Is there a train from Bunbury to Melbourne?

No, there is no direct rail link; you must take a coach to Perth and fly or take the Indian Pacific from Perth.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 38 hours of pure driving time, usually spread over 4-5 days.

Do I need a permit to cross borders?

No, but you must adhere to quarantine regulations regarding fruit and vegetables.

What is the best car for the Nullarbor?

A reliable 4WD or a well-serviced sedan is sufficient for the sealed Eyre Highway.

Are there hotels on the Nullarbor?

Yes, roadhouses provide basic motel-style accommodation at regular intervals.

Melbourne

Flight Driving

Bunbury to Melbourne

Updated: 27 May 2026

Traveling from Bunbury to Melbourne covers approximately 3,400 kilometers across the Nullarbor Plain. The most efficient route involves driving to Perth Airport for a direct flight to Melbourne Tullamarine. Alternatively, the road journey follows the South Western Highway to Perth, then the Eyre Highway across the desert. This route crosses three state borders and requires careful fuel planning. Expect diverse landscapes ranging from coastal forests to arid limestone plains.

Total Distance: 3,400 km driving, 2,700 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Perth Airport is the fastest, taking roughly 6 hours total including transit.

Cheapest Way

Driving with multiple passengers is the most cost-effective method for groups.

Compare Bunbury to Melbourne Routes

	Flight Connecting via Perth	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	38 hours
Avg Price	$250 - $600	$600 - $900 in fuel
Operator	Qantas or Virgin Australia	Personal Vehicle
Route	Bunbury to Perth Airport, then flight to Melbourne Tullamarine.	South Western Hwy to Perth, then National Highway A1 across the Nullarbor.
Tip	Book your Transwa coach to Perth Airport well in advance to sync with flight times.	Carry at least 20 liters of spare water and check fuel stops at Border Village.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Never pass a fuel station on the Nullarbor without checking your gauge.
Time Zones
Remember that South Australia and Victoria operate on different time zones than Western Australia.
Wildlife
Avoid driving at dawn or dusk to minimize the risk of hitting kangaroos or emus.
Booking
Use the Transwa booking portal for reliable coach connections from Bunbury to Perth.
Connectivity
Download offline maps as mobile reception is non-existent for long stretches of the Eyre Highway.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
Stop every two hours to stretch and rest to prevent driver fatigue.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your tires and cooling system are serviced before attempting the Nullarbor crossing.
Emergency Beacon
Consider carrying a PLB if you are traveling solo through remote sections.
Weather
Check the Bureau of Meteorology for bushfire warnings during summer months.