waddellsonline.com

And all our pics - http://picasaweb.google.com/jason.anna.waddell/20100405BikeToBNE#

The first important note to make is that there isn't a lot of actual coast to see between Brisbane and Sydney as the highway is just far enough inland that you rarely see it unless you head down one way roads for breaks/lunch or accomodation.   The highway is also a remarkably boring road which while it is easy to drive on and takes you from a to b there isn't a great deal to see.   I highly recommned taking as many of the inland roads we took.  They aren't a great deal longer and most are really relaxing with much more interesting scenery.

We averaged about 300kms a day. Some shorter some longer.  2-up that was enough.  The one or two 400kms days was too much for us both.  Not sure if that was due to the bike (VFR800) or due to being soft :).  


On the outer edge of Sydney towards Newcastle there is a gorgeous little piece of road that although it is all 80ms an hour now it is still worth the look.  It also has a motorcycle cafe halfway along.   Plus your off the 6 lane freeway (yawn).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdsqw6FTcyM



El Lago Waters Resort ($140)

• 41 The Entrance Road, The Entrance 2261 NSW, (Central Coast)
• +61 2 4332 3955
• http://www.ellago.com.au/el_lago_resort.html
• Breakfast included
• Coles < 50m

 

 

On your way to Port Macquarie Wootton Way is a must drive.

 

 

Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel ($200)

• 11 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 2444 NSW
• +61 2 6584 5755
• http://www.mwaters.com.au/
• Foodworks < 100m

 

Heading north...  another great detour, slightly longer but also well worth a look is "Waterfall Way" and then Armidale Rd.   Waterfall way in particular was one of the best pieces of bitumen I have riden on in Aus.  The seasons may change the cleanliness but boy was it smooth and consistant.

 

 

 

Evans Head Pacific Motel ($100)

• 38 Woodburn Street, Evans Head 2473 NSW
• +61 2 6682 4318
• http://www.evansheadmotel.com/
• IGA < 50m

 

Head up to Nimbin and back down Koygle Rd to Murwillimbah.

Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise ($144)

• 22 View Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217 QLD, (Gold Coast)
• +61 7 5579 1000
• Laundrymat
• 4/64 Thomas Dr, Surfers Paradise QLD - (07) 5592 0869
• Coles < 200m

 

 

Medina Executive, Brisbane ($166)

• 15 Ivory Lane, Brisbane 4000 QLD
• +61 7 3218 5800
• http://www.medina.com.au/medina-executive-brisbane/hotel
• IGA < 300m (Up Ivory St)
• Laundry
• 0/129 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 - (07) 3257 4537

Between Brisbane and Byron Bay (from Nerang heading inland and back round to Murwillumah) is the Nurninbah Valley Rd.  Spectacular road again with some lovely scenery.

 

On the same rd is Natural Bridge.

 

Dolphins Motor Inn ($185)

• 32 Bangalow Road Byron Bay 2481 NSW
• +61 2 6680 9577
• http://www.byronbaydolphinsmotel.com/
• Woolworths <1km (to town)
• Laundry
• Shp4/ 75 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 - (02) 6685 7778

Oceana Holiday Units ($244)

• 9 Prince Street, Coffs Harbour 2450 NSW
• +61 2 6652 1448
• Laundry in room
• Northside Supermarket < 500m

Don't forget the big banana in coffs :).   Suggest you get there early in the morning before it opens because the following shot requires you park in a non-parking area.

Bucketts Way is also another great inland road in between Coffs Harbour and Newcastle.

Myall River Palms Motor Inn ($150)

• 3-5 Yamba Street, Hawks Nest 2324 NSW, (Port Stephens)
• +61 2 4997 1166
• http://www.myallriver.com.au/
• Laundry at motor inn
• no super markets - cafes over bridge on Marine Drive, Tea Gardens (RT over bridge)

If you are travelling through or near Sydney then make sure you cover Bells Line of Road and Putty Rd.  On Bells Ine of Rd the tarmac isn't that spectacular in most places but the scenery and occasioanl cafe (like Pie in the Sky) are.   Putty Rd is just Awesome.

Lithgow Parkside Motor Inn ($125)

• Great Western Highway, Lithgow 2790 NSW, (Cnr of Great Western Highway and Bayonet St)
• 0410 129 701
• Coles < 500m
• Cafes on Main St.