posted on January 20, 2024
Thinking of heading on a road trip from Canberra to Sydney (or vice versa)? Make the most of your drive and stop by a few iconic landmarks on the way. From charming remote villages like Moss Vale, to one-of-a-kind natural wonders such as Lake George, there’s much to see along the way.
This expert Canberra to Sydney road trip guide covers everything you need to plan out your itinerary.
An overview of the Canberra to Sydney road trip
- Driving time: 3-5 hours, depending on your route
- Driving distance: 285-355 km, depending on your route
- Route options:
- Inland Route: 3 hours 10 minutes, 285 km
- Coastal Route: 4 hours 45 minutes, 355km
Whether you take the inland or coastal route, your road trip from Canberra to Sydney is guaranteed to be fun and memorable. Depending on how much time you have to spare and what you’re looking to explore on the way, you can follow the sparkling eastern seaboard or head inland through the Southern Highlands.
The best time to drive from Canberra to Sydney
The best time to drive from Canberra to Sydney is usually in the drier months (between December and March), when the chances of rain are minimal and you can enjoy a stress-free ride. As the drive is no more than five hours, you can leave Canberra during the late morning or even midday for a comfortable and easy drive. If you hate being stuck in traffic, you may want to avoid making the trip during the summer school holidays (mid-December to end of January).
What you need to know before driving from Canberra to Sydney
Making the trip from Canberra, the national capital, to Sydney for the first time? Here are a few things you should know, from road trip essentials to petrol stations to local driving tips.
Canberra to Sydney road trip essentials
Having the right road trip essentials with you can make your driving experience safer and more comfortable. Be sure to pack the following for your journey:
- Water: Ensure you have enough water to last a whole day for everyone in your car. As a general guideline, Healthdirect recommends males drink 2.6 litres of water a day and females 2.1 litres.
- GPS: Whether it’s on your phone or a separate device, having a navigation tool handy will make your drive much easier as you won’t need to worry about directions.
- First aid kit: You never know when you might run into a health emergency, so it’s always a good idea to keep a basic first aid kit with you in your car, with bandages, dressings, gloves, and adhesive tapes.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
Wondering where you’ll find petrol stations and EV chargers along the way from Canberra to Sydney? Ensure your road trip is a smooth one by refuelling or charging your vehicle at one or more of the below petrol or charging stations:
- United Petroleum Sutton located on 1542 Federal Hwy Service Rd, Sutton NSW 2620, open 24 hours
- bp located on 70 Clifford St, Goulburn NSW 2580, open 24 hours
- Shell located on 13124 Hume Hwy, Sutton Forest NSW 2577, open 24 hours
- Woolworths Petrol located in Eagle Vale Market Place, Eagle Vale Dr, Eagle Vale NSW 2558, open 6am – 10pm (7am on Sundays)
Staying safe during your road trip
Practise safe driving while travelling from Sydney to Canberra or vice versa. The speed limit along the highways will be around 110km/h, making for a smooth, easy drive.
Make sure to never drink and drive and stick to the legal blood alcohol concentration of 0.05. If you’re planning to use your phone as a GPS navigation system, make sure to use a hands-free driving device, as it’s illegal to use your phone while driving.
When driving through rural areas, be wary of wild animals on the road, especially at dawn, dusk, or after dark.
Expert tips and things to remember before you go
We’ve rounded up a few quick expert tips and things to remember to make your road trip from Canberra to Sydney your best one yet!
- Bring snacks – Although not quite essential, snacks are great to have in the car, especially if you’re planning on driving long distances at a time. Bring along some packaged snacks that are quick and easy to eat as well as fruit and nuts.
- Leave early – Make the most of your day and get on the road as early as you can! That way, you can stop at multiple attractions along the way and still arrive in Sydney well before dark.
- Plan your route – Prepare for your road trip by deciding on your route beforehand. Check out the inland route and coastal route and decide which one best suits your travel needs.
Canberra to Sydney road trip itineraries
Route 1: Inland Route
- Driving time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Driving distance: 285 km
- Must-see attractions: Swing by Lake George before visiting towns and regions such as Bywong, Marulan, the Southern Highlands, and Wollongong.
- Best for: Visiting fascinating rural country towns and those looking for the most direct driving route from Canberra to Sydney.
The inland route from Canberra to Sydney takes you through beautiful remote country towns. While it is the quickest driving route, you’ll still be treated to stunning surrounding countryside from the small town of Marulan (the only town in the world located on the 150th meridian) and Australia’s first inland city of Goulburn. From the cellar doors of the Southern Highlands to the historic village of Bungendore all the way to the bustling coastal hub of Wollongong, the inland route comprises a series of wonderful small towns.
Route 2: Coastal Route
- Driving time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Driving distance: 355km
- Must-see attractions: Visit Monga National Park and enjoy spectacular views along the eastern NSW coastline, stopping in at key attractions such as Corrigans Beach, Shell Harbour, Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet.
- Best for: Ocean lovers with more time to spare, looking to soak in fresh air and beach views along Australia’s east coast.
Taking you along the B52 and A1, the coastal route is a scenic drive perfect for beach and nature lovers. Rather than stopping at remote inland towns, the coastal route invites you to some of New South Wales’ most beautiful beaches, including the white sands of Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay and Corrigans Beach in Batemans Bay. Enjoy a quick swim and a healthy dose of sun while road-tripping from Canberra to Sydney.
Other ways to travel from Canberra to Sydney
Canberra to Sydney by train
- Travel time: 4 hours 9 minutes
- Frequency: 3 trains a day
The train from Canberra to Sydney departs from Canberra Kingston train station and arrives at Sydney Central railway station. You can purchase and book a seat online or in-person at Kingston Station. Tickets usually cost a minimum of $59. However, opting for public transport means you’ll miss out on exploring the sweeping views and charming towns located along the Canberra to Sydney road trip.
Canberra to Sydney by bus
- Travel time: 3-3.5 hours
- Frequency: several buses daily
There are several independent travel agencies that offer chartered bus rides directly from Canberra to Sydney. You can choose to arrive at Sydney Airport or Sydney Central railway station. Tickets usually range from $35 to $80, depending on the bus company and what time you travel.
Canberra to Sydney by plane
- Travel time: 55min
- Frequency: multiple flights daily
Several airlines offer direct flights from Canberra to Sydney, departing from Canberra Airport and arriving at Sydney Airport (Domestic). Plane tickets usually range from $340 to $400, making this a very expensive way to travel between these two destinations.
Best things to see in Canberra
The nation’s capital is home to many iconic sights and places to explore. Before you depart on your road trip, visit Canberra and spend at least half a day exploring some of the best attractions this city has to offer. A few of our recommendations include:
- Australian War Memorial: Explore the memorial galleries and attend the daily Last Post Ceremony, taking place at 4:45pm in the Commemorative Area. Don’t forget to swing by Remembrance Park, just a short walk directly behind the War Memorial.
- Questacon: Experience this interactive museum of science and technology with over 200 exhibitions to explore.
- Parliament House: A must visit destination when visiting Canberra, Parliament House is open daily (except for Christmas Day).
Tip from the author: Time your visit to Canberra during spring to explore Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring.
Best things to see in Sydney
A world-class city filled with a unique blend of modern development and natural sights, here are some of the best things to see and do in Sydney:
- Sydney Opera House: Soak in the sparkling harbour views and grab a drink at Opera Bar, allowing you to drink and dine right along the foreshore.
- Bondi to Bronte coastal walk: Grab your walking shoes and tackle the short walk between these two Eastern Suburbs hot spots.
- Taronga Zoo: Just a 12 minute ferry from Sydney’s CBD, get up close and personal with over 4,000 animals at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
- Luna Park: This heritage-listed amusement park is situated right along the harbour in Milsons Point, a perfect place to let your inner child run wild.
Top stop: Whether you’re after a comforting bowl of laksa, a plate of tender Hainanese chicken rice, or a richly spiced beef rendang, Malacca Straits on Broadway offers an authentic Malaysian dining experience in the heart of Sydney. This no-frills spot in Ultimo has earned a loyal following for its aromatic curries, generous portions, and fast service—perfect for a satisfying meal after a long drive.
Tip from the author: With your own car, you’ll be able to venture beyond Sydney’s CBD and explore surrounding suburbs like Manly, Avalon and Palm Beach. The Northern Beaches is best accessed by car and offers some of the best surfing opportunities in Sydney.
Top places to stop between Canberra to Sydney
No matter whether you’re taking the inland route or the coastal route, you’re sure to pass by many iconic landmarks and noteworthy places. Here are the top places to stop and check out during your drive between Canberra and Sydney.
Lake George
Settled within the traditional lands of Gundungarra and Ngunnawal people in south-eastern New South Wales is Lake George. A million-year-old lake that’s uniquely isolated with no water outflow to rivers or oceans, Lake George is rich with history and Aboriginal cultural heritage, having been the inspiration for local Australian artists such as Rosalie Gascoigne, as well as home to many Dreamtime stories.
The lake spans an impressive 25 km long and 10 km wide, and has an average depth of 1m, making it one of the most shallow lakes in the region. You can visit Lake George via the Federal Highway en route from Canberra to Sydney (or vice versa). Be sure to visit the cellar door at Lake George Winery while you’re in the area.
Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands (also locally known as the Highlands) is located in south-west New South Wales and is famous for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture across over 60 vineyards. Not only that, but the area is also home to adventurous mountain trails, orchids, and bird-watching sites.
There are many pretty Southern Highlands towns filled with local charm to visit, including Bowral, Exeter, Moss Vale, Robertson, and more. From award-winning restaurants and stunning architecture to the Bradman Museum and local boutique shops, there’s much to do in addition to wine-tasting around the Southern Highlands.
Fitzroy Falls
Found in the Wingecarribee Shire, Fitzroy Falls is a stunning 81-metre waterfall central to the Southern Highlands’ regional ecosystem and the local Aboriginal heritage. It’s 660m above sea level and can be accessed via the nearby village of the same name, with more tourist information at the state-of-the-art visitor centre.
Offering an unforgettable national park experience, Fitzroy Falls can be accessed via walking tracks or roads around the northern section of Morton National Park. If you’re planning on enjoying more of the national park, you can also visit the nearby camping grounds or even sign up for a family-friendly educational tour at the visitor centre.
Wollongong
Wollongong is one of the larger regional cities between Canberra and Sydney, only about a 90-minute drive from Sydney. It’s known for its seaports, picturesque natural landscapes, and chains of surf beaches that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Some of the local attractions include Stanwell Tops as well as the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge drive. The vibrant beachside city is also surrounded by lush rainforests, making it a great place to stop by and enjoy the outdoor scenery.
Tip from the author: Park at the Wollongong Lighthouse and enjoy a leisurely stroll along Wollongong Harbour before grabbing brunch at the waterfront Diggies cafe.
Royal National Park
The Royal National Park covers over 150 square kilometres of land in southern New South Wales and is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking to surround yourself with Australia’s famous bushland as well as native wildlife. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Wollongong and is a convenient rest stop if you’re travelling between Canberra and Sydney.
There are many things to see and do at the Royal National Park, including the Karloo walking track, paying a visit to the iconic Figure 8 Pools, and enjoying the beautiful views at Wedding Cake Rock. There’s also the Bungoona Lookout, which offers some stunning views of the Hacking River.
Must-try foodie spots between Canberra and Sydney
Fulfil your road trip food cravings and check out some of the best foodie spots on the road between Canberra and Sydney. Here are a few of our top recommendations:
- Grit Cafe (5/1-3 Sowerby St, Goulburn NSW 2580): Known for its friendly atmosphere and staff serving classic Australian brunch foods and house made coffee.
- Merino Cafe (62 Yass St, Gunning NSW 2581): Offers a wide range of delicious cakes, aromatic coffee, and food made from fresh local produce. The cafe has an outdoor courtyard for visitors to enjoy the weather with their meal. Merino is also famous locally for its chai lattes.
- Eling Forest Cafe (12587 Hume Hwy, Sutton Forest NSW 2577): Specialises in light brunch meals, homemade desserts, and in-house roasted coffee.
Canberra to Sydney drive: frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Canberra to Sydney drive in reverse?
Yes, you can. The routes are virtually the same, and you can make the same stops in reverse.
How long is the Canberra to Sydney drive?
The length of the Canberra to Sydney drive depends on what route you take and traffic conditions at the time. The driving duration between the two cities is typically between 3 and 5 hours.
What is the most scenic route from Canberra to Sydney?
The most scenic route from Canberra to Sydney is the coastal route, which takes you through the south-eastern coastline.
What is the quickest route from Canberra to Sydney?
The quickest route from Canberra to Sydney is the direct inland route along Hume Highway.
Is it worth driving from Canberra to Sydney?
Yes. Not only is driving a fast and affordable travel method, but it also allows you to immerse yourself in the Australian rural landscape and explore all the national parklands, beaches and remote towns between the two cities.
Final advice for the Canberra to Sydney drive of a lifetime
Make the most of your drive from Canberra to Sydney with our ultimate road trip guide. Whether you’re a nature lover or prefer visiting historic country towns, you’ll find something to enjoy along both the inland and coastal routes. Hire a car on Turo and secure your dream car to make your dream road trip a reality!
Why not keep the road trip going? Dive into our curated guide to the best road trips from Sydney.
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.
