Driving a Small Car from Perth to Sydney

Lrottnest on 28/10/2016 - 02:24
Last edited 28/10/2016 - 12:35

Hey guys, I am planning to drive my small car (swift 2011) from Perth to Sydney due to a new job. I thought this is a good opportunity to do such a special thing to experiment the mighty Australia! I wonder if anyone has similar experience or suggestions can share. Thanks in advance.

My car is in low kilometers. Good condition, and will get it serviced before I start.

Particular things I would like to know:

  • Is it safe to do so (just myself)? Do I have to replace it with a bigger car?
  • What things should I prepare for?
  • What things should I be aware of during the road (I won't drive at night)?
  • Should I get a travel insurance/road side assistance before I leave (car is fully covered)?

Cheers

Update:
I meant travel insurance. Car is fully covered.

Travel

Comments

  • bargainslut on 28/10/2016 - 02:31
    -5

    To be honest you sound ready, I highly doubt anything will go wrong so forget the insurance and the rest.

  • altomic on 28/10/2016 - 03:06
    +13

    Is it safe to do so (just myself)? yes
    Do I have to replace it with a bigger car? no
    What things should I prepare for? everything - breaking down would be the biggest concern - take plenty of water/ something for shade/sun protection/warmth at night. get a jerry can for fuel - just in case. water also for radiator -just in case. check your tyres (and spare) are in good condition.
    What things should I be aware of during the road (I won't drive at night)? boredom.
    Should I get an insurance/road side assistance before I leave? yes

    as long as your sticking to main highways then very little could go wrong

    taking along extra stuff isn't just for you but for others who might be stranded as well.

    • rottnest on 28/10/2016 - 12:37

      Thanks mate!

  • rowenaduncan on 28/10/2016 - 04:45
    +1

    Take plenty of drinking water! An umbrella so if you want/need to get out of the car and there's no shade. Hi vis vest wouldn't hurt to keep handy either in case of breakdown. And toilet paper - but take it with you when you leave and dispose of it sensibly. Gas cooker of course. BUNNINGS $20 - for coffee on the way. And an Esky with dry ice if possible.
    Please update us when you complete the trip!

    • rowenaduncan on 28/10/2016 - 04:52
      +2

      Also, I believe the best places for you to fuel up across the Nullabor would be Norseman - then 5hrs/391km to Caiguna - then 4.5hrs/325km to Mundrabilla - then 4.5hrs/405km to Nundroo. Be aware that fuel stops may not be open 24hrs.

      • rottnest on 28/10/2016 - 12:46

        That's very helpful information. Thanks!

    • battler on 28/10/2016 - 10:34
      +2

      beware of an esky with dry ice in the cabin, unventilated.
      when it melts it gives off CO2 and you may eventually fall asleep.

      beware also of trucks/road trains that want to take up a little of your lane as well, and the buffet of wind as they shoot past.

      • rowenaduncan on 31/10/2016 - 08:09

        Whoops. Forgot to mention that about the dry ice….. Sorry!

    • Ziff on 28/10/2016 - 11:49
      +1

      If you take toilet paper, you should consider taking soap as well…

      • altomic on 28/10/2016 - 12:43

        or antibacterial sanitizer.

      • Cheap Charlie on 28/10/2016 - 13:43

        If you forget toilet paper, just use a stick

  • Randxyz123 on 28/10/2016 - 06:18
    +5

    Should I get an insurance/road side assistance before I leave?

    You don't have car insurance???

    But yeah sign up to the NRMA top cover then you can downgrade it next year.

    Maybe a high vis jacket - they are like $5 at bunnings

    • A decent torch would be a good idea

    • Plenty of drinking water

    • Have your car serviced before you go

    • Load up your phone with music or use spotify

    • If you are going alone you may want to consider having someone come with you. Just talking to someone will stop you from falling asleep. Have a look at cheap flights back to Perth - maybe you can contribute if they take a driving shift or 2

    • Jerry can with fuel probably not a terrible idea….

    • Maybe a thing of oil

    • toilet paper probably not a terrible idea

    • Blanket to keep warm if you break down at night.

    • Falling asleep/Fatigue is going to be your biggest problem. If you get tired STOP. Don't push on to the next servo… Just pull over as far off the road as you can.

    • rottnest on 28/10/2016 - 12:38

      Thanks for your comments. Yes I do have car insurance. I meant travel insurance just in case somethings goes very wrong. Have updated the OP.

      • Randxyz123 on 28/10/2016 - 13:17

        I don't know what you mean by travel insurance?

        You need FULL roadside assist cover. DON'T skimp out and get the basic cover! You need whatever the highest the NRMA offer.

        The other thing I'll say if you are about to hit a kangaroo… Hit it. DO NOT swerve onto incoming traffic.

        • fruit on 28/10/2016 - 14:15

          The usual travel insurance for belongings and stuff.

  • Euphemistic on 28/10/2016 - 06:22
    +1

    Abou the only thing wrong with taking a small car is that it will be more difficult to sleep in it.

    If you stick to the main roads it's hardly an obscure unused route, so you wouldn't be too long before someone passed if you break down (which is unlikely). Sure it's a long way between stops, but not so far an economical car won't make it without a Jerry can of fuel. As above 400ish km should be easy range for a swift. Make sure you top up when you take a rest stop, and don't count on the next servo being within range of 1/4 of a tank like along the pacific highway.

    Good idea to take enough water for a day though, and the hivis vest seems a good idea if you wanted to flag someone down.

    Make sure you are comfortable changing a tyre though, and the tyres and spare are in good condition. Tthey don't need to be new, just not worn.

    • altomic on 28/10/2016 - 12:48

      if you had a small roof rack for the jerry can and to store stuff up top if you sleep in the car at night…

  • DarkOz on 28/10/2016 - 06:26

    Find out how and who you could contact for help should your car fail to run for any reasons. When that happens make sure you have plenty of food, water and keeping warm well sheltered.

    It's not a problem if you are near towns but if you are in remote areas…

  • JJlikes2eat on 28/10/2016 - 07:09
    +3

    And please let us know how you went! Good luck!

  • ozhunter on 28/10/2016 - 07:27
    -1

    Should I get an insurance/road side assistance before I leave?

    You should have insurance anyway.

  • cypher67 on 28/10/2016 - 09:26
    +3

    Make sure you have a good understanding of car basics before you leave, how to change a tire, fill radiator and oil etc. Defo have insurance and roadside assist. Highly recommend a navigator in the car. Be aware of the signs such as last fuel stop for X Kms, small cars have smaller tanks and know how many kms you can do on a half and full tank, if in doubt fill up anyway. Take many breaks and never drive tired. If you break this up into small manageable trips you should be fine, dont try do 12 hours straight everyday. Its a pros/cons option, but you could always advertise if someone wants to go with you, share the driving and fuel …

    • BigTed on 28/10/2016 - 13:29
      +2

      I like this one ^^^
      I would also add, take a good phone and a car charger and make sure you are with Telstra.
      This is pretty much the only time I will say this - but their coverage is superior so might be handy.
      Be careful driving early morning and early evenings - wildlife do come out at all times of day and night but these are the most hazardous.
      I'd definitely recommend engaging company - its a long and boring drive for most of it - and you don't want to lose focus.
      If you're not in a rush, take time to stop and see stuff. It will make it safer and more interesting.

  • fishybone on 28/10/2016 - 09:46

    If you had a regular service in the last couple of months, you're probably fine to go with the suggestions above. If not, I would drop it off at your regular mechanic so they can have a quick look over. Bear in mind that 4,000 km is nearly half your servicing internal. I know some might think this is being overly precautious, but you don't want to be stuck out in the Nullabor.

  • tin tin on 28/10/2016 - 09:50
    +1

    There is a chance you could hit a kangaroo, it has happened to multiple people I know between Adelaide & Sydney. Worst time is dawn & dusk, although anytime at night is also risky.

    • lomo on 28/10/2016 - 11:34
      +2

      if something jumps out, aim for its ass as theres a good chance itll run forward if anywhere. not good idea to swerve too much as then youll have bigger issues

  • chillybags on 28/10/2016 - 10:41

    Yeh avoid driving at dawn and dusk as you could hit an animal!

  • Wampus on 28/10/2016 - 11:31
    +4

    I've driven the Nullarbor four times, three of those solo, and once with a very bored wife. Like you, my first drive east was to take up a new job in Melbourne (I grew up in Perth).

    You'll get a lot out of the drive if you do it alone, and you'll remember it for the rest of your life!

    The comments above cover all of the main points I'd make. Be very aware how many kms your car can do on a tank of fuel and fill up religiously. The fuel cost along the Nullarbor is astronomical but just don't think about it. I stayed in roadhouses instead of sleeping in the car/tent but the latter is just as good. Make sure you start driving after dawn, and pull in to stop before dusk as the kangaroos are everywhere. Decide before you go how many hours driving you want to do each day, and figure out roadhouse stops that you intend to make it to.

    If you stay on the main highways the roads are pretty good. If you break down, or run out of fuel, make sure your bonnet is up and it's clear you need help. Caravanners are pretty cautious and usually won't stop but truckies usually will.

    Good luck!

    EDIT: If you chicken out or run out of time, be aware that sending your car on the train isn't too expensive as there's an imbalance of goods going to/from Perth.

    • rottnest on 28/10/2016 - 12:41

      Thanks mate! Cheers from Perth :) Yeah I wanted to do it alone, and hopefully will remember it for the rest of my life!

    • fruit on 28/10/2016 - 14:16
      +1

      Pretty good advice

  • lomo on 28/10/2016 - 11:38

    take lots of water as its expensive as hell along the way. and a tent that you can pitch at any rest stop.

    if you dont feel comfortable pitching by yourself stop where you see a few caravans

    load up on podcasts as you can only listen to so much music :)

    take your time and enjoy

  • cvas on 28/10/2016 - 11:57

    A good playlist and a Bluetooth enabled head unit or Aux cord at a minimum

  • apple2016 on 28/10/2016 - 12:05

    The one thing that I had an issue with driving long distance in hot conditions was that some tires get too hot and they start loosing braking/stopping ability drastically. It happened to me once.
    Stay safe and enjoy the trip.

    • rottnest on 28/10/2016 - 12:45

      Thanks for your reply. Yes that's one thing I am a bit concerned of.

  • rottnest on 28/10/2016 - 12:36
    +2

    Thanks very much guys for all the comments! Appreciated it! It already gives me some confidence! lol

    • Euphemistic on 28/10/2016 - 14:44

      Yup, just do it. You'll never forget. I haven't driven myself, but I'll always remember the 4 crossings I've done as a kid.

  • lambsie on 28/10/2016 - 14:46

    If you're somewhat mechanically minded, I'd suggest bringing some instant weld/quick weld putty incase anything does go wrong. This will be helpful if you have any sort of leaks, and have some coolant/water and oil ready should they occur; these will come in handy anyway when you're in Sydney and a Swift just doesn't break down anyway! It will also be handy as a bonding agent for anything that does fall apart or crack; I managed to patch up a cracked sump with this stuff that lasted 3 years!

    Alternatively, you can always try the egg trick.

  • megadeth on 28/10/2016 - 19:18

    Did Sydney to Perth on my 2000 Nissan Pulsar back in 2007. I had the LPG fitted to increase the range. You may need to carry extra fuel as around the Nullabour the petrol is scarce and expensive. Remember to wave the oncoming traffic on Eyre Hwy in the Nullabour. Also remember an Esky and some ice. You'd need to chuck the fruits and veggies at WA/SA border.

  • onetwothreefour on 28/10/2016 - 20:35

    Just posting to say good luck and remember to have fun and take in everything! You may get bored looking at the same scenery all the time but in a few years you'll look back and wish you had of looked at everything.

    I did a trip between Alice Springs and Cairns in 2005 and it was great, I still talk about it to people now.

  • RockyRaccoon on 28/10/2016 - 22:28
    +2

    I did this trip a long time ago in a mini (yes the real original), so the size of the car should be ok, for 1.

    Much of the above is good advice, like water, dusk/dawn driving etc. A fuel can/plastic would make it easier and save money if you fill it up before hitting the Nullarbor. Things have probably improved, but I found a number of "stops" on the Nullarbor closed earlier, likewise accommodation filled up early, so short naps at rest stops is what I did. Again this might have gotten better. Night driving was ok. Remember it gets cold at night - very cold, so I would stop, then drive a few hours later, which would warm up the car, then stop again sleep, get cold, wake up then drive some more.

    However travelling alone, one of the best tricks I have used for years of travelling on the road, is to load up with some good audio books. They keep you alert, whereas I found music, when I started getting tired/bored, it could put me to sleep, where as hearing someone talk kept me awake. Thats sort of like having a travelling companion to keep your mind from wandering off.

    Roadside assistance RAC/NRMA is essential might be worth paying forv the premium level in case of breakdown - more towing distance and accommodation reimbursement. I doubt if other forms of insurance will cover you much - moire suited to commercial travel (train/plane).

    • Wampus on 01/11/2016 - 16:55
      +1

      Agreed re audio books, or podcasts - I found downloading a whole bunch of Richard Fidler's Conversations is good (I drive about 75,000k a year in Southern Qld) - audio where more than one person is speaking can be better at not sending you to sleep

  • Euphemistic on 29/10/2016 - 20:17
    +1

    And don't forget there are excellent documentaries about travelling in the outback. I can recommend Wolf Creek to start.

  • bargainslut on 01/11/2016 - 10:06

    A map and a compass

  • rowenaduncan on 06/01/2017 - 23:25

    So did you do the trip? How did you get on???

  • rottnest on 07/01/2017 - 00:10
    +3

    It seems my OP is locked so I am adding my updates here.

    I completed the driving in 9 days. It was one of the best things I have ever done. The landscape changes from west to east… I only wish I could have more time to do it.

    Thanks a lot for all the good suggestions. One of best suggestions was the audio book. I never felt boring on the road.

    Everything was going unexpectedly well. Basically I bought a pack of water (24 bottles) and some snacks. Never was in the danger of running out fuel, just filled my tank whenever I saw a servo. My little car did not have any problem.

    • rowenaduncan on 07/01/2017 - 13:18

      Great to hear!

      Now I'm jealous…. 😁

  • voteoften on 07/01/2017 - 21:16
    -1

    Good grief. So much too do about very little. I drove in August 97. No big deal. Bring some water and snacks. The road houses looked very dodgy so we kept driving even after dusk. Drove streaky bay to Norseman in one go.

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