labrat

We're driving down to Melbourne via Canberra from Brisbane in February. The RACQ route planner shows the Pacific highway the quickest way. However, we saw an article on the news last night about another horrific smash on a straight stretch near Ballina - some terrible number on the same stretch over just a few years. I thought that the NSW govt. had supposedly eliminated all these black spots. How safe is the Pacific Highway, and is there a safer, easy driving route from Brisbane through to Canberra? Opinions gladly received.

BTW, where do you get the temporary freeway toll thingies for driving on the Melbourne freeways?

MadMAX

I generally avoid the Pacific Hwy. Always gone down the New England hwy. It is longer, but I would recon that it would be quicker cuz you are not slowing down so much through small centres. Never tested this though Maybe someone that has done the trip both ways could give you a better answer?
I have always worried about the safety of the Pacific hwy too.

If you get the etoll transponder from the Gateway, they work on the melbourne freeways as well. You could get the transponder ($40 deposit plus $60 credit min). If you don't need it when you get back, take it back and get your $40 deposit back.

Have a look at www.qldmotorways.com.au

Cheers

Wildcard

I've done both regularly for many years now. The Pacific Hwy is shorter and quicker. Many of the towns have now been by-passed and there are ample overtaking lanes all the way.

Since the Pacific highway was upgraded, it has become more popular, particularly with trucks. You hardly see any trucks on the New England anymore. Distance = fuel + time and that = money, hence they take the shorter, flatter route.

More trucks and more cars on the Pacific Hwy is no doubt a contributing reason why you hear of more accidents on the Pacific Hwy. Regardless, I'd still bet that you have more chance of being in an accident in suburban Brisbane or Melbourne than you ever will on either hwy.

timbo

If the route is Bne-Mel and bypassing Sydney then you are better keeping out west. Indeed, you may want to head over to the Newell Hwy (don't have the map with me but I think you head west at Tamworth)

takahashi

melbourne freeway only have toll on Citylink - Tullamarine Hwy, Monash Fwy near the city have tolls. Watch for the orange/blue sign on your lane in the freeway - you are probably heading towards a toll point