posted on January 21, 2024
Driving from Batemans Bay to Canberra, you’ll discover a short yet beautiful route. While it may only be a two-hour journey across 150km, it’s a must-try for locals and travellers alike. Arguably one of Australia’s most scenic road trips, throughout the journey from coastal town to capital city, you’ll experience everything from national parks to beautiful coastlines and quaint country towns.
An overview of the Batemans Bay to Canberra road trip
- Driving time: 2 hours one-way
- Driving distance: 150 km one-way
- Route options:
- Most direct: Kings Highway via Braidwood
- Most scenic: Coastal Route via Nowra (Batemans Bay to Canberra via Nowra)
- Another scenic option: Inland Route via Nerriga (Batemans Bay to Canberra via Nerriga)
The best time to drive from Batemans Bay to Canberra
As always, it’s best to avoid peak holiday seasons (typically spring and summer) and rush hours when planning your road trip between Batemans Bay and Canberra if you want to minimise traffic. Weekdays, especially during off-peak hours, are your best bet for a quick, smooth journey. And be sure to check ahead for any road closures or construction updates so you can plan a more efficient route.
Batemans Bay to Canberra road trip itineraries
When driving from Batemans Bay to Canberra, there are three road trip itinerary options to choose from. Depending on whether you want to get there fast or want to turn it into a leisurely multi-stop road trip across a couple of days, there’s an itinerary to suit you.
Route 1: Kings Highway via Braidwood
- Driving time and distance: 2 hours (150 km)
- Trip length: Complete in one day
- Must-see attractions: Even on this short two hour drive, there are plenty of beautiful towns to discover along the way. Both Bungendore and Braidwood bring history, nature and culture together with lovely cafes, galleries and antique shops. Braidwood is roughly halfway, so it is perfect for a lunchtime pitstop. Or, if you’re keen to stretch your legs, Monga National Park is located a 35-minute drive south of Braidwood; it’s slightly off-route, but worth a visit if you have the time.
- Best for: Those in a hurry and on a tight timeline. The Kings Highway offers the most direct route and the non-stop journey can be completed in as little as two hours.
Route 2: Batemans Bay to Canberra via Nowra
- Driving time and distance: 4 hours (310 km)
- Trip length: Complete in two days
- Best for: A leisurely road trip, or if you’re travelling with little ones and want to break up the drive.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Batemans Bay to Nowra
As you leave Batemans Bay and begin your ascent up the coast, you’ll be passing some picturesque coastal towns. Mollymook is roughly halfway and offers great surf beaches and renowned local restaurants, so you’ll be spoilt for lunch options.
Otherwise if you’re happy to veer slightly off track, the beautiful Jervis Bay and quaint Bawley Point can also be found along this bit of coastline. You’ll pass Conjola National Park before reaching Nowra. With its river scenery and a peaceful bushland setting, this is the perfect place to rest before day two of your road trip.
Day 2: Nowra to Canberra
In the 2.5-hour drive from Nowra you’ll pass Jerrawangala National Park which offers some scenic views and hiking opportunities. As you approach Canberra, you’ll also pass the historic town of Bungendore.
Among the top attractions are Bungendore Wood Works Gallery and Paul Kowalski Photography Gallery, but for nature lovers, Lake George is a scenic spot to stop and enjoy a picnic. The Malbon is also worth a look. Open seven days a week, the retail collective plays host to arts, crafts and antique vendors. Plus, you can pick up a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
Route 3: Batemans Bay to Canberra via Nerriga
- Driving time and distance: 3 hours 15 minutes (238 km)
- Trip length: Complete in two days
- Best for: Those who want the best of both worlds. A scenic drive but a shorter route than option two.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Batemans Bay to Nerriga
On day one from Batemans Bay, you’ll be driving with two spectacular national parks on either side of you. Budawang National Park and Monga National Park both provide ample opportunity to stretch your legs. If you’d prefer to sit down to a nice lunch, continue through to Braidwood which has plenty of dining options. From there, Nerriga is just a 40-minute drive away.
Day 2: Nerriga to Canberra
En route from Nerriga to Canberra, the two attractions to look out for are Mount Fairy and Bungendore, both around halfway through your day two journey. The scenic Mount Fairy has many popular attractions, including Morton National Park, making it well worth a visit. Bungendore can be found in a picturesque valley not far from your final destination of Canberra. A rural escape, it boasts colonial buildings, farmers’ markets, and renowned cool-climate wineries.
Canberra to Batemans Bay drive itinerary
If you’re planning a Batemans Bay road trip, you’ll simply tackle the above itineraries in reverse, ending your route at the beautiful coastal town. You’ll still be able to select any itinerary that takes your fancy to ensure you don’t miss any top attractions along the south coast from Canberra to Batemans Bay.
Top places to stop between Batemans Bay and Canberra
Broulee
A quiet village in the Eurobodalla region, around four hours’ drive from Sydney and just over two hours from Canberra. There, you’ll find Broulee Beach, a long dog-friendly beach flanked by bush and Broulee Island Reserve, a must when visiting the area. It is a 4-km walk offering beautiful views, native plants, and marine birdlife. For a bite to eat, The Mossy Cafe is a local favourite, serving great coffee, freshly baked muffins, and healthy bowls.
Moruya
On the banks of the beautiful Moruya River in the Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast, Moruya boasts tranquil scenery. Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice with Shelly Beach at Moruya Heads or Congo and Bingi beaches further south. Alternatively, you could fill up your picnic basket at The SAGE Farmers Market, held every Tuesday afternoon at Riverside Park, then enjoy it overlooking the riverside at Historic Quarry Park.
Mogo
Just a ten-minute drive from Batemans Bay, you’ll find the excellent Mogo Zoo, top mountain biking and colonial gold rush heritage attractions in Mogo. For the largest collection of endangered and exotic animal species in Australia, head to Mogo Wildlife Park. Or work up an appetite at the short but pretty Mogo bushwalk, just a twenty-minute return trip, before a hearty lunch at the Grumpy and Sweethearts Café.
Nelligen
Another short drive from Batemans Bay will get you to the picturesque riverside village of Nelligen. Perfect for a pitstop, the waterfront area along Wharf Street is a great place to relax and take in the tranquillity. You can picnic, get fish and chips or even fish right from the nearby jetty. You can also explore the Clyde River by boat or kayak. Surrounded by forests, discover the islands, sandy beaches and numerous small tributaries.
Braidwood
As the halfway point on the road trip from Canberra to Batemans Bay, Braidwood‘s pretty streets are popular with travellers stopping for a lunch break. Perched high in the Southern Tablelands, it’s famous for its prized rare truffles, charming colonial buildings and streetscapes that have been the backdrop for a number of iconic Australian films. Hungry travellers should check out coffee at Deadwood, sweet treats from Dojo Bread or the pizza at Casanova’s.
Queanbeyan
Perched on the highest edge of the Monaro Plains, Queanbeyan is rich with arts, heritage and culture, vibrant seasonal colours and delicious food and wine. Wander along the Queanbeyan River, take in the grand heritage architecture (some now home to cool eateries and hip boutiques) and discover stunning attractions like Molonglo Gorge, Deua National Park and the Googong Foreshores.
Batemans Bay to Canberra drive: frequently asked questions
Is there a Canberra to Batemans Bay bus service?
The easiest route is by car, but if you need public transport, there are a couple of bus services to choose from.
Murrays South Coast service operates daily between Canberra station and Narooma, stopping at Batemans Bay. There are multiple buses running every day, but you must pre-book your tickets online.
Rixons Buses offers a daily afternoon shuttle bus from any address in Canberra and ACT/Queanbeyan to any address in Batemans Bay and the south coast of NSW (Milton, Ulladulla down to Tuross Head). This includes optional custom pick-ups, including from your front door, and various drop-off locations. Ticket prices start at $30.
What is the driving distance from Batemans Bay to Canberra Airport?
The driving distance from Batemans Bay to Canberra Airport is 141 km, which would take around 1 hr 48 mins without any traffic.
How long does it take to drive from Batemans Bay to Canberra via Cooma?
If you’re driving from Batemans Bay to Canberra via Cooma, expect this route to take 4 hours without traffic, covering 314 km in road distance.
Is it worth driving from Batemans Bay to Canberra?
If you’re after a short, manageable road trip that’ll bring you to some of the most picturesque places in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, then driving from Batemans Bay to Canberra is well worth it. Perfect for anyone who wants a taste of adventure without too many hours on the road.
The added bonus of driving is that you can always go at your own pace and make the stops you want, without worrying about the bus or public transport timetables.
Final advice for the Batemans Bay to Canberra drive of a lifetime
Whether you’re tackling the route from Canberra to Batemans Bay or the other way round, you’re in for a treat with this scenic road trip route.
Want to keep the road trip going? Why not tackle the Sydney to Batemans Bay road trip itinerary next?
If you’re in need of a car, Turo hosts have a variety of vehicles to suit your needs, budget and location. Check out the range of options, and you’ll be cruising one of Australia’s best road trips in no time.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
