Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
Advise wanted - Off roads routes in west QLD and NSW Advise wanted - Off roads routes in west QLD and NSW
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Korea
Posts: 37
Advise wanted - Off roads routes in west QLD and NSW
Hi, I'm taking my new R1200GSA for a first trip in Dec/Jan. I'll start in Brisbane just after christmas and head to Mackay for New Year. After that I'd like to travel south again via back roads / off road in western QLD and NSW to Melbourne. I know it's going to be hot but I'd like to test my resilience in high temp conditions.

Anyone got ideas on which routes to take. Any info, suggestions or shared experiences would be much appreiated

Cheers Daz
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Maroochydore
Posts: 9
A couple of us are leaving Brisbane and heading to Tassie 1st week of Feb.
For 20 odd days. If you want to think about that we can catch up Oct/ Nov for a coffee.

Just try and stay off the Bruce Hwy on your trip north.

Cheers Bundy54
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
It isn't dirt, however I recommend travelling from Brisbane west to Ipswich, then head towards Toowoomba and take the Burnett Highway through Nanango, Gayndah, Monto, Biolela to Rockhampton. I travel this very regularly, its scenic well maintained and has a minimum of blue flashing lights. There are also plenty of fuel stops on the way.http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ilies/clap.gif
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Korea
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bundy54 View Post
A couple of us are leaving Brisbane and heading to Tassie 1st week of Feb.
For 20 odd days. If you want to think about that we can catch up Oct/ Nov for a coffee.

Just try and stay off the Bruce Hwy on your trip north.

Cheers Bundy54
Unfortunately in Oct/Nov I'll still be working in New Caledonia. I finish just before Christmas. Wise words on the Bruce but I have to get to Mackay quickly and I haven't travelled that road for years so I'll probably use it on the way up, but coming back...I'll be no where near it. I'll be in Tassie too, though I'll be gone just before you get there. Heading over mid Jan back end Jan. Taking a ride with my daughter.

I'll put you in my Contact list and maybe we can have that coffee sometime.

Cheers Daz
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Korea
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alstrom View Post
It isn't dirt, however I recommend travelling from Brisbane west to Ipswich, then head towards Toowoomba and take the Burnett Highway through Nanango, Gayndah, Monto, Biolela to Rockhampton. I travel this very regularly, its scenic well maintained and has a minimum of blue flashing lights. There are also plenty of fuel stops on the way.http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ilies/clap.gif
Hi Alstrom

I'll definately be using part of the route on the way back, I have family in Blackbutt that I''l be visiting. Also when I take a closer look I'm sure I'll find some "shortcut" roads and tracks out there too!

Cheers Daz
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Oct 2012
Scootergal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: On the road around Oz
Posts: 154
In Northern NSW the great backroads are: Oxley, Waterfall Way, Thunderbolt's and Putty Road.
South of Sydney try Royal National Park, Macquarie Pass, Jambaroo Pass thru Kangaroo Valley then down the coast road to Bega. Up Brown Mountain to Cooma and Thredbo (stunning in summer) - do the Apline Way loop if you have time then down to Bright and Mt Beauty.
There's two ways over the mountain from there - thru Falls Creek or Mt Hotham - either road is terrific.
__________________
Postie Notes - "you're not seriously going around Australia on a postie bike??"
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
Just bear in mind that during the Summer months back roads - especially dirt ones - will not be well travelled and if something goes wrong you may need to be self sufficient in water for anything upto a week, sometimes longer. During the Winter months those same roads can have 20 or thirty vehicles a day. I'd carry an EPIRB as insurance.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Korea
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scootergal View Post
In Northern NSW the great backroads are: Oxley, Waterfall Way, Thunderbolt's and Putty Road.
South of Sydney try Royal National Park, Macquarie Pass, Jambaroo Pass thru Kangaroo Valley then down the coast road to Bega. Up Brown Mountain to Cooma and Thredbo (stunning in summer) - do the Apline Way loop if you have time then down to Bright and Mt Beauty.
There's two ways over the mountain from there - thru Falls Creek or Mt Hotham - either road is terrific.
Hi Scootergal , thanks for the info. I checked out the northern NSW routes on google maps/earth and it looks cover some great scenery and with some good range rides thrown in. I'm really interested in the Alpine Way and then over the top of Falls or Hotham, and I think there is roads across the Victorian Alpine country heading back towards southern Vic.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Korea
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerM View Post
Just bear in mind that during the Summer months back roads - especially dirt ones - will not be well travelled and if something goes wrong you may need to be self sufficient in water for anything upto a week, sometimes longer. During the Winter months those same roads can have 20 or thirty vehicles a day. I'd carry an EPIRB as insurance.
Good advice Roger, I like the idea of not many vehicles but as you say can be a long time to get rescued if something happens when I'm on my own. I actually had a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in my list of safety gear. I am also thinking of gettting a Satellite Phone, they are very expensive but if I'm on my it's not much if it save my life!!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
I'd go for something that can be easily turned on and flash the alarm, carried on the body. Sat phones are fine if you can talk and know where you are - do many visitors really know that? Telling a 000 operator you are in Western QLD is like saying "Help I'm lost in France".

I think there are some EPIRBs that have a leash type arrangement that sets them off if you take a tumble and disconnect from the bike.

Today's forecast for Western QLD is 40C. If you are just sitting on a bike you need about a litre of water an hour, anything strenuous and that can double or treble.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
These are fairly experienced workers

25yo man dies of thirst in outback Queensland - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Nov 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Mackay
Daz I live in Mackay, the Bruce Highway is a bit of a pig so as an earlier poster said just go the old highway to Rocky & then just straight up the old inland highway & it brings you out at Sarina (30km to Mackay) Just watch the skippies on that inland highway !!!!
If you want to catch up for a or coffee let me know as arrive back in Oz on the 6th Dec.
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Korea
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulD View Post
Daz I live in Mackay, the Bruce Highway is a bit of a pig so as an earlier poster said just go the old highway to Rocky & then just straight up the old inland highway & it brings you out at Sarina (30km to Mackay) Just watch the skippies on that inland highway !!!!
If you want to catch up for a or coffee let me know as arrive back in Oz on the 6th Dec.
Cheers
Paul
Hi Paul, thanks for the info and it would be be good to catch up and have a . My plans have changed though, as I have been extended on my current project to March next year so probably won't get up there till late April. I'll add you to my contacts list and be in touch next year

cheers Daz
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Korea
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerM View Post
Poor bugger... thanks for the reminder and your concern Roger...safety input is always appreciated

Cheers Daz
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 23 Nov 2012
whitey222's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sydney, Oz
Posts: 5
Hey Daz, Suggestions offered so far include some nice roads, but they are all sealed. You don't want to arrive in Melbourne on a spotlessly clean GS. That just wouldn't be right.

There are some lovely unsealed backroads between QLD and VIC which are suitable for big adventure bikes like yours. These can be used to join up some of the classic sealed roads already mentioned. How much dirt would you like to build into this ride ?

Also, I concur with others who have suggested Western NSW & QLD are probably best avoided. You can ride out there any time of year, but it's not pleasant during summer. After a few days of it, you will have certainly tested your resilience to heat but you'll be wishing you had stayed East. Much nicer to travel South along the Great Dividing Range at that time of year.
__________________
Graham
My Pics
Last edited by whitey222; 24 Nov 2012 at 00:03.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Tags
australia, nsw, queensland, routes

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top