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Post Info TOPIC: travelling from Tamworth to port Macquire along the Oxley highway bad idea or not?
justcruisin01


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travelling from Tamworth to port Macquire along the Oxley highway bad idea or not?
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This road is very winndy, slow with many steep drop offs with no fencing. You are crossing the dividing range.

Can be done if you take your time & be extremly carefull, its all sealed.

Tamworth to Coffs is very similar, a bit less mountain road but a lot of table land so hilly,

The best road over the range is from Glenn Innis, to Grafton, but that is a lot further distance.

If doing the Tamworth /port there is a good camp area at Apsley falls, east of Waulcha. There is a stopping point with a cafe at Gingers creek, thats just when you start the long descent down the range,

Main thing to remember when doing these kind of roads is to use your vehicles gears to descend, dont ride the brakes all the way, save them for when they are needed.

Safe travells;

JC,

added; trucks do use these roads so be on the lookout. If you get behind on down the mountain then you are there for the distance.



-- Edited by justcruisin01 on Sunday 16th of June 2013 01:47:51 PM

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magraret


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the question is how bad is the road from tamworth to port macquire i see its about 170 klms of lots of curves is that right we have a 20ft van is it a good run 

or is the run from tamworth to coffs harbour a better run

 



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Kantiki


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Hi Margaret, we live in Tamworth and often go over to Coffs. I refuse to take the van to Port as it is just to windy for my driver and passenger. We usually pull up at the pit stop before going into Dorrigo. The run down the hill from there is not too bad and very pretty. Put your window down, smell the fresh air and listen for the bell birds. Takes your mind of the bendy bits.

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Wombat 280


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Road is Ok need to take your time Vans on it all the time

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GaryKelly


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As JC says, lots of trucks on the Oxley from Tamworth to Port. I got stuck behind one during heavy rain for ages. Didn't bother me though - too wet and windy to be going much faster. I was in a Toyota HiAce.

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NeilandRaine


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Did it from Warhope ??? a few years back lots of bends but take your time no worse than another mountain road

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Solo Steve


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I did that trip a few months back. A beautiful drive but there are 350 or so bends and its hilly. You would be OK if you take it slow.

There is a good free camp at Ellenborough and a rest stop at Stockyard Creek and have a beer at Gingers Creek store if you need

to calm the nerves. I agree with JC the camp at Apsley Falls near Walcha is a lovely place and well worth an overnight. Beware of the cold though.

Steve

 



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glassies


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its the most beautiful drive from port to wauchope and onwards ,they are right wind down the window
you can smell the forest and hear the bellbirds ,i wouldnt let a few windy roads stop me as long as you
take it easy you should be fine.

you cant miss the drive and you cant realy dodge the windy roads either .

stay safe enjoy your travels


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Zoomtopz


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Hello Margarette . I don't know why you would go another way , when .

The other ways are off the range & a lot of corners . Plus you are adding More time & a Lot more k's.

I quite enjoy that drive , even in 'old inter' with no power steering . You could stop at Yarrowitch for

a cuppa , drive through th forest , where most of the bends are , have another break , then on to

Port .  This way , you get to see a lot of the views , after you get out of th forest . If you want some

adventure , you can turn off at Mt Seaview & do th dirt Rd through to Wingham .



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JulieM


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magraret wrote:

the question is how bad is the road from tamworth to port macquire i see its about 170 klms of lots of curves is that right we have a 20ft van is it a good run 

or is the run from tamworth to coffs harbour a better run

 

 I travelled that road at Christmas time with my Forester and Coromal 401 (13-14ft). Just took it easy and enjoyed the scenery. I went back the same way and everything was fine. My car is a manual and I changed gears a LOT but it was a lovely drive. Cheers Julie



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Radar


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Margraret enjoy the drive. Wind down the windows have some ginger to suck on and listen to the bellbirds. It's one of the prettiest drives whether I am in a fully laden semi trailer or in my every day wheels in N.S.W. The rest areas are there, the forest smells like no other and in general the road is demanding but set your own place and when the traffic builds up give them the chance to pass.

This time of year after morning tea at Aspley Gorge east of Walcha it would be a pleasurable to drive down the mountain to Wauchope. You would be a lot luckier then most transport drivers as you can mostly pick your times to travel and enjoy.

To answer your question Good idea. The experience will give you the confidence to do the job in hand adding to the safety in your every day travels.  



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