Brisbane to Sydney and Back

glasswaterbottles on 07/04/2017 - 20:56
Last edited 09/04/2017 - 23:37

Hi All

I work in Brisbane but all my friends are in Sydney, so I am thinking of driving back for the Easter break leaving on Thursday after work and coming back Monday.

However, the drive is very long and I am alone, and the nothingness gets to you. Is there anything that you guys recommend I do to make my journey more interesting and go quick? Is there any nice places on the way that I should stop at to look or eat or whatever? Any tips would be appreciated.

I definitely dont want to stay overnight as I want to minimize the budget and maximise my time in Sydney.

Your ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

EDIT: Thanks for all your suggestions guys. I have decided to fly and booked tickets. I went with the popular opinion as it did make sense.

Travel

Comments

  • Oz-Bogan on 07/04/2017 - 21:19
    +10

    Fly.

  • Peter Enis on 07/04/2017 - 21:19
    +3

    Every other man and his dog will be on the Pacific Highway at Easter time, so expect your normal 10 hour drive to be more like 12-15+ hours of driving time.
    Have you looked into flight costs? For one person travelling by car, fuel costs are quite expensive (~$100 each way, depending on what you drive of course), might be only a little more to fly. Plus you are saving yourself an awful lot of time, and wear & tear on your car.

    • glasswaterbottles on 07/04/2017 - 21:34

      I definitely agree that flying is the best method. Including train fares and parking costs, it is costing me $330 return. However, the disadvantages for me are that I dont have access to a car in Sydney, and I cannot bring any of my stuff from Sydney etc on the way back (without paying extra with tiger and jetstar).

    • glasswaterbottles on 07/04/2017 - 21:38

      By the way, do Brisbane roads also have the concept of double demerits over long weekends?

      • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2017 - 12:40
        +1

        No
        But police are on the roads more often here during the Easter / Christmas breaks

        Unlike NSW and the backwards states Qld only punishes stupid drivers who get done speeding constantly / school zone offenders :P

  • RockyRaccoon on 07/04/2017 - 21:26
    +2

    Load up with Podcasts or audio books. By far the best way to drive long distances, music can help put you to sleep, audio books keep you intrested and alert, just like having a passenger to keep your mind from wandering.

  • holdenmg on 07/04/2017 - 22:59
    +3

    XPT Roma St - Sydney (Central)

    Thu 05:55, Thu 20:12

    or

    Thu 15:00, Fri 06:59

    XPT Sydney (Central) - Roma St

    Sun 14:41, Mon 04:53

    or

    Sun 07:11, Sun 22:34

    https://bookings.nswtrainlink.info/NASApp/Odyssey/booking/ne…

    Luggage:
    http://www.nswtrainlink.info/your_journey/before_you_travel/…

    • glasswaterbottles on 09/04/2017 - 16:54

      That was one of my options but that takes 16 hours and I'm pretty much paying the same amount as what I would pay for fuel. And then I have to spend 1.5 hrs from central to my suburb on public holiday timetable.

      • Peck on 09/04/2017 - 22:34
        +1

        But more chance of arriving alive!

  • loulou1 on 08/04/2017 - 07:29
    +2

    That is a long drive for such a short trip. I am in same situation as you (live in Brisbane, family and friends in Sydney). I do the trip a few times a year but always stay at least a week.
    I would be concerned about fatigue,me specially in the way down where you intend on going after a full day's work. What time do you expect to arrive?
    My parents are doing the exact opposite trip to come see me but they have each other and my brother for entertainment and shared driving.

    • glasswaterbottles on 09/04/2017 - 16:52

      You're correct - the fact that I am alone makes it much more stressful for me. I'm hoping to get home at about 6AM Friday morning.

  • MITM on 08/04/2017 - 12:38
    +1

    Coach - let the driver do the driving.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2017 - 12:40

    I would fly down
    Much cheaper than the hassle of the Pacific motorway
    Also bear in mind it's still closed or down to one lane in some areas due to the recent flood / tropical cyclone

  • Stewardo on 09/04/2017 - 00:08

    New England highway

    • glasswaterbottles on 09/04/2017 - 16:52

      Is it going to be quicker?

      • Stewardo on 09/04/2017 - 17:08

        It's normally a bit slower, i find the drive easier, however Easter holidays will make for a busy pacific highway

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