Yes, the entire route via the New England Highway is fully sealed.

How long does it take?

Approximately 9 hours of driving time.

Are there many hills?

Yes, the route crosses the Great Dividing Range with several steep sections.

Is it better than the coast road?

It is generally quieter and more scenic, though slower than the M1.

Bus services are limited and require multiple transfers; driving is recommended.

Emu Plains

Warwick

Driving

Emu Plains to Warwick

Updated: 29 May 2026

Traveling from Emu Plains to Warwick involves a 780-kilometer journey primarily via the New England Highway. This route takes you through the scenic Hunter Valley and the New England tablelands. It is a popular path for those avoiding the coastal traffic of the M1. The drive typically takes 9 hours of active time. You will pass through major towns like Tamworth and Tenterfield before crossing the border into Queensland. The landscape changes from coastal plains to high-altitude grazing country.

Total Distance: Driving distance 780 km, straight-line air distance 650 km.

Fastest Way

Driving via the New England Highway, taking 9 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most cost-effective method for this route.

Compare Emu Plains to Warwick Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

9 hours

Avg Price

140-200 AUD

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

A15 and New England Highway (A15/B15)

The New England Highway is prone to fog in winter; drive with headlights on.

Travel Tips

Fuel
Fill up in larger towns like Armidale to ensure you have enough range for remote stretches.
Accommodation
Book ahead if traveling during the Warwick Rodeo period as hotels fill up fast.
Clothing
Pack layers as the New England tablelands can be significantly colder than Emu Plains.
Navigation
Download offline maps as mobile reception is patchy between Tenterfield and the border.
Food
Stop in Glen Innes for local produce and high-quality bakery items.

Safety Tips

Livestock
Watch for wandering livestock on unfenced sections of the highway.
Trucks
Give heavy vehicles plenty of space on the winding sections of the New England Highway.
Weather
Be prepared for sudden temperature drops and potential frost in the winter months.
Fatigue
Take regular breaks at the many rest areas provided along the A15 route.