• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • News
  • Fleet
  • Guides & Tips
  • Road Trips
  • sixt.com.au

SIXT Magazine Australia

Travel Tips & News from SIXT Rent a Car

How To Road Trip from Melbourne to Canberra

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. 

Yass Valley
Image credit: brotherlywalks

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. 

Dog on Tuckerbox in Gundagai
Image credit: denisbin

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.

Primary Sidebar

Discover More from Sixt

SIXT AUSTRALIA DRIVING AUSTRALIANS TO THEIR NEXT EVENT

SIXT Australia has today announced a Partnership with … [Read More...] about SIXT AUSTRALIA DRIVING AUSTRALIANS TO THEIR NEXT EVENT

How To Spend a Weekend in Cairns With Kids

For a getaway that involves balmy weather, Heritage-listed … [Read More...] about How To Spend a Weekend in Cairns With Kids

How To Spend a Weekend in Wollongong

Wollongong, located 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney, is a … [Read More...] about How To Spend a Weekend in Wollongong

SIXT Australia and Waru Vehicle Hire Announce Partnership

SIXT Australia and Waru Vehicle Hire have struck a … [Read More...] about SIXT Australia and Waru Vehicle Hire Announce Partnership

FAQ – Protection Products & Pricing Update

When do the new protection products and pricing take … [Read More...] about FAQ – Protection Products & Pricing Update

Browse by Tag

Adelaide Albury Alice Springs Australia Ballina Blue Mountains Brisbane BYD Byron Bay Cairns Canberra Coffs Harbour Darwin Electric vehicles Events Family holidays Far North Queensland Gold Coast Grampians Great Ocean Road Hobart Hunter Valley Launceston Mackay Margaret River Melbourne Moving house Mudgee Newcastle News Noosa Northern Territory NSW Outback Perth Port Douglas Queensland South Australia Sunshine Coast Sydney Tasmania Trucks Victoria Western Australia Wollongong

Follow Us

Recent Posts

  • How To Spend a Weekend in Cairns With Kids
  • How To Spend a Weekend in Wollongong
  • SIXT Australia and Waru Vehicle Hire Announce Partnership
  • FAQ – Protection Products & Pricing Update
  • The Local’s Guide to Albury’s Great Outdoors

Recent Comments

    Footer

    SIXT in AU

    • Sydney
    • Melbourne
    • Brisbane
    • Adelaide
    • Hobart
    • Perth
    • Gold Coast
    • All Sixt Australia Locations

    Follow Us

    Sixt App

    Sixt app Android Sixt app iOS
    Contact Us Imprint & Privacy Terms & Conditions Cookie settings

    Copyright Sixt © 2025. All rights reservered.