Advice on road conditions and hills etc. will be appreciated.
We are planning a trip from late September.
Sydney to Wauhope then Gwydir to the New England Highway. Then either to the west or North Glen Innes then probably around Wallet Moree - about 2 weeks.
What is the Gwydir Highway like. Are there steep pulls going up?
We pull about 3.2 tonne 22 foot van pulled by a Landcruiser 200 and try to avoid steep narrow roads, up and down.
Example, we would avoid the Clyde Mountain in future (going up).
Any thoughts on road conditions of free camps
skinsy11 said
09:11 PM Sep 3, 2016
Gee I could get lost, I meant to say Oxley Highway not Gwydir Highway
Radar said
08:10 AM Sep 4, 2016
Skinsy11 hi and welcome to the GN's
I sorry to relay the bad news to you, there is no way west ward that is particularly flat, there is this need to climb over the most beautiful Great Dividing Range that runs the length of our wonderful country north to south.
2 weeks will be a tight schedule for that trip, you will be rushing it a bit. But enjoy.
Now one of the best scenic touring roads is from Wauhope to Walcha 173 ks of up and down around corners, along the way there is pull offs to take in the views, have a rest, let the world go buy. Take the short drive into Aspley Gorge N/P. Both these towns are were the time to walk around and have a look.
After leaving Walcha head towards Uralla, spend some time here, there is some interesting sites to see. Armidale to Glen Innes along the range is mostly easy going or you could cut though Bundarra to Inverell then Moree out
Once leaving the coast there is lots of low cost, free camps along the way best plan would be consult Wikicamps or Camps book as you plan your day out.
Another route would be interesting for you would be after leaving Newcastle area is to swing along Buckets way to Gloucester then to Walcha. This way has a climb in it also and near the bottom is a good free camp along river edge once on top its easy going. Once leaving the highway the road is a bit how you do in places, goverment don't seem to spend money on that section, Gloucester to Walcha is good.
As a transport driver I have had a need to cross the divide many times in different areas sometimes going east sometimes going west, more you do it the less it becomes a problem. Take your time enjoy the travels, at the top is where the best views are, so you hold up the traffic for minute or two, just lift your right foot let your vehicle climb the mountain at same time reassuring your passengers what beautiful day in the country it is.
Now I am retired We are enjoying towing our caravan though these areas where I did not have the time to stop or really look and take it all in.
Hope this helps. Radar.
I
Aus-Kiwi said
10:06 AM Sep 4, 2016
Love auto / spell correct ..?? Pita at times ., My excuse .. Honest .. Lol
That link shows the most interesting bit for motorcyclists. Sancrox is neat the Pacific Highway. Gingers Creek is where the road straightens out a bit and is a popular coffee stop on bike runs. You will not that most of it has edge lines on it so you will be able to keep your van wholly within the lane.
Footprints said
08:27 PM Sep 4, 2016
Three weeks ago I traveled through Gloucester via Thunderbolt way, rough as guts for van however returned via Walcha to Wauchope which was hilly and windy in parts however good road, no problem and a very pretty drive. Good Luck, enjoy.
Hello,
Advice on road conditions and hills etc. will be appreciated.
We are planning a trip from late September.
Sydney to Wauhope then Gwydir to the New England Highway. Then either to the west or North Glen Innes then probably around Wallet Moree - about 2 weeks.
What is the Gwydir Highway like. Are there steep pulls going up?
We pull about 3.2 tonne 22 foot van pulled by a Landcruiser 200 and try to avoid steep narrow roads, up and down.
Example, we would avoid the Clyde Mountain in future (going up).
Any thoughts on road conditions of free camps
Skinsy11 hi and welcome to the GN's
I sorry to relay the bad news to you, there is no way west ward that is particularly flat, there is this need to climb over the most beautiful Great Dividing Range that runs the length of our wonderful country north to south.
2 weeks will be a tight schedule for that trip, you will be rushing it a bit. But enjoy.
Now one of the best scenic touring roads is from Wauhope to Walcha 173 ks of up and down around corners, along the way there is pull offs to take in the views, have a rest, let the world go buy. Take the short drive into Aspley Gorge N/P. Both these towns are were the time to walk around and have a look.
After leaving Walcha head towards Uralla, spend some time here, there is some interesting sites to see. Armidale to Glen Innes along the range is mostly easy going or you could cut though Bundarra to Inverell then Moree out
Once leaving the coast there is lots of low cost, free camps along the way best plan would be consult Wikicamps or Camps book as you plan your day out.
Another route would be interesting for you would be after leaving Newcastle area is to swing along Buckets way to Gloucester then to Walcha. This way has a climb in it also and near the bottom is a good free camp along river edge once on top its easy going. Once leaving the highway the road is a bit how you do in places, goverment don't seem to spend money on that section, Gloucester to Walcha is good.
As a transport driver I have had a need to cross the divide many times in different areas sometimes going east sometimes going west, more you do it the less it becomes a problem. Take your time enjoy the travels, at the top is where the best views are, so you hold up the traffic for minute or two, just lift your right foot let your vehicle climb the mountain at same time reassuring your passengers what beautiful day in the country it is.
Now I am retired We are enjoying towing our caravan though these areas where I did not have the time to stop or really look and take it all in.
Hope this helps. Radar.
I
Oxley Highway, NSW. Sancrox to Gingers Creek
That link shows the most interesting bit for motorcyclists. Sancrox is neat the Pacific Highway. Gingers Creek is where the road straightens out a bit and is a popular coffee stop on bike runs. You will not that most of it has edge lines on it so you will be able to keep your van wholly within the lane.
Three weeks ago I traveled through Gloucester via Thunderbolt way, rough as guts for van however returned via Walcha to Wauchope which was hilly and windy in parts however good road, no problem and a very pretty drive. Good Luck, enjoy.
Cheers Allen