Thread: Brisbane to Cairns (all highway)

G'day all,

Recently returned from a trip north to Lucinda (and a bit beyond) from Brisbane. I could only manage to be away from work for 10 days so it was more of a quick strike mission for that much driving but these are the things we do.

I thought someone might be interested in the economy & reliability of the car for the trip so we'll stick to that (I won't bore you with the fishing, diving exploring pics too much).

The vehicle: 2010 D4 SDV6 - 123,000km on the clock
The payload: 2 adults, 1 kid (iPad zombie) & 1 x 6m plate alloy boat loaded with the usual camping gear
The route: 100% Bruce highway. Not the most scenic stretch of road but we were on a mission to enjoy the destination, not the journey.

We kept track of the fuel economy more out of interest than anything. We ended up doing 3032km round trip at an average of 17.09 l/100km. I ordinarily see figures closer to 10.8 - 11.2 around town in the V6. Total fuel used came to 632 l at a cost of $1,042.12.
If I was on my own I feel I could have done the trip with half the amount of stops but unfortunately the lack of a long range tank and 2 tiny bladders onboard meant a few extra stoppages.

I kept the gear selector in D for the bulk of the trip and dropped into S where required (hills, towns etc) and didn't see, hear or smell any signs of over-heating. I had considered (briefly) an upgraded / extra cooler but a quick search on the forum had me convinced it wasn't particularly required. The whole trip up and back was entirely trouble free. Not to mention at least 50 times more comfortable than my old Navara.

The next service was scheduled for 125,000km (can't get in til March) so I gave it fresh oil & filter and did a standard pre-trip check prior to leaving with everything looking good.
Speaking of which, it was my first time ever using the vacuum method for an oil change. Where has this been all my life????? So easy!

As for the destination, well, if you haven't been up that way definitely put it on your list. Rainforest on one side, barrier reef on the other (and only a 45min run out). Not to mention the awesome attitude of the FNQ locals. Definitely a way of life that sits well with me. We'll be back for sure (possibly for good).

Cheers!
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Edit: non-car related photos removed.

I got deceived into reading this thread thinking it was an honest review about the car performance.... Then I get nearly too the end and realise I've been "catfished" read: fishfished.

A big write up just to show off some fish...