Best route from Melbourne to Coffs Harbour

Look on map for "Putty Road" - near Cambelltown NSW - goes up through Richmond Windsor - from Highway 1 - bypass Sydney.

Of the two routes you have described I would take the Newell to Armidale.

I guess the Hume would be pretty quick between Melbourne and Sydney but getting through Sydney is always painful. The highway north of Newcastle is getting better everyday but it still needs some work. Last time I was up that way there was plenty of roadworks which slow things down too. Also just south of Coffs, from about Nambucca the road is a pretty slow.

I am not sure which would be the quickest but inland would be a lot easier on you. The travelling is easier, more relaxing and very pretty. The only bit that will have you working hard is coming down the hill from Armidale. It is windy, tight and slow but it is all sealed.

Duncs

Jolo,

The road down from Armidale through Dorrigo is steep and winding. Another option, not quite so steep but still with some tight corners is the Oxley highway through Tamworth, Walcha and Port Macquarie. The route from the Newell with the least grade would have to be the Golden Highway from Dubbo through Merriwa and Maitland to the bridge across the Hunter R at Hexham, then up the Pacific Highway.
But now that the M7 is open to take you around Sydney pretty painlessly that would have to be the easiest way surely?
It really depends on what you are looking for. There will be plenty of traffic on on all the major highways but at least with the Hume and Pacific around Sydney there are multiple lanes.

Cheers,

Val

hi jolo.
I would go the way trickytoo mentioned you don't go anywhere near the centre of Sydney it is mostly express way except for 10ks also the fuel is cheaper that way bill.

I would go straight up the Hume, onto the M7 aorund to Pennant hill road (as mentioned), then straight up the coast on the pacific.
Only problem is you will need to have an Etoll (or whatever they are called) transponder to pay tolls as they are all automated.
Freeway for 85% of your trip, no mountian ranges to climb or descent.
Shane

I drive in Sydney every day. I use the expressways mentioned in the replies above frequently and unless you are travelling before 7am you don't want to know about the M5, M7 or M2. I believe this passionatley enough to make sure I get to work at 6:30 even though I don't have to be there until 7:30.

I know it's not as bad after the morning peak and before the afternoon peak, most of the time. but that only leaves a small window in daylight hours where the travelling is good. Add the cost of the tolls which all of those roads carry and the cost of fuel is a very minor concern. I stand by what I said I would go via the Newell.

Maybe I just hate driving in Sydney and will do anything to avoid it. That and I really enjoy the run along the Newell and down into Coffs or Grafton.

Duncs

Shane has the right idea.

Hume then Pacific Hy. Cambelltown to Hornsby section on a Sunday morning. Look on the internet, the toll roads in Sydney have a great web site for planning this part. On and off ramps etc. When you get off at Pennent Hills exit, the etoll exit is the right of the two. Otherwise you will get stuck behind everyone paying the toll.

Certainly need a etoll card. There are 20 kilometers of road works south of Kew but the rest is pretty good.

Tamworth to Port Macquarie and Armidale to Coffs are both windy and steep. They however are also very pretty.

Both have trucks but they can get around you easier on the Hume / Pacific Hy

Hi Jolo,

I have travelled from Warnambool (Vic) to Port Macquarie (NSW) via the Newell Highway on one occasion and via the Newell from the Murray on other occasions
towing a van and I recon it is less stressful and probably quicker than Hume and pacific considering you have to negotiate Sydney and all the traffic on that route towing a van.

Others have suggested this and I agree with them that the best way is via the Newell to Gilgandra Coonabarabran, tamworth and Oxley Highway to Pacific highway near Port Macquarie then just up the Pacific Highway to Coffs.
Can't go wrong.

I live near Port macquarie.

Cheers, Bruce.

Thanks for all the responses. Is there any extra charges for a van on the toll roads? I have a Melbourne E-Tag so assume it will get me through the tolls. It has been many decades since I last did that trip and am pleased to see the Pacific Hwy has a lot more dual sections so that may make it a bit more relaxing to go at my pace without trucks on the tail. Last time I did the trip via Sydney about 20 years ago we missed the turn-off to bypass the central city area and ended up towing the van over the Harbour Bridge - not an enjoyable experience even if I was much younger. For the inland route, I am not too worried about the winding/steep section from Dorrigo down as I do not recall it being a problem when I did a few trips many years ago. I also live just north of the black spur NE of Melbourne and am used to narrow winding roads. As we were going with the kids and grandkids, I thought we might spend some time at the Dubbo zoo as well.

Jolo

If it were me I would avoid both the main highways (we always do) and head for Shep then Tocumwal out through the plains to Jerrilderie, then choose a route to Dubbo through the very picturesque little towns (the Newell is full of large fast trucks), it can be a very pleasant trip, perhaps a little longer but hey whats an extra day if you enjoy the drive.

We were at the Dubbo zoo last week and it is certainly worth the dollars, you can drive your vehicle around, hire and electric trolly, hire bikes or simply walk. You get a two day pass automatically. The Big 4 park just past the zoo and closest to it is excellent.

Make sure you enjoy the trip which ever way you choose, Why not go one way and come home the other? The Putty road is great but not for vans in my opinion.

Regards
Mike.