Thunderbolts Way

http://www.dotars.gov.au/auslink/green_paper/submissions/industry/ind_tourism_taskforce.htm

Thunderbolt’s Way

The Thunderbolt’s Way is a recently sealed route between Gloucester and
Uralla through the Barrington Tops area that has considerable tourism
potential. The route takes up to an hour off the journey-time between
Sydney and Armidale. The route is very scenic with open view-scapes
from elevated areas as well as closed forest.

An official opening in May 2000 commemorated the completion of the Thunderbolts Way between Gloucester and Walcha. The State Government provided overall funding of $6.1 million with Gloucester and Walcha Councils contributing $3 million in total.

Whilst the road has now been open for two years, the route tends to be used mainly by local traffic. However, recent traffic surveys conducted by the Gloucester Local Government show that the peak number of vehicles per day travelling along the route tripled (from 300 vehicles per day to 1095 vehicles per day) during the recent Easter period and that average use during the whole school holiday period (600 vehicles per day) was double the non-school holiday period. Traffic counts also show that a large proportion of the cars were from Queensland. These facts clearly indicate that the Thunderbolts Way has potential to attract tourists, however there has been very little promotion of the road so far as a
touring route.

It is very steep north of Gloucester, if coming down (heading towards Gloucester) use your gears to slow /hold speed down as many vehicles lose their brakes and go over the edge.

When you say steep does it also wind like Esk- Hampton range in the Darling Downs.
Steep as in the Toowoomba range or is it worse,longer can you fill me in ?

Troopytrek

Not familiar with those pieces of roads you mention, I used to slot the troopy back to first coming down and the Humvee (its auto) would definitely be in 1st.
Had a mate that used to bring a trailer load of firewood back to Sydney occasioanlly and he reckoned low range worked really well..
Doesn't wind as such, a few bends but grade is constant, most 4wd's will have nor problem, just take your time, let the loonies go past. It isn't a major road so can be a bit narrow (still two lanes though) in spots.

Hi all,

This road is great - saves lots of time - is very scenic & definitely worth a go. I have been travelling it since 1979. Is now all bitumen & the steep section (about 4km's) is not too bad if you take it slow & use your gears. Have towed caravans over that road with no problem whatsoever.

Willy

Don't be tempted to speed on the Uralla-Nowendoc section. The local Constabulary are quite active!

Phil I

As you get to the top there is a clearing with facilities on the western side, it has sensational views. Great spot for a cuppa.

Yeah a ditto to that above post, there is a look out that is just unbelieveable, its on the side of the road, you can't miss it, definatley worth stopping.
As said, takes an hour out of a trip to Uralla from Newcastle, can get foggy in the high country and you won't see much traffic.
Tim

Hi Troopy,
Just completed a wonderful trip to Barrington Tops and taking this road
was definitely a highlight. Our old diesel cruiser struggled on a couple of
hills but it got there. We stopped at Nowendoc for lunch (1km east of the road)
at a Community Hall with toilets, and there was a shop with fuel.
Next time we go to Sydney we'll being taking this road instead of the
overcrowded New England.

Cheers
Moz

Went that way from Maitland to Armidale during Easter break. An excellent trip with as others have said great views. My troopie just kept on chugging so steep inclines or declines not a problem. Pleasant places to stop along the way - one a camping ground alongside a river - about half way along - on your left hand side - sorry I can't be more specific about the directions but the kids would love the place with plenty of space to run around.