The Hume Highway, which joins Melbourne with Sydney, isn’t the most exciting of routes. But it’s fast. The drive between the two capital cities takes just nine hours.
Some like to conquer it as quickly as possible, pausing only for brief rest stops to prevent fatigue. If you’ve time up your sleeve, though, there are several interesting places to visit just off the road.
SEYMOUR – First Stop
90 minutes from Melbourne
Seymour is a pretty riverside town on the Goulburn River with 19th-century charm. This is the best first stop on your journey, before settling into your long drive.
Things to do in Seymour
- Grab coffee or brunch at Brewer’s Table or Little Stones Cafe.
- Enjoy Italian-inspired lunch at The Winery Kitchen in Somerset Crossing Vineyard amid countryside views.
- Stretch your legs on the walking trail at New Crossing Place. Perfect for river views, parks, picnic areas, and fishing platforms.
ALBURY – Border Crossing Highlight
2 Hours from Seymour
Cross into NSW and detour 5 minutes to Albury for river vibes and culture. Albury is about the halfway point, and one of the best stops of the trip. A good place to refuel, both the car and yourself.
Things to do in Albury
- Casual lunch at River Deck cafe on the Murray River banks.
- Fine dining with Asian/Middle Eastern influences at La Maison in a 160-year-old bluestone homestead.
- Explore the Museum of Modern Art (2,400+ works, focus on photography and paper art).
- Walk the 5 km Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk through Wonga Wetlands.
HOLBROOK – Quick and Quirky Break
A few hours north of Albury
Just 3 minutes off the highway, Holbrook is famous for its submarine attraction.
Things to do in Holbrook
- Sweet treat at Holbrook Bakery (operating since 1899).
- Hearty meal at The Ten Mile.
- Browse local shops: Grimwoods Store Craft Shop (handmade items), Lady Gails (second-hand books & vintage), Satch and Co (colourful art & quirky homewares).
YASS – Caffeine & Food Boost
2 Hours from Holbrook
Yass is an easy 5-minute detour with great eats and historic feel. Yass is a good place to stop for lunch if you’re an early bird and left Melbourne early.
Things to do in Yass
- Top coffee at Trader & Co. (roasts its own Six8 beans) — hearty menu with fresh local produce (try chicken burger or loaded nachos).
- Evening option: Yazzbar for starters and excellent pizza.
- Time your visit for September’s Irish and Celtic Music Festival
BERRIMA – Final Charming Village
90 Minutes from Sydney
In the beautiful Southern Highlands, Berrima is full of heritage buildings, trees, gardens, and boutique shops galore.
Things to do in Berrima
- Classic pub meal at Surveyor General Inn (est. 1834).
- Indulgent fine dining at Eschalot.
- Wander the village: Berrima Courthouse, Mrs Oldbucks Pantry, and Berrima River Walk.
GETTING TO MELBOURNE OR SYDNEY
You can start your Hume Highway road trip in Melbourne or Sydney. SIXT has branches in numerous locations across both cities, including at Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport.
To make your journey even more comfortable – and eco-friendly – why not hire an electric vehicle?
