Driving
Brooms Head to Inverell
Updated: 26 May 2026
The journey from Brooms Head to Inverell spans approximately 360 kilometers through the Northern Tablelands. You will primarily navigate the Gwydir Highway after connecting via the Pacific Highway and Grafton. This route transitions from coastal dunes to high-altitude grazing country. Expect a travel time of roughly 5 hours depending on traffic through Grafton. The drive is characterized by significant elevation changes as you climb the Great Dividing Range.
Total Distance: 360 km driving distance; 240 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving via the Gwydir Highway is the fastest route, taking approximately 5 hours.
Cheapest Way
Driving your own vehicle is the most cost-effective method as there is no direct public transport link.
Compare Brooms Head to Inverell Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
5 hours
Avg Price
80-120 AUD in fuel
Operator
Private Vehicle
Route
Brooms Head Rd to Pacific Hwy, then Gwydir Hwy via Grafton and Glen Innes.
Check your brakes before descending the ranges near Glen Innes.
Travel Tips
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Fuel UpFill your tank in Grafton as fuel stations become sparse once you hit the rural stretches of the Gwydir Highway.
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Wildlife AwarenessBe extremely cautious of kangaroos and wallabies at dawn and dusk.
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Road ConditionsCheck Live Traffic NSW for any roadworks or closures on the Gwydir Highway.
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Pack LayersTemperatures drop significantly as you move from the coast to the tablelands.
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Mobile ReceptionExpect intermittent mobile coverage in the valleys between Grafton and Glen Innes.
Safety Tips
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Fatigue ManagementTake a break every two hours to avoid driver fatigue on winding mountain roads.
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Heavy VehiclesGive way to B-doubles on the narrow sections of the highway.
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Weather AlertsAvoid driving during heavy fog which is common in the tablelands during winter.
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Emergency KitCarry extra water and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
People Also Ask
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Is there a train to Inverell?No, there is no active passenger rail service to Inverell.
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What is the best road to take?The Gwydir Highway is the primary and most direct route.
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Are there bus services?Only limited regional coach services exist, requiring multiple transfers.
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How long is the drive?The drive takes approximately 5 hours.
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Is the road steep?Yes, there are significant climbs when crossing the Great Dividing Range.
Quick Info
- From Brooms Head, New South Wales, Australia
- To Inverell, New South Wales, Australia
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
Autumn months of March to May offer clear skies and mild temperatures for mountain driving.
Things to Do in Inverell
1
Grafton Regional Gallery
Explore local art collections in the historic city of Grafton. It is a perfect stopover point on your way inland.
2
Glen Innes Standing Stones
Visit the Australian Celtic Festival site. These granite monoliths offer a unique cultural experience in the high country.
3
Inverell Pioneer Village
Discover the history of the region through preserved buildings. It provides a deep dive into early settler life.
4
Copeton Dam
Enjoy fishing or boating at this massive water storage facility. It is located just a short drive from the town center.
Tags
Brooms Head to Inverell drive
Gwydir Highway route
Inverell travel guide
driving from coast to tablelands
NSW road trip routes
Brooms Head transport
Inverell tourism
scenic drives NSW
