Would think that's down to personal choice as well Dusty.
We would go the Newell but there probably aren't too many who would by choice because of the trucks.
I can honestly say we have never had any problems with the trucks no matter what road we are on. We always make our intentions known to them and show them every respect and courtesy and it has more than paid off.
Its personal choice, but we find the Pacific too busy, Trucks by the hundred! And there was so many people in the rest-stops it was difficult to park with a caravan. Lately we've used the New England Highway, but we usually only travel from Canberra to Brisbane. We are planning a trip North before Easter, and planned to go via Bourke however its a bit damp out that way, may have to look for another route. The Newell is a bit rough in places, I recall that Pejays broke caravan springs in a pot-hole.
The Newell is my choice - never had a problem with trucks - just respect that they are doing a job - lift your foot when they are passing, and they will be past in no time whatsoever - (just lifting your foot lets your speed drop back by about 5k, that way you are not racing the truck as he goes by).
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
we have been travelling the new england hwy for the last 3 trips going north and south from the hervey bay area, we find it much better re: the trucks and a very pretty interesting drive, going north through Warwick Toowoomba, Yarramine and across to Gympie. cheers greyghosts.
I always use the Newell, less traffic and more free overnite camps. When I get to Goondi I usually go over the back, up through Moonie, Dalby, Kingaroy, easier to get to my sons going that way and avoids having to go through Brisbane.
I can honestly say it's a pretty easy run through Gold Coast/Brisbane on the M1 and further north these days.
Lots of vehicles, but the roads are really great now with 6 or 8 lanes through the busier sections. It doesn't go down to 2 lanes until after the Eumundi exit.
Nevertheless, if I were coming from your direction, I'd follow the routes suggested here by others.
Its personal choice, but we find the Pacific too busy, Trucks by the hundred! And there was so many people in the rest-stops it was difficult to park with a caravan. Lately we've used the New England Highway, but we usually only travel from Canberra to Brisbane. We are planning a trip North before Easter, and planned to go via Bourke however its a bit damp out that way, may have to look for another route. The Newell is a bit rough in places, I recall that Pejays broke caravan springs in a pot-hole.
As Gerty Dancer said, we hit a great big pot hole between Narrabri and Moree mid-January and did a spring on the van - expensive little thing!! But on the whole we seem to use the Newell when going from Brisbane to Canberra & return. Normally no problems.
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Pejay are travelling in a 2014 Holden Colorado LTZ Twin Cab Ute + 2013 Coromal Element van
Newell would be my preference too. If you take the Cunningham Hwy from Goondiwindi via Warwick it's only a short detour from the bottom of the Gap to go via Boonah, a very pretty part of the country too.
I haven't checked the distance but an alternative is to leave the Newell at Coonabarabran and go via Gunnedah and pick up the New England Hwy at Tamworth. You'll pick up the Cunningham at Warwick so you can still include the Boonah detour.
The Hume Pacific option involves negotiating Sydney via the M7 and M2 and that nightmare Pennant Hills Road.
Take the Newell. I travelled this route at Christmas and has no trouble. Be nice to truckies and they'll be nice to you. You'll have more trouble on the Bruce if you choose that highway. Be careful on the Bruce.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
