Driving from Brisbane to Sydney. Pacific Vs New England?

Lvulpesvulpes on 08/02/2024 - 12:45
Last edited 08/02/2024 - 12:45

Classic stitch up here. The Mrs insists we are the 'lucky ones' who scored tickets to Taylor Swift in Sydney a few weeks from now for the 4 of us.

Due to the insane cost of flights we are driving.

I haven't driven Brisbane-Sydney in a long (long long) time and most information seems to be several years old so keen to know from anyone who's driven recently-ish.

What is better these days? Pacific or New England?

Are all the roadworks on the Pacific finished and its dual carriageway the whole way now?

Poll Options expired

  • 8
    New England
  • 65
    Pacific
  • 15
    T Swizzle isn't worth it, stay home
Automotive New South Wales Sydney

Comments

  • Smulder on 08/02/2024 - 12:54
    +8

    I drive Sydney to Brisbane a few times a year. The road is great now, all roadworks are complete. Plenty of service centres to take a break. You shouldn't have any trouble,

    • LFO on 09/02/2024 - 12:44
      +3

      I drive Sydney to Brisbane a few times a year.

      Pacific or New England ? ? ?

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 08/02/2024 - 13:01
    +2

    its not too late to break your left leg!
    ..though i guess then the misso would have to drive… which may be worse depending on your misso haha

  • p1 ama on 08/02/2024 - 13:07
    +3

    Brisbane - Sydney is a perfectly serviceable drive to be honest. I'd say Pacific Hwy is the best choice.

    If you're not up for it, there's a train that runs through the night, you would leave after dinner, and arrive in the morning just before breakfast. I've taken it a few times and it's a reasonably comfortable ride, and the timings are quite convenient. Saves you having to pay for a hotel.

    • vulpesvulpes on 08/02/2024 - 13:51
      +1

      We're up for it, my mate and I will share the driving. It's more just the chore rather than driving!

      The train is a great suggestion, surprisingly still cheap!

      • Peter Enis on 08/02/2024 - 14:30
        -1

        I would not recommend the train. My retired parents have done it a few times thanks to the free seniors tickets they are entitled to. The service only goes as far as Casino and it's a bus from there to Brisbane. The train is frequently replaced with a bus service due to trackwork & maintenance. One time the replacement bus was a school bus (their description), not a coach. Another time the bus driver stopped on the side of the road because his "allocated driving hours" were up and they spent an hour waiting for another driver to show up.

        • CurlCurl on 08/02/2024 - 15:49

          I would not recommend the train. My retired parents have done it a few times thanks to the free seniors tickets they are entitled to. The service only goes as far as Casino and it's a bus from there to Brisbane. The train is frequently replaced with a bus service due to trackwork & maintenance. One time the replacement bus was a school bus (their description), not a coach. Another time the bus driver stopped on the side of the road because his "allocated driving hours" were up and they spent an hour waiting for another driver to show up.

          Casino. What???????????????

          Friend comes from Brisbane to Sydney by train once a year. Steps on the train at Roma st and steps of at Stratfield where I pick her up.

          • richadam on 08/02/2024 - 16:09

            @CurlCurl: They quite regularly do the Casino > Brisbane section via bus. Would depend on the time of year though…

            • Peter Enis on 08/02/2024 - 16:26

              @richadam: My understanding is that it's a permanent bus north of Casino. Parts of the old rail line are now a "rail trail" for cycling: https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/community/recreation-outdoors/n…

              • richadam on 08/02/2024 - 16:46
                +2

                @Peter Enis: There's still a rail line that goes to QLD but it's shared with freight trains. That rail trail is the older commuter line.

              • CurlCurl on 08/02/2024 - 18:40
                +1

                @Peter Enis:

                My understanding is that it's a permanent bus north of Casino. Parts of the old rail line are now a "rail trail" for cycling: https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/community/recreation-outdoors/n…

                Good grief. The XPT goes directly from Roma St to Central station Sydney. My friend from Brisbane does it once or twice a year.

                Get with the times.

                • pangwen on 09/02/2024 - 08:12
                  +1

                  @CurlCurl: That’s right. One daily train goes from brisbane to Sydney and vice versa. A second daily goes from Casino to Sydney and vice versa (with coach connections between brisbane and casino).

                  However, depending on the dates the direct brisbane train may terminate at Casino due to track works in brisbane. You’ll know those days because the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines are interrupted too.

  • onetwothreefour on 08/02/2024 - 13:15
    +5

    Google maps suggests that going the Pacific Hwy is over 2 hours quicker. Not sure why you would consider going any other way other than the fatest route?

    • fantombloo on 08/02/2024 - 13:23
      +5

      Not sure why you would consider going any other way other than the fatest route?

      It's a hangup from yesterdays when the Pac Hwy was much crappier than it is now and suffered lots of congestion in busy periods. Back then the New England was often quicker.

      Thankfully in 2024 we have almost completed our 1980s standard highway between 2 of the 3 largest cities in Australia

      • onetwothreefour on 08/02/2024 - 13:50

        yeah I get that, I just assumed as they're going to see Taylor Swift they must be about 17 so would know how to use modern technology haha

        • vulpesvulpes on 08/02/2024 - 13:54

          Sadly not 17, being dragged to this in my 30's. And yes I am of an age where I remember Pac Highway nightmares so was curious if it was finally over.

          • st1ng on 08/02/2024 - 19:31

            @vulpesvulpes: It's nearly over. Between Brisbane and Newcastle the only place you drive through is Coffs, and the NSW govt are working on the bypass as we speak. Can't wait for that to be finished.

            As others have said, the best way to get from A to B is definitely the Pacific Highway.

  • bmxr on 08/02/2024 - 13:19

    The Pacific M1 is an absolute breeze these days. Dual carriageway pretty much from Brisbane to Newcastle, with the exception of a 15-minute traverse of Coffs Harbour. You could easily and safely do it in 1 day if needed, I did last year - left at 8am, arrived about 8pm, with 3 x 30 minute stops.

    The New England would be a much longer, potentially less safe, but arguably more scenic, multi-day journey.

  • randomusername2017 on 08/02/2024 - 13:39
    +2

    M1 down to get it over with.
    New England return to recover.

  • Euphemistic on 08/02/2024 - 13:53
    +3

    Do you want to drive or just sit behind the wheel and get there?

    Pacific Hwy is fast, easy being all dual carriageway but it is as boring as something that is incredibly boring.

    New england is more interesting to drive but takes longer and you cant just overtake whenever tou feel like it, gotta wait for them extra lanes that are just a little bit too short.

    Then, if you really want to drive the car, take thunderbolts way. I've driven up there a few times and would choose it over the new England as long as time is not critical and I'm not towing.

    • CurlCurl on 08/02/2024 - 16:01

      Do you want to drive or just sit behind the wheel and get there?

      Pacific Hwy is fast, easy being all dual carriageway but it is as boring as something that is incredibly boring.

      New england is more interesting to drive but takes longer and you cant just overtake whenever tou feel like it, gotta wait for them extra lanes that are just a little bit too short.

      Then, if you really want to drive the car, take thunderbolts way. I've driven up there a few times and would choose it over the new England as long as time is not critical and I'm not towing.

      Agree New England is more interesting haven driven it many times. Haven't been on it or Thunderbolts way for years. I find Thunderbolts Way very hit and miss re road condition. When it's bad it's bad.

      • fantombloo on 08/02/2024 - 19:45

        I did the NE about 6 or 7 years ago for a change after not doing it for 20+ years. Lotsa cops compared to Pac hwy - not sure if that's always or exceptional. Plenty of trucks too.

    • WT on 09/02/2024 - 14:04

      last time I went to willowbank for jamboree the crew decided to go new england, like wtf for??!?!

      Proceed to run over 1 dead roo and hit another and miss another. Wasnt my car or trailer and I wasnt driving so wasnt my call but I did ask them if they arnt afraid of hitting shit, got mumbles back

      They came back the same way too zzz. On maps it says the difference is only 30ish mins, but yea towing arrgh it was like 14 hours.

      Pretty much everyone else goes the pacific, I really dont know why they insisted going new england…

  • Derrick Crane on 08/02/2024 - 14:07
    +2

    M1 at the southern end of the Gold Coast is a nightmare but rest of Pacific Highway is a breeze.

  • pharkurnell on 08/02/2024 - 14:49
    -4

    The Mrs insists we are the 'lucky ones' who scored tickets to Taylor Swift in Sydney

    Your Mrs is full of shit

  • pegaxs on 08/02/2024 - 15:20

    Christ, why are you driving down? For a Tay Tay concert no less.

    • vulpesvulpes on 08/02/2024 - 21:17
      +1

      Under duress I can assure you.

  • JDMcarfan on 08/02/2024 - 16:02

    did it 6 months ago on the pac. was some roadworks on the QLD side from goldie to the border, with about 30mins of 80kph zones (unsure if thats done now)
    the rest of the way is in great condition, and bypasses every town bar coffs (which is a good break point anyways)
    completed the full length in 10hours of driving between 3 of us

  • cashless on 08/02/2024 - 16:40
    +4

    If I were you I'd ask Taytay if you could borrow her private jet for an hour or so

    • localhost on 08/02/2024 - 17:19
      +1

      Or come over to your house for a private concert. Will save 10+ hours driving.

  • Gdsamp on 08/02/2024 - 16:53
    +3

    Only in a Toyota Yaris will you be able to complete this journey.

    • Euphemistic on 08/02/2024 - 19:40

      About 15y ago i did Thunderbolts way and New England a few fimes. Several times in a 91 Corolla

  • AndyC1 on 08/02/2024 - 20:00
    +1

    Pacific Highway is dual lane all the way.

    Use google maps to check for dual carriage way and watch for:
    a) traffic lights at Coffs
    b) round abouts between Raymond Terrace and the M1.
    c) The big dipper on the M1 if you are not used to it.
    d) Rip off petrol prices allow the highway
    e) Sydney end of the M1 to ensure you get off at the right spot.
    f) Snail speed at road works

    Make sure you take breaks and figure out where to buy petrol before you start and on the way if you get delayed/miss judge your stops.

    • payless69 on 09/02/2024 - 08:13

      Better get a Tesla with FSD: Hey Elon! I need AMSR!

      • ryefig on 09/02/2024 - 09:23
        +1

        Good shout about fuel prices.
        Hey @vulpesvulpes - Make sure you download the NSW Fuelcheck app, Comes in hands especially in Sydney city where prices can vary a lot!

  • altomic on 09/02/2024 - 00:19

    I just did the pacific highway Bris-Syd 2 months ago.

    easy peasy.

  • suchis on 09/02/2024 - 08:16
    +2

    Sure Coast road is quicker but you will arrive knackered from boredom. New England will be way more memorable and you arrive refreshed-ish.

  • QualGOTl on 09/02/2024 - 08:51

    Pacific Highway without a 2nd thought. I've driven both recently - the New England is a goat track, and you slow down for towns all the time. Pac Hwy until you get near Newcastle is dual carriageway - set cruise and enjoy.

    • payless69 on 09/02/2024 - 09:40

      Your goat track comes down the Hunter anyway so the aglo is hard to avoid.

      Come to QLD where wide roads and endless lights remind you that this state is run by goats!

  • azonki on 09/02/2024 - 11:10

    Getting over the Hunter River at Hexham on the way up to Qld can sometimes take around 20-30 minutes. Twice I have experienced accidents plus holiday traffic in the last 6 months. Getting from the Hexham bridge southbound back onto the M1 is bad around 4PM with a lot of maniac tradies keen to get back to the Central Coast. It's also not very well signposted.

    Coffs Harbour can also be annoyingly slow north and south bound. Best to try to avoid during school speed limit zone times.
    As said previously, the M1 can also be a carpark from the NSW border northbound to the Robina turn off, but usually much better southbound.

    The rest of the trip is cruise control.

    Avoid the Rest Stops of a weekend, especially in the afternoon. They can be a real sht fght.

    Don't trust the signage directing you to fuel and rest stops. Often it takes you on an old part of the Pacific Highway to a town that time has forgotten and cold sausage rolls have pride of place on the takeaway menu.

    On a side note, I'm doing the trip again next week!!!

    • WT on 09/02/2024 - 14:12

      have family in newcastle area, out of all the years we only had one or 2 20-30 min traffic jam because of the single lane over hexam bridge. Its a single lane, it is what it is. Far more times youre delayed with an accident somewhere along the line

      You can skip the single lane by going through newcastle and most of it is 80 or 90 with a small part going through jesmond that is 60

  • alexwar on 09/02/2024 - 14:44

    Pacific Hwy to Sydney, faster. In Sydney watch tolls and speed cameras.
    On the way back to Brisbane recovering from the Concert do the New England…but add 2+ hours compared to M1

  • afah0447 on 09/02/2024 - 15:49

    Some major roadwork outside of Newcastle (north side) but not as bad as the road works near the Gold Coast.

  • snappy1234 on 11/02/2024 - 07:45

    I just returned from a trip southbound on New England Hwy and Northbound on Pacific Hwy.

    Can only agree with other posts about N.E.Hwy being more scenic but allow an overnight stay.

    Major roadworks are now happening on adjacent to Pacific motorway M1 between Beresfield and Raymond Terrace and same around Coffs Harbour so speed restrictions are in place but it's no biggie currently.
    Coffs Bypass due to complete in 2027 and Hexham area 2028.

    Now they need to widen the M1 to 3 lanes from Beresfield to near the on/off ramps @ Wyong

    • Euphemistic on 13/02/2024 - 07:31

      Can only agree with other posts about N.E.Hwy being more scenic but allow an overnight stay.

      Its not that much further/longer. Sure, taking an overnight stop makes it more pkeasant but its not out of the realms of a single day drive, especially if youvs got a couple of drivers.

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