Solo Cycling Perth to Brisbane (Crossing the Nullarbor) starting Mid-August
Hi everyone,
I (23M) am looking for some advice from anyone who has done a similar route across Australia.
I’m planning a solo cycling trip starting in mid-August, riding from Perth to Brisbane. I know riding East to West is usually preferred because of the tailwinds, but my schedule is locked in: my friend in Brisbane is only free in October, and I have to be back home in Singapore by November for a wedding.
This isn't my first long-distance tour. Last year, I solo cycled from Singapore to Laos (approx. 3,000 km over 50 days), so I have an idea of what lies ahead of me physically and mentally.
My Proposed Route:
- Leg 1 (red): Perth to Norseman
- Leg 2 (green): Norseman to Port Augusta (The Nullarbor)
- Leg 3 (yellow): Port Augusta to Adelaide
- Leg 4 (purple): Adelaide to Sydney
- Leg 5 (blue): Sydney to Brisbane
My Main Concerns & Questions:
1. Water Capacity & Food on the Nullarbor
I know there are about 13 roadhouses scattered across the Nullarbor.
- Water: Is carrying 6–7L of water capacity sufficient, or should I expand this? For context: I live and train in Singapore's heat and humidity (regularly run in the afternoon and can do sub 2hr half-marathons without needing water), but I know the desert heat is a different thing.
- Food: Is the food situation as dire as people make it out to be, or can I rely entirely on roadhouses to get by? I plan on packing oatmeal and don't mind eating it for the entire stretch, but I'd love to know what to expect.
2. Adelaide to Sydney Route
I notice most cyclists take the coastal route via Melbourne (Adelaide > Melbourne > Sydney). I'm planning to go more direct inland. Has anyone ridden this inland stretch? What are the key things I should look out for?
3. Budgeting
I have set aside $1,500 USD (~$2,200 AUD) for the entire trip. Is this realistic for Australia?
- For context: On my Singapore-to-Laos trip, I spent only $790 USD, mostly because I wild camped or slept in Buddhist temples and mosques.
4. Timeframe (90-Day Visa)
My visa allows for 90 days, and I want to complete the entire trip within this window. It feels highly manageable to me, but am I being too optimistic/conservative with my daily mileage expectations given the headwinds?
5. Accommodation & Social Culture
On my previous trip, I loved wild camping and staying at local places of worship to connect with locals and learn about their worldviews.
- Is staying at churches or places of worship common or acceptable in Australia?
- How active is the Warmshowers or Couchsurfing scene in regional/rural Australia? Are there other platforms I should look into?
My previous trip from SG to Laos
Thai monks that kindly let me stayed at their temple.
I would immensely appreciate any feedback, tips, or suggestions you have. Thanks in advance for the help!
by 2exotic
4 Comments
I never done a trip like this but missing the great ocen road seems like a loss
When you hit port Augusta, go to Melrose and take the Mawson trail to Adelaide. Its a proper cycling route.
After driving this route several times… You’ll have a better time if you cycle south along the coast from Perth to Albany & Esperance, then bus/fly to Adelaide and cycle the great ocean road.
I mean, if you really want to say you crossed the country, then sure, take the arduous Nullabor road and cut through NSW, but this will be really, really, really boring. It’s flat an endless. There’s a reason most cyclists take the coast route. It’s better services, much more interesting riding, and frequently beautiful.
Hi bro, you might be best to post on the Indian Pacific Wheel Race Facebook page for advice on some of your legs.
The IndiPac was an annual race form Perth to Sydney (via Melbourne) until Mike Hall was tragically killed.
This group is full of great people and resources.