The Cost of Driving from Bunbury to Esperance: An Overview of Different Routes

Are you planning on driving from Bunbury to Esperance in Western Australia? This scenic drive will take you through the heart of Western Australia's rugged terrain, where you can marvel at stunning views of the coast, explore idyllic towns, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. But before you hit the road, it's important to know what you're in for in terms of the cost. Depending on the route you take, you could end up spending a lot of money on fuel and tolls alone. Here's an overview of the different routes you can take, the distance, time, and cost of each route, based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The South Western Highway

One of the most direct routes from Bunbury to Esperance is the South Western Highway, which takes you all the way through Albany. This route is approximately 713 km long and takes you roughly 8 hours to complete. The South Western Highway is generally a good road, with no tolls, but given its length, fuel consumption could be significant. Based on the current average gas price of $1.50 per litre, you could expect to spend around $120 on fuel alone for this route.

Route 2: The Coastal Highway

Another option you can take is the Coastal Highway, which is slightly longer, at 773 km, and passes through Denmark and Walpole, both of which offer spectacular scenery along the coast. Despite this route being longer, it takes a similar time (8 hours) to complete as the South Western Highway. However, it should be noted that this route includes a toll road, the Great Southern Highway, which requires a $6.50 payment each time you use it. With fuel costs added, you could expect to spend around $135 to complete this route.

Route 3: The Inland Via Kulin

For those who are looking to take a more unique and adventurous route, the inland route via Kulin may be for you. At 769 kilometres long, this route takes approximately 9 hours to complete and offers a stunning landscape of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Compared to the other routes, this route has the lowest figure for fuel costs, at around $110 based on current prices. However, this route includes a toll at the Roe Highway interchange, which costs $3.60.

Route 4: The Inland Via Lake Grace

Another inland option is to go via Lake Grace, which takes you through the heart of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. This route, which is approximately 824 km long, may take almost 10 hours to complete, due to the rugged nature of the land. Additionally, similar to the Kulin route, this route requires you to pay a toll at the Roe Highway interchange, costing $3.60. With regards to fuel consumption, this route will cost approximately $140, depending on current prices.

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Bunbury to Esperance can vary significantly depending on the route you take. While each route is beautiful and unique, it's important to consider the time, distance, fuel consumption, and tolls you'll be paying. Based on current gas prices, the cheapest option appears to be the inland route via Kulin, but all routes present their own appeal. Take time to research and consider your options, and enjoy the journey!