Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and bike-repair knowledge. Check with locals (start at the visitor centres) if you're heading into remote areas, and al-
ways let someone know where you're headed before setting off.
Useful contacts for information on touring around WA, including suggested routes, road conditions and cycling maps:
Bicycle Transportation Alliance
( 08-9420 7210;
www.btawa.org.au
)
Cycle Touring Association of WA
(
www.ctawa.asn.au
)
Bus
WA's bus network could hardly be called comprehensive, but it offers access to substantially more destinations than the
railways. All long-distance buses are modern and well equipped with air-con, toilets and videos.
Main Companies
Greyhound
( 1300 473 946;
www.greyhound.com.au
) North of Geraldton, Greyhound is the main provider, with
services from Perth to Broome via Geraldton, Carnarvon, Karratha and Port Hedland, and from Broome to Darwin, via
the Great Northern Hwy. Multiday passes allow you to stop along the route.
Integrity Coach Lines
( 1800 226 339;
www.integritycoachlines.com.au
) Weekly buses between Perth and Port
Hedland via the Great Northern Hwy, and also from Perth to Lancelin, Cervantes, Geraldton and Exmouth.
South West Coach Lines
( 08-9261 7600;
www.veoliatransportwa.com.au
)
From Perth to all the major towns in
the southwest - your best choice for Margaret River.
Transwa
( 1300 662 205;
www.transwa.wa.gov.au
)
The state government's transport service, operating mainly in
the southern half of the state. Main routes include Perth-Augusta, Perth-Pemberton, Perth-Albany (three different
routes), Perth-Esperance (two routes), Albany- Esperance, Kalgoorlie- Esperance, Perth-Geraldton (three routes) and
Geraldton-Meekatharra.
Car & Motorcycle
Providing the freedom to explore off the beaten track, travelling by vehicle is the best option in WA. With several people
travelling together, costs can be contained and, if you don't have major mechanical problems, there are many benefits.
The climate is good for motorcycles for much of the year, and many small trails into the bush lead to perfect camping
spots. Bringing your own motorcycle into Australia requires valid registration in the country of origin and a Carnet de
Passages en Douanes, allowing the holder to import their vehicle without paying customs duty or taxes. Apply to the
motoring organisation/association in your home country. You'll also need a rider's licence and a helmet. A fuel range of
350km will cover fuel stops up the centre and on Hwy 1 around the continent. The long, open roads are really made for
large-capacity machines above 750cc.
The
Royal Automobile Club
(RAC; 13 17 03;
www.rac.com.au
) has useful advice on state-wide motoring, in-
cluding road safety, local regulations and buying/selling a car. It also offers car insurance to members, and membership
can secure discounts on car rentals and motel accommodation.
Also popular are car-share sites, especially for securing a lift to Broome, Perth, Denmark and Darwin. See the follow-
ing websites:
www.findalift.com.au
,
www.needaride.com
,
www.coseats.com
,
www.gumtree.com.au
.
