Here is maybe some help for members planning to ride up to Mackay in August… Kate and I have just returned to Mackay from a two-night road trip on our STeed, to attend the Goomeri RTE.
We were two-up towing a trailer… my best guess is 450km per tank… usual speed 100 – 115kph (FI light comes on over 117kph)
Bowser Prices BanBan Springs – ULP91 $1.429/Lt
Puma Calliope – E10 ULP94 $1.439/Lt (with 4c/Lt off for RACQ discount)
Puma Monto – ULP91 $1.459/Lt (with 4c/Lt off for RACQ discount)
Caltex 524-528 Yaamba Rd, Rky Nth - E10 ULP94 $1.419/Lt
United Ilbilbie – ULP91 $1.419/Lt
We stayed two-nights at The Albert Hotel in Monto (see our review on Trip Advisor) and we did have an enjoyable stay… $75/night.
There are three different sealed roads from Monto to Rky… we tried two of them on the trip.
We recommend using the Bruce Hwy in preference to the alternate route shown, from Biloela - Middlemount - Mky. A few reasons come easily to mind - high fuel prices, the route carries alot of mine traffic (fuel tankers, buses and people in too much of a hurry) and it's kangaroo alley.
Monto – Bilo – Dululu – Rky : shortest route, by only about 10kms, but bumpiest… particularly the Biloela to Mt Morgan section.
Monto – Bilo – Calliope – Rky : best road, longest route.
Monto – Boyne Valley – Calliope – Rky : didn’t go this way but is the shortest sealed route from Monto to Calliope/Gladstone.
Cheers, John & Kate.