Quickest ACT to Mackay

Thanks, there's little difference between the two so I was thinking in terms of road surface - and ability to keep up the 'optimistic' speed average - not driving at night.
RACQ tends to be more accurate than Google maps - maybe it is right?
Assuming things haven't changed much since I last went up the Leichardt way (over 10 years ago), 115 or even 120 in parts isn't too optimistic at all. Could get expensive if I come across a cop in a bad mood though. :-)

cheers
R

Exceed the limit around the Moonie to Taroom section on the Leichhardt highway and expect to be booked ;)

There is a new crop of police out here and they like to ping people for exceeding the limit ;)

Both the Leichhardt and Carnarvom Highways are undergoing roadworks repairing flood damage so there may be some delays going these ways.

Cheers Kev

Yep unrealistic average.

I do 50,000 km a year, mostly interstate & I always bank on a 80 kmh average. This takes into account slower town limits & some stops too. Pretty well works out on the money as far as an estimate

Yes I do sit on 110 or 100kmh as posted so I am not a slow driver.

Thanks Mark.

Apologies all, I misused the term 'average' - I probably should have said "try to keep it at 110"

Its not at all optimistic to average 900-1000km a day, driving around 10 hours a day. I've done it many times, admittedly not at legal speeds.

cheers
R

We sat on 100-105 most of the way, some sections in Qld are 110km /hr and they are reinstating 110km in sections of the Newell in NSW soon as well.

We did 900km/day coming back, though we were lucky to share amonst 3 drivers. If you drive relaxed fashion (whilst staying alert), not a great deal of traffic, 1000km days are not difficult at all even for a single driver. I do it several times reach year at legal speeds. Excessive speed apart from the danger, just isn't worth it, it adds to your anxiety over getting caught and costs you too much in fuel.
Secret is to get up early and make most of daylight hours, avoiding roos.

Sorry that should have read we left Townsville at 1PM and were 1800km south at 8PM the next night, not having to drive past 830PM on the 1st night.

Thanks again.

Sounds like we can make it in two long days on the Newell. That was my plan for last Xmas until the floods took out half the roads.

I'm with you on the 'secret' - get away just after sunrise and you can be done driving by 6pm'ish, 1000ks under your belt.

I've driven Uluru to Canberra in just over 32 hours by myself, but I was younger and stupider then. :-) I did get pulled over by the cops in Mildura - but that was for taking a leak on the roadside, not speeding !

Drive safe !
R

HI Steve,

Yeh thats the one - via Roma. It skirts right inland past Rocky - I hate that last stretch from Rocky too. If you stay inland its 100kmh all the way in to Walkerston..or was...
Last time I used that road from Mackay to Carnavon NP it was wide and easy. Good going. Mind you Im going back quite a few years.

An ex-truckie notes below the 'quickest way' and he says via Rocky....he should know.

I might try both ways up and back....

cheers
R

Yep, Waypea's got it.

I used to drive trucks interstate from Nth QLD, if I had to be in Canberra from Mackay in a hurry then that is definitely the quickest and most hassle free way.

Cheers
Pezza

via Mt Morgan or Westwood??????

Westwood, Dululu, Wowan, Banana.

Mt Morgan is hilly, no good for a loaded truck, might be ok in a car, the windy bit will still slow you down though.

yep - bit of a slog up Mt Morgan towing too

Hi again Roger
What are you driving???
Do you stop for fuel, coffee, lunch and leak...if so!!!
how will you average 100kph
Will be interested to get feedback on route and time taken
Good luck
Wayne

I usually find leak and fuel stops enough - lunch, tea, coffee?? on the go.

100ks average is pushing it though

HI waypea,

It'll either be in my new car, undecided, or in the ol' Suby Forester. She cruises nicely at 110kmh, rpm just under 2900 and uses just on 9.2L/100km.
(sidenote: After discussion with my mechanic mate I've been running 95 octane lately and the mileage is marginally improved but the performance is measurably better than 91. It's like a whole new car ! Even the kickback on the sludgy old auto trans works sharper.)

Stops for leaks and fuel only and the odd 30 second walk and stretch. Over such a distance probably take out maybe 1 hr per day.

Interesting to get the feedback on my trip time speculation. I'll aim for 2 long days and we might just not get there...not going to kill myself trying to reach a 'deadline' that's for sure.

If we go at Xmas I will post back on detailed trip times. Might even keep a fuel log.

1960km
180L @ $1.55
= $279.

Thanks Josh

That gives me some good relative figures to work with.

If I add 4hrs Rocky to Mackay (ay) and another 4 from ACT to Orange we might just be able to do it. just.

Appreciate that info.

cheers
R