This route takes you along the New England Highway, which runs through the hinterland between Sydney and Brisbane.

North of Sydney you climb to the New England Plateau. Most of this is over 800 m above sea level, and the weather is cooler than along the coast. It’s also much wetter. The main rainy season is during January, when the waterfalls are at their best. Each of the towns you pass through has something different – ranging from the almost English ambience at the university town of Armidale, to ‘Australia’s country music capital’, Tamworth. Off the main highway there are several fine national parks.

However, the best places to visit in this section are probably the national parks on the Scenic Rim, which lies south of Brisbane along the mountains of the Queensland border. Here you’ll find spectacular views, long trails through the rainforest, and all kinds of exotic wildlife.

This route is over 1,000 km long, and can be done in two to three days. Allow at least double this if you want to explore the national parks.

TRANSPORT

Sydney and Brisbane are connected by bus (www.greyhound.com.au), and trains stop at all the main towns. Better still is by rail (www.nswtrainlink.info), which connect with some of the outlying spots and will give you more room for longer journeys. But the best way to explore this region is by car, preferably 4WD try Drive Now (www.drivenow.com.au).