OKay, we're doing it! We are leaving the coast because we have to cross the range eventually, right? We are taking the Gwydir Hwy which includes the Gibraltar Range . Everything I've Googled says "Nice views" only I'd rather know about the drive conditions - the climb up (or down).
We are in Coffs now, but no way will we try Waterfall Way. *shudder*. We are going to Mudgee Writers Festival via Moree then down the Newell.
But anyone been on the Gwydir of late. We also heard at 1000 mtrs we need to worry about ice on the roads.
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J&J - Two in a Barcoo (Stn X fifth wheeler!)
Together we are Jenn J McLeod - Australian novelist - www.jennjmcleod.com
OKay, we're doing it! We are leaving the coast because we have to cross the range eventually, right? We are taking the Gwydir Hwy which includes the Gibraltar Range . Everything I've Googled says "Nice views" only I'd rather know about the drive conditions - the climb up (or down).
We are in Coffs now, but no way will we try Waterfall Way. *shudder*. We are going to Mudgee Writers Festival via Moree then down the Newell.
But anyone been on the Gwydir of late. We also heard at 1000 mtrs we need to worry about ice on the roads.
How did you go? I am doing the trip in reverse in about 2 weeks (Glen Innes to Grafton) would like to know what you thought of the trip.
The way from east to west was as we were told - an 18 slow climb with a couple of hairpins!! And it was. There were road work stops x 2 (portable traffic lights) for us (and likely will still be there for a while.) This meant starting up again on hills. At least you will be descending!!
There were plenty of pull over places on the way up. Not sure if either of us were looking on the other side at the time. Bit focused!! But the road was not skinny. It was a good seal. A dozen or so vans of all sizes were going in both directions while we were crossing. We did wait until midday to climb as we were there during the coldest time of the year so we thought it better to wait for the road to dry out.
The Ford Ranger with its sports mode worked really well. As for the hairpins, we did not have to go particularly wide or anything. Obviously going down brings brakes into play so I am sure we will stress out about that too!! But after our ascent (once on the other side) we both agreed we kind of over-thunk it and stressed out for nothing! ;)
Pls let us know how you go.
PS What did surprise us was some water on the road just north of Glen Innes. Glen Innes seems to be a big dip (and a big black internet/satellite hole!) So if you see 'water on road' signs, take it slow. We stayed at Glen Innes showground. Amenities not the best, but convenient location and lots of space.
__________________
J&J - Two in a Barcoo (Stn X fifth wheeler!)
Together we are Jenn J McLeod - Australian novelist - www.jennjmcleod.com