Balladonia to Norseman
This part of the route covers the last section of the Western Nullarbor Plain from Balladonia to Norseman. This used to be the longest unsupported distance on this road, but for cyclists, there is a possibility for resupply and camping about halfway. The terrain profiles were kindly supplied by Mark Carrington from his west - east ride and are ©2006 Mark Carrington - All rights reserved.
Terrain Profile - Newman to Balladonia.
The road to Fraser Range is undulating and passes through through saltbush and mallee scrub heading in a north westerly direction. The scenery is much like it has been so far since the border. The road slowly climbs up to the top of Fraser Range. As you approach Fraser Range, the scenery will slowly change and the road will turn west.
This used to be a long unsupported ride, but there is an opportunity for camping and resupply at Fraser Range Station, which is 1.5 kms off of the Eyre Highway, 100 km east of Norseman. They have developed an overnight caravan and camping park along with a station stay accommodation in the historic stone shearing quarters and station cabin and units. Visitors are able to acquire basic groceries, meat and salad packs along with refreshments to cook and consume at their leisure utilising the stations cooking, BBQ and kitchen facilities. Check their web site for further details.
Terrain Profile - Norseman to Newman.
After passing Fraser Range, the road passes through scrub and some eucalypt patches. The road is a lot of long straights that head up and down as they pass over rocky outcrops.
Additional Resources
- Nullarbor Net
- lunky.com - Between February 2002 and July 2003 Craig circumnavigated 12,600 miles around the Australian continent on his bicycle, or push bike as they say here.
- Flamin' Saddles - At Flamin' Saddles, you will find a personal experience of circumnavigating Australia on a tandem. It may sound twee - a young married couple on a bicycle made for two, possibly even wearing matching jerseys whilst we mutate into one saccharin enriched being. This 17,000km journey will last approximately 11 months, where at times we may have to peddle ten to the dozen in order to reach water, forms of life, or a dunny.
- Nullarbor to Shepparton Crossing the Nullarbor and back to Shepparton in Victoria.
- OzByBike - 30,000 kms in Australia promoting sustainable transport. (Touring with a garden gnome)
- The Cycling Adventurer - Perth to Adelaide.
