Date published: 13/07/23 All content in this article is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute and is not intended to be financial or professional advice.

Whether you’re hoping to relive some childhood memories at Questacon (Free Fall anyone?) or get your arts fix at the NGA, there’s plenty going on in cool, cultured Canberra.

Grab some mates and hit the road following one of our favourite road trip itineraries departing Melbourne.

Making a beeline for Braddon or taking it a little slower? Choose from these one, two- or three-day driving routes from Melbourne to Canberra, checking out our favourite pit stops along the way.

Note: All driving times are an estimate only and will be subject to change depending on traffic and other road conditions.

Firstly, snacks. Secondly, more snacks. But apart from your stomachs you might also want to think about….

Season

If you’re planning to take the coastal route, keep in mind there are some pretty pristine beaches that’ll tempt you along the way. If you’re travelling through Kosciuszko National Park and driving a two-wheel-drive car, it’s compulsory to carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends.

Vehicle condition

Before heading out on any road trip, check your vehicle is in good nick and well prepared for long journeys. Some things to consider are tyre checks, fluid levels, an emergency kit… you know the drill.

Insurance

Sometimes things just don’t go to plan. ROLLiN's comprehensive car insurance can help cover loss or damage to your vehicle, even if you’re at fault. This peace of mind can be extra handy when you’re away from home.

Day 1: Melbourne to Canberra (657 km, 7 hrs)

Set the alarm clocks and get out of Melbourne in time to beat rush hour. The journey north will take you through rural Victoria and a string of quaint country towns, including Wangaratta, Albury Wodonga and Holbrook. Stop in Albury for brunch, choosing from popular cafes Mr Benedict or The Proprietor.

Further along in Holbrook there are a handful of shops and eateries. Before arriving in Canberra you’ll pass through the town of Murrumbateman, in the NSW Southern Tablelands. The area is known for its cool climate wines, with more than 20 boutique wineries. Stock up for later.

Day 1: Melbourne to Albury via Bendigo (437 km, 5 hrs)

Leave Melbourne and head north towards Bendigo, once the richest city in the world. The historic Goldfields region offers up plenty to do - from esteemed restaurants to a thriving music scene. If you’re travelling through the summer months, make a stop at The Cascades, a series of rock pools located in Metcalfe, or Turpins Falls in Langley. Check out one of Australia’s oldest regional galleries, Bendigo Art Gallery, or relax in pretty Rosalind Park. From here it’s just over three hours’ drive to Albury, where you’ll be spending the night. Choose from a good mix of hotels, motels or serviced apartments catering to all budgets.

Day 2: Albury to Canberra (351 km, 3 hrs 45 min)

Get your caffeine fix at The Brothers Cup in North Albury then check out the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which highlights the works of Indigenous artists. Hop in the car for the drive through the scenic Riverina. Make a stop at Gundagai - famed for the historic monument, The Dog on the Tuckerbox - then continue towards Yass. Nature buffs can explore the surrounding national parks and reserves home to peaceful bushwalking tracks. Continue on to Canberra and spend the time immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant food, arts and shopping scene.

Day 1: Melbourne to Phillip Island (142 km, 2 hours)

With a backdrop of postcard-worthy landscapes, Phillip Island is one of Melbourne’s most popular weekend destinations, just under two hours drive from the CBD. The island is most famous for its penguin parade, a cute nightly routine when thousands of penguins come ashore on Summerland Beach. Stroll the cliff-top boardwalks at the Nobbies, catch a wave at Woolamai or Cat Bay (surf culture is strong here) and dine with a view at Saltwater Phillip Island. Spend the night in a glamping tent, holiday apartment or lowkey hotel.

Day 2: Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory (131 km, 1 hr 50 min)

AM calls for a coffee from G’Day Tiger in Cowes before starting the journey to Wilsons Prom, at the southern tip of mainland Australia . Drive through the pretty seaside towns of Inverloch and the arts and cultural hub of Fish Creek before exploring the 50,000-hectare coastal wilderness. Think powdery white beaches (from Squeaky Beach to Whisky Bay), rugged hiking trails and the vast sand dunes of the Big Drift. Follow the Southern Prom Circuit Hikes to the historic Wilsons Promontory Lightstation, keeping your eyes peeled for native wildlife. Book ahead for a stay at one of the campsites or huts at Tidal River.

Day 3: Wilsons Promontory to Canberra (687 km, 8 hrs 10 min)

Gear up for a big one. Today’s leg will take you all the way from Wilsons Prom to Canberra, just over eight hours’ drive away. Stretch your legs in the laid back country town of Bairnsdale, or make a short detour to Lakes Entrance for a dip at Main Beach. The area is known for its uber-fresh seafood, which you can sample at much-loved floating restaurant Sodafish. Cross the border into NSW, driving through Cooma, the Snowy Mountains capital. Get to Canberra in the late evening just in time to rest your head. Phew.

Day 1: Melbourne to Bright (321 km, 3 hrs 40 min)

Get outta Melbourne travelling north toward Wangaratta. Fans of fromage can make a stop at the Milawa Cheese Factory, or get your morning pastries at Malawa Kitchen. Continue on to picturesque Myrtleford and stock up on fresh produce at the town’s farm gates - think blueberries, walnuts and oils, oh my! There are a good mix of antiques, crafts and homeware boutiques in the town centre. From here you’re journey along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road - wind down the windows and breathe in that crisp mountain air! End this leg at the Bright Brewery then spend the night.

Day 2: Bright to Jindabyne (322 km, 4 hrs 25 min)

Start the day at Sixpence Coffee or grab a bite from Gum Tree Pies. Pass through the stunning Kosciuszko National Park, straddling the border of Victoria and NSW. If you’re travelling during winter hit the slopes at Perisher or Thredbo, while in the warmer months you can get your thrills mountain biking, alpine hiking or cooling off in the natural swimming holes in the Thredbo River. Continue to the town of Jindabyne. Take your pick from a range of outdoor pursuits, followed by a feast at one of its classic pubs. Sleep easy in a range of accommodations.

Day 3: Jindabyne to Canberra (180 km, 2 hrs 10 min)

Today you’ll be driving from Jindabyne to Canberra. Pass through the charming village of Berridale, then stop at Cooma to visit the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre or the Raglan Gallery. Continue through Bredbo before crossing the border into Canberra. Congrats you’ve arrived in the capital. Refuel at foodie hotspots Rebel Rebel, The Cupping Room or Miss Van’s then do as the locals do - don’t miss the National Arboretum, lookout walks at Mount Ainslie and Old Bus Depot Markets (each Sunday).

Before heading out on the road, check the weather conditions and consider changing your route accordingly. Remember road rules may vary depending on where you are driving, so read up on any differences between Victoria, NSW and ACT. When driving long distances, the recommendation is to stop every two hours for at least 15 minutes to prevent fatigue, and to avoid driving more than 8-10 hours per day.

This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (“your personal circumstances”). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination are available from rollininsurance.com.au. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as Rollin’ Insurance.