Best Route Brisbane to Canberra?

[Mr Hardware]

Afternoon FordForumers,

Next month I need to go to Canberra, and I plan to drive. I've never done the trip before, and I was wondering which way would be the best way to go? Now my idea of 'best' way is:
Fastest (time wise), and most easy to drive (minimal heavy traffic, no twisty or windy bits). I don't really care about scenery.
Now the three routes google maps has given me is the Pacific Highway then National Highway One, or New England Highway then National Highway One, or Newell Highway.

I will be doing the majority of my driving between 10am and 4pm on weekdays.

Which way would you go and why?

[Nic85]

I've done Brisbane -> Coffs Harbour, Brisbane -> Sydney, Brisbane -> Newcastle and Brisbane -> Melbourne before, and always taken the Pacific Motorway route. It's a pretty good stretch of highway mate, just remember your E-Toll thingy. Be patient, take plenty of stops and remember those pesky mobile fund raisers!

[cobramania]

I'd normally say take the New England Hwy to Newcastle. Although there are no reports of damaged areas, due to the floods & more traffic using it, some parts maybe broken up, so it's your call/risk? If you take the Pacific Hwy watch for roadworks (speed zones) & some non-bypassed areas with slow speed zones 50k areas. When you get to Newcastle, take the F3 freeway to Sydney, then take the M2-M7 motorways (cashless toll roads, take your pass) which will get you around Sydney, then take the M5 non-toll at that end/Hume Hwy (straight off the end of the M7 at Prestons), till past Goulburn, then take the Federal Hwy into Canberra.
Pretty much as Google maps says Pacific Hwy then National Hwy 1. If you do go via the New England Hwy, don't follow Google maps & turn off at Singleton & go the back way, continue on the New England towards Newcastle then turn onto the North End of the F3 at Thornton.

[Peuty]

If you're going to Canberra I'd be going down the Newell. And going via Toowoomba to Goondiwindi instead of Warwick.

People say the Newell is boring, but I disagree.

[cobramania]

Originally Posted by Peuty

If you're going to Canberra I'd be going down the Newell. And going via Toowoomba to Goondiwindi instead of Warwick.

People say the Newell is boring, but I disagree.

Many areas of that route have been flooded & parts may still be closed, many sections may also be very damaged with potholes & patching, take it at your own risk. Many places to stop or stay along that route may be closed with flood damage also?

[Mr Hardware]

Hmm, a mixed bag of opinions. Thankyou to those who have put their thoughts forth - I am now happy to know that I am right to feel mixed about which is the right way to go.

[aussie muscle]

What's the best way through/around sydney?

[cobramania]

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

What's the best way through/around sydney?

Where from & to? Different ways for different directions.
Brisbane to Canberra, the way I posted up further, F3 - Cumberland Hwy/Pennant Hills Rd - M2 - M7 - M5 - Hume Hwy. M2 & M7 are the only toll roads going that way, will cost $9.90 each direction (Light Vehicles), 49km of freeway conditions mostly at or close to 100kph.
Pennant Hills Rd will be the slowest point, you'll be through Sydney & out the other side before you realise, taking that route.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Afternoon FordForumers,

Next month I need to go to Canberra, and I plan to drive. I've never done the trip before, and I was wondering which way would be the best way to go? Now my idea of 'best' way is:
Fastest (time wise), and most easy to drive (minimal heavy traffic, no twisty or windy bits). I don't really care about scenery.
Now the three routes google maps has given me is the Pacific Highway then National Highway One, or New England Highway then National Highway One, or Newell Highway.

I will be doing the majority of my driving between 10am and 4pm on weekdays.

Which way would you go and why?

Personally, I would stay away from Sydney, for no other reason than it can be a bit of pot luck on how quickly you get through depending on what day you go through and at what time, any accidents etc. Also, if you aren't used to the e-tag type system, saves you the hassle of having to organise passes each way.

Having said that, cobramania makes a good point regarding the condition of the Newell, so maybe worth jumping on to the RTA website and seeing if they have any info there (I know that the VIcroads site does provide info on road closures etc, so assume the RTA site would too)

I have used the Newell a few times in the past (Vic to Qld and back) and have always found the roads to be in very reasonable nick, never been held up due to accidenst etc, and only ever get a couple of areas where there are roadworks underway.

Of course, if you said that you enjoyed the twisty bits, I'd suggest you go by the Putty Road , but that seems out of the question.

Not sure this helps as it may just add to the uncertainty. Whichever way you go, enjoy the drive for what it is.

Craig H

[Scott]

I've done this drive eleventy dozen times, both inland and whilst I enjoy the Newell, I typically stick to the Hume. Brisbane to the border with fuel stops only is bang on 12hrs.

[BrisVegas]

I drove the Newell in January (Syd-Bathurst-Dubbo-Moree-Gundy-Tmba-Bris)and it was a in great shape except for potholes and whoop de doos either side of Gundy. There's been flooding since then, so who knows?

The Pacific Highway is hit and miss, depending on crashes, road works and general traffic levels etc.