BY MANNI DIERSEN, JOONDALUP WORKSHOP MANAGER, SWAN TRANSIT
When a pair of brand-new buses needed to make the journey from Perth to Darwin, there was only one thing to do: hit the road.
Alongside Liam Sharp, Claremont Workshop Manager, I set off on an unforgettable 4,100-kilometre journey across some of Australia's most spectacular landscapes to deliver the latest additions to our fleet.
BCI Coaches with a Commins engine and a ZF gearbox.
The trip was split across five days, taking us through the Mid-West, Pilbara, Kimberley and into the Northern Territory. While the goal was simple- getting the buses safely to their destination- the journey itself was anything but ordinary.
DAY 1: PERTH TO MEEKATHARRA | 756KM
The adventure began with a relatively straightforward run north to Meekatharra. With plenty of stops along the way, we took in the stunning scenery and enjoyed the spectacular wildflowers in full bloom across regional Western Australia.
It was an easy start to the trip and a reminder of just how diverse the state's landscapes can be.
DAY 2: MEEKATHARRA TO PORT HEDLAND | 872KM
Day two started with an unexpected addition to our job descriptions: fence-checking duty.
A few stray cattle made us slow down and keep a close eye on the road before we continued through Kumarina and Newman, passing the GoWest depot along the way.
From there, we travelled through the heart of the Pilbara, with red earth, vast open spaces and dramatic landscapes making for an incredible drive into Port Hedland.
DAY 3: PORT HEDLAND TO FITZROY CROSSING | 935KM
The longest day of the trip saw us cover an impressive 935 kilometres.
While there was a little less fence-checking required, there were still plenty of cattle wandering where they shouldn't have been, keeping us on alert throughout the day.
The scenery began to change noticeably, with countless termite mounds appearing along the roadside and iconic boab trees becoming a feature of the landscape. A few planned burn-offs came a little closer to the road than we'd expected, but nothing two experienced operators couldn't handle.
DAY 4: FITZROY CROSSING TO KUNUNURRA | 647KM
After the previous day's marathon effort, the drive to Kununurra felt comparatively relaxed.
Travelling through the East Kimberley provided some of the most spectacular views of the entire trip, including distant glimpses of the Bungle Bungles. The cattle were back in force, however, and there were times when it genuinely seemed there were more cows outside the fences than inside them.
The shorter distance gave us the opportunity to stop, stretch our legs and capture some great photos along the way.
DAY 5: KUNUNURRA TO DARWIN | 827KM
Our final day began early, thanks to the 1.5-hour time difference between Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
The drive between Kununurra and Katherine was the perfect way to finish the journey, with incredible scenery accompanying us for the final leg into Darwin. After five days on the road, thousands of kilometres travelled and more than a few encounters with wandering livestock, it was satisfying to arrive knowing the buses had been delivered safely and successfully.
MORE THAN JUST A DELIVERY
While the purpose of the trip was to deliver vehicles, it also reminded us of the scale of the regions our businesses operate across and the dedication of the people who keep public transport moving every day.
Spending five days behind the wheel gave Liam and I the opportunity to experience some of Australia's most remarkable landscapes, meet plenty of colourful characters along the way and create a few great memories.
Not every bus delivery comes with views of wildflowers, Pilbara ranges, boab trees and the East Kimberley, but this one certainly did.
And thankfully, after 4,100 kilometres, both buses and drivers arrived ready for the next chapter. 🚌💚
