Australia - New Zealand - Routes from Cairns to Sydney- Suggestions

Has anyone done this Big One? I have been playing about with G-Earth and have a few ideas for a trip in 2010.
(What route did I take? I took the missus 'cause she stuck by me through the drought. )
rt

No suggestions. Maybe there's not too many of us who have done the ride:innocent:

Anyway my family has driven numerous times from Canberra to Brisbane and there are two basic routes.

The costal route which is the Pacific Highway or the inland route that includes the Newel Highway and a few others going through Orange, Dubbo, etc.

We always took the inland route. The Pacific Highway was considered dangerous and slow even for a car.

I'm not sure how its going to translate to a bicycle. Less vehicular traffic going inland with long distances between towns. Could be good, could be bad.

Anthony

Thanks Anthony,
I've just completed my practice run of 1300k from Tully -Hughenden viaKenndy Development Rd and return via Flinders H'way, Townsville. I really enjoyed the isolation and the physicals presented no problems so I'm determined to go now. I'm heading out to Longreach then down to Bourke. The winter weather will be a challenge.
rt

Congratulations on a successful ride. It sounds like a good route. I think the challenge weather/temperature wise will be the cold nights especially if your camping. Take warm clothes with you for when you off the bike and a warm sleeping bag.

Ohh, and good luck for the ride.

Anthony

Thanks again fo the good advice Anthony. I'm no martyr to the cycle. I'm keeping my credit card option open. A warm dry B&B in Katoomba may be the way to go at that time of year. I have a set of thermals and some ski gear which worked in the morning frosts of Hugheden.
My research has revealed specks of civilization along the long lonely stretches eg between Cunnamulla and Bourke. There is Tuen, Barrington and Ennagonia which will break the monotony of the 257km stretch. The mobile video in Google Maps gives me a good idea of the terrain and capsites.
I have chosen a route over the Blue Mts that goes Narromine, Dubbo, Wellington, Gulgong, Mudgee, Portland, Lithgow, Clarence, Bell, Bilpin, Castle Hill. History dictates that I return to Portland where my family lived in 1950 and my sister lives in Castle Hill. It was too cold in Portland so we migrated to Tully in FNQ in 1953. I have distant memories that I would like to rekindle. Are you familiar wth that route? Am I being too optimistic? I have crossed the northern range on my bike several times and I am quite used to getting off and pushing. I have rigged up a rope steering system that enables me to push on the back of the seat and steer. I think Katoomba - Clarence will be a long push. Dargan - Richmond looks like a dream run. The "free bit" after a long incline.
Anyway mate, every bit of advice is welcome so keep it coming.
rt

Roger,

I cant give you much advise on that leg of the trip because we always skirted around it because we were coming from/going to Canberra. We usually joined that route at about Orange.

I was thinking the other day that it actually IS colder going inland rather than following the coast although I still wouldn't recommend the coast route because of traffic.

I WOULD stick to the highways though and NOT take too many back roads. Back roads are just going to be too narrow and in poor condition. They will possibly be steeper sections too.

Anthony