Best route
Submitted: Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 10:47
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Member - Robert W (VIC)
Hi All
What is the best/quickest route to
Cairns from
Melbourne?
Usually use the Newell to Qld but Google maps suggests Michel Hwy -- but the ends at
Barcaldine with no direct hwy north!
Regards
Bob
Reply By: Road Runner - Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 12:53
Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 12:53
Hello Bob,
The coast route is the most scenic however not the quickest. I find the inland routes just as interesting and many of the smaller towns have tourist attractions that are worth a look. You are correct, not much of a road between
Barcaldine, through
Muttaburra to
Hughenden. Mostly gravel and crosses black soil plains that are troublesome in the wet. We still managed to negotiate the route quickly with a diesel towing a heavy off-road camper trailer.
You may do better inland to Mungindi and then up through
St George,
Roma,
Rolleston,
Springsure,
Emerald,
Clermont, Charters Towers, The Lynd
Junction,
Ravenshoe,
Atherton,
Cairns. This involves some of the ‘developmental’ roads. They are sealed but the bitumen is narrow in some
places. Main thing is that there is not too much traffic to delay you and they provide a fast route. Best overnight spots I have found on that route are
St George,
Roma,
Emerald and Charters Towers providing both excellent hotels and van parks. Once you pass The Lynd
Junction follow the Kennedy for about 90 km and you will find the
Georgetown Road leading west. Thirty or so kilometres along that road is the
Undara Volcanic National Park that also provides good meals and accommodation as
well as some interesting lava tubes. From Undara backtrack to the Kennedy and on to the tablelands for some more great scenery or a quick and easy run into
Cairns.
AnswerID:
344765
Follow Up By: Member - Robert W (VIC) - Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 13:47
Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 13:47
Thanks Roadrunner,
For the very informative reply.
So take
Mitchell Hwy to
Charleville then right to
Roma or Newell to
Miles and turn left to
Roma -- looks like similar run either way.
Regards
Bob
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Road Runner - Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 14:04
Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 14:04
Perhaps the Castlereagh Hwy through
Walgett,
Hebel,
Dirranbandi,
St George to
Roma could save a few kilometres. Seem to recall travelling that route
Bright to
Brisbane once but I must admit to being a little out of my depth once south of the Q'ld border!
FollowupID:
612723
Reply By: Best Off Road - Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 13:59
Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 13:59
Bob,
I haven't done the trip for about 15 years, but when we were living in
Townsville we did it numerous times.
A brief summary, down to Rocky, then swing inland to Mt
Morgan,
Miles, Mooney,
Taroom (not necessarily in that order, I'm working from memory). Keep going on to
Goondiwindi (sp?) then follow the Newell.
That was the quickest way back then, but things may have changed.
Ah, when I was younger and coppers were fewer, I could knock that over in 26 hours. I reckon I'd set aside three days now.
Cheers,
Jim.
AnswerID:
344773
Follow Up By: Member - Robert W (VIC) - Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 14:33
Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 14:33
Thanks
Looks like a have a few choices now
Bob
FollowupID:
612730
Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 15:13
Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 15:13
The route from Rocky is Mt
Morgan - Banana -
Theodore -
Taroom - Wandoan -
Miles - Moonie -
Goondiwindi - Moree etc
Cheers Kev
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