The Cost of a Trip between Bundaberg and South West Rocks

Road trips have always been a fun way to explore new places and destinations. Moreover, they offer a lot of flexibility and allow travelers to change their plans based on how their trip is moving forward.

The route between Bundaberg, Queensland, and South West Rocks, New South Wales, offers a lot to explore. It covers beaches, national parks, and several tourist hotspots that make the road trip worthwhile.

However, before embarking on a journey, it's important to get acquainted with the cost of the trip, especially during this time where gas prices are always on the rise. This article highlights different routes and the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

The Routes

There are several routes that a traveler could take when driving between Bundaberg and South West Rocks. Here are the most common:

Route 1: Pacific Highway

This route takes you a total distance of 347kms, and it is the most popular choice. One advantage of this route is that it is mostly on a well-maintained, multi-lane highway. This means that less fuel is consumed and that the trip can take a shorter period.

However, this route involves more tolls than other routes, and because of this, it's more expensive. Also, traffic tends to be heavy between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, thus causing delays.

Route 2: Scenic Highway

This road trip is preferred for those who want to explore the beautiful scenery along the way. The total distance covered is around 440kms, making it slightly longer than the Pacific Highway.

The Scenic Highway covers several historical sites on the Central Coast of NSW. There are also several towns and cities where one can stop and experience the local culture.

Although it takes longer and has more bends, it is less crowded than the Pacific Highway. This means that it is more relaxed, and one can enjoy the drive without much stress. However, more bends also mean that more fuel is consumed, thus increasing the cost of the trip.

Route 3: New England Highway

This route is mainly preferred by those who want to cover more regions in New South Wales. The total distance covered is the longest of the three options at around 640kms.

The advantage of this road trip is that it offers several scenic views of the countryside, and there are several stopover opportunities. However, it is the most expensive of the three routes, as one must account for toll fees, fuel consumption, and time spent on the trip.

Cost of the Trip

Several factors determine the cost of the trip, including fuel prices, driving habits, car model, and route taken. According to official data from the Australian government, petrol costs AUD 1.54 per liter on average.

Pacific Highway

Driving along the Pacific Highway will take approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic. A car with an average fuel consumption of 9.3 liters per 100km will consume approximately 32 liters of fuel, costing around AUD 48.64.

One must also account for toll fees that vary depending on the journey's starting point and destination. The total toll fees for the Pacific route are around AUD 16.10.

Adding these costs results in a total cost of AUD 64.74 for a one-way trip between Bundaberg and South West Rocks.

Scenic Highway

The Scenic Highway takes about 5 hours to travel between Bundaberg and South West Rocks. However, because of the winding nature of the road, the fuel consumption will be higher, leading to a more expensive trip.

A car with an average consumption of 10.5 liters per 100kms will consume about 46 liters of fuel. Adding this to the average fuel price results in a cost of AUD 71.04.

There are no toll fees along this route, making it more cost-effective than the Pacific Highway.

New England Highway

This route involves a lot of turning and twisting, covering a distance of 640kms and taking approximately 8 hours. Due to the length of the journey, there is more fuel consumption, and one must account for more toll fees.

For a vehicle with an average fuel consumption of 11.5 liters per 100kms, fuel costs will amount to around AUD 111.36. Adding this to the toll fees that sum up to approximately AUD 22.30, the total cost will be AUD 133.66 for this route.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis above, the Scenic Highway is the recommended route for a traveler seeking to balance cost and scenery. It offers a balance between convenience and affordability.

The Pacific Highway is excellent for those who prioritize time-saving, while the New England Highway is ideal for those who want to explore more of New South Wales.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip between Bundaberg and South West Rocks is dependent on several factors. Fuel prices, car models, toll fees, and driving habits all contribute to the cost of the journey.

The Scenic Highway is the best route for those seeking to compromise between affordability and scenic views. It's less crowded, less expensive, and offers several historical places to explore.

A road trip is all about making memories and exploring new places. A journey between Bundaberg and South West Rocks is filled with exciting activities, beautiful beaches, and stunning views. Plan your trip, choose your route, and enjoy your journey!