Hello All, In December I will be driving solo from Tasmania to Port Hedland in a reliable car (not 4wd). Ideally I plan to head north from Norseman via Meekatharra - Newman etc. Can anyone please advise me where there is 100% sealed roads (no gravel) ? I thought it would be better to ask people who have traveled this route, as there are so many conflicting maps and information on the internet that are either sealed or gravel. Also can anyone provide, as a rough guide, how many hours of daylight there is for suitable driving time at that time of year (to try avoid wildlife and cattle on the roads at dawn and dusk). I only plan on a maximum of 750km a day. This will be the furthest I have ever driven and the first time through SA and WA. Thank you so much for any input or suggestions
-- Edited by Bellaissimo on Sunday 16th of October 2016 03:33:09 PM
wendyv said
08:19 PM Oct 16, 2016
Norseman - Kalgoorlie - Leonora - Leinster - Sandstone - Mt Magnet - Meekatharra and so on. This route has all sealed roads.
Think about driving from about 9am to about 5pm, maximum. You will "gain" time going west, as well.
It will be very hot, most likely, for much of your journey - and this may make you more tired than usual, so factor that into your driving plans. We came back from Port Hedland to Melbourne, across the Nullarbor, in early December, one year. It was 50 degrees at Eucla. Temps in the Pilbara at that time of year often go over 40.
Bellaissimo said
08:30 PM Oct 16, 2016
Thanks for your reply and the heads up with the soaring temperatures that time of year. Much appreciated! Cheers
Tony Bev said
09:29 PM Oct 16, 2016
Hello Bellaissimo
May I be one of the first to welcome you to the forum
If this is the first time you are crossing the Nullarbor, then be aware that when travelling alone, it could be monotonous You have to watch your speed as it sometimes creeps up on you
In order to keep my concentration, and to limber up a bit, I will stop every couple of hours, and just walk around the vehicle for a few minutes
Hope that this info is helpful to you
Dreamcatcher said
09:53 PM Oct 16, 2016
The trip across the Nullabor is a long trip from Ceduna to Norseman. It took us three days to do that trip. I think 700+ kilometres a day is a bit ambitious. If your on your own make a few stops as there are some spots to see.
Bellaissimo said
10:24 PM Oct 16, 2016
Thanks for the welcome! Ok will definitely plan on stopping every couple of hours for a rest. Have done a few 1000+ km days on my own but the Nullabor is very different from what I'm told so I will be mindful of this thanks.
Between Eucla and Norseman, Is there anywhere with accommodation such as a motel etc? I have approximately a week to do this drive (Melbourne to PH) but if it takes an extra day or so then so be it. Thanks again for the replies. I'm looking forward to the drive and hoping it all goes without a glitch. Got a UHF in the car and will be loaded up with water and food!
Tony Bev said
10:42 PM Oct 16, 2016
Every fuel stop on the Nullarbor except Yalata Roadhouse, which has been closed down and bordered up, for a few years now, has a motel and small type of caravan park attached to it
There are plenty of free sites, and those on the West Australia side have a drop toilet
Most, if not all of the fuel stops, will let you have a shower, at a price
Aus-Kiwi said
10:49 PM Oct 16, 2016
No metal roads around the coast to Broom . Unless you want to go on station roads or short tracks to coast . Take your time . They are fine if you do ..
wendyv said
07:53 PM Oct 17, 2016
Bellaissimo wrote:
Thanks for the welcome! Ok will definitely plan on stopping every couple of hours for a rest. Have done a few 1000+ km days on my own but the Nullabor is very different from what I'm told so I will be mindful of this thanks. Between Eucla and Norseman, Is there anywhere with accommodation such as a motel etc? I have approximately a week to do this drive (Melbourne to PH) but if it takes an extra day or so then so be it. Thanks again for the replies. I'm looking forward to the drive and hoping it all goes without a glitch. Got a UHF in the car and will be loaded up with water and food!
As said above, there are several roadhouses west of Eucla, with motel type accommodation. If Fraser Range Station is still open at that time of the year, it is a really pleasant place to stay.
Bellaissimo said
08:14 PM Oct 17, 2016
Thanks Wendyv, also Aus-Kiwi and Tony Bev I'm now revising my itinerary so there are less kms traveled each day. I just thought of something else, regarding punctures. What are my chances of having a puncture repaired at the roadhouses ? I have roadside assistance and can change a flat however will need to get it fixed asap.
PeterD said
10:44 PM Oct 17, 2016
Bellaissimo wrote:
Between Eucla and Norseman, Is there anywhere with accommodation such as a motel etc?
Nullarbor Net - This is your guide for your trip across the Bight.
Tony Bev said
07:38 PM Oct 18, 2016
We could give better answers if we knew what type/brand of road assist you have, and also what type of tyres do you have tubeless/tubbed
As a very general answer The chance of having any mechanical work carried out on the Nullarbor is fairly slim I have never seen spare parts, tyres, tubes, etc, in the road houses, unless they are hidden away somewhere
Roadside assistance on the Nullarbor usually means that they will tow you to the nearest repairer. Roadside assistance for a motor sedan type car, usually means that they will supply a tow of up to a certain distance, and then you will have to pay the rest
For any long trip, you should start off with good tyres, and a good full size spare wheel, and have the vehicle serviced before departure
I always carry spare radiator hoses, fan belts, fuses, and temporary tubeless tyre repair plugs If my tyres had inner tubes, then I would carry a spare tube, and puncture repair outfit
Hope that this info is helpful
Bellaissimo said
08:00 PM Oct 18, 2016
Thanks PeterD, will check that site out. Tony Bev, thanks also for the advice. I have full roadside assistance with RACT. Not sure about my tyres but will look into this. My car is 11 years old, sedan, and fairly low kms. A bit concerned that there may not be car repair facilities along this route however am hoping all goes well. Cheers again.
PeterD said
08:45 PM Oct 18, 2016
Bellaissimo wrote:
I have full roadside assistance with RACT. Not sure about my tyres but will look into this. My car is 11 years old, sedan, and fairly low kms.
What is your cover with RACT. I have top cover with NRMA and that gives me service up to $3,000 including a few days car hire and accommodation when things go wrong. That is more than enough to get me out of trouble along that road. As far as it goes for tyre service, I have never given that any concern. The road surface is excellent. The only time I have had tyre problems was when I let my tyres get near the end of life. If you have at least 15,000 km tyre life left before attempting that trip you should be OK Keep an eye on your tyre wear as you go, you can get replacement tyres in all the big centres if they are getting down during the trip. I have never had more than one tyre incident a year and I cover about 25,000 km each year.
Bellaissimo said
09:19 PM Oct 18, 2016
Hi PeterD Yes i have the top also with roadside assistance which includes accommodation etc. Current tyres have done approx 10 000 but i only travel that distance probably every 18 mths. Thanks, its great to know the roads are in pretty good condition. This is a fantastic forum with great feedback and advice etc. Thanks to all who have replied. Really appreciate it and I am starting to feel a little bit more reassured about the journey as i will be better prepared.
Hello All, In December I will be driving solo from Tasmania to Port Hedland in a reliable car (not 4wd). Ideally I plan to head north from Norseman via Meekatharra - Newman etc. Can anyone please advise me where there is 100% sealed roads (no gravel) ? I thought it would be better to ask people who have traveled this route, as there are so many conflicting maps and information on the internet that are either sealed or gravel. Also can anyone provide, as a rough guide, how many hours of daylight there is for suitable driving time at that time of year (to try avoid wildlife and cattle on the roads at dawn and dusk). I only plan on a maximum of 750km a day. This will be the furthest I have ever driven and the first time through SA and WA. Thank you so much for any input or suggestions
-- Edited by Bellaissimo on Sunday 16th of October 2016 03:33:09 PM
Think about driving from about 9am to about 5pm, maximum. You will "gain" time going west, as well.
It will be very hot, most likely, for much of your journey - and this may make you more tired than usual, so factor that into your driving plans. We came back from Port Hedland to Melbourne, across the Nullarbor, in early December, one year. It was 50 degrees at Eucla. Temps in the Pilbara at that time of year often go over 40.
Hello Bellaissimo
May I be one of the first to welcome you to the forum
If this is the first time you are crossing the Nullarbor, then be aware that when travelling alone, it could be monotonous
You have to watch your speed as it sometimes creeps up on you
In order to keep my concentration, and to limber up a bit, I will stop every couple of hours, and just walk around the vehicle for a few minutes
Hope that this info is helpful to you
Every fuel stop on the Nullarbor except Yalata Roadhouse, which has been closed down and bordered up, for a few years now, has a motel and small type of caravan park attached to it
There are plenty of free sites, and those on the West Australia side have a drop toilet
Most, if not all of the fuel stops, will let you have a shower, at a price
As said above, there are several roadhouses west of Eucla, with motel type accommodation. If Fraser Range Station is still open at that time of the year, it is a really pleasant place to stay.
Nullarbor Net - This is your guide for your trip across the Bight.
We could give better answers if we knew what type/brand of road assist you have, and also what type of tyres do you have tubeless/tubbed
As a very general answer
The chance of having any mechanical work carried out on the Nullarbor is fairly slim
I have never seen spare parts, tyres, tubes, etc, in the road houses, unless they are hidden away somewhere
Roadside assistance on the Nullarbor usually means that they will tow you to the nearest repairer.
Roadside assistance for a motor sedan type car, usually means that they will supply a tow of up to a certain distance, and then you will have to pay the rest
For any long trip, you should start off with good tyres, and a good full size spare wheel, and have the vehicle serviced before departure
I always carry spare radiator hoses, fan belts, fuses, and temporary tubeless tyre repair plugs
If my tyres had inner tubes, then I would carry a spare tube, and puncture repair outfit
Hope that this info is helpful
What is your cover with RACT. I have top cover with NRMA and that gives me service up to $3,000 including a few days car hire and accommodation when things go wrong. That is more than enough to get me out of trouble along that road. As far as it goes for tyre service, I have never given that any concern. The road surface is excellent. The only time I have had tyre problems was when I let my tyres get near the end of life. If you have at least 15,000 km tyre life left before attempting that trip you should be OK Keep an eye on your tyre wear as you go, you can get replacement tyres in all the big centres if they are getting down during the trip. I have never had more than one tyre incident a year and I cover about 25,000 km each year.