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 (black): 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 afternoonable to 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?
Monks that kindly took me in for the night
I would immensely appreciate any feedback, tips, or suggestions you have. Thanks in advance for the help!
by 2exotic