Which way to Brisbane?

[ScottH]

It's almost time to pick up my trailer, and I'm trying to work out the best way up to Brisbane.

Anyone driven either the Pacific Highway or New England Highway recently and can provide some input on roadworks, delays, etc on either route?

[MrCruza]

For me it's a no brainer. I HATE the Pacific Highway with a passion! The New England is ALWAYS a more relaxed and enjoyable drive.

[KingBilly]

You will have some roadworks around Aratula (below Cunningham's Gap) but won't be held up for too long.

KB

[Robbo]

For me it's a no brainer. I HATE the Pacific Highway with a passion! The New England is ALWAYS a more relaxed and enjoyable drive.

x2 it's a much more relaxing journey and less traffic.
 

[ScottH]

I much prefer the New England Hwy, but last time I hit endless roadworks and it took about 3hrs longer than friends who went up the Pacific.

If there are no extended roadworks, then it'll be New England for sure.

[harrys767]

I hate the Pacific Hwy too, but the last couple of times, I've found it a little bit faster (driving weekdays, leaving Sydney/Bris early). The New England is a much prettier drive though.

[Kit_e_kat9]

You could always work your way up an inland road to Kyogle and do The Lions Road ... now there is a nice trip!

Alternately go through to Murwillumbah and up the road to the Numinbah Valley and onto the M1 from there.

Or do what they said: 

The New England

Kit_e

[dungee]

I've done the trip many times, Pacific Hwy is quicker, New England is a bit more relaxing.  The problem I have with the New England HWY is a perception thing, It appears to take forever to get to Brissie once you hit the QLD border, when travelling via the Pacific Hwy the last bit feels a lot quicker.

Less radars on the new England but hey, don't speed and it's a non issue.

[BigJules]

I've always enjoyed the New England Highway, but the Pacific Highway has come ahead so far; it is quicker, easier and cheaper. Only hassle now is finding somewhere decent to eat along the way.

[Bunyip]

I love the New England Hwy. yeah it is slower but not as many trucks, and in my opinion better scenery.

Bunyip

[evolution]

Definitely inland! Every time I have done the trip it is a much more relaxed drive going that way.
I will admit that when I go up the coast road it stresses me out no end!
I also love coming up to the queensland border up the new england, much nicer and plenty of photo spots along the way.

Cheers
Evo

[nbd73]

Going against  the trend, I say the coast road nowadays. The quality of the inland road is pathetic, and with all the upgrades to the coast road, especially from Ballina north, it's the option I would choose. New England highway prettier? That is a matter of opinion, and each to their own I guess.

[rags]

Do the trip nearly every 2nd month to Sunshine coast ,use to go the N E as we are close to putty rd start point,but for the last couple of years i have been converted to the Pacific Hwy,freeway conditions 95% of time from Sydney to Port Macquarie,bypass at Kempsey now open,Last trip Bulladelah by pass open but now closed again but not far off being opened permanately,usually stop for a feed on the river at Macksville,Coffs always slows you down ,and then meander along various grades of hwy until you hit Ballina and then it is freeway conditions nonstop until i turn of the Sunshine motorway at Mudjimba 100km north of Brissy,and when you drive a Prado no stopping for fuel along the way. Yes you can get caugh in or slow down for  roadworks in 3 or 4 spots along the way, but that seems to be the norm now [they will slow a road down now to 40km just to tighten a nut up on a road sign]. In saying all this which way you go depends on if you are out sight seeing or just trying to get to a destination .

[ScottH]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

This trip is purely about point A to point B with the minimum of stops and delays. I'll have a chance to do a slower trip with more sightseeing and detours next year.