Hey guys,

Later on this year we plan on going for a drive to Brisbane/Sunshine coast. Thought about flying, but we want the freedom of having our car up there for all the places we wanna go and people we wanna visit. Plus, it might actually put some kms on the XR - it hasn't even done 6000km this year

Anyway, I've heard from several people that going inland is probably longer, but generally quicker. I'm not too fussed really, I was planning on going one way up there, and then the other way back. But I thought I'd ask the advice of some of the people who may have travelled Canberra-Brisbane, and what route they recommend and why?

I'm looking forward to it though, it's been a long time since I last drove up to QLD... that was back in 2000 for schoolies, and we just went the coastal route.. and got there ASAP.

I guess it doesn't really matter which way we go, but I thought I'd see if anyone had any input into their preference. If we decide we wanna get there asap, then obviously I'd like to know the quickest route if anyone has any experience.

Cheers guys

They are much the same, I would take the New England highway down to Uralla then get off the highway and head down Thunderbolts way and it will dump you back on the Pacific Highway just after 12 mile creek

Great scenery and some great driving,this leg should cut an hour off the trip too 271 km against 357 km for the New England. This was given to me by a local running the servo at Uralla

Going this way is still 70ks longer than the Pacific but the New England has a lot less traffic on it.

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&hl=...mp;z=8&om=1

Oops I just realized your going uphill.

The route still works but you start on the Pacific and end up on the New England.

Edited August 19, 200719 yr by seventytwo

cheers mate

I'll have to look up some maps and get a better idea of where I wanna go.. the last time we just drove north! followed the signs pretty much. I'll probably go inland one way, then coastal the other. I'll be sure to report back my findings!

Depending on the time of year I'd probably suggest going inland on the way up and down the coast on the way back 'cause everyone knows it's always quicker going downhill lol.

Big AL

If you're heading for Brisbane then go inland, but if the Gold Coast then coastal would be your best bet. Inland you have a lot of trucks to share the road with....much better than all the grey nomads towing their house carts on the coastal route though

Let us know when you're planning on being up here and I'll organise a cruise or dinner or both....that is if you wanted to meet a few more freaks

Thanks to a previous tenant I get a free subscription to wanderer magazine.

Got the latest one last week, saw the cover and my blood ran cold, its the stuff of nightmares.

Imagine being caught behind this.

Looks fairly similar to what I experience on the bruce highway heading north from Brisbane. If only rocket propelled grenades were legal to use.

Getting a bit off-topic, but did anyone see the top gear episode where they went caravanning. Absolute pisser.

part 1

t2WdvgzEd30

part 2

aWEGWVSSSww

part 3

FK47BaYk5ks

Edited August 19, 200719 yr by seventytwo

That's him - would have to be one of the best segments they've ever done.

If you go up the inland way try:

Yass (bypass),Boorowa, Cowra, Cudal, Molong, Wellington, Gulgong, Coolah, Premer, Caroona, just north of Werris Creek turn north, Tamworth, Armidale, Ebor, Grafton, Ballina , Tweed etc. My advice would be not to do this road after/near dark or skippy may find you. Very interesting roads with barely a roaming blue light.

The highway through Sydney is the easiest, but insanely boring.