Sydney to Perth Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Sydney to Perth is a 24-day, 23-night self-guided motorcycle tour of about 6,476 km from Sydney 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 Snowy Mountains, where alpine forest roads and snow-fed lakes sit in a state the operator says has more ski runs than Switzerland. Next is the Grampians National Park, granite highlands with lookouts and waterfalls, planned around the Halls Gap visitor centre. Then 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.

Further along, the Flinders Ranges, the start of the real outback, with red gorges, gravel tracks and 4WD tours reached from Wilpena Pound Resort, and a day set aside to explore. The route continues to 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 alongside. 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 13,418 per rider on the first bike tier, about £7,000, and rise with the bike chosen. Riders bringing their own motorcycle pay less, from AUD 8,436.