The Alternate Route - The Loop

I know I said the route is firm but hey, I'm allowed to change my mind, right? (Even multi-billion dollars projects get to change their mind all the time!). Anyway, if you remember, earlier on I was contemplating doing a loop from Brisbane to Ayers Rock from Queensland to Northern Territory, then back through South Australia via Adelaide (I just got to see the famous Coober Pedy!), then into Victoria and NSW via Melbourne and Sydney (maybe stop in Canberra also) and then head back north to Brisbane (see map below). The route is only longer by 700 km as compared to the Brisbane to Ayers Rock and back the same way (which could mean just another extra day in travelling distance - but may mean longer stops. C'mon, I can't just stop in those big cities to sleep, can I?) but I will certainly see a lot more this way. But I've told myself in the past that coming back the same way has its advantages too:

Let's see...

Same route: 

(+) Familiarity of route hence safer travelling

(+) If I missed something, I get to catch it again on the way back

(+) Shorter route by 700 km

(-) Get bored of same scenery?

Looping:

(+) Always new things to see

(+) Get to visit Coober Pedy!

(-) No second chance to catch something I missed
(-) Longer route and maybe even longer stops - do add an extra day in those big cities
(-) More expensive hotels in the big cities
(-) I only have 2 weeks leave :-(


View Larger Map

What do you guys think???