Mike D'Silva Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 Looking to drive from Sydney to Brisbane over easter... leaving Saturday. I've already been called a wuss from a mate because I want to stop over for a night and take it easy. From what I can gather, you either go the coast road, or the new england highway... Anyone recommend a place to stop if I was to take the new england route? Or have I left it too late and will end up sleeping in my car! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByronBayChris Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 Can't help with stops, but take the New England to temterfield, then cut through bruxner Hey to Casino. Have not driven it for a few years, but was.enjoyable then. Pacific hwy = boring all the way in my opinion. Did it in Feb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike D'Silva Posted 16April, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 ok.... i hear you... thinking I might stop in armidale... its about halfway... I've never been there.... could be fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByronBayChris Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 Armidale, Glenn Innes or temterfield Remember that Peter Allen came from temterfield and the whole town is set around his image. Safe travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike D'Silva Posted 16April, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 need to find somewhere that has secure parking.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OZ930 Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 Maitland bypass is now open, that should cut about 30 minutes or more off your trip. Singleton - Muswellbrook - Scone well patrolled Fixed radar at Scone outside Maccas and BP on the north side of town Another at north end of Murrurundi, not sure its in service,no signs, but don't take the chance Radar cars operate between Willow tree and Tamworth, usually have a car parked just over Sugarloaf Hill. Has been a white dual cab with radar set up around Tamworth as well. The Moombies, north of Tamworth is another popular hot spot. Can't help further north, its been awhile. Its easter and double demerits, radars will be everywhere. Power House Motel in Tamworth is next door to a motorcycle museum if thats of interest. Don't know how good it is, never visited. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sydr Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 Have a look at Thunderbolt Highway - runs between the coast road and the New England, has less traffic, scenic, and quicker. Last time I drove it some parts were a little bumpy, but it is still the nicest way to travel. If you want to impress your companion, try Petersons Luxury Country Guesthouse just outside Armadale. Google it, you won't need to lock up your car and you can ask them whether you can leave it under the porch if the place is quiet. My experience of the Powerhouse was less than glowing . . . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doish13 Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 As Sydr just said and if time is not an issue drive along Oxley Hwy through to Port-we just did it with a group of 10 bikes and I reckon it's arguably Australia's best road for cars /bikes with twisties and perfect Tarmac for miles. I've cycled the New England to Brisbane and back and always thought it would be great in a car - and a whole lot more enjoyable. As a note we similarly stop in Coffs overnight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 New England all the way - going anywhere near the coast over the Easter break is suicide! Waterfall Way and the Oxley Highway will be guaranteed to be loaded with caravans doing 20km/h under the speed limit, and there'll probably be a few hour traffic jam at Nambucca Heads or similar if someone has a prang Stop in Tamworth or Armidale would be my suggestion, should be 5 hours from Tamworth to Brisbane (and it's about half way) my dad did Warwick>Newcastle>Warwick in a day a few months ago, I wouldn't advise it lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OZ930 Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 Sydr, you are probably right about the Powerhouse, it was more the bike museum. Have to agree with others, just stay on the New England. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted 16April, 2014 Report Share Posted 16April, 2014 oh, and stop in Glenn Innes for strawberries and there used to be a 928 on a front lawn in Deepwater my grandmother (who lives in Tamworth) thinks that the Powerhouse is a hot bed of ladies of the night and loose women (and she's in her 80s) lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgy Posted 17April, 2014 Report Share Posted 17April, 2014 New England all the way +1 There is NO other way! ok.... i hear you... thinking I might stop in armidale... its about halfway... I've never been there.... could be fun. Armidale is a good half way stop need to find somewhere that has secure parking.... When we bought our GT3 back from Brissy we stopped overnight in Armidale we stayed overnight at this place -> http://www.qualityhotelpowerhouse.com.au/armidale/ probably a little expensive but totally worth it, discreet/safe parking right out front of your room, very comfortable rooms, nice hot shower and a decent restaurant and bar to unwind in right at your door step! You don't need to leave the hotel.. I gotta say this way my 2nd favourite part of the trip, glad I laid over. Have a look at Thunderbolt Highway - runs between the coast road and the New England, has less traffic, scenic, and quicker. Last time I drove it some parts were a little bumpy, but it is still the nicest way to travel. +1 for thunderbolts way! and also a +1 on the bumps... I lost my front splitter on that road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike D'Silva Posted 17April, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 17April, 2014 thanks for the suggestions.. I've booked into the Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale... Bringing back a new toy... im really really hoping it makes it back in one piece. Been a long time since I've driven a car with no air, no steer and basic... I've never had RACQ membership but starting to think I should take it out just in case! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted 17April, 2014 Report Share Posted 17April, 2014 take a fanbelt and some oil too (oh and make sure you have the fanbelt tool) have a good trip, we expect some pictures of the drive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatSix Posted 17April, 2014 Report Share Posted 17April, 2014 Enjoy the drive Mike, New England all the way! So what is it your driving back in??????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike D'Silva Posted 17April, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 17April, 2014 Russ, would you have a spare fan belt and tool I can borrow just in case??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted 17April, 2014 Report Share Posted 17April, 2014 do you know what belt you need? what engine is it? I don't have the tool though it's on the to do list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clutch-monkey Posted 18April, 2014 Report Share Posted 18April, 2014 the southern part of the pacific motorway is good, 110 the whole way, no trouble overtaking and the bypasses are open. it all turns to shit at coffs harbour and northwards though so do this http://goo.gl/maps/xS7Cx just as fast and some really really good roads in there.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatSix Posted 18April, 2014 Report Share Posted 18April, 2014 Mike your doing a good job of evading the question of what your driving back! Is it a suprise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike D'Silva Posted 18April, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 18April, 2014 ah, you noticed.... more like, I didn't want to "jinx" it..... There will be a "bit" of controvesy as I'm sure it is not to everyone's taste. Promise to put a photo up tomorrow when I am on the way back. I'll be bringing the trusty go pro too for some impromptu video. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatSix Posted 18April, 2014 Report Share Posted 18April, 2014 Haha fair enough. Looking forward to the big reveal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OZ930 Posted 18April, 2014 Report Share Posted 18April, 2014 Probably right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 18April, 2014 Report Share Posted 18April, 2014 Is it red? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike D'Silva Posted 19April, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 19April, 2014 yep, i got the targa... 1970. Pretty sure my first car (1972 Fiat 128coupe) had less rattles and squeaks! But lots of fun... crazy sound.. no brakes.. targa roof not that noisy suprisingly... Covered in bugs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike D'Silva Posted 19April, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 19April, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.