Adelaide to Cairns
Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 18:35
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Rainmaker
Will be heading off for
Cairns in May in our 20' Coromal and Ford Territory.
Will be on the Newell through
Forbes,
Parkes etc until we get to Coonabarabran but would like to then head to Armidale to see the Autumn leaves and then head to the
Gold Coast before continuing North.
Is there a way we can traverse through to the coast in this area without too many wriggly bits?
Have been up MacQuarie Pass (Illawarra Hwy) in our previous van and don't want to experience anything like that again!
Can anyone recommend a "van friendly route" in this area or maybe perhaps we need to give Armidale a miss.
Any other advise would be appreciated.
Reply By: Max - Sydney - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 19:01
Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 19:01
Rainmaker
Crossing the Great Divide has lots of wriggly bits by definition. Up the
New England to
Brisbane and down is minimum wriggles, but steep hauls from
Tamworth on.
The Oxley Highway to Port Macquarie is probably the flattest lower down but you have to go south from Armidale. The Waterfall Way from Armidale to Coffs is especially wriggly from
Ebor to
Dorrigo, (probably as bad as Macquarie Pass) and
Ebor to
Grafton is one way I have promised myself to try, though its a long time through the ranges.
On balance I reckon I'd try
Tenterfield to Casino, Lismore and on to
Ballina, but still expect to use your gears and take any opportunity to let vehicles behind you pass.
Cheers
Max
AnswerID:
341883
Reply By: Member - Footloose - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 19:37
Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 19:37
After Coona, throw a rightie a few k up the highway and then straight ahead through
Tamworth and Armidale. From Armidale across there are a few options, but most involve steep windy bits unfortunately. I'd cut across to the
Gold Coast from Warick.
AnswerID:
341886
Follow Up By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 08:03
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 08:03
From just north of Dubbo turn right which takes you to Coonabarrabran on a good road through
Mendooran. You can avoid some of the highway traffic that way and there is a nice little free campground on the southern edge of
Mendooran.
Going up the
Moonbi Range north of
Tamworth is quite a pull but plenty of vans do it. Having lived in Armidale in days gone by, it and all the tableland towns are at their best in Autumn, so its certainly worth the trip.
Maybe try either the Gwydir hwy from Glen Innes to
Grafton or the Bruxner Hwy from
Tenterfield to Casino. Wriggly bits are really unavoidable but you will travel through some magnificent country. Use your UHF to listen out for oncoming timber trucks.
Cheers,
Val.
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Reply By: Darbro74 - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 22:31
Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008 at 22:31
Hi Rainmaker,
Sorry i cant recommend any "van friendly routes" for you, however you may be able to assist me.
With your territory - have you had to add any heavy hitches to tow the van.
I have recently purchased a 2002 Coromal campertrailer which is approx the same size as your. I have had the 2300Kg tow bar fitted, but have been told to purchase a $1000 hayman reese hitch, and some HUGE Weight Disti Bars....i dont believe i require this. I have seen this same van hitched to a Holden Adventra and it sat dead even..
Any advise on what you have had to to do your car would be greatly appreciated..
Regards and Happy travellin
AnswerID:
341907
Follow Up By: Rossc0 - Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 10:13
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 10:13
Hi,
Don't have a terri but do have a falcon with the same towbar.
Having towed several trailers and van, get the weight distribution bars it makes it much easier to tow everything.
Look on ebay they come up fairly regularly and significantly less than $1000
Cheers
Ross
FollowupID:
609619
Reply By: Rainmaker - Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 12:47
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 12:47
Darbro 74,
I have a 250kg Hayman Reese Hitch. Cost $565.
You definately do not need anything bigger especially if it is a campertrailer.
My tare weight is 1765kg, yours would be less.
Would strongly recommend you get the hitch.
I am very happy with the set up.
Had a Futura wagon previously which was a good tow vehicle but the Territory is brilliant.
Also have Tekonsha Prodigy electric brakes which work very
well and Aussie Truck Mirrors.
Suggest you speak to Hayman Reese if you are unsure.
Happy travels,
Bernie.
AnswerID:
341954
Reply By: wendys - Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 12:52
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 at 12:52
Have towed the van down from
Tenterfield to Casino. We thought that was the easiest way to get down to the coast from the
Stanthorpe area. Would use that route again.
AnswerID:
341955