near Nullabor.

Cheers

Gooday Brendon.
The Nullaabor is not just a flat paddock with a few trees spread about. There really is some great stuff to have a look at on the way.
If you can, take the time for a look around, you will be amazed at what is out there.
Have a look at this site and enjoy the drive.

www.nullarbornet.com.au

Lance

Brendon, get out a good map of the road from a tourist office etc and see how far it really is between fuel stops... and then think about where you will stay each night.

Its a nice drive, as said above look at the "off the road" things including the springs and other touristy stuff on the way to break up the trip.
Consider it as just another long road trip with not a lot in between towns.

Mainey . . .

All of the advice above is sound. Also be wary or cross winds, and the wash from large vehicles. Not many camels these days, at least on the main drag (I've never seen one there, has anyone else?) Fuel is expensive, but if you take your time there's a bit to see. Quite a bit of traffic so no satphone required unless venturing off the beaten track. Terrestrial phone coverage non existent outside of the towns. A UHF CB is handy, but not essential. (Trucks etc..police have them in some areas)
Don't drive in the early mornings either (roos).

Hi Brendan,
We drove from Perth to Melbourne about 6 months ago. We towed a caravan with our commodore. Relocating as well!

We took 8 days and stopped at Kalgoolie (visit the super pit), Norseman, Eucla, Cedunda, Port Augusta, Mildura then Melbourne.

The trip was fantastic and scenery wonderful. Fuel stops are plenty and longest distance between stops is less than 200 kms. They are well stocked and have phones, restaurants and accommodation. I would suggest pre booking accommodation along the way.

No need to carry extra fuel, but do take some water and food - If you take fruit be aware that you will need to drop it off at the check points along the way. If you find yourself a recipient of a random check and have fruit you'll end up with a $50,000 fine (Ouch). I took and extra spare (our first time crossing the Nullarbor) but I would not worry about it next time.

We found the truck drivers to be courteous, and roads are in very good condition.

Didn't see any camels, but there were plenty of kangaroos off to the side of the road.

If you have the luxury of time don't rush it, There are many wonderful sights along the way.

I would suggest becoming a member of the Royal Auto Club or similar association - if you're not in one already.

Cheers, and happy travelling.

Martin & Viv

Just make sure you have plenty of drinking water and something warm (clothing and blankets) as it gets cold at night. Can fill up with water at Norsman but after that fuel will seem cheap compared with water, if it is available. If you do have the misfortune to break down help is available though expensive and takes a while. May require overnight on the side of the road.
Other than that it is just a normal rural drive albiet very interesting.
We took 3 weeks from Norsman to Ceduna and only saw some of the things.

Neil

Thanks for all the great advice everyone, it has enlightened me alot, and has given me quite a bit of peace of mind.

Im planning on completing the drive in 4 days so Ill have to make some extra time to see the sights along the way. Joined the RAC the other day too and Im thinking about taking out travel insurance.

Good to know its a relatively safe drive, my manager from work drove it once and he mentioned he saw a dead camel on the side of the road (truck probably hit it) so thought Id ask.

Wish me luck!
Brendon

By the way the route Ive planned (Distances from Google Maps):

Day 1: Perth to Balladonia - 934kms
Day 2: Balladonia to Nundroo - 832kms
Day 3: Nundroo to Adelaide - 927kms
Day 4: Adelaide to Melbourne - 727kms
Total: 3420kms

Does each leg look reasonable and realistic, taking into account rest stops every 2 hours?

I figure Ive got driving time from 7am to 5pm when theres light.

Thanks,
Brendon

If you encounter any sort of rain or showers, be aware that the roos come from miles away to drink from the puddles on the road. You have to play slow dodgem to avoid vehicle damage.
Be careful of driving on dusk (roos again) and don't think closely following a truck will help you avoid them, some of the roos hit by the truck go under the truck, and you don't have any time to swerve to miss them, though it is comical (in a sad way) watching roos fly in all directions.
Have a safe one.

Thanks for all the wise advice. I think Ill break it up into a five day trip. I was being a bit over ambitious, thinking Id leave all day Saturday for me to find a new place to live, and then start work the following Monday ...Id rather arrive in Melbourne in one piece.

Cheers!
Brendon

I did Perth-Adelaide in 2 days, although in a patrol with steel bar and slowing down when the sun went down. Left at 6:30am and stopped driving about 8:00pm. I've done the nullabor before so I didn't stop for the scenery(I will next time though).

Pack plenty of CD's and some snacks to eat - snacks are $$$ on the eyre hwy!

Doing it in 2 days isn't for everyone, but I felt safe doing it. I allowed 3 days incase we got tired or wanted to check something out.