The quickest way to drive from Melbourne to Canberra is to shoot up the highway. The journey is 663 kilometres long and takes around seven hours.
But, if you’ve time up your sleeve, it’s much more interesting to take a few detours.
Here’s your guide to making the most of the Melbourne to Canberra drive.
Melbourne to Bendigo
Your first stop should be Bendigo, which lies two hours’ drive north-west of Melbourne. Bendigo is the beating heart of Victoria’s Goldfields region.
You might throw a pot at Bendigo Pottery, experience Chinese history at the Golden Dragon Museum or sample some local delights on a foodie tour.
Bendigo to Albury
From Bendigo, it’s a three-hour drive to Albury Wodonga. The most interesting route is via Echuca Moama, then east along the Murray River.
Be sure to stop in Echuca Moama to cruise the river in a paddlesteamer, visit the National Holden Museum and browse the boutique shops. Even more fun is to be had along the Silo Art Trail.
In the dynamic regional town of Albury, there are loads of things to see and do. Catch a blockbuster exhibition at the the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), stroll along the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, and linger over a waterside lunch at the Riverdeck Cafe.
Albury to Wagga Wagga
Continue northwest for 90 minutes to reach Wagga Wagga.
Need to refresh after spending so much time in the car? Head to Wagga Wagga’s Riverside Beach, on the Murrumbidgee River. Here you can stretch your legs, have a picnic, go kayaking or take a dip.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the Temora Aviation Museum, sparkling Lake Albert and a wine tasting session at Borambola Wines.
Then jump in the car and drive to Coolamon and Junee, two nearby villages that’ll transport you back in time.
Sample hand-crafted cheeses at Coolamon Cheese, find out everything there is to know about fire fighting at Coolamon Fire Museum and make your own giant freckle at Junee Licorice Factory.
WAGGA TO YASS (VIA GUNDAGAI AND JUGIONG)
Wagga to Yass (via Gundagai and Jugiong)
It’s a two hour drive from Wagga Wagga to Yass – and there are two unmissable stops along the way.
The first is Gundagai, home to the legendary Dog on the Tuckerbox. Once you’ve paid your respects, head into town for a milkshake at Niagara Cafe, an Art Deco gem that’s been serving locals and visitors alike since 1902.
From Gundagai, it’s a half-hour drive up the Hume Highway to Jugiong. Stop by this cute country village for a coffee at Long Track Pantry or a delicious meal at The Sir George, built in 1852 and revamped a few years ago.
Yass to Canberra
The final stretch of the journey takes you through the Murrumbateman wine region.
There are more than 20 cool climate wineries here, including the well-known Clonakilla, a family business that’s been making excellent small batch drops since 1971.
Also be sure to swing by the Blackwattle Alpaca Farm, the Murrumbateman Chocolate Company and Cooma Cottage, where famous Australian explorer Hamilton Hume lived in the 1800s. (Yes, the Hume Highway is named after him).
Within half-an-hour, you’ll be in Canberra – and ready for the national capital’s many amazing experiences.
Getting to Melbourne or Canberra
To start this epic road trip, you’ll need to get to Melbourne – or, if you’d like to do it in reverse, Canberra.
The most hassle-free way to travel is flying into Melbourne Airport or Canberra Airport, then picking up a SIXT car rental in the terminal. Our extensive fleet covers absolutely everyone – from those looking for eco-friendly electric vehicles to families wanting to travel in comfort in SUVs to small groups in need of a mini bus.
