Conquering the Canning Stock Route (or Just Driving Melbourne to Perth): How Many Days Will It Really Take?
Ah, the Melbourne to Perth drive. A rite of passage for adventurous Aussies (or foolhardy tourists, depending on who you ask). It's a journey that promises scorching sun, questionable road tunes courtesy of your travel buddy, and enough flies to rival a Lord of the Rings convention. But most importantly, it's a trip that sparks the age-old question: how many days will this epic odyssey actually take?
The Straight and Narrow (and Slightly Boring) Answer
For those who like things nice and simple, there's the express route. Buckle up, buttercup, because this is a 3-day, 36-hour marathon behind the wheel. It's basically you, the wide-open road, and a whole lot of existential dread (don't worry, it's part of the charm). But hey, at least you'll get to Perth faster than a boomerang returning to a confused tourist's head.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
The Scenic Route: Because Who Needs Sleep Anyway?
If staring at endless outback isn't your idea of a good time (no judgement, some of us find tumbleweeds terrifying), then there's the scenic route. This bad boy can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on how often you get distracted by cute koalas or the irresistible allure of a roadside emu burger (questionable, yet strangely tempting). It's all about the journey, man (or woman, or wombat)!
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
The "We're Winging It" Approach: Buckle Up for Adventure (and Maybe a Tow Truck)
For the truly adventurous souls (or those who forgot to plan), there's the "winging it" approach. Who needs a schedule when you have the open road and a vague sense of direction? This route could take you anywhere from a record-breaking 2 days (not recommended, unless you're sponsored by Red Bull) to, well, forever if you get lost chasing mirages. Just remember, packing a good sense of humor (and a spare tire) is essential.
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
Important Note: Whichever route you choose, be sure to factor in:
 |
- Your bladder's resilience: Because let's face it, outback Australia isn't exactly overflowing with rest stops.
- Your tolerance for terrible radio reception: Unless you enjoy the dulcet tones of static for hours on end, pack some decent tunes (or podcasts about cults, those are always good for a laugh on a long drive).
- The likelihood of becoming a mechanic: Basic car maintenance skills are your friend, especially when the nearest help is a kangaroo with a puzzled expression.
How To FAQs:
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
How to Avoid Being Eaten by a Drop Bear? There's no scientific evidence of drop bears existing, but it's always good to be prepared. Pack a helmet (just in case) and avoid cuddling suspicious-looking koalas – they might be drop bears in disguise!
How to Pack for All Weather Conditions? Australia is a land of extremes. Be prepared for scorching sun, freezing nights, and the occasional bout of apocalyptic rain. Pack layers, a hat, and a healthy dose of optimism.
How to Not Get Bored on a Long Drive? Audiobooks, podcasts, playlists so loud they could wake the dead – the possibilities are endless! Just avoid staring at the sun for entertainment (unless you want to see hallucinations, which, to be fair, could be entertaining).
How to Make Sure You Have Enough Snacks? There's a fine line between "well-stocked" and "car converted into a mobile bakery." Pack enough snacks to keep you going, but avoid bringing anything that will melt into a gooey mess in the outback heat (unless you enjoy the taste of warm Tim Tams, which is a questionable pleasure).
How to Not Get Lost in the Outback? Invest in a decent map (and maybe a compass, just in case your phone dies). Download offline maps on your phone, and if all else fails, befriend a friendly wombat – they might know the way (although their navigational skills are debatable).
 |
