Driving Cost from Byron Bay, New South Wales to Brisbane City, Queensland

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The Cost of a Trip Between Byron Bay, NSW, and Brisbane City, QLD

If you're looking to travel between the idyllic beach town of Byron Bay, New South Wales and the bustling city of Brisbane, Queensland, it's important to know the cost and distance of each possible route. With fluctuating gas prices and various route options, it's essential to plan ahead and choose the most affordable option.

Route Options and Costs

Pacific Highway (M1) Route

The most direct route between Byron Bay and Brisbane is the Pacific Highway (M1). This route takes you straight up the coast and is a distance of approximately 165km. Here are the approximate costs associated with this route.

  • Fuel: For a small to midsize car, it will cost around $20 each way based on current gas prices of 135.5 cents per litre in Brisbane and 142.5 cents per litre in Byron Bay.
  • Tolls: When traveling the Pacific Highway, you will have to pay for tolls. For a standard vehicle, it will cost $4.39 from Ewingsdale to Brunswick Heads, and then $4.66 at the Tweed River Crossing. The total toll cost for a return trip is $18.10.
  • Parking: Parking fees will vary depending on where you are in Brisbane. For example, parking in the city center will be more expensive than in the suburbs. Plan to budget at least $20 if you plan to park in the city for the day.

Pacific Highway and the Gateway Motorway Route

Another popular route between the two locations is using both the Pacific Highway and the Gateway Motorway. This route takes you over the Gateway Bridge and through Brisbane's eastern suburbs, stretching the distance to approximately 180km. Here are the costs associated with this route.

  • Fuel: This longer distance will cost approximately $30 each way.
  • Tolls: When traveling on the Gateway Motorway, it will cost $4.95 for a standard car each way. The total toll cost for a return trip is $19.80.
  • Parking: Similar to the Pacific Highway route, parking fees will vary depending on your location in Brisbane, but budget at least $20 if you're planning to park in the city.

Alternative Route

An alternative route to the Pacific Highway is taking the winding back roads through the subtropical hinterland. This route is scenic but does add more time and distance to your trip. Here are the costs associated with this route.

  • Fuel: Due to the extra distance, it will cost approximately $35 each way.
  • Tolls: There are no tolls on this route.
  • Parking: Parking fees will be similar to the other routes, so budget at least $20 if you're parking in the city.

All routes will get you to Brisbane from Byron Bay, but the shortest and most direct route via the Pacific Highway is recommended. This route has the least amount of distance and tolls and takes the least amount of time. It's approximately a two-hour drive one way and allows for more time to explore the city and enjoy the sights.

Conclusion

Before setting off on a road trip from Byron Bay to Brisbane, it's important to plan your route and budget your expenses. The recommended route via the Pacific Highway offers the shortest distance and least amount of tolls and is the most direct route. It's essential to factor in gas, tolls, and parking expenses to ensure you have a realistic budget for your trip. With adequate planning, enjoying a road trip between these two popular locations is both convenient and cost-effective.