Melbourne - Maroochy
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 95
From: moon
Melbourne - Maroochy
Sitting here in Coolum with convalescing partner and idly thinking of planning melbourne Maroochydore by LSA and return.
The drive was about 22 hours with breaks. Flying is around 8 hours air time. Does Melbourne, Temora, Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Tamworth make sense? Possible overnight at goondi or Dubbo depending on weather,
The coastal route seems to me to suffer from a lack of strips, too much tiger country and the embuggerisation of Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane airspace.
The drive was about 22 hours with breaks. Flying is around 8 hours air time. Does Melbourne, Temora, Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Tamworth make sense? Possible overnight at goondi or Dubbo depending on weather,
The coastal route seems to me to suffer from a lack of strips, too much tiger country and the embuggerisation of Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane airspace.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 774
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From: Melbourne
I have done that and the coastal route. If going inland, try Tamworth to Goondiwindi rather than the way you suggested. It will save a lot of extra miles.
I prefer the coastal route. Wagga, Camden, no tiger country, through the VFR route between Bankstown and Richmond then pick up the coast. Williamtown isn't as bad as Dick Smith wants people to believe. In addition to the main ports, Taree, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and others, there are numerous ALA along the coast, some quite large running skydiving operations. Fuel is readily available.
As you approach Evans Head, give BN centre a call, check the status or the restricted areas and let them know you'll want to transit the Gold Coast zone coastal. They'll probably give you a code and let Gold Coast tower you're coming.
You'll need to go east of BN zone via the Stradbroke Island.
If coming back, one coastal and one inland route. All you need to do then is decide who gets the best look at Surfers Paradise, you or the passenger.
I prefer the coastal route. Wagga, Camden, no tiger country, through the VFR route between Bankstown and Richmond then pick up the coast. Williamtown isn't as bad as Dick Smith wants people to believe. In addition to the main ports, Taree, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and others, there are numerous ALA along the coast, some quite large running skydiving operations. Fuel is readily available.
As you approach Evans Head, give BN centre a call, check the status or the restricted areas and let them know you'll want to transit the Gold Coast zone coastal. They'll probably give you a code and let Gold Coast tower you're coming.
You'll need to go east of BN zone via the Stradbroke Island.
If coming back, one coastal and one inland route. All you need to do then is decide who gets the best look at Surfers Paradise, you or the passenger.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 56
From: Melbourne, Australia
Depending on whether I'm in a Pitts or something with more fuel (where my own endurance may be limiting) my favourite stops are: Tocumwal, Temora, Narromine, Moree & Toowoomba.
Narromine has friendly accommodation on the field.
Narromine has friendly accommodation on the field.
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,379
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From: Melbourne
Well I hope Sunfish you are planning on hiring something faster rather than using your yet to be completed 81 knot bug smashing fat winged sewing machine powered home built otherwise it might take longer than 8 hours!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,257
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From: SE Qld, Australia
djpil - Narromine? Great place to stop IF you can get the fuel bowser to work! I've been there five times in the last 2 years, and the bowser worked just twice! I plan on Dubbo instead now...
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 56
From: Melbourne, Australia
Yep, I've had problems with the bowser and heard of more problems a few months ago. Worked fine a month or so ago and going there again in a couple of weeks for an event where it will get a bit of a workout.
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 924
Likes: 1
From: Australia
Yep, I've had problems with the bowser and heard of more problems a few months ago. Worked fine a month or so ago and going there again in a couple of weeks for an event where it will get a bit of a workout.
Can you post on how the Narromine bowser is after you test it out?
