Melbourne to Sydney Itinerary
via Echuca and Canberra
Day 1: Melbourne to Echuca
Distance 215km Approx drive time 2 hours and 15 minutes
Depart northwest form Melbourne along the Calder Highway for Bendigo, a city that provides a great snapshot of Australia's rich gold history. Tour the underground Central Deborah Gold Mine, take a short tour on the talking tram and learn about the discovery of gold and subsequent boom in Bendigo. Visit the Chinese Museum to learn about migration of Chinese to the goldfields after gold was discovered here. Other attractions include the Bendigo pottery - Australia's oldest operational pottery works along with National trust-listed buildings.
A short detour before Bendigo to Castlemaine is well recommended. Visit the old jail now open to the public, providing accommodation and tours as well as the Art Gallery and Historical Museum.
From Bendigo, continue north to Echuca, situated on the Murray River. Echuca was Australia's largest inland port and today it remains the riverboat capital, with its original red gum wharf and port area being the focal points of the old town. Paddele steamer cruises are available on a number or riverboats the depart from the Port of Echuca. Other attractions nearby include the Darnyah Aboriginal centres and Barmah Forest and Wetlands.
Day 2: Echuca to Albury/Wodonga
Distance 250km Approx drive time 3 hours
Travel along the Murray Valley Highway through dairy country and the green fields irrigated from the waters of the Murray River. Rutherglen is the home of some of the best fortified wines, such as port, Muscat and tokay and also produces some superb table wines.
Spend time visiting such wineries as All Saints, Pfeiffers and Campbell's and sample some of their "big reds". Rutherglen flourished during the gold rush and some of the fine old buildings still remain.
Albury/Wodonga - where the mountains meet the Murray is a great point from which to visit the alpine regions of Australia. Here access can be gained to adventure activities such as white water rafting, hiking and horse riding. Take a trip on the Murray River on a paddle steamer. Albury/Wodonga also marks the state boundaries between Victoria and New South Wales.
Day 3: Albury/Wodonga to Canberra
Distance 350km Approx drive time 4 hours
Depart Albury/Wodonga along the Hume Highway. Stop at the Ettamogah Pub - a rather unique looking hotel modeled on an Australian cartoon. Drive on and see the "Dog on the Tuckerbox" at Gundagai.
At Yass, take the Barton Highway south into Canberra - the national capital. Take a tour through the new Parliament House, visit the National Gallery, Questacon Science and Technology Centre, National War Memorial, or see the city in full colour during the annual Floriade Festival in September.
Day 4: Canberra to Sydney
Distance 320km Approx drive time 3 hours and 30 minutes
Take the Barton Highway north and rejoin the Hume Highway near Yass. The drive to Sydney consists of undulating hills and moderately timbered agricultural and grazing land. Stop in historic Berrima - a colonial village with many fine examples of early Australian architecture. Highlights include the Courthouse Museum, Surveyor General Inn and arts and craft galleries. Visit the southern highland towns of Bowral and Moss Vale before arriving in Sydney.
Suggested Accommodation
