Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hitching
Hitching is never entirely safe - we don't recommend it. Hitching to or from WA across the Nullarbor is definitely not
advisable, as waits of several days are not uncommon.
People looking for travelling companions for driving to WA from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Darwin frequently
leave notices in backpacker hostels. See also car-share websites (
Click here
).
Train
The only interstate rail link is the famous Indian Pacific, run by
Great Southern Rail
( 13 21 47;
www.greatsouthernrail.com.au
)
, which travels 4352km to Perth from Kalgoorlie (10 hours), Adelaide (two days),
Broken Hill (2ΒΌ days) and Sydney (three days). From Port Augusta to Kalgoorlie the seemingly endless crossing of the
virtually uninhabited centre takes well over 24 hours, including the 'long straight' on the Nullarbor - at 478km this is
the longest straight stretch of train line in the world. You can take 'whistle-stop' tours of some towns on the way.
Flexible one-way adult fares for the full journey are $783 (reclining seat), $1700 (sleeper cabin) and $2178 ('gold ser-
vice', including meals). Substantial discounts are available off the seat-only price for backpackers, students, children
and pensioners, and non-cancellable 'Ready Rail' and 'Rail Saver' fares also offer significant discounts.
Cars can be transported between Perth and Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide - a good alternative to driving across the
Nullarbor Plain in both directions. Note that service is usually around 40% cheaper
from
Perth, than
to
Perth.
