Sydney to Gold Coast- which route?

[oz_subie]

Hi folks,

I am planning to drive from Syd to Gold Coast Queens Bday weekend. Planning to take NEH on the way up, and make a stopover in Armidale.

Bit concerned about taking NEH though, not sure how busy it will be , considering its the long weekend. Anyone taken the NEH before, how does it compare to Pacific Hwy ? Maybe i will take PH on the way back to Sydney. Suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[joel.dedman]

I've done both ways, New England, and the Pacific. I'd much prefer the New England, for its beautiful scenery, and country feel. You can stop in (or drive by) many a smaller country town. It probably would take a bit longer (i wasn't rushing home) as it is a lot more windy, but it sure beats the dead boring straight Pacific Highway in my opinion. Plus Thunderbolt's Way is just an awesome drive.

Regards,

Joel

 

[Barry]

drove from central NSW via Armidale and Tenterfield then down to Byron Bay (for the young bloke to see B.B.) and on to Gold Coast last November.
Would've preferred to head across the border in the high bit myself. Apparently there are some great bits of railway to 'bag' in the vicinity.

 

[Kevin]

Used the New England lots of times and enjoy the drive; spectacular scenary in places. I would not expect it to be busy at all. Which H'way you use would depend on the time of travel, e.g. I would avoid the crawl in or out of Sydney and use NEH and Putty Rd (as I live in the North Western suburbs)

 

[eden]

depending on traffic the PH would be alot quicker as it has lots of new town by-passes, 110K stretchs and dual lane carriage ways. i would imagine there would be a bit of traffic for the long WE. have to agree on the beuty of the New England though. a much nicer drive