posted on February 16, 2024
Spanning two states and one territory, the Melbourne to Canberra drive is a true choose-your-own-adventure road trip. While the journey can be done via the most direct route in seven hours or so, there’s so much to see and explore along one of the many scenic route options.
For those looking to explore the Snowy River National Park and the vibrant regional city of Cooma, the alpine route beckons. Prefer to soak up seaside views with a stop at Wilsons Promontory National Park? Opt for the coastal route, best explored as a three-day trip.
In this complete road trip guide, you’ll discover how to plan the perfect Melbourne to Canberra drive. With four curated itineraries, expert driving tips, the best places to stop along the way and recommendations for where to eat, stay and play in Canberra, the only thing left to do is secure your car to take you from Melbourne to Canberra.
An overview of the Melbourne to Canberra drive
- Driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Driving distance: 663 km
- Route options:
- Direct route (663 km)
- Inland route (788 km)
- Coastal route (960 km)
- Alpine route (823 km)
- Best time to drive from Melbourne to Canberra: I recommend tackling this drive in winter (June to August) to avoid the dry heat of the summer months. Spring (September to November) is also a great time to drive from Melbourne to Canberra, allowing you to time your visit with Canberra’s annual Floriade event, typically held from mid-September to mid-October each year.
Tip from the author: If you plan to drive through the Kosciuszko National Park, be aware that snow chains are compulsory between June and October for 2WD, 4WD and AWD vehicles.
Want to road-test your dream car on the Melbourne to Canberra drive? Score the perfect vehicle from a local Turo host in Melbourne. You can even pick up a hire car directly from Melbourne Airport on Turo.
What you need to know before driving from Melbourne to Canberra
Whether you opt for the direct route via the Hume Highway or meander along the coastline, driving from Melbourne to Canberra offers sealed, well-maintained roads.
Unless you’re pressed for time, I recommend breaking up your Melbourne to Canberra road trip over two to three days. This will help you beat fatigue and allow you to stretch your legs at picturesque towns, scenic national parks and golden sand beaches before reaching your final destination: the nation’s capital.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
The drive from Melbourne to Canberra is well-serviced, with plenty of towns and places to stop for food and fuel. The twin cities of Albury-Wodonga mark the halfway point of your drive, making this an ideal spot to pull over and refuel. After that, Holbrook and Gundagai are the other key cities to pull into to refuel at a petrol station.
If you’re planning to drive an electric car, you’ll likely need to charge or top up at least once during your road trip from Melbourne to Canberra. There are plenty of charging stations located in Melbourne as well as along the Hume Highway at Albury-Wodonga. If you’re driving an EV, pull into Gundagai to top up at the Supercharger station (located next to the famous Dog on the Tucker Box).
Staying safe during your road trip
The biggest challenge you’ll face on the Melbourne to Canberra drive is fatigue, particularly if you’re opting for the direct route. Make sure to take a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving and share the journey with another driver. Set off from Melbourne before 8 am to beat the worst of the traffic (particularly during peak times, like the school holidays) and ensure you arrive in Canberra before dark.
If you’re heading inland, watch out for animals on rural stretches of road. Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and after dark as this is when wildlife are most active.
Expert tips and things to remember before you go
- Book accommodation ahead of time: While small towns and quaint villages are fantastic places to stop along the drive, accommodation can be limited, especially during peak seasons (particularly from December to February). Book in advance to avoid getting caught out.
- Check your vehicle is up for the drive: With many hours of driving ahead of you, it’s important to ensure your car is up to the task of driving over 700 km. If not, why not hire a car from a local Turo host in Melbourne?
- 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.
Melbourne to Canberra drive: 4 itinerary options
Ready to pick the perfect Melbourne to Canberra road trip itinerary? From day trips to long weekends, these four itinerary options are designed to help you build your ideal Melbourne road trip to Australia’s capital, Canberra.
Route 1: Direct Route
- Driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Driving distance: 663 km
- 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.
Rise with the sun and prepare for a big day of driving. The beauty of the direct route from Melbourne to Canberra is you can tackle it in just one day. Expect to weave through rural Victoria with the opportunity to visit the charming city of Wangaratta, along with a stop in Albury-Wodonga and Holbrook.
Wine lovers: don’t miss a visit to Murrumbateman, known for producing delicious cool climate wines in the NSW Southern Tablelands.
Tip from the author: While this route is the most efficient, it offers far fewer scenic sights or pit stop opportunities. I’d only opt for the Hume Highway route if you’re short on time. Otherwise, I’d recommend picking one of the other three scenic route options below.
Route 2: Inland Route
- Driving time: 2 days (8 hours 45 minutes driving time)
- Driving distance: 788 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Melbourne to Albury via Bendigo (437 km, 5 hours)
- Day 2: Albury to Canberra (351 km, 3 hours 45 minutes)
- 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.
Ready to soak up the historical significance of Bendigo? Once known as the richest city in the world, this gold rush town is now brimming with scenic delights and one of the country’s oldest art galleries (Bendigo Art Gallery), perfect for art lovers.
After an overnight stay in Albury, grab a coffee and brunch from Canvas Eatery before hitting the road for a scenic drive through the Riverina. Stop in at the picturesque country town of Gundagai and Yass (Brindabella National Park is a great spot nearby to enjoy a hike) before continuing to your final destination of Canberra.
Route 3: Scenic, Coastal Route
- Driving time: 3 days (12 hours driving time)
- Driving distance: 960 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Melbourne to Phillip Island (142 km, 2 hours)
- Day 2: Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory (131 km, 1 hour 50 minutes)
- Day 3: Wilsons Promontory to Canberra (687 km, 8 hours 10 minutes)
- Must-see attractions: Penguin parade at 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.
Across three days, the scenic coastal route from Melbourne to Canberra takes you along the rugged coastline of Victoria. Day one and two of your Melbourne to Canberra drive offer less time on the road, allowing you to take coastal walks, explore vast sand dunes and even camp by the water in seaside towns.
On day three, rise early and depart before 8 am to ensure you can break up the biggest driving day with plenty of pit stops.
Tip from the author: I’d highly recommend booking tickets to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade to see the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. Viewings happen daily at sunset overlooking Summerland Beach.
Route 4: Alpine Route
- Driving time: 3 days (10 hours 15 minutes driving time)
- Driving distance: 823 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Melbourne to Bright (321 km, 3 hours 40 minutes)
- Day 2: Bright to Jindabyne (322 km, 3 hours 25 minutes)
- Day 3: Jindabyne to Canberra (180 km, 2 hours 10 minutes)
- Must-see attractions: Milawa Cheese Factory, Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, Cooma and the Snowy Mountains
- Best for: Adventurers looking to experience the best country towns and slopes Australia has to offer.
Ready to explore charming country towns? The inland Alpine Route is ideal for those looking to explore the Kosciuszko National Park, hit the slopes of Perisher or Thredbo and experience quaint towns like Jindabyne, Berridale and Cooma.
Along the way, you’ll venture along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road (Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road). While the name of this route lends itself to a winter road trip, this itinerary for the Melbourne to Canberra drive can be tackled at all months of the year.
No matter which road trip itinerary you pick, a local Turo host in Melbourne can hook you up with your dream car for the road trip of a lifetime.
Top places to stop between Melbourne and Canberra
Whether you’re looking for lush national parks, inspiring art galleries or delicious fresh produce, you’ll find this and more at the top places to stop between Melbourne and Canberra.
Bendigo
Less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne is the historic regional centre of Bendigo. From top-notch local produce to renowned wineries and the must-see Bendigo Art Gallery, there’s something for everyone in the gold rush era town.
Tip from the author: I’d recommend booking a visit to Bendigo’s Central Deborah Gold Mine, allowing you to explore the hidden underground tunnels of a gold mine dating back to the 1900s. Fun fact: a whopping 929 kg of gold was extracted for this mine in its heyday!
Seymour
On the banks of the Goulburn River, you’ll find Seymour, another historic township. Whether you take a tour of the Australian Light Horse Memorial Park, visit the old carriages at the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre or venture to Blue Tongue Berries (a quaint blueberry farm run entirely off renewable energy), you’ll be in for a treat.
Shepparton
Situated in Australia’s vibrant food bowl in regional Victoria is Shepparton, a rich, culturally diverse township. Art lovers, don’t miss the silo and water tower art and Moooving Art installations dotted around the city centre. Plus, the landscaped gardens of the Australian Botanical Gardens Shepparton and the Victoria Park Lake are well worth a visit.
Wangaratta
Experience High Country Victoria at its best in Wangaratta, brimming with historical architecture, lush gardens and vibrant shops. Visit one of the region’s award-winning wineries (like King Valley or Glenrowan) and see the wine-making process first-hand with a cellar door tour.
Nature lovers, don’t miss a visit to Lake William Hovell or the Warby Ovens National Park.
Albury-Wodonga
The twin cities of Albury and Wodonga mark the border of NSW and VIC. Both historic cities are connected by the Murray River, with an abundance of parklands, hiking opportunities and must-see cultural sites.
Don’t miss the beautifully landscaped gardens at the Albury Botanic Gardens or the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, offering a series of stunning contemporary Aboriginal sculptures.
Holbrook
Experience Australia’s naval history with a pit stop in Holbrook. Known by the locals as ‘Submarine Town’, learn about the history of the town at the Holbrook Submarine Museum and pay a visit to the National Museum of Australian Pottery (packed with over 2,000 works from local Australian artists).
Wagga Wagga
Situated in The Riverina, Wagga Wagga is the largest inland city of New South Wales. Expect an abundance of wine and food along with scenic riverbank walking trails. Art lovers can’t miss a visit to the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, packed with works by local and international artists.
Tip from the author: Make sure to check if the River & Wren Markets will be taking place during your visit to Wagga Wagga. Held indoors six times each year, expect over 100 stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to art and gifts.
Gundagai
Nearby in The Riverina, you’ll find the picturesque country town of Gundagai. Along with rich Indigenous history, thrilling rodeos and boutique wineries, the town is known for its iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox Pioneer Monument.
Whether you opt for a farm stay experience, book a tour or ghost hunt at the Old Gundagai Gaol or tackle a scenic drive to nearby Cootamundra or Adelong, you’re sure to be kept busy with a pit stop in Gundagai.
Where to eat, play and stay in Canberra
From the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to the striking exhibitions at Parliament House, the National Gallery and the National Museum of Australia, there’s no shortage of things to eat, drink and do in Canberra.
Top foodie spots in Canberra
Foodies: Australia’s capital is brimming with award-winning restaurants, acclaimed cafes, bustling wine bars and more.
- Cafes:
- Ona Coffee House: 25+ coffees from one of Australia’s top roasters
- Barrio Collective Coffee: for simple cafe fare in a cosy 15-seater space
- The Cupping Room: top-notch brews and Instagram-worthy breakfast dishes
- Restaurants:
- Rebel Rebel: David Bowie-inspired interiors and European-inspired eats
- Raku: seafood-focused Japanese-Australian fusion
- Italian & Sons: a laid-back Italian trattoria serving freshly made pasta and wood-fired focaccia
- Monster Kitchen and Bar: refined, seasonal vegetarian dishes, located in the stylish Ovolo Nishi hotel
- Bars:
- Bar Rochford: Canberra’s most acclaimed wine bar, specialising in natural wine
- Molly: a speakeasy-inspired bar focused on jazz and whiskey
- High Jinks: crowned the best ACT Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2021
Top stop: Just ten minutes from Canberra’s city centre, The Canberra Distillery offers a remarkable tasting experience with their handcrafted spirits, including award-winning gins, whiskies, and rums. Why not visit and enjoy a guided tour, sample their latest creations, and even catch a glimpse of the distillation process in action? Be sure to try their Sloe Gin and Blood Orange Gin, both of which are customer favourites.
Top accommodation options in Canberra
If you’re visiting Canberra for the first time, head to a hotel in the city centre. For those on a budget, Acton is your best bet, and families will love the charming suburb of Kingston.
If you’re pulling up stumps in the Canberra CBD, here are our top three picks:
- Ovolo Nishi
- QT Canberra
- Little National Hotel
Top things to do in Canberra
Ready to maximise your tip with the best things to do in Canberra? Here are our top picks, from museums to galleries and beyond.
- Australian War Memorial: make sure to secure a free, timed ticket to explore the Memorial Galleries and experience the Last Post Ceremony
- National Gallery of Australia: for over 155,000 pieces from thousands of local and global artists
- Parliament House: open daily, aside from Christmas Day, with exhibitions and historical treasures on display
- National Museum of Australia: while general admission is free, some special exhibitions are ticketed
- Questacon: a perfect half-day activity for the whole family
- Mount Ainslie Lookout: drive or cycle to the peak and soak in the sunrise or sunset with sweeping views across Canberra
Keep the drive going: top road trip itineraries from Canberra
Now that you’ve arrived in the nation’s capital, why not keep the road trip going? We’ve rounded up our top picks for continuing your Melbourne to Canberra drive with these driving routes and itineraries:
- Retrace your steps by tackling the Canberra to Melbourne drive
- Take the drive from Canberra to Sydney, or vice versa
- Experience the Canberra to Yass road trip
- Venture further afield with an interstate drive from Canberra to Adelaide
- Head down the NSW coast with a trip from Canberra to Batemans Bay
Melbourne to Canberra drive: Frequently asked questions
What is the halfway point between Melbourne and Canberra?
The twin cities of Albury and Wodonga are considered by most to be the halfway point between Melbourne and Canberra. It will take roughly three and a half hours to drive the 327 km from Melbourne to Albury-Wodonga via the National Highway (M31).
Can you catch a train from Melbourne to Canberra?
Unfortunately, there is no direct train operating between Melbourne and Canberra. However, you can take a train from Melbourne’s Southern Cross station and transfer at Goulburn Station before arriving at Canberra Station (a long trip that will take over 11 hours).
Is there a flight from Melbourne to Canberra?
Yes, multiple airlines (including Jetstar, Virgin, REX and Qantas) operate daily flights between Melbourne and Canberra. The trip usually takes 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets setting you back upwards of $150 one-way.
Is the drive from Melbourne to Canberra easy?
The drive from Melbourne to Canberra is smooth and easy to complete. If you take the direct route, you can easily complete this trip in one day (preferably sharing the time behind the wheel with another driver).
Final advice for the Melbourne to Canberra drive of a lifetime
The drive from Melbourne to Canberra 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 an unforgettable 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.
