whats the best route to Rockhampton?

[h0ughy]

It seems a though I have followed Kevin Rudds instructions and have injected more funds into the Astro community, namely the purchase of a nice dome observatory (thanks Phil). My dilemma is what is the best way to get to Rockhampton - inland or the coast? I love the drive through north eastern NSW and the road is pretty good for most of the way (normally travel to Qld Astrofest this way). But i have never been through Brisbane or anywhere north from the turn off to Ipswitch on the toll road. From there i am a babe in the woods - and you know qld is a really big place.... I will be going in the very near future:D

AND YES I HAVE APPROVAL FROM THE WIFE:thumbsup::scared:


so genuine help only in this thread - other material will be deleted;) .

[Ian Robinson]

Done the trip from Newcastle to Rocky and beyond a few times , always took the coast road (on orders from Mrs and Jr) , until the last trip , and that's OK the first time , but hundreds of km of bananas and then sugar cane .... :ZZZ: and the heavy vehicle and tourist traffic makes it very stressful and risky .... some of those long haul truck drivers are crazy .... not much fun being tailgated by a monster truck for 60 - 100 km , some of the Pacific Hw is very narrow .... and there's no where to go.

Unless I need to do the coast run or plan on frequent fishing sessions along the way , I will in future do the inland run .... it's better.

My advise is take the New England HW -> Gwyder HW --> Leichart HW and stay on the western side of the mountains , also most direct route. ... the route can be planned here , 1300 km , vs 1500-1600 via Bris and the coast routes http://www.whereis.com/index.htm#session=MTEy

You'll not have hundreds of km of banana and then sugar cane on either side of the high way, you'll not have as much traffic to worry about, accomodation at country towns along the way will not be booked out like on the Pacific Highway.
It's a much nicer drive (I like the outback)
You can avoid Brisbane and Surfers altogether !!!

DARKER CLEARER SKIES !!!!

[glenc]

It is 1280 km from Wallsend to Rocky via Moree and 1400 km via Brisbane according to Caltex.
I try to avoid the Pacific Hwy this time of year.
http://www.nowwhere.com.au/caltex/austlocator/caltextripplanner.aspx

[mozzie]

take the western route im at coffs and the highway is mayham some times 10+minutes to get onto highway but thats chrissy like that from newey to sunshine coast

safe trip peter
ps if you go the highway pm me im 1 minute of the highway have a cuppa and a look at my pod

[theodog]

I agree but I would not travel the New England. Go out to Coona, hit the Newell Hwy, even less traffic.;)
We have the truckies use this for the Syd/Melb -Brissy & points north as there is little traffic. They are also helpfull if you have car trouble.

If you need an early break you're welcome to call in.:thumbsup:

Drive safely.:)

[ngcles]

Hi hOugy & All,



Its been a while since I went that way, but it is a terrific drive, very little traffic by comparison and if you are towing, certainly the way I'd go. At this time of year, I'd be avoiding the coast rd like the plague.

Watch out for the roos an hour either side of dusk & dawn and late at night when you'll sometimes come across a mob just standing around on the road.

You'll aso see Mt Kaputar nr Narrabri.

Hope your car is air-conditioned either way!


Best,

Les D

[Dennis]

Hey Dave

If you want to break the journey, you are most welcome to over night it at our humble abode in SE Brisbane, on your great Australian dome adventure.

If you would like to break your journey, just give us some dates so we can make sure we don’t clash with other visitors or holidays/day trips away from home.

Mi Casa Su Casa!

Cheers

Dennis

[wavelandscott]

Leaving the jokes aside...(and I did have a good one about a time machine ready for your trip to Queensland)...

Go the inland route...my experience has found this to be "less traveled" than the coast route.

Safe Travels...

[h0ughy]

thanks for the replies and the advice - Dennis if i do as they say and go inland unfortunatelly i wont be able to take up your kind offer. might be leaving in a day or two - depends on the wife and what i can do?

[Dennis]

No worries Dave – have a safe and uneventful journey!

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

yes it wasnt what i planned for christmas break but life is an adventure!!!

[Barrykgerdes]

I haven,t done the trip for a long time but definitley the inland route.
New england to the turn of to Gunedah then through to the Newell at Narrabri then to Gundawindi. Don't miss the turn off to Mooni otherwise you will end up at St George (I missied twice late at night even though I new where it was).

From Mooni continue through Theodore and Mt Morgan and down to Rocky. Used to take me about 15 hrs (keeping under the speed limit)

Barry

[Bobj]

Would suggest this route:

http://www.exploroz.com/Places/Directions.aspx?fm=newcastle,%20NSW&to=rockhampton,%20Qld