Exploring the Cost of Driving from Ballarat, Victoria to Maryborough, Victoria

If you're planning a weekend getaway or a road trip with friends, you might be wondering about the cost of driving from Ballarat to Maryborough. With so many routes to choose from and gas prices fluctuating all the time, it can be hard to figure out how much you'll end up paying for gas and tolls. Don't worry, though - we've done the research for you! In this post, we'll explore the different routes you can take, the distance of each route, and the cost of gas and tolls for each one.

Route 1: Using the Western Freeway and Sunraysia Highway

From Ballarat, you'll want to take the Western Freeway (M8) towards Melbourne. Once you reach the Calder Freeway, keep following the signs for Bendigo/Mildura. After about 5 km, you'll merge onto the Sunraysia Highway (B220) towards Maryborough. This route covers a total distance of approximately 114 km and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

With gas prices currently averaging at $1.26 per litre and your car getting about 10 km per litre, you can expect to pay around $14 for gas on this route. There are no tolls to worry about, so that's all you'll need to budget for.

Route 2: Taking the Backroads

For a more scenic route, you could consider taking some of the backroads through the countryside. From Ballarat, head east towards the Midland Highway (A300) and follow it north. Once you reach Creswick, turn onto the Lexton-Avoca Road (C291) and continue north towards Maryborough. This route covers a total distance of approximately 129 km and takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.

Since you'll be taking the backroads, you may need to take it a little slower. Expect to get around 9 km per litre instead of 10. Also, since this route is longer, you'll need to budget for a bit more gas - around $16. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 3: The Quickest Route

If you're in a hurry and want to get to Maryborough as quickly as possible, you might consider taking the Pyrenees Highway (A200). From Ballarat, head east towards the Midland Highway (A300) and turn left onto the Pyrenees Highway at the roundabout. Keep following this road all the way to Maryborough. This route covers a total distance of approximately 80 km and takes around 1 hour to complete.

Since this route is shorter, you won't need as much gas. With gas prices currently averaging at $1.26 per litre and your car getting about 10 km per litre, you can expect to pay around $10 for gas on this route. There are no tolls to worry about.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Ballarat to Maryborough can vary depending on the route you take. If you want to save money on gas, take the shortest and most direct route - the Pyrenees Highway. If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, consider taking the backroads - just be aware that you'll be using a little more gas. And if you're not in a hurry and want to avoid the major highways, go for the Western Freeway and Sunraysia Highway. Regardless of which route you take, enjoy the drive and have a safe trip!