Bicycle Touring Route - Introduction
In Canada there is a cross country cycle trail called the Trans Canada Cycle Trail. The United States also has a cross country trail called the Trans AM Cycle Trail. Both trails are used by cyclists to cross the country in either direction. Other cyclists do certain parts of the trail to suite their timetables. Other countries also have cross country cycle trails.
So what is this? It is an ambitious project to map and detail a cycle route that traverses Western Australia, starting at the border with South Australia on the Nullarbor Plain at Eucla, and following the coast around the south west, through Perth, and up into the North West to Kununurra and then to the Northern Territory border.
The route is designed so that it can be ridden either way, or sections can be ridden depending on your timetable. It also lists alternative routes, side trips and attractions and services. It is also planned to have Bicycle Friendly accommodation listed.
The route is also designed to link up with other known trails, such as the Munda Biddi off road cycle trail. Safe cycle routes through towns and cities are also being mapped. Water points, accommodation and camping facilities guides are also planned for the trail. Route profiles are also being planned, so that the terrain profile can be viewed before riding, and alternative routes can be ridden around hard sections.
The route starts on the Nullarbor Plain at the border with South Australia, near Eucla, and continues across the Nullarbor Plain to Esperance, via Norseman, or cross country from Balladonia. From Esperance it follows the coast to Albany. From Albany, there are several routes, that converge on Nannup and onto Augusta in the extreme south west corner of the state.
Heading north from Augusta, the trail follows the coast, through Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, and onto Perth via several routes. Pushing on north, there are several routes to Geraldton, and then further north to Carnarvon, with an alternative route that takes in Kalbarri.
After reaching Carnarvon, the route follows the Great Northern Highway, as it follows the coast through Karratha, Roebourne, Port Hedland, and finally onto Broome. There are two routes to take here that lead to Kununurra. One is the highway, or the Gibb River Road via Derby. Ultimately on reaching Kununurra, the highway can then be taken to the border with the Northern Territory, where the trail will finish.
Alternatively, the route can be ridden the other way, starting in the North and heading South, and then heading East. Sections can also be ridden, such as the South West corner of the state, for instance from Albany heading around the south west coast and finishing in Perth.
This route is designed to offer everything a cyclist would expect from travelling around a state as large as Western Australia. As a cyclist riding these routes, you will encounter all kinds of scenery and terrain, including several ocean coastlines. The south west of the state offers lush forests, wineries, remote coastline and farmland.
Western Australia is also known for it's wildflowers when they are in season. The Mid West of the state offers some remote riding, while not being too remote, and some magnificent coastlines. Riding the Nullarbor Plain is also an exhilarating experience, as well as the North of the state.
