Any other way to get from eastern to western Australia?
 

I'll be buying a bike in Melbourne in early January and have 3-4 months to explore Australia. I obviously want to see the eastern part, but would also like to spend time in the west. From what I've read here, the ride across (especially at that time of year) is not a good idea. Are there any reasonable alternatives like shipping by truck or train? Thx

Have you read THIS POST?

Mezo.

Perhaps consider Tasmania instead. Much more pleasant weather and not too different from the SW corner of WA.

Realistically, nobody willingly goes driving long distanced almost anywhere in Australia at that time of the year

Yeah I'd agree. It's such a shame to miss NT and WA but I spent 18 months doing a lap and didn't complete the loop... Tassie is worth it instead. I lapped it 3 times and enjoyed every km

Shipping is costly into the west, most shipments are full so they can charge.

Either put the trip to the west off to as late as you can make it .. or make do in the east.
Tasmania is also expensive to get to and from.. but much more rewarding. :thumbup1:

Thanks for the advice all. The distances themselves actually don't worry me (I've done all around North and South America) but the weather and lack of facilities do. Also the amount of time necessary. That's why I was looking for another option.
If I decide to do Tasmania (thanks for the recommendation), what's the best option for getting the bike there?

Ferry. I prefer the overnight with a cabin.
https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/
Yes they take the bike - you ride on and ride off. Don't leave your key in the bike and flatten the battery. Take your time leaving the bike, don't rush.

Ferry to Tassie - cheapest is day trip, no cabin, but you do get there in the dark. Or night trip with lounge chair.
Prices vary with season.

Yes the ferry is the cheapest - but it is not cheap. Last October two people and one bike was A$800 return (that's about US$600) and that was in aircraft style seats, cabins add to the cost.

Also be aware if you want to use the ferry you really do need to book ahead: in season the ferry is usually full. When I did my crossing I didn't realise this and when I went to book found the nearest sailing with space was nearly one month away. Only pleading on the phone to the ticket office finally got me on to one in only two weeks time.

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