Melbourne to Perth Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Melbourne to Perth is a 19-day, 18-night self-guided motorcycle tour of about 4,956 km from Melbourne to Perth, with the bike and hotels arranged by BikeRoundOz. The route crosses the Nullarbor Plain, so it is as much an outback crossing as a coastal tour.

Early on is the 280 km Great Ocean Road, which hugs the coastal cliffs with the Otway Ranges as a backdrop, and takes longer than expected because of stops such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, London Bridge and the Arch. Next is the Grampians National Park, granite highlands with lookouts and waterfalls, planned around the Halls Gap visitor centre. Then the Flinders Ranges, red gorges based around Wilpena Pound Resort, with a day to explore. After that, the Eyre Peninsula, with beaches, cliffs and more than 2,000 km of coastline.

Further along, the Nullarbor Plain and the Eyre Highway, a limestone plain of more than 200,000 square kilometres, with roadhouse pubs and the Great Australian Bight running alongside. Whale watching at Head of Bight is possible from June to October. The route continues to Albany, the oldest settled town in Western Australia, with coastal parks. Later comes Margaret River, with karri forest, vineyards, beaches and caves.

BikeRoundOz provides the motorcycle of your choice, accommodation for one or two riders, usually in 3.5 or 4 star hotels, resorts or bed and breakfasts with a pillion staying at no extra cost, a detailed itinerary document and digital maps customised to the tour, plus advice before you go. Not included are breakfast and other meals, parking charges and GPS or sat nav units, which can be supplied if required. The operator rates September to May as the best time to ride. Prices start at AUD 10,869 per rider on the first bike tier, about £5,670, and rise with the bike chosen. Riders bringing their own motorcycle pay less, from AUD 6,690.