posted on November 29, 2023
Ready to take the road trip from the nation’s capital to Australia’s cultural capital? Plan your ultimate road trip from Canberra to Melbourne and hit the road with confidence.
From preparation tips to multi-day itineraries, this locals guide is packed with all the information you need to make the most of your road trip from Canberra to Melbourne.
Need to know something in particular? Jump ahead to your preferred section:
- An overview of the Canberra to Melbourne drive
- Choose your route: Canberra to Melbourne road trip itineraries
- Top stops along the way
- What to do once you’re in Melbourne
- The best food stops along the drive
- Frequently asked questions about the Canberra to Melbourne drive
Driving Canberra to Melbourne: An overview of everything you need to know
- Driving time: 7 hours 30 mins
- Driving distance: 662.9km
- Route options:
- Direct route: (662.9km)
- Inland route (788km)
- Scenic, coastal route (960km)
- Alpine route (823km)
The best time to drive from Canberra to Melbourne
I recommend driving from Canberra to Melbourne during the cooler months (June to August) when you’re most able to head out and explore without experiencing the dry summer heat. The winter school holidays are another great time to make the trip, as you’ll be able to enjoy the cool air while exploring the country towns between Canberra and Melbourne. Spring is another great time of year to drive if you’re interested in seeing all the native flora in full bloom, running from September to November.
Keep in mind that snow chains are compulsory between June and October when driving through Kosciuszko National Park in a 2WD (and are recommended for 4WD and AWD vehicles as well).
What you need to know before driving from Canberra to Melbourne
Keen to hit the road and drive from Canberra to Melbourne? Below are a few things you should know before you get behind the wheel.
Canberra to Melbourne road trip essentials
No matter the lengths of your Canberra road trip, it’s important to pack a essentials to keep you comfortable during your travels, including:
- Water/a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated during your drive
- Extra pair of walking shoes (if you’re planning on exploring walking trails in national parks)
- Camera to take photos of the beautiful countryside views
- Sunscreen to keep yourself protected from the harsh Australian sun
Some other nice-to-have items you may want to take with you include:
- Food/snacks so you’re not hungry while travelling
- A downloaded and curated road trip playlist to set the mood while you’re driving
- A GPS to ensure you stay on track and find all the right places to stop at during your road trip
- A physical map in case you lose network connection and still need directions
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
Need to refuel on your drive from Canberra to Melbourne? Look out for petrol stations located in major towns along the way, such as:
- mobil on 150 Riverside Dr, Jugiong, NSW
- Shell Coles on Hume Highway and Annie Pyers Dr, Gundagai, NSW
- Ampol on Hume Highway, Tarutta, NSW
- APCO on 20 Romet Rd, West Wodonga, VIC
- Metro Petroleum at 5913 Midland Highway, Benalla, VIC
- United Petroleum at 11/14 High St, Wallan VIC
If you’re driving an electric car, use the free interactive map PlugShare to find your nearest charging spot (and be sure to plan ahead).
Staying safe during your road trip
Make sure to practice safe driving while embarking on your road trip from Canberra to Melbourne. Avoid driving at dawn, dusk or after dark, as this is when animals are most active on the roads. Plus, make sure to beat fatigue by taking a break every two hours to keep you fresh and alert behind the wheel.
Expert tips and things to remember before you go
Before heading on your road trip to Melbourne from Canberra, make sure to apply these expert tips:
- Take note of different state’s driving rules: You’ll be travelling between ACT, New South Wales and Victoria, so make sure to check any changes to speed limits or road rules along the way.
- Check your vehicle is good to go: Ensure your vehicle is safe and ready to drive over long distances. Otherwise, why not book a car to tackle the drive from Canberra to Melbourne in comfort, style and safety?
- Watch out for interstate food quarantine areas: If you’re planning to drive along the Murray River in north-western Victoria and south-western New South Wales, there is a Queensland fruit fly exclusion zone known as the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area. That means you can’t carry any fresh fruit, berries and fruiting vegetables into this area.
Canberra to Melbourne road trip itineraries
Not sure which road trip itinerary to take from Canberra to Melbourne? Whether you want to take a direct route with minimal stops or extend your trip to explore all that regional New South Wales and Victoria have to offer, there’s an itinerary for you.
Route 1: Direct Route
- Driving time: 7hr 30min
- Driving distance: 662.9km
- Must-see attractions: Albury (a major inland town, home to winding Murray River and its waterways, Lake Hume)
- Best for: A quick drive with minimal stops, getting you from A to B as fast as possible.
The direct drive from Canberra to Melbourne takes around 7 hours and goes through rural New South Wales and Victoria. You’ll pass through towns such as Murrumbateman in the NSW Southern Tablelands and Wangaratta and Holbrook as you get closer to Melbourne. Albury is a popular location to stop at with its popular brunch cafes, accessible supermarkets, and abundance of petrol and EV charging stations.
Route 2: Inland Route
- Driving time: 2 days
- Driving distance: 788km
- Must-see attractions: Bendigo Art Gallery, Murray Art Museum Albury
- Best for: Art lovers looking to explore some of Australia’s best regional art galleries.
The first stop on the inland route is Albury. Known for its fantastic coffee and the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), you can spend half a day or more exploring this vibrant regional city. Albury is also close to Gundagai, which is famed for its historic Dog on the Tuckerbox monument, as well as several national parks that are home to peaceful bush-walking trails.
After spending your first day on the road at Albury, head down to Bendigo and check out one of Australia’s oldest regional art museums – the Bendigo Art Gallery. You can also take some time to yourself at Rosalind Park and check out the beautiful rock pools located in Melcalfe and Turpins Falls. Once you’ve explored the area to your heart’s content, you can drive the final two hours down to Melbourne.
Route 3: Scenic, Coastal Route
- Driving time: 3 days
- Driving distance: 960km
- Must-see attractions: Saltwater Phillip Island, Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
- Best for: Nature lovers looking to explore the East Coast of Australia, encountering secluded beaches, coastal views, and lush national parks.
A 3-day itinerary, the scenic and coastal route from Canberra to Melbourne is one you won’t forget. Starting at Lakes Entrance, you can enjoy a quick dip at Main Beach before heading to a floating restaurant called Sodafish for lunch. You may also want to pay a visit to Wilsons Promontory if you have time, which is known for its coastal bushland trials and pristine beaches.
On Day 2, tackle the Southern Prom Circuit Hike and check out the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse to soak in some beautiful coastal views. Here, you may even see some native sea life swimming in the ocean. After a morning at Wilsons Prom, head down to another seaside town called Inverloch, where you can learn all about the arts and culture surrounding Fish Creek and its coastal wilderness.
The last stop on this coastal route is Phillip Island. It’s only 90 minutes away from Melbourne and has fun things to see and do. From watching the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach to dining at seaside restaurants serving local produce, you’re sure to have a fun time at Phillip Island before heading down to Melbourne.
Route 4: Alpine Route
- Driving time: 3 days
- Driving distance: 823km
- Must-see attractions: Milawa Cheese Factory, Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre
- Best for: Adventurers looking to experience the best country towns and slopes Australia has to offer.
Another 3-day road trip itinerary from Canberra to Melbourne is the Alpine Route. You’ll first stop at the charming village of Cooma, where you can visit the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and the Raglan Gallery. Then, you can head down to Jindabyne, where many outdoor activities await, including hiking, biking, and water sports. If you’re travelling during winter, you may also want to hit up the slopes at Thredbo or Perisher.
Your second day on the road should be spent at Kosciuszko National Park where you can experience the rugged alpine landscape and surround yourself with gum trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and centuries-old limestone gorges. The park is filled with majestic natural sights that you can’t see anywhere else and is the approximate half way point between Canberra and Melbourne.
After exploring Kosciuszko National Park, journey along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road and head to the picturesque country town of Myrtleford. Myrtleford is famous for its fresh produce. It’s also a short drive away from the Milawa Cheese Factory, where you can enjoy a few cheese tastings. The drive to Melbourne from Milawa is another 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Top places to stop between Canberra and Melbourne
Looking for more places to stop between Canberra and Melbourne? Here are my top suggestions.
Bendigo
Bendigo is a city in Victoria known for its beautiful heritage streets, fine wine tasting, traditional arts and culture. It’s also been dubbed as the Ceramic Centre of Victoria, with potteries dating back to the 1850s in the area. The famous Bendigo Pottery was named after this town, and the city is one of the most elegant and grand towns to visit in the state.
Seymour
Seymour is located in Southern Victoria, Australia, and is known for its agricultural industries including sheep, cattle, and wine. Not only does the town offer fresh local produce, but it’s also surrounded by fishing lakes, bush-walking trails, and camping grounds for travellers to enjoy.
Shepparton
A city located on the Goulburn River, Shepparton is known for its art museum, Victoria Park Lake, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The region produces about 25% of Victoria’s rural output and is also famous for being a rich dairying and fruit-growing area.
Wangaratta
From hidden waterfalls to award-winning wineries, Wangaratta is a small countryside town that has it all. The Wangaratta Art Gallery regularly hosts interactive exhibits for travellers to experience and the Merriwa Park is regularly maintained so that visitors can host picnics and barbecues.
Albury Wodonga
Albury Wodonga is a settlement in southern New South Wales incorporating the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga. Separated geographically by the Murray River, this area is known for serving delicious local foods, its contemporary museums, and its Indigenous heritage.
Euroa
Located in north-east Victoria is Euroa, a town named after the Aboriginal local dialect word meaning “joyful”. It’s famous for the Euroa Arboretum, Gooram Falls Day Visitor Area, and the Maygars Hill Vineyard and Cottage.
Beechworth
Rich with gold-mining history, colonial architecture, and natural attractions, Beechworth is a town in north-east Victoria filled with a wealth of things to see and do. You can visit the hands-on exhibits at the Old Beechworth Gaol and enjoy a dip at Woolshed Falls.
Beautiful places to visit in Canberra
As Australia’s capital city, it’s no wonder that Canberra is filled with beautiful places to visit and experience. Below are a few worthy places you need to check out if you’re ever in Canberra:
- Australian National Botanic Gardens: In the middle of the charming city of Canberra is the Australian National Botanic Gardens, filled with native plants from all across Australia.
- Lake Burley Griffin: A shallow lake located on the flood plain of the Molonglo River, at the centre of Canberra.
- Tidabinbilla Nature Reserve: A protected area spanning 54.5 square kilometres home to kangaroos and other native wildlife.
- Canberra Wine District: An area made up of over 40 wineries, perfect for all wine lovers and makers. It’s just a 35-minute drive from the city.
Expert tip: Are you visiting Canberra in Spring? From September to October, the annual Floriade festival takes place in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. This is a stunning event boasting blooming flowers, a perfect way to celebrate the change of seasons.
Free things to do in Canberra
If you’re looking for things to do in Canberra, here’s a budget-friendly list (spoiler alert: it’s all free):
- Australian War Memorial: The Australian War Memorial is a national memorial to members of the Australian armed forces and supporting organisations. Entry is free to the public, and you can access the galleries from 10am to 4pm daily. The memorial is located on Treloar Crescent in Campbell, ACT.
- National Gallery of Australia: Formerly known as the Australian National Gallery, the National Gallery of Australia is one of the largest museums in Australia, holding more than 166,000 pieces of art. You can enter the museum for free and take a look at all the exhibits which aim to inspire creativity.
- National Museum of Australia: The National Museum of Australia preserves the historical significance of artifacts, records, and resources from all over Australia.
- Parliament House: The iconic Parliament House is located in Canberra and members of the public are welcome to visit it and take pictures from the outside. The Parliament House is one of the most beautifully designed buildings in Australia. You don’t want to miss visiting this must-see attraction.
- Canberra Glassworks: A dynamic and professional glass-making facility showcasing beautiful glassworks to the public. It’s the largest dedicated glass studio in all of Australia.
Best day trips from Canberra
Keen to make a day trip from Canberra? Here are a few places you might want to visit:
- Mount Ainslie lookout (13-minute drive): A paved observation deck along Canberra Tracks. It offers panoramic views of the city with information plaques that help visitors identify distant landmarks.
- Queanbeyan (21-minute drive): A city in south-eastern New South Wales known for wine growing, sheep raising, and farming. It’s a quaint town with a mix of modern and historic architecture and friendly local restaurants serving freshly grown produce.
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (39-minute drive): Located in the Tidbinbilla Valley of the ACT, explore over 24 marked hiking trails and keep a lookout for wallabies and emus along the way.
Best Melbourne places to see and visit
Wondering what you to do once you arrive in Melbourne? Below are some of the best places and main attractions to visit if you’re in Melbourne:
- National Gallery of Victoria: The NGV is Australia’s oldest and most-visited art museum, with many rotating exhibitions every year, filled with paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts. There are even meticulously crafted miniature buildings that show the architectural layout of Melbourne in history.
- Melbourne Skydeck: The Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck that stands over 297m tall. It’s located in the Southbank precinct of Melbourne.
- Federation Square: An area in Melbourne with world-class art galleries, performances, and riverland bars. It’s the perfect place to host a social hang-out.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground: An Australian sports stadium located in Yarra Park in Melbourne. It’s one of the biggest stadiums in the city, with four levels of seating.
Want to keep the road trip going? Why not continue and try one of the 12 best road trips in Victoria?
A foodies guide to the Canberra to Melbourne drive: top food stops
Foodies, this one’s for you! From cellar doors to popular restaurants, here are a handful of must-see dining spots to visit during your Canberra to Melbourne road trip:
- Millawa Cheese Factory: Local handmade cheese with daily tastings, located on 17 Factory Rd, Milawa, VIC 3678
- Sixpence Coffee: Family-owned small batch coffee roastery, located on 15 Wills St, Bright, VIC 3741
- Gum Tree Pies: Locally made and freshly prepared pies, located on 2A Anderson St, Bright, VIC, 3741
- Rebel Rebel: Rustic wine bar serving innovative Australian dishes, located on 23 Marcus Clarke St, Acton, ACT 2601
- G’Day Tiger: Local cafe serving great coffee and sensational sandwiches, located on 3/34 Thompson Ave, Cowes, VIC 3922
- The Brothers Cup: A specialty coffee roaster located on 6/39 Union Rd, North Albury, NSW 2640
- Mr Benedict: A popular local cafe serving delicious brunch menus, located on 664 Dean St, Albury, NSW 2640
Canberra to Melbourne drive: frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Canberra to Melbourne drive in reverse?
Yes, you can. You can visit all the same spots mentioned in this guide when travelling from Melbourne to Canberra, or find your own spots to explore as well.
If you are tackling this drive in reverse, rent a car in Melbourne on Turo for the perfect road trip experience.
How long is the Canberra to Melbourne drive?
The direct route from Canberra to Melbourne takes just over 7 hours. However, your driving time may vary depending on how many pit stops you make and whether you spend some time exploring the towns and national parks on the way as well.
What is the most scenic route from Canberra to Melbourne?
The coastal route is the most scenic route from Canberra to Melbourne, taking you through Wilsons Prom, Lakes Entrance, and Phillip Island.
What is the quickest route from Canberra to Melbourne?
The quickest route from Canberra to Melbourne is the most direct route which takes just over 7 hours to drive. It’s a total distance of 662.9km.
Is there a train from Canberra to Melbourne?
Yes, the NSW TrainLink regional express runs from Canberra to Melbourne daily. The train travel time is approximately 11 hours, travelling a distance of 685km.
How long is the flight from Canberra to Melbourne?
A flight from Canberra to Melbourne takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes
Is it worth driving from Canberra to Melbourne?
Yes, not only can you save money on flights, but you can also enjoy an adventure around regional Australia. You’ll be travelling across the ACT, NSW, and VIC, and experiencing all the regional towns have to offer – from outdoor activities to fantastic food.
Final advice for the Canberra to Melbourne drive of a lifetime
The drive from Canberra to Melbourne is one of the best road trips you can experience in Australia, complete with coastal views, bush-walking in national parks, and a series of atmospheric local rural towns to explore.
Whether you’re planning on a simple direct drive or a 3-day holiday, it’s important to have the right vehicle to support you during your travels. Hire the perfect car on Turo and enjoy a fun road trip from Canberra to Melbourne!
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.
