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
Make your first stop Seymour, 90 minutes’ north of Melbourne, and five minutes’ drive off the Hume Highway.
It’s a pretty little town on the Goulburn River, filled with 19th century buildings. Pop into the Brewer’s Table or Little Stones Cafe for coffee or brunch, or The Winery Kitchen in Somerset Crossing Vineyard for an Italian-inspired lunch surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Afterwards, stretch your legs at New Crossing Place, where Seymour was first built. There’s a lovely walking trail along the river, as well as parks, picnic spots and a platform for fishing.
ALBURY
In another two hours, you’ll cross the border into NSW and reach the turn-off for Albury, which, like Seymour, is only five minutes’ drive off the Hume.
Begin with a casual lunch at the River Deck, a gorgeous cafe on the banks of the Murray River. Or, for a fine dining feel inspired by Asian and Middle Eastern fare, head to La Maison, which is inside a 160-year-old bluestone homestead.
Once you’ve refuelled, head to the Museum of Modern Art, which has more than 2,400 artworks, with an emphasis on photography and works on paper, then wander along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, a five-kilometre trail among the Wonga Wetlands.
HOLBROOK
Swing into Holbrook – it’s just three minutes off the highway – for a baked treat at Holbrook Bakery, which has been keeping passers-by well-fed since 1899. Or, for a more substantial meal, claim a table at The Ten Mile.
There are several cute shops to explore. Browse Grimwoods Store Craft Shop for local creations, Lady Gails for second-hand books and vintage objects, and Satch and Co for colourful artworks, quirky homewares and more.
YASS
From Holbrook, it’s two hours’ drive north to Yass, which is also a five minute diversion from the Hume Highway.
One of the best spots for a caffeine hit to keep you going behind the wheel is Trader & Co., which roasts its own coffee, Six8, inhouse. The hearty menu – from the chicken burger to the loaded nachos – is big on fresh, local produce. Come evening, head to Yazzbar for delicious starters and excellent pizza.
If you happen to be passing through Yass in September, time your visit with the Irish and Celtic Music Festival, which takes over the town with concerts, singalongs and jam sessions.
BERRIMA
In another 90 minutes, you’ll reach Berrima, in the Southern Highlands. This idyllic historical village is filled with heritage buildings, mature trees and gorgeous gardens.
Stop for lunch or dinner at the Surveyor General Inn, built in 1834, or, for a more indulgent experience, enjoy a spot of fine dining at Eschalot.
That’ll have you ready for a walk around the village. Highlights include the Berrima Courthouse, Mrs Oldbucks Pantry and the 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?
