JFE, if you plan on coming back south via the coast, head inland at Rockhampton and go via the Burnett hwy. The coast road south of Rocky is atrocious and full of road works. Safe travels.

Never been that way mate but alas I'm a sucker for punishment and need to get to the Gold Coast after Rocky. Will remind myself how good inland roads can be for lack of towns, traffic and coppers.

If you take the Burnett hwy at Rocky, you can rejoin the coast road at Gympie or a bit further down near Bribie Island. its not that much difference in KM’s I shit you not, from around Gladstone all the way to Gympie is crap.

it like that due to the semis using the inland to get away from the nomads with vans. Plus it gets hot out there and the black top melts. lots of open road and roo, cattle and ringers. enjoy the trip i did a couple of times in 4 wheels and i hated that but it was better than the coast road the good ol Bruce.