Newell Highway: How long is the drive and what towns are on the way?

The Newell Highway is 1,062km long, stretching from Goondiwindi to Tocumwal on the Murray River. Newell Highway towns include Moree, Coonabarabran, Dubbo, Forbes and Narrandera.

If you decide to drive from Brisbane to Melbourne along the inland route, expect to spend a lot of time on the Newell Highway. The Newell Highway is a major trunk route through inland New South Wales, and links several country towns.

How long is the Newell Highway?

The Newell Highway is 1,062km long. It is also known as National Highway A39 or NSW Route A39. The road gets its name in honour of HH Newell, former commissioner of main roads for New South Wales. It is mostly a two lane highway, aside from a few four lane sections near some of the bigger towns along the route.

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Where does the Newell Highway start and finish?

The Newell Highway runs from the Queensland border to the Victorian border. The highway starts at Goondiwindi on the border between Queensland and New South Wales, where it joins the Cunningham and Leichhardt Highways. The Goondiwindi to Moree leg takes you over the New South Wales border.

The end of the Newell Highway is on the Victorian border at the Murray River in Tocumwal. Once on the other side of the Murray River, it becomes the Goulburn Valley Highway.

What towns are on the Newell Highway?

The main towns on the Newell Highway include Moree, Narrabri, Coonabarabran and Gilgandra in the northern section. The biggest town on the Newell Highway, however, is Dubbo. South of Dubbo, the Newell Highway passes through Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong, Ardlethan, Narrandera and Finley.

Is the Newell Highway sealed?

The Newell Highway is sealed for its entire length. As Australian roads go, it’s pretty safe, although it attracts a lot of freight traffic. It’s also worth watching out for kamikaze kangaroos at dawn and dusk. Night driving along this country NSW highway is not exactly a barrel of laughs.

More New South Wales travel

Feast at the Junee Chocolate Factory in Junee.

Hit the surf at Bilgola Beach or Avalon Beach in northern Sydney.

Swim in the Hawkesbury River from Cattai National Park.

Enjoy park time at Calmsley Hill City Farm and Lizard Log in Abbotsbury.

Choose between Garie Beach and Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park.