7 days Sydney down to Melbourne

DOWNLOAD: SYDNEY TO MELBOURNE SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

Take a 7-day tour between Australia’s two largest cities and explore country New South Wales and Victoria and the nation’s capital, Canberra.

• Sydney
• Sydney to Goulburn
• Goulburn to Canberra
• Canberra to Wagga Wagga
• Wagga Wagga to Albury
• Albury to Glenrowan via Beechworth
• Glenrowan to Melbourne

Distance: 986km

Day 1. Sydney

Pick up your campervan or car in Sydney. If travelling in a camper rental allow yourself at least 1 hour to collect and become fully familiarised with the vehicle before you leave the branch.

If this is a first visit to Australia’s first city, make sure to take in all the famous locations including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The Sydney Harbour is the best place to view all of these stunning attractions in one go! For the adventurous the Sydney Bridge climb is a must do, book ahead though. For a more leisurely view, take the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay and sip a latte on the waterfront.

Stay: NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

Day 2. Sydney to Goulburn

Depart this morning and take the M31 to Sydney Road in Towrang. Take the exit for Goulburn.

When you visit Goulburn, you simply must see The Big Merino. It is a statue that is 15.2 metres high, 18 metres long and weighing 100 tonnes, making it the ‘World’s Biggest Merino’. It was built in 1985 as a tribute to Goulburn’s wool industry and the 200-year history of wool in Australia, and makes for a pretty great photo.

Another highlight of the town is the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum. It showcases the interesting history of Goulburn’s war past, as well as some breathtaking views of Goulburn from the top of the memorial. Goulburn has a strong war history that is a must to explore for any history buffs out there.

Distance: 196 km, 2 hours 30 minutes

Stay: Goulburn South Caravan Park

Day 3. Goulburn to Canberra

Take the Remembrance Highway to Watson. From there, take the A23 to Canberra.

Canberra is home to Australia’s Parliament House, so explore some of Australia’s political history and you might even spot the Prime Minister! Take a guided tour through the Senate and House of Representatives, and see Australia’s democracy in action. View important historical documents along the way, as you see how politics in Australia formed and how it has changed throughout the years.

The Australian War Memorial is another one not-to-miss in Canberra. The Shrine is dedicated to remembering Australians who have died in war. With a world-class museum attached, you can see Australia’s involvement in wars internationally. Australia’s involvement in wars is essential to development of the Australian culture today, and is an important learning curve in events of the past.

Distance: 90.3 km, 1 hour 5 minutes

Stay: Alivio Tourist Park Canberra

Day 4. Canberra to Wagga Wagga

Depart this morning and take the A25 to Yass. Get on the M31 and follow to the A20 in Tarcutta. Continue along the A20 until you reach Wagga Wagga.

Visit the National Art Glass Gallery for an afternoon of examining contemporary glass art in a reflective pool of natural light. With two levels, the gallery showcases some of Australia’s most talented glass artists. The modern designs and clever use of glass will impress even the most sceptical art critic.

For an afternoon picnic, explore the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. The gardens are full of attractions from a mini-zoo, to a Chinese garden and a miniature railway. It’s a relaxing place to soak up the sun in the greenery, or discover the local animals that live here.

Distance: 241 km, 2 hours 40 minutes

Stay: BIG4 Wagga Wagga Holiday Park

Day 5. Wagga Wagga to Albury-Wodonga

Depart this morning and take the Wagga Wagga – Holbrook Road, through to Brownrigg Street, Coach Street, the A41 and the M31 to Albury.

Albury-Wodonga is two towns divided between the Murray River, with Albury being in New South Wales and Wodonga in Victoria. However, these two towns are very closely linked, and if visiting one, you tend to visit the other.

See the Hume Dam and witness one of Australia’s largest dams in action. The dam provides water to the River Murray system, which is vitally important for Australia’s agricultural and environmental systems. Lake Hume is also the perfect place to try out some water sports such as jet skiing and kayaking, as it is such a large body of water.

Distance: 125 km, 1 hour 30 minutes

Stay: Albury Motor Village Tourist Park

Day 6. Albury to Glenrowan via Beechworth

Depart this morning and take the C315 to Beechworth.

Take a tour of the Beechworth Gaol, and see where Australia’s most infamous criminal, Ned Kelly, was imprisoned. Ned Kelly and his gang were some of the most notorious criminals held here, and are a vital part is Australia’s criminal history. The Gaol is very haunting, and the history is not for the faint hearted, but a fascinating insight into criminals of the past.

Follow the C315 and turn right onto the B500. Merge onto the M31 and take the exit for Glenrowan.

To continue with the theme of Ned Kelly, Glenrowan was the town where Ned Kelly and members of his gang were finally captured, after two years of being outlaws in Victoria. The Heritage Site has been preserved in order to keep the details of the past. Maps are available from the tourist centre, so you can walk around and discover the history and crimes of the Kelly Gang for yourself.

Distance: 94.3 km, 1 hour 15 minutes

Stay: Glenrowan Tourist Park

Day 7. Glenrowan to Melbourne

Depart this morning and take the M31 to West Melbourne. Follow through to the M2 and then take the Dynon Road exit. Follow until you reach Melbourne.

Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of Melbourne’s grandest and proudest attractions. Hosting events from Australian Rules football, cricket, concerts and the Olympics, the MCG has a proud history of great sporting and cultural moments. Experience the stadium from a player’s perspective, and visit the rooms from where they would prepare and watch the sport, and a chance to walk on the grounds.

Melbourne is also the cultural capital of Australia, so go and see a play at the Melbourne Theatre Company, or one of the many musicals in our theatre district. Likewise, there are many galleries and museums to keep everyone entertained, including the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum.

Continue exploring more of the area or return your campervan. Allow up to 60 minutes to return your campervan.

Distance: 236 km, 2 hours 30 minutes

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DriveNow's suggested itineraries are made available to assist travellers create and build personalised journey plans. DriveNow does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of these itineraries and they are provided as is and as advisory only.

Special caution and planning should be taken when travelling in remote areas to ensure sufficient provisions, fuel and prescribed medicines are carried.

Weather conditions can make sealed roads impassable particularly during the northern Wet season. All rental vendors in Australia have restrictions on where their vehicles can be taken, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your vehicle provider on your intended journey when collecting your vehicle. Travelling where restrictions are imposed voids all insurance cover.

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