Some expected road conditions

 

Melbourne to Cairns

We have a dual lane bitumen road for the entire length of this stage. There is a large shoulder to Chiltern on Day 1 & 2. Care must be taken from Dubbo to Gilgandra as truck traffic increases on the Newell Hwy.

Always be aware of emus and kangaroos in particular north of St George. Wildlife is particularly prevalent between Hebel and Thallon.

Care must also be taken north of Townsville (Bruce Hwy)

Summing up good quality roads, throughout the ride. We will be on the road during the Easter break so extra care will need to be taken.

Perfect road although not much of a shoulder

Cairns to Darwin

19k climb near Gordonvale to just south of Yungaburra (Day 1)

Dual lane bitumen road till the Savannah Way turn off south of Mt Garnet. Road reverts to single lane road at 3kms west of turn off. Savannah Way intermittently alternates from single lane road to double lane till Normanton. South of Normanton road is a double lane bitumen road till Darwin.

Road is being upgraded between Normanton and Savannah Way turn off

Road trains are prevalent between Mt Garnet and Savannah Way. Always be vigilant of road trains around mining towns. Increased road train activity between Cloncurry and Darwin.

Rider’s must give way to all traffic on single lane roads.

Mining roads have to have a pretty tough surface.

Darwin to Broome

Good quality road all the way to Broome. Heavily used tourist route-BEWARE OF CARAVANS!!!! Many single lane bridge crossings make sure the road is clear in both directions before attempting crossing. Use bicycle lane at Fitzroy Crossing and Willare Bridge.

This only occurs on trips onto properties or bush camps.

Broome to Perth.

Good quality dual lane bitumen road all the way to Perth. Can be a little rough between Roebuck and Pt Hedland. Care must be taken 35k north of South Hedland and till the Great Northern Hwy turn off just south of South Hedland. Care should also be taken near Karratha (mining activity).

There is a fantastic new road just south of Cervantes to Lancelin.

Increased vehicle activity as we near Perth and Geraldton.

Dual lane, no shoulder & water hazard on the road.

Perth to Melbourne

Short sharp climb over Greenmount.

Beware of Road Trains beyond Northam. Good quality road across the Nullarbor. Wide shoulder intermittently. Smooth surface on SA side.  Busy around Pt Augusta and as we near Adelaide & Melbourne. Great Ocean Road can be particularly busy and care must be taken.