Best way from Toowoomba to Bruce hwy near Coloundra

first timer · Senior Member

Best way from Toowoomba to Bruce hwy near Coloundra

brickies · Guru

Hi we live in Ipswich and we often go via Esk , Somerset dam , Kilcoy , Woodford and Beerwah / Landsborough to the Bruce Hyw , This is the long way to North Coast but if you are looking for something different they are all good roads and there are free camps along the way and also caravan parks , If you decide to go through Esk you have The Gatton esk road south of Toowoomba near Gatton

RobandFlip · Senior Member

Hi Ashley,
We have travelled that way a few times towing a 21ft van. Very good road, lots to see and yes the dams are lovely especially after rain. The trip from Kilcoy to the coast is a bit up and down and a bit windy (as in curvy) in places. However, you will enjoy the trip.
Cheers,
Robyn

Yuglamron · Guru

For me it would be Toowoomba to Gatton then use the Gatton/ Esk. Head North out of Esk till you reach the T junction on the D'Aguilar Hwy. Strait forward route to Caboolture. Pretty good run and the road is fairly good. Going via Somerset Dam is a little windy and some sharp bends but with a little care no problems.

If you are fairly OK with the hills and bends type of road, another alternative is to head south on the New England Highway from Toowoomba till you are just short of the Clifton turnoff. There is the road to Gatton is on your left via Heifer Creek road. Windy and hilly but there is a freecamp along the route called Theiss Rest/camping area. Great free camp. The route is a little hilly and winding but great scenery. Once in Gatton it's onto the Gatton Esk road as before.

Don't know your plans for Noosa but there is a nice caravan park not far from Noosa at Lake Karathaba. Good freshwater lake with real shallow water only a metre deep great for bathing and water sports.

Hope you have a great trip and enjoy Qld.

-- Edited by Yuglamron on Tuesday 2nd of February 2016 05:30:38 PM

brickies · Guru

Hi you seek local info in Toowoomba , You can also go from Hamton to Esk but I have not traveled that road

PeterD · Guru

This is my preferred route. If you don't like hills then keep away from the Somerset Dam. There are no roads around there that a competent van tower would have any problems with driving your rig. The slowest stretch with many bends will be the stretch after Kilcoy. It's a full two lanes wide over the whole of that route. On the slow stretches just take your time and pull over where possible to let the followers to overtake. Also use low gears when descending hills to preserve your brakes.

Radar · Guru

Leaving Toowoomba head north to Hampton 28ks turn right towards Esk 39ks, this a moderate down hill run. At Ravenbourne there is a free camp on the side of the road, great fresh toilets, bute view over the Lockyer Valley area.

Down to Esk turning left run along to the T intercection 38ks. Turn right this leads you to Kilcoy, Woodford, Caboolture 76ks then head north on the highway to Caloundra.

A great drive with some awesome scenery, small towns with great craft shoping.

There is shorter but this is possible the easier way and most enjoyable.

Bakery Kilcoy.

Hampton old clocks.

Australian Zoo Steve Erwin Way.

Wamaran fruit and veg.

-- Edited by Radar on Tuesday 2nd of February 2016 09:48:17 PM

-- Edited by Radar on Tuesday 2nd of February 2016 09:49:49 PM

hako · Guru

Best way is what Radar above describes - safe and full of scenery. We go that way to the coast whether towing or not. A relaxed drive.

Good Luck.

Grey fox · Veteran Member

Hi ashley you have it right first time. Travel that way quite often and went that way through Somerset without the van on one trip and the comment was " glad we haven't got the van on". Steep up and down and some very tight corners. But depends on your tug and what you are towing

-- Edited by Grey fox on Tuesday 2nd of February 2016 09:49:47 PM

Chippy · Veteran Member

Hi Ashley, I live just North of Toowoomba so always go Hampton to Esk. Esk to Toogoolawah to Kilcoy, towards Caboolture for about 25k then left into Kilcoy - Beerwah Rd. then Beerwah, Landsborough and up the coast. As you have read there are several ways of getting there, but no worries road wise. Have fun.

first timer · Senior Member

Hi Guys
Gee thanks very much for all your replies, they have been just what I was after. Its great to see so many of you who know this area , which means I've now got the confidence to tackle this route without hesitation.
Thanks again everyone, who knows we my even meet some of you in the area.
Ashley

Phillipn · Guru

brickies wrote:
Hi we live in Ipswich and we often go via Esk , Somerset dam , Kilcoy , Woodford and Beerwah / Landsborough to the Bruce Hyw , This is the long way to North Coast but if you are looking for something different they are all good roads and there are free camps along the way and also caravan parks , If you decide to go through Esk you have The Gatton esk road south of Toowoomba near Gatton

We go from Toowoomba to Gatton, Esk. Toogoolawah, Kilcoy and turn off on the Kilcoy Beerwah Rd. Turn off prior to the Peachester range onto Commissioner Flat Rd . Saves the climb up the range. Sealed road except for 1 Km of good gravel road. Rejoining the Kilcoy/ Beerwah road at Peachester.

brickies · Guru

All roads are doable have done them all except Hamton to Esk ,Towing 18'6 caravan with 2008 Prado the road via the Somerset Dam is my favourite great drive some sharp bend if you drive to the conditions no trouble , The drive down the range to Gatton let you see the the rich crops of the lockyer valley .

Phillipn · Guru

Phillipn wrote:
brickies wrote:
Hi we live in Ipswich and we often go via Esk , Somerset dam , Kilcoy , Woodford and Beerwah / Landsborough to the Bruce Hyw , This is the long way to North Coast but if you are looking for something different they are all good roads and there are free camps along the way and also caravan parks , If you decide to go through Esk you have The Gatton esk road south of Toowoomba near Gatton
We go from Toowoomba to Gatton, Esk. Toogoolawah, Kilcoy and turn off on the Kilcoy Beerwah Rd. Turn off prior to the Peachester range onto Commissioner Flat Rd . Saves the climb up the range. Sealed road except for 1 Km of good gravel road. Rejoining the Kilcoy/ Beerwah road at Peachester.

Commissioner Flat Rd is now sealed.