travel to Queensland

[Tonz]

planning a trip from home up through Pord Arguda to Maryborough Queesland. First night will be Broken Hill after that.... whats the safest route without being attacked by local ferels. We did it a few years ago and were attached rock throwing at Will cania and attempted car jacking at Cobar.

prefer for that not again. but apart from droppng down through Mildua and then Dubbo whats other options

what would safer towns be to stay overnight Dubbo, Gilgandra, ????

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Tonz

planning a trip from home up through Pord Arguda to Maryborough Queesland. First night will be Broken Hill after that.... whats the safest route without being attacked by local ferels. We did it a few years ago and were attached rock throwing at Will cania and attempted car jacking at Cobar.

prefer for that not again. but apart from droppng down through Mildua and then Dubbo whats other options

what would safer towns be to stay overnight Dubbo, Gilgandra, ????

might I suggest.

[Citroënbender]

Fly, then car hire.

[roKWiz]

Tonz, Prydey might know of a better route, Doesn't he travel to Brisbane every now and then.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Tonz, Prydey might know of a better route, Doesn't he travel to Brisbane every now and then.

Yeah my folks live up there so travel at least once a year. However my trips are Adelaide to Brisbane so slightly different start and finish points.

Looking at Google maps, Tonz suggests going via Mildura. This only adds 3hrs to the total time and is a much less 'remote' route.

I've stayed overnight in Dubbo a few times over the years and had no trouble but have heard reports of local kids playing up from time to time.

Plenty of overnight accommodation options in most towns. We often stay in Parkes on the way north and west Wyalong on the way south.

Happy to help if you need more info Tonz.

[whynot]

Originally Posted by prydey

Looking at Google maps, Tonz suggests going via Mildura. This only adds 3hrs to the total time and is a much less 'remote' route.

Yeah, I was sort of thinking the same thing. Perhaps even going one step further and going via Sydney and Brisbane. It picks up the four lane highway just north of Tarcutta (NSW). From there, it is four lanes all the way through to Gympie (QLD). That is nearly 1500 km of divided carriageway. The only issue is navigating the madness through the back of Sydney (M7-M2-M1) and the stupid around the back of the Gold Coast. However, much nicer places to stay along the way. Lots of roadside support if needed. Adds about 700 km to the trip, but a much nicer drive.

[Tonz]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

might I suggest.

Thankyou you bourke, had it in the back of my mind youd post something left field.

[Citroënbender]

This is the three of you travelling?

[buggerlugs]

Originally Posted by Tonz

planning a trip from home up through Pord Arguda to Maryborough Queesland. First night will be Broken Hill after that.... whats the safest route without being attacked by local ferels. We did it a few years ago and were attached rock throwing at Will cania and attempted car jacking at Cobar.

prefer for that not again. but apart from droppng down through Mildua and then Dubbo whats other options

what would safer towns be to stay overnight Dubbo, Gilgandra, ????

Gilgandra and Coonabarabran are both ok. I'd steer clear of Dubbo thou....

[anobserver]

Hey Tonz

Never stayed in Gilgandra (its fairly small), but have in Dubbo for visiting the zoo. Town is big enough to have everything you want, but also to have other things you may not. Like traffic, people and noise. Fair.

Coonabaraban is much quieter and peaceful, only downside is many of the motels are on the newell heading south out of town, so a bit of truck noise overnight. I'm a light sleeper and it didnt bother me though.

Gunnedah is another town i'd re-visit. Bigger than Coona, and we stayed on the western side of the tracks, which meant using one of the few rail crossings every time to go into town. Everything you need, but can feel a bit old in places, as its not a traditionally visitor oriented town. But did feel genuine. Locals were torn between the ag and fracking industries at the last visit.

Lastly, Narrabri is biggest of the three places I'd recommend to stay, busier and more industrious with plenty of jobs, so no need to break into your car to steal stuff.

Don't stop in Moree on the drive north. Continue to Goondiwindi, its only another 90 minutes away.

To Toowoomba via Milmerran is probably quickest, but the road is like a slow rollercoaster. Can be heavy with traffic and not recommended for the easily made queasy.

[whynot]

Originally Posted by anobserver

but have in Dubbo for visiting the zoo. Town is big enough to have everything you want,

Yeah, I agree. Dubbo, Coonabaraban, Narrabri are all nice places to visit. Also agree to avoid Moree as an overnighter.

The other option is Broken Hill to Charleville (via Cobar) on Day 2 for an overnight stay in Charleville. Then Charleville to Maryborough on Day 3.

The run from Charleville into to Chinchilla is usually a very good run, but the traffic can get a little slow/heavy at times on the eastern side of Roma with mining equipment and trucks. The secondary road from Chinchilla to Maryborough is usually OK but can slow at times due to grey nomads towing an oversize van with an underpowered clapped-out vehicle, being passed by RAM towing a more massive van.

[anobserver]

Roma and Charleville are both fine to stopover in.

Agree on the road east of Roma. Not the most relaxing of drives.

[Tonz]

no just me and SWMBO in the ute with small popup van. Wont be farting around in towns just needing a motel (decent beds) then on the next day. Wifes bro turns 70

I should say this wont be until late August but planning is underway

[whynot]

Originally Posted by Tonz

no just me and SWMBO in the ute with small popup van. Wont be farting around in towns just needing a motel (decent beds) then on the next day. Wifes bro turns 70

I should say this wont be until late August but planning is underway

Sort of begs the question ... what is your limit to being on the road each day? I know some who tow vans usually call it quits after three - four hours on the road.

[Citroënbender]

Originally Posted by whynot

Sort of begs the question ... what is your limit to being on the road each day? I know some who tow vans usually call it quits after three - four hours on the road.

Definitely not worth under-estimating “match fitness”. It could become an utterly debilitating journey, rather than an expression of septuagenarian joie-de-vivre.

[Itsme]

I'm going up to QLD end of May via Kidman's way, hopefully I don't expect any trouble.

[Franco Cozzo]

I'm not sure why people don't like driving in Sydney, its one of the better capital cities to drive around with other people on the roads, they're way better behaved than Melbourne and Adelaide drivers for sure.

Plus tunnels/freeways everywhere to get you around the joint.

[ToryMikey]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm not sure why people don't like driving in Sydney, its one of the better capital cities to drive around with other people on the roads, they're way better behaved than Melbourne and Adelaide drivers for sure.

Plus tunnels/freeways everywhere to get you around the joint.

Same goes with Brissy - the tunnels are awesome, and the locals don't seem to like them so they're never jammed up.

Not to mention in the NRL states people seem to like going somewhere near the speed limit, unlike the constant 25 under on Sunshine Avenue, or my personal favourite the slamming on the brakes to 60km/h in front of the speed cameras on the Calder Freeway near Sunbury

As for driving vs flying and renting: given what rental car costs are like, especially when you want to drive something that's NOT a MG3, I know what I would do...

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm not sure why people don't like driving in Sydney, its one of the better capital cities to drive around with other people on the roads, they're way better behaved than Melbourne and Adelaide drivers for sure.

Plus tunnels/freeways everywhere to get you around the joint.

Done a bit of driving in and around Sydney over the years with no issue, but on last visit I decided to use public transport instead of car and must say no other Australian city come near them for excellent transport service.

[FTE217]

Horses for courses Tonz where you live.
Some are in nicer locations compared to others no matter where.
Franco in all my regular annual travels to each State cities Sydney always picked in re traffic etc but I have watched Melb catch up the last 15yrs and worse than ever now.
Brisbane the ol sleepy city was nothing re traffic but the migration influx last 20yrs has changed it and worse the recent infrastructure works has made it worse than the 2 big cities to me.
Of the 3 putting aside the usual hopeless drivers we all have Sydney I travel more comfortable 5/15k’s above the limit daily whereas I wouldn’t dare in Melbourne for decades and why tunnels are less traffic in Bris because they are tight ***** lol


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[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

I'm doing a trip from south to north in a couple of weeks time: the daughter is spreading her wings, leaving the nest and moving to the much warmer climes of Cairns. We're heading off from Ballarat as we have a pre-arranged concert we're going to. Stopping in at Hervey Bay on the way to check it out, as it's, theoretically, a place I'd like to move to in a a few years time.

We've decided a slightly shorter day on the first day is in store after the concert Saturday, so stopping over in West Wyalong (7h drive time) the first night, Goondiwindi (8.5h) the second, Hervey Bay (only 6h, to give us time to check the place out a bit) the 3rd, Mackay (8h) the fourth, and then Cairns (8.5h) for our final day.

Prydey, do you have a regular place to stay in WW? Looking at the palms, basic but good reviews and prce. Right opposite the Services club, too, for a meal.

[Cav]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

I'm doing a trip from south to north in a couple of weeks time: the daughter is spreading her wings, leaving the nest and moving to the much warmer climes of Cairns. We're heading off from Ballarat as we have a pre-arranged concert we're going to. Stopping in at Hervey Bay on the way to check it out, as it's, theoretically, a place I'd like to move to in a a few years time.

OBVIOUSLY YOU'VE NEVER BIN TO YAP-HOON

We've decided a slightly shorter day on the first day is in store after the concert Saturday, so stopping over in West Wyalong (7h drive time) the first night, Goondiwindi (8.5h) the second, Hervey Bay (only 6h, to give us time to check the place out a bit) the 3rd, Mackay (8h) the fourth, and then Cairns (8.5h) for our final day.

HV to McK try 10 hrs, same to Cairns 'cos Qld roads

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Cav

image

Do the Japanese till own that development, Joe sold them in Yap hoon years ago.

[Captain Stubing]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Do the Japanese till own that development, Joe sold them in Yap hoon years ago.

The Capricorn Resort is a little north of Yeppoon, you can't fit a golf course at Cav's favourite cafe by the lagoon!

[Warrenk]

I have stayed at or been through all the towns you talked about in the 4 years at least once, and have not been troubled (or read about anything) by the locals. If you were staying in free camps on the way It could be a problem, but as you are staying in motels (and/or caravan parks) you should have no problems. Pick the quickest way and enjoy your trip.

[whynot]

Originally Posted by Captain Stubing

The Capricorn Resort is a little north of Yeppoon, you can't fit a golf course at Cav's favourite cafe by the lagoon!

So, I have been sitting here the last few days trying to solve the puzzle of Cav's favourite cafe and where he parks the AUII Forte. It has me completely stumped.

If the AUII Forte is parked outside the cafe, then, it being a chick magnet, will be covered in chicks when it comes time for Cav to leave. However, if he parks the AUII Forte at a car park down the road, then the AUII Forte will still have chicks hanging around it.

So, does Cav walk everywhere and leave the AUII Forte at home?

BTW, if one is making the trip up to QLD, then one should detour by Yeppoon to marvel at the AUII Forte.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by Cav

OBVIOUSLY YOU'VE NEVER BIN TO YAP-HOON

Correct, I haven't. Without derailing the thread, here's my thought process behind Hervey Bay:

• 3.5 hours drive to Brisbane CBD. I'm getting older and not too unreasonable to think I may need more medical services as the years progress. 3.5 hours each way is manageable (about the same as what I do now to Melbourne CBD).
• I will most likely only be working part time, and would like to get into low-needs NDIS support work. The population size is about right to have NDIS client availability
• I can afford a decent place there
• It is serviced by an airport that provides flights to Brisbane, Sydney and shortly Melbourne, I believe.
• It has a much more palatable clime for me than south-east Vicco!

So, on paper at least, it looks ideal. That's why a visit is important. Gotta check it out in persaon.

Originally Posted by Cav

HV to McK try 10 hrs, same to Cairns 'cos Qld roads

My times were according to google, which I have found to be on the conservatove side. But I'll take your first-hand experience on board and allow a little extra time just to be sure. Thanks, Cav.

Originally Posted by prydey

We normally stay at the colonial motor inn. Nothing fancy, just a bed for the night. Last motel before leaving town when heading south.

......

Stayed at a couple of places at Goondiwindi as well. The country roads motel next to the maccas on the main hwy is pretty nice.

Did look at the Colonial. What I like about the Palms is that it is off the highway. I'm a light sleeper and truck noise wakes me up. Also has a slightly better review rating than the Colonial, but I do take those reviews with a grain of salt.

Staying at The Townhouse in Goondi. Again, off the highway (altho on the main street) so hoping it is relatively quiet.

As you say, place doesn't need to be fancy, just a comfortable place to lay the head down overnight and get a quick swim in after a day on the road.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

Did look at the Colonial. What I like about the Palms is that it is off the highway. I'm a light sleeper and truck noise wakes me up. Also has a slightly better review rating than the Colonial, but I do take those reviews with a grain of salt.

Staying at The Townhouse in Goondi. Again, off the highway (altho on the main street) so hoping it is relatively quiet.

As you say, place doesn't need to be fancy, just a comfortable place to lay the head down overnight and get a quick swim in after a day on the road.

I've stayed at a few places and there's not many that I say I'll never go back to. Most aren't anything to rave about but it's just a room for the night. When I look at reviews it makes me question people's expectations.

The mid western isn't as big a truck route as the newell etc, and WW has heavy vehicle bypass so truck noise is pretty minimal.

[Cav]

Macintyre Motel Goondiwindi is just off the main street, good Chinese restaurant next door, an excellent Thai Restaurant around the corner, and a block away from the Victoria Hotel which also has great meals.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

Prydey, do you have a regular place to stay in WW? .

We normally stay at the colonial motor inn. Nothing fancy, just a bed for the night. Last motel before leaving town when heading south.

If you do decide you can make it to Parkes, highly recommend Bushman's motel. Stayed there twice and the rates are low, rooms are nice and the bathrooms are quite modern. Made a nice change from most motels that don't look like they've been updated since they were built in the 70's!

Stayed at a couple of places at Goondiwindi as well. The country roads motel next to the maccas on the main hwy is pretty nice.