Wide Bay Highway

Wide Bay Highway

The Wide Bay Highway is a short highway linking the Burnett and Bruce Highways giving quick access for important South Burnett towns such as Kingaroy and Murgon to the larger provincial cities on the coast. The highway begins at Goomeri (Burnett Highway), heads east into Kilkivan passing through semi mountainous regions until reaching the Cooloola district where it meets the Bruce Hwy, 14km north of Gympie. The highway forms the far eastern section of State Route 49 (shown above), one of the longest state routes which runs east-west across southern Queensland.

State: Queensland
Name Origin: The Wide Bay Highway was named after Wide Bay which forms the stretch of water to the east of Fraser Island. The Wide Bay region contains the important centres of Maryborough, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay. A little strange considering the highway passes a considerable distance south of this region - it could well be renamed the Cooloola Highway!
Start: Goomeri
Principal Towns: Goomeri, Kilkivan, Gympie
Finish: Bruce Highway (14km north of Gympie)
Length: 63km
Road Standard: Bitumen
Road Quality: Average. Some new sections between Kilkivan and the Bruce Highway have been upgraded and are good. No overtaking lanes constructed although this reflects the relatively low traffic levels on the highway.
Speed Limit (outside of built up areas): 100km/hr
Road Continuation: Click here for the Bunya Highway; Click here for the Bruce Highway
Photos from the Wide Bay Highway (Click on thumbnail for full sized image):

The highway split at Goomeri - Burnett Highway to the left with the Wide Bay Hwy to the right (2003).

The Wide Bay Highway, heading east from Goomeri (2003).

The Wide Bay Highway, heading west from the Bruce Highway (2003).

Approaching the Bruce Highway on the Wide Bay Highway, heading east (2003).

The Wide Bay Highway turnoff from the Bruce Highway (2003).

	The highway split at Goomeri - Burnett Highway to the left with the Wide Bay Hwy to the right (2003).
	The Wide Bay Highway, heading east from Goomeri (2003).
	The Wide Bay Highway, heading west from the Bruce Highway (2003).
	Approaching the Bruce Highway on the Wide Bay Highway, heading east (2003).
	The Wide Bay Highway turnoff from the Bruce Highway (2003).