If you live in either Sydney or Melbourne, chances are that you’ve contemplated driving between the cities instead of flying. In lieu of some cheap airfares one Christmas, we decided driving from Sydney to Melbourne would be a better option. We had opted to drive The Great Ocean road and whilst that was our end destination, we had no idea how easy and delightful driving from Sydney to Melbourne would be! Here’s 7 stops to make to break the journey up and see a little bit of what this drive has to offer.
#1 Berrima
Heading south from Sydney, turn off the Hume Highway onto the Old Hume Highway and make Berrima your first stop for breakfast. This is a delightful little town with loads of cute cafes and antique stores. Take a pic of the old Berrima Courthouse, an imposing sandstone building built in the 1800s.
#2 Goulburn
Slightly off the Hume Highway you’ll find the Big Merino. This cultural icon is worthy of a quick pic. You’ll also find a few petrol stations, a McDonalds or the best place to visit, the Trappers Bakery. Try their hearty pies which should tie you over until your next destination.
#3 Gundagai
Immortalised in song and Australiana more broadly, jump off the highway and visit the Dog on the Tucker box. I must admit that growing up in Australia meant that I had heard a lot about this famed dog, but didn’t know what to expect. In reality it is a very small statue next to a gift shop with some essential supplies. However, it’s worth a pit stop, especially given the lovely countryside views from the picnic tables and its place in Australian nostalgia.
#4 Holbrook
Continuing your drive, just over an hour’s drive away is the sleepy little town of Holbrook. Some distance from the coast, I was surprised to see that there is a gigantic submarine on display on the main drag in town, but that’s indeed what Holbrook is known for, Holbrook is ‘the submarine town’! A great spot for a picture, and to learn about the local submarine building history. Good for a refuel too if necessary.
#5 Albury
A further 45 minutes down the highway and you’ll hit Albury – the largest town you’ll see since Goulburn, making it a perfect rest stop if you’re doing the trip in 2 days. Here you can do that annoying NSW-Victoria-NSW-Victoria dance or just have a foot in both states at once! There are some lovely parks in town to explore, so take your time.
#6 Glenrowan
Welcome to Victoria! If you love Australian history, this place is an absolute must see. Glenrowan is famed as the last stand for the iconic Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly. The town has put together a fantastic self-walking tour following signs to see some of the places where a shootout between the police and bushranger took place, ending in his capture site. There are plenty of gift shops where you can get some Ned Kelly souvenirs if that’s your thing.
#7 Melbourne
From Glenrowan, the centre of Melbourne is only a further 2.5 hours away. Use one of the rest stops along the highway for one more likely much needed stretch and rest, and then make your way into the city centre! Watch out for those trams!
It goes without saying that this itinerary could be utilised driving from Melbourne to Sydney in the opposite direction too. Do you enjoy driving from Sydney to Melbourne or vice versa? Are there any spots you’d recommend?
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