Driving times & Distances

I usually guestimate travel times by allowing 1 hour for every 100km once outside major cities, then add time for refuelling, loo stops, food stops etc. Works OK for me.

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<hr> Doesn't anyone else use maps printed on paper anymore? <hr></blockquote>

I love paper maps and have had a fascination with them since a small child.

I love seeking out interesting and funny place names, wondering about the people who live there and day dreaming about one day visiting them.

In fact, the main reason I choose to visit Abercrombie Caves, was because I saw the name on a paper map and was intrigued to find out more.

Having said that, my Northern NSW holiday is just an idea at present (last week I wanted to go to Noosa) and until I know exactly where I am going, I am not going to spend $15 or $20 on a paper map that I may never use.

So the idea is to make the plans on-line and buy the paper map once the destination has been confirmed.

Try the NRMA. Maps are free if you can convince them you're a member of if you know someone who's a member.

Consider return from M'bah via Uki, Kyogle, Casino and down to Grafton if you've already been up the Pacific Highway.

Consider Broken Head, near Byron Bay, less crowded, no English backpackers, good beach and some great walks along undeveloped coastline and in littoral rainforest. Good campground, has cabins.

If you judge a place by its name then around M'bah you'll find Uki, Condong, Tumbulgum, Tyalgum and Hopping Dick's Creek.

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<hr> If you judge a place by its name.......<hr></blockquote>

Learnt this lesson the hard way a few years ago.

I had really been looking forward to checking out Richmond and Windsor, both outer Sydney suburbs - they both sounded so elegant, quaint and an with olde worldly charm.

Very disappointed.

Both were run-down areas that have seen better days. Full of petrol heads screeching around in hotted up cars, masses of pregnant teenage mums and OAP moaning about the first two!

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<hr> Academic curiosity, why Murwillumbah? <hr></blockquote>

Not exactly Murwillumbah. There is some accommodation near by, that I have wanted to stay at for years and years, but could never afford to do so. Still can’t afford to stay there but considering living on bread and water for six months, to save funds to enable a short stay.

Ah!

Windsor and Richmond were once quite charming, but I haven't been there for a long time. Maybe I shouldn't ever go back.

Maybe you'd like to visit Limpinwood while you're up there.

The Grafton to Glen Innes road is more spectacular than Coffs to Armidale IMO.

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<hr> Try the NRMA. Maps are free. <hr></blockquote>

Thanks for this tip. I pay the NRMA membership every year but always forget they offer so much more than just breakdown service.

I got six maps for free ($6.95 each to non-members) and just had to pay $2 postage.

Coffs Harbour to Armidale is a nice drive.

try to spend an hour or so in Bellingen, great town, lots of great cafes & the pub has been renovated & has great meals too. About a KLM east check out the Old Butter Factory so local arts & crafts

Dorrigo National Park is also well worth a stop. Take a walk on the tree top canapy walk, the views are amazing.

www.whereis.com.au search for directions and it will give you approximate drive time