Driving Cost from Brisbane City, Queensland to Suffolk Park, New South Wales

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Brisbane City, Queensland to Suffolk Park, New South Wales

If you're planning a road trip between Brisbane City and Suffolk Park, New South Wales, one of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of the journey. With fuel prices in Australia fluctuating regularly, this can be a tricky thing to estimate, but by breaking down the different routes available, you can get a clearer idea of what you're likely to pay. In this article, we'll look at the different routes available, the distance and estimated travel time for each, and the approximate cost of fuel based on current prices.

The Route Options

There are a few different routes you could take when travelling from Brisbane City to Suffolk Park, each with their own pros and cons. Here are the main ones to consider:

Route 1: Pacific Highway (M1)

The Pacific Highway, also known as the M1, is the most direct and commonly used route between Brisbane City and Suffolk Park. It follows the coast and takes you through popular towns like the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Ballina. This is the most popular route for a reason - it's well-maintained, has plenty of rest stops and facilities along the way, and offers some stunning views.

Distance: Approximately 165km Estimated travel time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes Approximate fuel cost (based on current average petrol price of $1.55/L): $44.53

Route 2: New England Highway (National Highway 15)

If you're looking for a more scenic route and don't mind taking a little longer to get to your destination, the New England Highway is a good option. This route takes you through the beautiful mountain range region of the New England Tablelands and passes through towns like Tenterfield, Glen Innes, and Armidale. Be aware that this route can be slower and has more winding roads than the Pacific Highway.

Distance: Approximately 347km Estimated travel time: Approximately 5 hours Approximate fuel cost: $85.53

Route 3: Coastal Drive via the Gold Coast

If you're not in a rush and want to take in some of the sights of the Gold Coast, there's a coastal drive option that takes you through some of the beachside suburbs. Keep in mind that this route can get busy during peak times, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Distance: Approximately 235km Estimated travel time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes Approximate fuel cost: $61.23

Which Route is Best?

When it comes to choosing the best route for your journey, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on what you're looking for in terms of scenery, time, and convenience. However, based on our estimates, the Pacific Highway is likely to be the most popular choice due to its shorter distance and quicker travel time, along with the convenience of rest stops and facilities along the way.

Other Factors to Consider

While fuel costs will be a major expense for your road trip, there are other factors to consider that could affect the overall cost of your trip:

  • Tolls: If you take the Pacific Highway, you'll need to pay tolls to travel on the motorway. The current tolls are $6.92 for light vehicles travelling from Brisbane to the New South Wales border and $4.64 from the border to the Tweed Valley Way exit. These costs can add up, so make sure you factor them into your budget.
  • Accommodation: If you plan to stop overnight on your journey, you'll need to factor in the cost of accommodation. This can vary greatly depending on where you choose to stay and the type of accommodation you opt for.
  • Food and drink: You'll need to budget for food and drink during your journey, whether you plan to pack snacks and meals or stop at rest areas or cafes along the way.
  • Car maintenance: It's always a good idea to have your car checked and serviced before embarking on a long road trip, particularly if you're driving in remote or hilly areas. This may involve additional costs, such as oil changes, tyre rotations, or brake pad replacements.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip from Brisbane City to Suffolk Park, one of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of the journey. Based on our estimates, the most popular route is likely to be the Pacific Highway, which is the most direct and convenient option. However, there are several other factors to consider when budgeting for your trip, so make sure you take everything into account to avoid any surprises along the way. Safe travels!