Well, first of all the writer of the article  must have travelled the Pacific Highway around 12 months ago. I travelled to Gosford from Ballina last long weekend and found that extensive  completion of the roadworks he comments on has been completed. Admittedly there is still heaps more to go. 

I am no fan of the Pacific Highway having worked on the Hume and Pacific Highway upgrades for the past 18 months during my travels. There is still a very long way to go, but what would you expect from he Federal and State governments.

They both want to pass the buck. (Not many votes in the country areas for Labour)

Rheo (John)

We take the New England whenever we can.   I just love the drive along the Putty Road from Windsor.  Ok, there are a few twists and turns but if you take it easy it's a lot less stressful than on the Pacific.  Take time to smell the roses I reckon.  A good majority of us have time up our sleeve.  That's not saying we should go at a snails pace but steady always wins in the end

Just a note , but the Putty road passes through Colo just before you get to Windsor, and there is a great camping spot at a place called Col reserve, right on the river. It has hot showers and toilets, but the gates are locked at 5.30pm every night. A great place to rest and recuperate before heading on to Sydney. Bill

jandas fun wrote:

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Hi Bill

think this is the one you are referring to?

http://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/environmental-services/natural-environment/parks-and-recreation/upper-colo-camping

Don't  know if you can get a caravan in there.
Will have a look next time i go past and confirm

Johnw


-- Edited by jandas fun on Sunday 17th of October 2010 04:06:38 PM

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If you have a look at the page, scroll to the bottom and click on Conditions Of Camping Item 15. Vehicles, Boats and Trailers - Parking you will see that caravans are not permitted.

 

-- Edited by JRH on Sunday 17th of October 2010 04:13:28 PM

Good idea Johnw, you must live in a beautiful part of OZ.

jandas fun wrote:

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JRH wrote:

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Good idea Johnw, you must live in a beautiful part of OZ.

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Yep. nearly as nice as your neck of the woods. Say hello to Irona for us. We will be back there one day.

John and Anne

 

 

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Will do and a very warm hello to Anne also. You are always welcome friend, have a few coldies in the fridge with your name on them.
John

 

It's a few years since I travelled the full length of the Pacific Hwy so it's good to get an update from some of the posts here.

For me the Pacific Hwy is on my "avoid if at all possible" list. Also the Bruce Highway below Gladstone. Would be above Gladstone too except I have friends there that I like to catch up with on my annual migration north.

My preferred route to the New England is via Thunderbolts Way (Gloucester, Walcha, Uralla) however this is windy (as in curves) in some places, a bit narrow too in places, and involves a steep climb (descent if heading south) so I wouldn't recommend it for larger rigs, my little Goldstream, no problem.

Like Ma, I'll take a windy road in preference to a major highway. Ma's route via the Putty road also avoids Maitland which can be a pain in the asterisks (I'm doing the censor's job for him/her/it)

For those doing a winter migration from NSW to Nth Qld a preferred route is via Moree, Goondi, Miles to Rocky or perhaps Emerald, Charters T, and Townsville.